Skip to main content

Congratulations and Welcome to New International Students

A very warm welcome to students joining us from overseas!

In the past year around one third of our undergraduate students are international, and we have students from across 50 nationalities. Quite a few of our staff are international too, from countries including the Philippines, Cape Verde, Croatia, Sweden, Burundi, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

International students living in College are invited to arrive from Wednesday 25 September for international welcome events, three days earlier than Home/UK students. But whether you live in College or out in private accommodation, we invite you to see College as your home during your studies, and to make use of all the support and facilities available.

International & Postgraduate Formal Dinner – Friday 27 September, 18:00

All new international and new postgraduate students will be invited to this complimentary College formal, starting with a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal.

This event offers a special opportunity to get to know other new students and College staff over good food so if you are able to please make arrangements to have arrived in college by then!

Invitations and details for sign-up will be emailed to new students at the end of August 2024. If you wonder what a formal is, check out this blog post by Clarissa.

 

 

University student
"Choosing John's was one of the best decisions I've ever made. From the moment I first stepped into college, I knew that this was where I belonged. Everyone — both students and staff — is incredibly welcoming, and the college's small size means you'll bump into friendly faces every day. Despite being an ocean away from my hometown, John's quickly became my home away from home, and I truly can't imagine my university experience elsewhere."

Kaylyn Lu
International student at St John's College
Student bedroom with a double bed, sink, table and set of drawers

St John's College Accommodation FAQs

For more information about our accommodation, read the answers to our frequently asked questions.

Read our FAQs

 

 

College Information

Below are some useful links for before you arrive in Durham.

Find out more

Enrol online

Enrolment opens eight weeks before the start of your programme.
Two students studying in Teaching and Learning Centre with hot drink

University International Welcome and Arrival Pages

The MCR is a thriving intellectual and social community, meeting the specific needs of postgraduate and mature students.
Leavers formal

 

 

Create your personal Welcome Week planner

Use the Online Planner to create your personalised schedule, simply select: - Your Department - Your College - Your Level of Study (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research)

The Timetable has been designed so College events don’t clash with any of your Academic department events, but provides lots of opportunities to meet your fellow Freshers, find your way around and settle into student life.
Create your Personal Welcome Week Planner
Students on laptop with cups of tea in Josephine Butler College café

Student updates

Check out our student blogs to read more about life at Durham from our students. Don't forget to follow us on social media!

Highlights

What to Pack for Uni - International Edition

Read our top recommendations to add to your packing list ready for your arrival at Durham.
/media/durham-university/wider-student-experience-/welcome/Welcome-to-Durham-500x304.jpg

Freshers' Week at St John's

Read about international student Kaylyn's experiences of Freshers' Week at St John's College.
Durham Cathedral and Framwellgate Bridge over the River Wear