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Welcome to Students Living Out of College

We invite you as a ‘livers out’ student to see St John’s as your second home during your studies. We hope that you will attend formal dinners, use the library and dedicated study space (the Learning Resource Centre) and just come over to hang out in college social spaces between lectures (free tea and coffee on us!).

College key for students living out

As all College buildings except the Learning Resource Centre & Library require a key for access, our members who live out are welcome to sign out a general Assa key for the academic year at Reception (bring your campus card with you). You will need to pay a deposit of £30 and the charge for a lost key is £50. 

Meals in College for students living out

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Haughton Dining Room is the heart of the College, where people get to know each other over food. St John’s students living out are welcome to have discounted meals in College during term time, at the members-only price of £4.50 per meal (standard price £6). Meals available are breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on weekends. We cater for a range of dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten free and halal. You can email johns.catering@durham.ac.uk to let our catering team know your specific requirements.

Meal timings: Monday to Friday: Breakfast 8:00am-10:00am, Lunch 11.30am-1.30pm, Dinner 5.15pm-7.15pm. Saturday and Sunday: Breakfast 8.30am-10.00am, Brunch 10:00am-1.30pm, Dinner 5.15pm-7.15pm.

Buy a regular meal package in advance: If you know what days you will require meals (e.g. lunch every Monday and Tuesday and brunch on Saturday), we can set a package up for you. This will ensure your meal is booked in, and you can simply scan your campus card at the catering till. Email johns.finance@durham.ac.uk with the pattern you would like to order and include any dietary requirements. The Finance Office will send your invoice which must be paid before the start of term.

Buy a meal on the day: Meals can be purchased at Reception on the day for breakfast, lunch or dinner, paid by card, subject to availability.

 

Local students – offer to live in College during Welcome Week

If you are a local ‘livers out’ student, i.e. you don’t live in College or rent private accommodation in Durham city, but live with family in the North East, you will be invited to stay in a College room for part of Welcome Week at a discounted cost. This is to enable to you take part in Fresher activities and get to know your college peers without thinking about transport home late at night. We will contact local students separately with details about this.

 

"It's great knowing I can always come to John's, even when I'm living elsewhere in the city; whether it's to see friends in the bar, go to one of the many awesome events, or get support. In exam season the LRC became my second home with the coffee machine in College nearby!"

Emily
St John's liver out student

 

 

University student
On behalf of all the students you will be joining, it's a privilege to welcome you to the St John's College family. During my time here I have learned quite how special this place is, and I hope you do too. This is a place where people truly look out for each other, and I hope you feel that from the moment you arrive on the Bailey, then for your entire degree, and for your life beyond. You will find that your College forms a fantastic part of your life whilst you are here. I would encourage each new student to get involved in College life, from our largest events to our fantastic sports teams and societies, you have both the joy of being part of this community and the power to shape it.

Anna Robinson
SJCR President
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 start your course.

Find out more

Enrol online

Enrolment opens eight weeks before the start of your programme.
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St John's Common Room

The SJCR promotes the interests and welfare of students at St John's, and runs social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.
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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
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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

From a Graduate to a Fresher: A letter

Read our top recommendations to add to your packing list ready for your arrival at Durham.
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Welcome to Durham – and stop worrying!

Moving to University can be a daunting prospect but there’s no need to worry, you’ll feel right at home here.
Durham Cathedral and Framwellgate Bridge over the River Wear