Welcome - or welcome back - to Durham! We’re here to help you make the most of your time here, to help you feel part of the Durham community and help you achieve the things you want to during your time here.
We offer a route to over 300 groups, countless volunteering opportunities, a vibrant events calendar, and a welcoming space to relax, socialise, and study (affording beautiful views from the balcony terrace of the Cathedral and river!). If you're driven to make a difference at Durham, we can help you do that too.
Whether you're new to Durham or you're just settling into a new term, you'll find lots of different ways to make friends, experience new things, and have fun. And remember - it's never too late to get involved!
We are based in Dunelm House on Old Elvet, which overlooks the Kingsgate Bridge and River Wear. The 'marmite' concrete Durham structure divides opinion with its unique appearance. Our building is Grade II listed and was built in 1966 in a brutalist style.
No. Pick and choose what interests you and we suggest going along to something different too, you never know, wild swimming could be ‘your thing’! Participating in these events can be a great way to familiarise yourself with Durham, meet new people, and get involved in the student community. However, it's important to prioritise your wellbeing and choose events that align with your comfort level and personal preferences.
There is a wide range of support services to help you during your time at university. These include academic support, mental health and wellbeing services, disability support, financial advice, and more. You can visit the Advice Hub, where you’ll find free, confidential, and impartial advice. We are the only independent student advice service for Durham students. You can also reach out to the university's support services directly for any specific concerns or questions here.
Here at the Freshers Hub! We also keep you updated on everything up and coming over on our @durhamsu.freshers page on Instagram. We encourage you to follow your college Instagram pages, and if your department has one, follow that too!
There’s a lot to take in before you arrive on campus but don’t worry, we’re here to help. If you’re unsure of anything or have any queries related to Freshers, check out our frequently asked questions.