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! But we will 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!
The best way to discover and join groups is by attending our Freshers’ and Sport and Activity Fairs! Over 270 groups from the Students’ Union, Music and Theatre and Team Durham join together to organise events buzzing with energy to help you discover what to get involved in.
If you cannot attend the Freshers’ Fair, visit our website here and browse the list of societies and clubs available. Each society or group typically has its own webpage with information on how to join, contact details, and any upcoming events or get togethers.
This is a free event for all students to come along to and discover the possibilities Durham has on offer. However, it is ticketed, so you can get your free ticket by signing up to the event here - we'll use this scan you into the fair, but it won't cost you anything!
Just a heads-up: you might come across some third-party providers selling Freshers wristbands. While they might seem tempting, these are not official, and you don't need them to have an amazing welcome experience here at Durham. All the official events and activities are organised by the university, colleges or SU, and you’ll have plenty of fun without any extra costs.
Give It a Go Week will take place from [Date TBC] and provides you with an opportunity to try a new activity for free. Lots of student groups will be offering beginners' sessions, so you can see if it’s the right fit for you!