Get Involved
"Try as many new things as possible. Most of us only experience university once for three or four years, so make the most of that time and expand your boundaries by trying as many new activities and societies as possible."
William Brown, UG Academic OfficerPLENTY OF CHOICE
DUCK
"So, what is it about DUCK that makes it so special? For me, it's the amazing people you get to know, the fantastic opportunities it gives you and the buzz when you raise awareness and money for a brilliant cause. I have been involved in DUCK since starting at Durham and it has massively shaped my university experience. It could play a big or small role in your time at Durham; there are lots of different things on offer, from attending a charity club night to participating in Tough Mudder or trekking to Everest Base Camp. Feel free to get in touch via our social media and ask us any questions you have. We look forward to meeting you in September!"
TEAM DURHAM
Have a sporting interest? There’s a good chance you can do it in Durham. Team Durham supports students to compete at a national level, through coaching, training facilities, and lifestyle management, and have consistent success at national competitions. But if you like your sport a little more casual, you could also join one of your college’s teams.
Durham Student Theatre
"The best thing about DST is definitely the wealth of opportunities – there really is something for everyone! Whether you want to be involved onstage or behind the scenes, there’s so much you can try, from acting to producing to technical theatre and more! Our productions are really varied too, ranging from musical theatre and devised pieces to new writing and classical shows - there's a theatre company for just about everything, and with around 100 productions each year, there’s always something interesting going on. DST is such a wonderful community, so I would really recommend getting involved and trying something new!"
Student Volunteering and Outreach
“Durham University Student Volunteering and Outreach (DUSVO) boasts more than 45 student-led Community volunteering projects, cutting across the themes of Education, Environment, Culture, Social Inclusion and Sport and Physical Activity. At DUSVO, we work closely with the local community to understand where our efforts are best placed to make the most positive impacts. If not for those reasons, volunteering is also great for wellbeing, looks excellent on your CV and offers a great opportunity to give something back whilst making new friends. Whether you want to join a project or are looking for one-off volunteering opportunities, DUSVO has something to match all needs!”
MUSIC DURHAM
"Freshers’ Fair can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but signing up to several music societies was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! There’s something for everyone, regardless of your degree or musical ability, and I have been struck by how welcoming and friendly everyone was. Music Durham – the organisation that manages the music ensembles within the University – offers masterclasses throughout the year, which are very exciting opportunities to be coached by renowned musicians, and also enables students to perform in iconic venues such as the Cathedral or Castle – which is a magical experience! These societies are what made my time at Durham so special, so don’t hesitate to go to the fair and ask for more information.”
Careers and Enterprise Centre
“We’re here to help you with everything from individual guidance to talks and group workshops, vacancies and events. You can find us in the Palatine Centre in Durham. We’re open daily from 09:00-17:00. It’s never too early (or too late) to come and meet us, and there are lots of opportunities for new students at all levels! Can’t get to the Careers Centre? Use our online resources available here. By registering with your Durham email, you can practice online aptitude tests here. We also have advisers linked to each subject department and provide a range of central support.”
