It’s that time of year again when Freshers’ Week is right around the corner. Whether you’ve travelled 10 minutes down the road or 10 hours to come to Durham, moving to university is a daunting experience for many. Here are some Freshers’ Week activities in Durham to help you settle into your new environment, get to know your new home and your new classmates.
Make a flat meal
The unique collegiate system of Durham means that most incoming Fresher’s will have flatmates in their accommodation. If you’re really lucky, you might even have a roommate! Why not get to know your new flatmates by cooking a meal together? Everyone can bring a couple of ingredients to make a big family-style meal in your new kitchen. Cooking not really your thing, or maybe you’re just tired from all the moving in? No problem, at all takeaway is another perfect chance to get to know your new flatmates over a hot meal.
Attend the welcome formal
Ok, so it’s basically a step up from making a flat meal. Welcome Formals are events especially for new students joining Durham, and are hosted by every college. With a smart formal dress code, these dinners are the perfect opportunity to get to know people from your college, and scout out some people who might be on your course before class begins. You might be worried about price, but most welcome formals are included in the price of a fresher’s wristband, and come with a three-course meal, so they’re well worth attending if you buy a wristband. Formal dinners vary in formality at each college. Some are gowned, some more relaxed, and some colleges even say grace in Latin before tucking into their meal. Fancy.
Matriculation
This event is a must for any new Durham student, literally. Matriculation is the formal entry of the new cohort of Durham students into the University. Held at Durham Cathedral, it’s a fancy occasion. Be prepared for an early start for the famous matriculation photo. Nothing says “photogenic” like being woken up to the sound of banging pots and pans to get you out of bed, an unfortunate matriculation tradition.
Head to a silent disco
There are sure to be lots of Fresher’s events going on all week, whether they be hosted by your college, or by local clubs and bars. A silent disco is arguably the perfect Fresher’s event: a bit awkward and really cheesy. If you don’t fancy talking to anyone, you can just pop your headphones on and dance the night away, but if you do, it’s a great opportunity to socialise too. There’s something so special about half the room jumping along to “Mr Brightside” while the other half are boogying to “TikTok” by Kesha. Good times.
Attend the Fresher’s Fair
This is an absolute must for any student joining Durham. Joining university can feel so overwhelming, and one of the best ways to quell that feeling is by getting stuck into the university community. Durham has over 1000 student-led clubs and societies, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy. Whether you’re interested in music, sport, or theatre, there are societies at all levels and of all sizes to get involved with. The Fresher’s Fair, which is being held on the 1st of October this year, is the perfect chance to check out some of Durham’s extracurricular offerings.
Sign up for a society taster session
While you’re at it, why not sign up to a taster session with a society? Maybe it’s something you’ve never tried before, or a hobby you’ve had before uni. Either way, taster sessions with Durham societies are the perfect opportunity to get to know people outside your course and college. If it’s not for you, at least you gave it a go.
Check out your college bar
Durham has 17 college bars, each with a unique vibe and personality. Head down to your college bar to socialise with others in your college, or turn it into a college bar crawl if you’re looking for a bigger night out. Try the college bar drink while you’re at it – each college will have their own alcoholic and non-alcoholic version.
Freshers’ Week really chucks you in at the deep end, which can be super scary for some. To help alleviate some anxiety, to go with the flow, get involved, and give yourself breaks when you need it. Why not give some of these activities a go during your Durham Fresher’s week? You never know where they’ll take you and the doors they can open.
FAQs on Must-Do Activities for Fresher's Week in Durham
Fresher’s Week includes college welcome events, society fairs, themed nights out, city tours, and introductory talks. Each college runs its own schedule, so students get both academic inductions and social opportunities to meet their peers.
Yes. Many colleges organise quiz nights, movie screenings, cultural trips, and café socials. The Students’ Union also hosts sober events, so you can get involved and make friends without needing to go clubbing or drinking.
The society and sports fair is a highlight of Fresher’s Week. Students can explore 200+ clubs, from rowing and theatre to debate, dance, and niche interests. It’s the best time to sign up, grab freebies, and find communities to join for the year ahead.
Most students meet people through their college events, flatmates, and societies. Attending mixers, joining group chats, and taking part in activities early on helps students build friendships that last throughout their degree.
Get involved in as many events as you can, but don’t feel pressured to do everything. Balance social activities with rest, try out different societies, and explore Durham city centre with new friends. It’s about settling in, not just partying.
