If you’re a student in Durham, you’ll be spending your time in one of the UK’s most picturesque and historic cities. With its famous cathedral, cobbled streets, and riverside walks, it feels like a storybook setting — but there’s plenty of modern student life here too. From lively college bars and cosy pubs to bottomless brunch spots and live music venues, there’s always something to do when you’re not studying.
For anyone new to the city, it can take a little time to adjust to Durham’s unique layout and its strong college community. That’s why we’ve created a page dedicated to student life in Durham, filled with all the best things to do, helpful advice, and the latest local news. Discover everything the city has to offer while you’re studying here — your time at uni will fly by, so make the most of it!
Durham may be a small city, but it has a big reputation when it comes to student life. With around 20,000 students and one of the UK’s top-ranked universities, it offers a unique mix of history, tradition, and vibrant student culture. The city’s cobbled streets, riverside paths, and striking cathedral make it a beautiful place to live, while the student bars, cafés, and societies keep things lively.
Durham University is part of the prestigious Russell Group and is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK. It’s particularly well regarded for subjects like law, English literature, history, business, and the sciences, with a global reputation for academic excellence and research. The university’s distinctive college system is at the heart of student life, offering close-knit communities where you’ll find your social circle, clubs, and traditions.
With its compact layout, Durham makes it easy to get between lectures, libraries, and college bars, while still having the countryside and riverside walks right on your doorstep. It’s a university experience that combines academic prestige with a strong sense of belonging — and it’s one students rarely forget.
Durham is a compact and walkable city, which means most student areas are only a short distance from lectures, cafés, and nights out. Despite its size, each part of Durham has its own distinct character — whether you want budget-friendly housing, a vibrant social scene, or a quieter spot with easy access to the countryside.
Here’s a breakdown of where students live in Durham and what each area has to offer — from historic streets to lively student hubs:
Durham’s city centre is where history and student life collide. With the cathedral, castle, and winding cobbled streets all on your doorstep, it’s easily the most atmospheric place to live. Many colleges and university departments are based here, so you’ll never be more than a short walk from lectures or libraries. The centre is also packed with pubs, cafés, restaurants, and independent shops, so there’s always something happening. The downside is that rents are higher and properties are limited, but for students who love convenience and want to be immersed in Durham’s charm every day, living in the centre is hard to beat.
Claypath is one of Durham’s most popular student neighbourhoods, thanks to its lively feel and central location. Just a short walk from the Market Place and Students’ Union, it’s a great spot if you want to be close to the nightlife without paying the absolute premium of city-centre rents. Streets here are lined with student houses, and you’ll often find large groups of students sharing, which makes it a highly social area. It’s not the quietest place to live, but if you’re after easy access to bars, shops, and friends’ houses, Claypath ticks all the boxes.
Gilesgate is a little further out from the centre but still only a 20-minute walk or short bus ride away, making it a favourite among students who want affordable rents without feeling cut off. It’s a practical area too, with supermarkets, shops, and takeaways nearby, which means you don’t always have to trek into the centre. The housing here is a mix of traditional terraces and student lets, and it tends to attract groups of second- and third-years who are looking for more space for less money. It has a relaxed, local feel compared to the busier student areas, and it’s ideal for those who want a balance between social life and saving on costs.
The Viaduct is arguably Durham’s most iconic student area. Famous for its lively streets and big student houses, it’s a hub for second- and third-year students who want to live with friends and be part of a buzzing community. The location is one of its biggest advantages: it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, meaning you can get to lectures, bars, and shops quickly. The area is packed with pubs and restaurants, and the atmosphere is always lively, especially during term time. Rent here can be higher than in places like Gilesgate, but for many students, the social side and convenience make it worth every penny.
Neville’s Cross is a quieter, more residential area that offers a calmer pace of life compared to Claypath or the Viaduct. It’s still within walking distance of the university and city centre, but the streets here are more spacious, greener, and less student-dominated. Houses tend to be larger and more modern, and many students are drawn here when they’re ready for a more relaxed environment in their second or third year. The area has good local amenities, including pubs, shops, and gyms, and it’s particularly suited to students who want to focus on their studies while still having the option to dip into the city’s nightlife when they feel like it.
Further out beyond Gilesgate, Gilesgate Moor is another option for students looking for good value and larger houses. It’s not as close to the centre, so you’ll rely more on buses or cycling to get to campus, but the lower rents and bigger properties make it a practical choice for groups who want more space. It has plenty of everyday conveniences, like supermarkets and takeaways, so day-to-day life is easy, even if you’re not right in the middle of the action. Gilesgate Moor is ideal for students who prioritise space, affordability, and a quieter living environment over being a short walk from the city’s nightlife.
At Unifresher, we understand student life because our guides are written by students, for students. From nightlife and local advice to saving money and finding hidden gems, every article is designed to make your university experience unforgettable.