Main university
Durham University is the city’s main institution – a collegiate university with strong reputations in subjects like law, history, English, politics, geography, business, natural and social sciences and theology.
Durham University is the city’s main institution – a collegiate university with strong reputations in subjects like law, history, English, politics, geography, business, natural and social sciences and theology.
First years typically live in college accommodation on the Bailey, Hill colleges or newer sites like Mount Oswald. From second year, many students move into shared houses in the Viaduct area, Claypath, Gilesgate, Neville’s Cross and around the city centre.
Durham’s nightlife is small but intense and very student-focused. College bars and the Durham Students’ Union sit alongside a handful of late-night spots around Walkergate, North Road and the Market Place providing cheap drinks, themed nights and big socials.
Most freshers live in catered or self-catered college accommodation, then move into shared houses or flats from second year. Viaduct and central areas are in high demand and can be pricey, while Gilesgate and parts of Neville’s Cross often offer slightly better value.
Durham is very walkable, with most colleges, lecture halls and the city centre within a 10–20 minute walk – though you’ll definitely feel the hills. Trains from Durham station reach Newcastle in about 15 minutes, with direct services to York, Leeds, Manchester and London.
The River Wear loops around the city, giving you riverside walks and rowing from the boathouses. Students often head to Observatory Hill for sunset views, Wharton Park above the station, the Botanic Garden and nearby countryside for runs, picnics and revision breaks.
Durham isn’t the cheapest northern uni city, but day-to-day spending can be manageable if you budget for college fees or higher central rents. Costs are usually lower than London or the South East, but can feel similar to other popular student cities when it comes to rent and nights out.
Climb up to Durham Cathedral and Castle, walk the riverbanks at golden hour, experience a college formal, watch races at Durham Regatta, and if you’re around in the right year, see the city lit up for Lumiere festival.
A leading collegiate university in a compact cathedral city
Collegiate life, busy societies and a very student-heavy centre
Quick links to bigger nights out and extra uni hubs
Is Durham University good?
Yes – Durham University is one of the UK’s most respected universities, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a distinctive collegiate system. It regularly ranks highly in national league tables and is known for strong teaching, research and graduate prospects across a wide range of subjects.
The college system is a big part of what makes Durham feel special. You live, socialise and often take part in sport or societies through your college, while your academic department is based around the main campus sites (such as the Science Site or Elvet Riverside). This mix of academic reputation and tight-knit college communities is a major draw for many students.
What is Durham University known for?
Durham University is well known for strengths in subjects such as law, history, English, politics and international relations, geography, theology, philosophy, business and management, as well as natural sciences, maths and some STEM fields. Many departments are highly ranked, with research that feeds directly into teaching and specialist modules.
Durham is also famous for its collegiate experience. Every student belongs to a college, which provides accommodation, social spaces, welfare support, sport, formals and events. Some colleges are in the historic Bailey area near the cathedral, while others sit on the Hill or at newer sites like Mount Oswald. This structure creates smaller communities within the wider university, giving the city a very student-focused but close-knit feel.
Is Durham a good city for students?
Durham is ideal if you want a small, picturesque city with a big student presence. The historic cathedral and castle sit above a compact centre full of cafés, independent shops, college bars and a handful of clubs and late-night spots. Most main uni buildings and colleges are within walking distance, so you can get from your accommodation to lectures, town and the river in 10–20 minutes.
There’s a strong sense of community thanks to the colleges and the high proportion of students in areas like the Bailey, Viaduct, Claypath and Gilesgate. You’ve also got quick rail links to Newcastle (for bigger nights out, shopping and gigs), as well as trains to York, Leeds, Edinburgh and London. If you like a quieter, more scenic base with easy access to a major city and the wider North East, Durham works really well.
How hard is it to get into Durham University?
Durham is a selective university, so entry can be competitive – especially for high-demand subjects like law, politics, natural sciences, some business courses and certain humanities and social sciences. Typical offers are usually set at higher A-level or equivalent grades, and many courses expect strong performance in relevant subjects.
However, Durham also uses contextual admissions and widening-participation schemes, and looks at more than just raw grades. Some students come via foundation years or alternative routes, and the exact entry requirements vary by course. It’s important to check the latest information for your specific degree on the Durham University website, including any subject prerequisites, personal statement guidance and contextual offer information.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Durham for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
Are you a Durham student? Become part of our student writer community and help other students by sharing your stories and insights.
Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Durham’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Durham for you.
Unite Students run several big blocks in Durham, including Elvet Studios, Houghall Court and Rushford Court. Most are within walking distance of the city centre and key university sites, with en suite rooms, bills included and 24/7 support.
Explore Unite in Durham
Fresh manage modern halls like Dun Holm House and New Kepier Court in Durham. Think central locations, en suite rooms, social spaces and strong WiFi – ideal if you want a contemporary feel with everything bundled into one monthly payment.
View Fresh in Durham
Student Roost’s Chapel Heights offers studio-style living near Gilesgate, with on-site gym, social areas and secure entry. It suits students who want their own kitchen and bathroom but still like being part of a purpose-built student community.
See Chapel Heights
Ernest Place by Mansion Student is one of Durham’s more luxurious options, with stylish studios, a gym, cinema room and roof terrace. It’s a good match if you’re happy to pay a bit more for privacy and hotel-style facilities.
View Ernest Place
Bill Free Homes focus on student houses and flats across Durham, with utilities rolled into the rent on many properties. Ideal if you want a traditional shared house with a simple, all-in monthly cost.
Browse Bill Free Homes
Harringtons Students specialise in Durham student lettings, from compact flats to bigger shared houses. A strong option if you want somewhere close to popular student streets and walking distance from departments and the city centre.
View Harringtons listings
Q Student offer student-focused flats and houses in central Durham and surrounding areas. Good if you’re after well-located properties with an agency that understands group viewings, guarantors and all the usual student logistics.
See Q Student homes
Morgan Douglas list a mix of student houses and apartments across Durham, including popular streets close to the river and Science Site. Ideal for groups who want characterful houses rather than purpose-built halls.
Explore Morgan DouglasLocal student accommodation or letting agency? Reach out to Unifresher to be featured in this section.
Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
Compact historic core with shops, cafés, bars and buses all crammed into a small area. Ideal if you want to nip from lectures to coffee, society events or nights out in minutes.
Postcard Durham – cobbled streets wrapped around the cathedral and castle, with several colleges based here. You’re right in the middle of things, but accommodation is mostly college-owned and in high demand.
Lined with classic student terraces just above the station, with quick walks into the centre and plenty of pubs and takeaways nearby. A go-to area for second- and third-years who want everything close.
Residential area east of the centre with cheaper rents, big supermarkets and regular buses into town. Good if you’re happy to trade a slightly longer walk for more space and lower costs.
Leafier, quieter streets to the west of the city, popular with postgrads and teaching students. You’re a bit further from nightlife but close to schools, parks and walking routes.
Infamous tiny club on the riverside serving up wall-to-wall cheesy bangers, trebles and very sweaty dancefloors. Love it or hate it, you’ll almost definitely end up here at least once.
Late-night bar and club by the river, known for cheap trebles, chart playlists and busy student nights. A staple stop on many Durham bar crawls.
Cosy upstairs bar in the city centre serving cocktails, spirits and relaxed vibes. Great for smaller group nights or a slower start before heading to a club.
Classic student pub on the river with cheap pints, a big beer garden and plenty of seating. Ideal for pre-drinks, society socials and sunny-day post-lecture pints.
Popular brunch and coffee spot in a converted townhouse, famous for pancakes, eggs and latte art. Expect queues at weekends and a very student-heavy crowd.
Student-favourite burger and grill spot near the river, ideal for big plates after exams or when family visit. Think loaded fries, stacked burgers and sharers.
Legendary student Italian spot known as Spags, serving big bowls of pasta at student-friendly prices. Great for society dinners, flat nights and carb-loading before deadlines.
Indoor street-food style venue with different vendors under one roof. Perfect for mixed groups who can never agree what to eat.
Circular riverside paths looping around the cathedral peninsula, with rowing boats in summer and peaceful woods year-round. Ideal for de-stressing after long library days.
Park above the train station with lawns, viewpoints and an amphitheatre space. Handy for quick study breaks or a walk before catching a train home.
Woodland paths, glasshouses and outdoor sculptures on the edge of campus. A calm, green escape when you need a break from screens and seminar rooms.
Durham’s main university library with stacks of desks, computers and bookable group rooms. Expect it to be busy around exams and dissertation season.
Atmospheric library tucked between the cathedral and castle, with quiet reading rooms and views over Palace Green. Great if you like your revision spots to feel very “Durham”.
Durham’s main public library just off the Market Place, with quiet areas, desks and free Wi-Fi. Handy backup when campus libraries are heaving.
When it’s not rammed at brunch, Flat White doubles as a study café with good coffee, plugs and a steady background buzz. Better for lighter laptop work than full-on revision.
Use the filters below to find inspirations on all the best things to do in Durham for students.
