Durham University is one of the traditional collegiate universities in the UK.

Colleges are a place to live, to socialise and to study. When you progress to your degree at the University, you will join one of Durham’s 17 colleges. Being part of this historic collegiate system creates a strong sense of belonging and is one of the best aspects of student life. 

What is a university college?
University colleges offer comfortable accommodation and a range of on-site facilities. They also have their own sports teams, student-led activities and traditions.

Most students live in college accommodation during the first year of their undergraduate degree. There is a supportive, family-style atmosphere at every college that will make you feel at home.

Postgraduate students often choose to live outside of their college. If you choose to arrange your own private accommodation, you will still have access to all social activities and facilities at your college. 

Resources and facilities
Each college has a distinct character, but the facilities and societies are similar. You will find a range of facilities for studying, relaxing, socialising, sports, music and events. Facilities may include:

• Study areas
• Games room – pool tables and dart boards
• Library
• Gym
• Coffee shop or bar
• Barbecue areas and gardens
• Laundry
• Furnished accommodation
• Catered dining hall. 

Personal development and support
Getting involved in university life outside your studies helps you develop new skills useful for your future career. To improve your leadership and negotiating skills, you could join the college executive committee to represent student views and plan college events.

You will have access to a mentoring system in you college to support your personal development and wellbeing. Members of staff and the local community are available to offer advice and support outside your studies.

Durham college allocation
There are 17 colleges for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with one dedicated postgraduate college, Ustinov College.

• You will apply to your preferred college while you are at the International Study Centre (in January and February). Please note that this is a preference, and is not a guarantee.
• The University allocates colleges by the end of April for undergraduate students and end of June for postgraduate students.

Upon successful progression, new students are formally welcomed to Durham University and their college with a ceremony held at Durham Cathedral. This event is known as matriculation.

Global rankings
Durham University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities. It consistently ranks as one of the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings:

• A world top 100 university – 86th in QS World University Rankings 2021
• Ranked 6th in the UK – The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021
• 90% of subjects ranked in the UK top 10, with Music ranking 1st in the UK – Complete University Guide 2021
• 17 subjects ranked in the world top 100 and 9 subjects ranked in the world top 50 - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
• 20 subjects ranked in the top ten, with 12 in the top five, including Music ranked first in the UK for the second year in a row - The Guardian University Guide 2021

Top for employability
Students at Durham have excellent graduate prospects. The University has the highest graduate employment rate of any UK university, with 97.9 per cent of its graduates in work or further study three and a half years after graduation (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17).

Career support starts at the International Study Centre with CareerAhead, and continues throughout your degree at the University.