How to Make Friends in Durham: Clubs, Societies and Student Social Life

Evening light on the River Wear, a bell from the cathedral, a gown on its way to a formal dinner. Durham is small enough that faces quickly become familiar, so it’s easy to meet people. Its colleges also give every student somewhere to belong from the first week.

How Does the College System Help You Meet People in Durham?

It gives you a community before you’ve chosen a single activity. Every student joins one of Durham’s 17 colleges, and membership continues after graduation. Each college has a Common Room, with a JCR for undergraduates and an MCR for postgraduates. Elected officers also organise the events. All colleges hold formals where staff and students dine together. Sport is a big part of college life too, with more than 550 teams across 18 sports.

Where you live doesn’t change your membership. So second and third-year undergraduates in private accommodation can still join societies, attend formals and consult college staff.

Which Clubs and Societies Are Worth Joining?

First, start at the Clubs and Society Fairs. More than 300 groups from the Students’ Union, Music and Theatre and Team Durham take part. Entry is free, but you need to book a ticket in advance. There are over 200 student societies. Each has a page on the Students’ Union website with joining information, contact details and upcoming events. Give It A Go Week also offers free beginners’ sessions, so you can try an activity before you commit.

The Students’ Union has its home in Dunelm House, overlooking Kingsgate Bridge and the River Wear. Its team sits on the top floor and welcomes drop-ins.

Is There Room for Sport If You’re Not an Athlete?

Yes. Team Durham is home to 58 sports clubs and ranks third in the country for BUCS sport. Its clubs also welcome athletes of every level and ambition. The Sport and Wellbeing Park is one of the finest sports facilities of any university in the country. Many clubs call it home as well.

Can Volunteering Lead to Lasting Friendships?

It often does. Durham University Student Volunteering and Outreach co-ordinates more than 20 student-led projects. They range from Code Club and the Gardening Project to Parkinson’s Pals. The group began in 1989 and later received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020. You meet the same people each week, so friendships have time to grow.

Does Your Accommodation Help You Meet People in Durham?

Of course! Right from the start. Our student accommodation in Durham has two homes. St Giles Studios is a quiet gated community with 109 beds. It also has a communal lounge, study space and a courtyard. Duresme Court also has a communal lounge. There’s also a cinema lounge, an on-site gym and games areas with a pool table and table football. Shared spaces like these are where conversations tend to begin.

Bonus Tips

• A Students’ Union group needs an activated Durham SU account. The activation email goes to your Durham University address. The Fair doesn’t take cash, so bring a card.
• Volunteers earn badges on the Volunteer Platform, from bronze at 30 hours to platinum at 120. Everyone completes an online induction before their first project.
• Durham City Harriers and Elvet Striders share the Sport and Wellbeing Park with Team Durham. They also open up friendships beyond the student community.

Friendships in Durham deepen through repetition. The same college table, the same society, the same Saturday. That’s how you meet people in Durham, and when you’re ready to choose a home, ours are waiting.