Student Accommodation

Durham

The Universities

Durham is an old-fashioned city, with a traditional university that is split into a number of colleges.

Durham University

Rightly regarded as one of the top universities in the world, Durham University continues to strive for, and achieve, greatness in teaching and research. It is home to some of the leading experts in different fields on the teaching staff, ensuring a consistent and high level of teaching for students. It has upgraded its facilities to remain at the vanguard of research, and as a result has a high satisfaction rate from past and present students. The collegiate system provides a diverse set of multidisciplinary students and staff from all types of backgrounds. The Students’ Union represents over 17,500 students, closely linked to each college and has over 250 groups and societies on offer, including one of the best Students’ Union charities in the UK – Durham University Charities Kommitte (DUCK).

Different Colleges of Durham University

In a similar fashion to the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, Durham University operates a collegiate structure. There is no formal teaching at the colleges like Oxford and Cambridge however, although they do dominate the social life, the sporting life, residential, and pastoral functions for the universities. There are also formal dinners at some of the colleges, with gowns worn and tradition everywhere. The oldest college is University College, founded in 1832, and the most recent is Josephine Butler College, founded in 2006. There are four types of college: Maintained Colleges, Recognised Colleges, Licensed Halls of Residence, and Affiliated Colleges. There are expected to be between four to six new colleges built by 2027.

New College Durham

A further and higher education college, and a sixth form college, New College was founded in 1977 and offers a range of courses. In 2011 it became one of only two colleges in the country to be granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers. What this means is that the courses can be converted to a bachelor’s degree with a ‘top up’ year.

Where To Eat

There is so much great food in Durham, and some fantastic student hotspots to sit with a light lunch, pick up a coffee and a sandwich, have a hearty pub grub meal, or go somewhere a little fancier when entertaining visiting family or heading out on a date with a new significant other. Our luxury student accommodation in Durham is in the perfect location to make the most of all this type of food, so take a look at a few of our recommendations and let us know what your tastebuds think.

Vennels (Saddlers Yard)

There are loads of good coffee shops and quirky little cafés in Durham – it really fits with the aesthetic of the city. Vennels on Saddlers Yard is one of the best choices for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, or a place to sit and relax for a short break in the middle of the day. Located in a 16th century building with a beautiful courtyard, Vennels is a great place to sit with a cup of tea and a scone, or a more filling pie, quiche, sandwich, or hearty soup.

Bean Social (North Road)

Another great coffee option in Durham, Bean Social is the perfect place to have a quick break with friends in the middle of a busy day at university. There is a wide range of veggie and vegan options on the menu, alongside traditional options in the form of wraps, sandwiches, tea and coffee, and other drinks.

Georgian Townhouse

A good breakfast is the only way to start the day right, and at The Georgian Townhouse you’ll find some of the best breakfast in Durham. Stacks of sweet and savoury pancakes are the real wow item on the breakfast menu, served between 10am and 6pm every day.

Inshanghai (The Riverwalk)

At night, if you are looking for something a little different from the chain bars and restaurants (there is nothing wrong with eating at a chain if the food is delicious and at a good price by the way!), Inshanghai is the perfect place to go. Located on The Riverwalk, it offers a popular Chinese buffet that is a great excuse for students to come and make the most of their budgets and stock up on really tasty, authentic Chinese food.

Lebaneat (N Bailey)

A simple restaurant serving up traditional Lebanese food to a high standard, Lebaneat is an amazing place that we highly recommend. From chargrilled meat dishes, to tasty vegetarian wraps and amazing falafel, Lebaneat provides Durham students with a little piece of Lebanon.

Have A Good Night Out

There are plenty of good student nights out in Durham, which you might be surprised to hear of a relatively small city. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t cost you that much either, when compared with some of the big student cities in the UK, so get to know the city as soon as you move into your luxury Durham student apartment and you’ll find great bars, brilliant student club nights, and a range of friendly college bars.

Studio (North Road)

This one is definitely one of the most popular student clubs in Durham. Studio has an insanely cheap student night every Tuesday. ‘50p night’ does exactly what it says on the tin, with the entry price 50p, and a range of drinks promotions at the same price. You’d be a fool not to head on over with about a fiver in your pocket – you’ll have a great night!

Klute (Elvet Bridge)

Klute is another of the firm favourites on the student club scene. It has been dubbed the ‘worst nightclub in Europe’ by some reviewers, but it is the sticky floors, sweaty dancefloors, cheesy tunes, and cheap drinks that make students come back again and again. Different colleges from the University of Durham also have specific nights at Klute, so it’s a great way to get to know your new mates.

College Bars

Of course, you might be more of the type who wants to stick closer to home and at the college bars at the University of Durham you’ll discover some amazing drinks prices and promotions. The different college bars charge only £1.50 in some cases, and soft drinks and mixers for only 25p (or free during alcohol awareness campaigns). The college bars are a great way to start a night, without spending too much money.

Tin of Sardines (Elvet Bridge)

The Tin of Sardines on Elvet Bridge is one of the smallest bars in the whole of the UK, but its reputation as a cosy, must-visit establishment is built on the fact that it has over 200 gins and 50 mixers on offer, with produce from all over the world. Old Tom’s Fin Bar and The Court Inn are two sister bars to the Tin of Sardines, and also worth a mention.

Mini Pub Crawl

Durham is a fantastic place to go on a pub crawl before a club night begins. Elvet Bridge is always a great starting spot, and you could easily crawl through pubs such as The Swan & Three Cygnets, The Boat Club, The Water House, The Head of Steam, and Bishop’s Mill, before heading on to a student night at Klute.

Sport Clubs and Teams

Sport is everything to some students, and when you first bring your stuff to your luxury Durham student accommodation you might be wondering where the closest sports team is. At Durham, as in most student cities, you’ll find that there are plenty of sports clubs and teams at the University itself, competing at an elite level against other universities, or just for fun and to stay fit. Alongside that though, Durham is a great student city for all types of sport.

Chester-le-Street for Cricket

Cricket is big news in the North East and only 8 miles outside of Durham you’ll find the home of Durham County Cricket Club. Chester-le-Street is easily reached on public transport from your luxury Durham student apartment, and it is home to an array of cricket events. Not only can you watch County cricket, but also international test matches, T20 cricket, World Cup matches, and other events.

Football in the North East

There are also several football clubs within easy reach of Durham in the North East. Football is the national sport, and if you are a fan of the beautiful game you can go and see Durham City play in non-league football, or take the short trips to watch Newcastle play at St. James Park, Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Middlesbrough or Hartlepool all really easily.

Big Sporting Events

There are loads of big sporting events that take place in Durham throughout the year though, so keep an eye out for them if you are a fan of any type of big spectator sport or event. The Durham Regatta is a particularly popular one, as is the Northern Golf Masters. The Hamsterley Forest Marathon is something a bit different, highlighting the natural beauty in the surrounding areas, as part of a sporting event.

Mountain Biking

If there is something of a daredevil in you, you’ll be pleased to know that there are quite a few areas that are great for cycling and mountain biking in the region. Hamsterley Forest is one area in particular that is really popular with mountain bikers, with plenty of natural downhill courses and skills loops. Riverside and reservoir routes in the area provide a more calm, scenic route for cyclists to enjoy, no matter the level of experience and ability.

Watersports

The mention of reservoirs, rivers, and the magnificent coastline close by should alert you to the fact that there are great watersport options available to students living in Durham. Reservoirs at Grassholme and Derwent are brilliant starting spots, as is Balderhead, where you can find canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, and fishing opportunities.

Treat Yourself

In Durham and the surrounding areas there are quite a few different types of shopping centres and different retailers to explore. As a new student living in a luxury Durham student apartment, you’ll want to know where is best to go to stock up on essentials, but also where to go to treat yourself, whether you’re after new threads, music, crafts, or jewelry.

Prince Bishops Shopping Centre

Full of high street names and big brand stores, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre is located in the very centre of Durham. It is the first port of call when you first move to the city, as it is easy to find and has all the comforting brand names that you know, helping you to get settled with clothes, beauty products and any gadgets that you might want to get for your new apartment.

Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre

This shopping centre is a bus ride away, at the coastal town of Seaham, but it is well worth the visit. It is the largest outlet shopping centre in the north east of England, and you can certainly make a day of it with friends. There are over 60 stores with all the big names you know and love, 10 cafés and restaurants, and a big Cineworld. Why not head over to Seaham for some retail therapy, a spot of lunch, and a trip to the cinema?

Durham Market Hall

If you are interested in finding out more about local retailers and smaller independents there are fewer better places to head to than Durham Market Hall. It is home to over 50 retailers, and is bustling with activity all day long. Expect to see a Turkish barber next to a key cutting service, alongside a hairdresser, just along from a bakery, a fishmonger, greengrocer, and much more. Here is where you’ll find the weekly outdoor market on Saturday’s and the monthly Farmer’s and Producer’s Market showcasing top local produce.

Independent Stores

There are, of course, plenty of independent stores and boutiques in Durham along its city centre streets. Away from the big shopping brands you’ll find a quirky gift shop like The Georgian Window on Sadler Street, or vintage clothing at The Mugwump. There is something for all tastes and desires in this quaint and respectful city.

Durham Christmas Festival

Every year from the first weekend in December the Durham Christmas Festival hits the city. For three days it is the best place to be to have a hot festive drink, eat some tasty food from a range of retailers, but to also buy some gifts, art and crafts in preparation for your Christmas gift list.

Events And Attractions

You’ll have a great time living in Durham at our luxury student accommodation. There is so much history and tradition packed into this warm, small city, with a community feel that helps to bring events truly alive. Here, we break down a few of the events and attractions that are open for you to explore whilst living in the city.

Durham Cathedral

The cobbled streets wind through the city towards the stunning and iconic Durham Cathedral and the adjacent castle (both part of the UNESCO World Heritage site). It dominates the skyline of the city and is a magnificent piece of architecture in its own right. The Open Treasures exhibition is home to some brilliant collections and the entire cathedral has been well preserved over the years.

Durham Castle

Both the cathedral and Durham Castle are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that sits on the bend of the river and overlooks the rest of the city. It was constructed under orders from William the Conqueror in 1072 and you can get guided tours that offer a full insight and detail into the history of the castle.

Durham Botanical Gardens

Set within 10 hectares of landscaped gardens, Durham Botanical Gardens is home to plant life from all parts of the globe. It is a wondrous place to get lost in for a few hours, walking along various plant life and luscious greenery. There are also some brilliant activities and events hosted in the gardens from time to time. It is a tranquil and peaceful place to spend an afternoon, whether alone with your thoughts, with friends, family, or a loved one.

Festivals

We’ve mentioned Durham Christmas Festival in the shopping section, but it is worth mentioning again, as a particular highlight of the many interesting festivals that take place in the city each year. It is home to over 150 stalls selling food, drink, art, gifts, crafts, and little trinkets within a picturesque wintry scene. Durham Brass festival brings jazz, funk, ska, and traditional brass band music to the streets, whilst Bishop Auckland Food Festival is worth the trip out for a taste of good food from the North East of England.

Lumiere

The largest light festival in the UK has been held in Durham six times in total, and welcomes over 240,000 visitors on average. There are stunning light installations throughout the city, artworks, and a free section of the festival to allow as many people as possible the chance to see the stunning and inventive art made of light.

As you can see, there is plenty of interesting activities and events to see and do in Durham. As a student living in a new city for the first time it can be daunting, but there is always loads to do. Durham has a warm and welcoming feel to it, a small city with a real sense of community and with the events and attractions on show here you’ll certainly get a real feel for the city quickly. From your luxury Durham student accommodation, you’ll be close to the heart of the action, with a comfortable base to call home.