Table of Contents
- A closer look at Durham University
- Campus environment
- Academic life
- Social life and community
- Life in the surrounding city
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
The experience you gain from a university is the key to shaping your personality. It also influences your academic outcome significantly. Durham University offers you an environment where you can connect with a diverse crowd of students on a friendly campus to reach your full potential. With more than 700 sports teams, 86 music societies, and 50 college societies, student life at Durham University is sure to be a rewarding experience.
Check out the table below for interesting insights about Durham University
| Key insights | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of international students | 4500+ international students |
| Employability rate | 92% |
| Intakes | September, January |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings: 89 Times Higher Education: 172 Guardian University Guide: 6 (Rankings as of 2025) |
| Accepted English tests | IELTS, TOEFL |
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Your learning goes beyond classrooms. For maximising your student outcome, it’s essential to have the opportunity to engage in diverse extracurricular activities. Student life at Durham University offers plenty of opportunities for personal development and provides rich cultural exposure. More than 85% of the students participate in sports, volunteering, theatre, or student enterprise.
Let us discover more about the student life at Durham University. Continue reading.
A closer look at Durham University
Founded in 1832, Durham University is the third oldest university in England. The university is a collegiate university with over 17 colleges and is a leading centre of teaching and research. Today, it has more than 21,000 students and offers career-focused courses that maximise your academic and professional outcomes.
Durham University has two campuses: the Durham campus located in Durham and the Queen’s Campus located in Stockton-on-Tees. It has more than 4300 staff working to deliver academic excellence to students like you. There are even more reasons to choose Durham University, like the comprehensive courses, safe accommodation, an inclusive campus, and a rewarding student life. It’s a preferred choice among international students like you looking to study in the UK.
Campus environment
The campus infrastructure can shape your student experience in many ways. Durham University has two campuses: the Durham city campus and the Queen’s campus. Both campuses offer you advanced facilities like state-of-the-art lecture theatres, seminar rooms, laboratories, well-stocked libraries, and IT rooms.
There are ample spaces for you to study and connect with the student crowd. You’ll find a range of facilities like games room, gym, study areas, coffee shop, bar, and more. The College’s Low Library, the Undercroft bar, and the music room in Bailey Court are a few popular spots on the campus where you can relax and socialise.
Check out the table below for details about the campus environment at Durham University
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | There are two campuses, the Durham campus located in the city and the Queen’s Campus located in Stockton-on-Tees. |
| Culture | There’s a vibrant culture with students from around 156 countries and more than 200 societies offering a range of events and activities. |
| Architecture | The campus has a mix of historic and modern buildings. Durham Castle boasts of Norman architecture while Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics is an example of modern architecture. |
Academic life
Academics form the foundation of your university. It’s essential to strike the right balance between your academics and extracurricular activities to maximise your student outcome. Durham University is committed to ensuring that you reach your fullest potential through intensive and research-informed academics, along with exciting activities for skill development.
The top courses at Durham University are delivered by world-leading academics who encourage cutting-edge research. There are more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses spread across 27 departments and schools. Many subjects include real-life learning and ensure your exposure to research projects.
Check out the table below for details about the academic life at Durham University
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic rigor | The 17 colleges offer comprehensive courses with a strong research focus. The world-leading academics and active research centres ensure impactful research. |
| Academic opportunities | You can access the Go Study Abroad programs for short-term placements and full-year study abroad options. The university has several study-abroad exchange partners. You can apply for various scholarships, like ANID. |
| Student-teacher relationships | More than 4300 staff work to make learning engaging through an interactive approach using methods like flipped classrooms and collaborative projects. |
| Learning environment | The courses are delivered through lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical classes. Independent study, structured reading, and group work are also encouraged. |
Your best campus experience starts here! Apply to Durham University today.
Social life and community
Your social life during your time at the university is integral to shaping your overall development. A healthy social life enhances your student experience and increases your motivation to study. Durham University offers you a vibrant and multicultural campus with plenty of activities to maximise your personal development.
The Students’ Union brings together more than 300 groups spread across interests like academics, media, politics, and professional development. You can also explore the university’s college sports program, student-led volunteering programs, chapel choirs, Durham Student Theatre, and more. Accommodation options at Durham University are modern and ensure a supportive environment where you feel at home and make friends easily.
Check out the table below for details about the social life at Durham University
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Campus events | There are plenty of events, such as Rivers Within, Making Music-Connecting Communities, and more. |
| Diversity and inclusivity | The university upholds strong policies through the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategy, Report+Support, and other initiatives. |
Sports and arts | There are 57 sports clubs with more than 2500 student memberships. You can explore the Athlete Support Programme, Sport and Wellbeing Park, and more. Arts activities include Spring, Art Circle, and more. |
| Health initiatives | The health services include the Counselling and Mental Health Service, Nilaari, NHS Talking Therapies, and more. |
| Group hangouts | You can hang out at popular spots like the Cafe-Bar, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), Undercroft Bar, Grey Bar, and more. |
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Life in the surrounding city
Campus location plays a crucial role in influencing your social life, cultural exposure, and leisure activities. Durham University has two well-connected campuses that bring city life within easy reach. The Durham campus is just 2 miles away from the Durham City Centre. Good public transport is available, and you can easily reach London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and York. Queen’s campus also has good road, rail, and air connectivity.
Check out the table below for more details about the city life near the university
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hangout spots | You can hang out at Chapter’s Tea Rooms, Small Island Coffee, The Boat Club, Osbournes, and more. |
| Outdoor activities | You can explore Al Buehler hiking trails, the Crossings golf course, hiking trails in Durham Forest, horse riding, and water sports. |
| Tourist attractions | You can visit popular sites like Durham Castle, Oriental Museum, Botanic Garden, World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, and Museum of Archaeology. |
| Part-time jobs | The good connectivity to cities offers you plenty of part-time job opportunities in sectors like retail, hospitality, education, and more. |
Final thoughts
Student life at Durham University is a rewarding experience where your overall development is assured. There are plenty of opportunities to expand your horizons by engaging in arts, sports, and cultural events. The inclusive and supportive campus environment maximises your socialisation and increases your cultural exposure.
Durham University encourages you to balance your academics and extracurricular activities and maximise your student outcome. The wide student experience assures your academic success and prepares you for the world outside.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it worth studying at Durham University?
Durham University is an excellent choice for international students like you to learn in a research-focused environment. The university delivers courses in a wide range of disciplines and focuses on your employability. The Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 awarded a Gold rating for the university’s student outcomes.
What is Durham University’s acceptance rate?
Durham University’s acceptance rate is 41%, with a competitive admission process. The admissions follow a standardised procedure and welcome students from across the globe.
How many international students are at Durham University?
Durham University has over 4500 international students from around 156 countries. The university encourages diversity, equality, and inclusivity on its campuses.
