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, it 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 Committee (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, 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 and 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 taste buds 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.

The Daily Grind (North Road)

Another great coffee option in Durham, the North Road area is the perfect place to have a quick break with friends in the middle of a busy day at university. You’ll find popular independent options serving up a wide range of vegetarian and vegan food on the menu, alongside traditional selections in the form of toasted paninis, fresh wraps, artisan sandwiches, high-quality teas, specialty coffees, and other iced drinks.

Georgian Townhouse

A good breakfast is the only way to start the day right, and at The Georgian Townhouse on Crossgate, you’ll find a charming guest house setting. While its traditional boutique rooms remain popular for visiting families, students looking for specialized, all-day pancake cafes will find a massive variety of dedicated brunch spots scattered directly across the historic city centre to fuel up before a morning lecture.

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 highly 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, fresh sushi, and teppanyaki dishes.

Lebaneat (N Bailey)

A simple restaurant serving up traditional Lebanese food to a high standard, Lebaneat is an amazing place that we highly recommend. Located at 47 North Bailey, it provides Durham students with a true taste of the Middle East, from classic chargrilled meat dishes and shish taouk to tasty vegetarian wraps, fresh flatbreads, and amazing homemade falafel.

Have A Good Night Out

There are plenty of good student nights out in Durham, which you might be surprised to hear of, for 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.

Late-Night Entertainment

This historic city has a fast-evolving social scene. When you are looking to dance the night away, Durham’s central leisure developments and pop-up student events offer excellent options. From themed weekly club takeovers to high-energy indie and dance nights, you’ll find plenty of lively settings right across the city centre to head on over to with your flatmates 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 drink 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. Right across the river, its popular sister venue, Old Tom’s Gin Bar on The Riverwalk, offers a similarly spectacular menu alongside beautiful terrace views of Durham Castle.

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 the 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 you can also watch international test matches, T20 cricket, World Cup matches, and other events.

Football in the North East

There are 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 take a short trip to see Durham City AFC play their non-league fixtures at their groundshare home in nearby Houghton-le-Spring. Alternatively, you can easily travel out to watch Newcastle play at St James’ Park, Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Middlesbrough, or Hartlepool.

Big Sporting Events

There are loads of big sporting events that take place in Durham throughout the year, 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, drawing massive crowds to the banks of the River Wear every summer. For those who want to challenge themselves, the Hamsterley Forest Marathon offers something a bit different, highlighting the natural beauty of the surrounding areas as part of a demanding endurance 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 calmer, scenic route for cyclists to enjoy, no matter their 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 jewellery.

Prince Bishops Place

Historically a hub for high-street names and big-brand stores, Prince Bishops Place is located in the very centre of Durham. The site is currently undergoing a massive, multi-million-pound redevelopment to transform the ageing shopping centre into an open, modern, mixed-use destination. While it still hosts essential stops like Boots, the ongoing transformation is opening up the thoroughfare to include vibrant public squares overlooking the River Wear, purpose-built student housing, and a deliberate shift towards supporting smaller, independent retail units alongside national brands.

Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre

This shopping centre is a bus ride away, in the nearby town of Murton near 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 offering massive discounts on world-leading brands you know and love, a great selection of cafés and restaurants, and a seven-screen Cineworld. It is a fantastic spot to head to for some proper 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 is no better place to head to than Durham Market Hall. Located just off the Market Place, it is home to over 50 independent traders and is bustling with activity all day long. Expect to see a traditional artisan bakery next to a key-cutting service, alongside boutique fashion stalls, a traditional fishmonger, a greengrocer, and award-winning food to go. Here is also where you’ll find the weekly outdoor market on Saturdays and the regular Farmers’ and Producers’ Market showcasing top-tier local produce.

Independent Stores

There are, of course, plenty of independent stores and boutiques nestled along Durham’s historic, cobbled city centre streets. Away from the massive shopping brands, you can explore quirky gift shops like The Georgian Window on Saddler Street, which is packed with unusual treasures, cards, and locally sourced items. Right nearby on the same street is The Mugwump, an iconic boutique established in 1966 by two art school graduates. Spread across several floors of a beautiful listed building, it is famous for its eclectic collection of unique women’s fashion, college ballgowns, luxury homeware, and handmade local artistry.

Durham Christmas Festival

Every year, from the first weekend in December, the Durham Christmas Festival hits the city. For three spectacular days, the area around the Cathedral, Castle, and Palace Green transforms into a festive wonderland. It is the absolute best place to be to grab a hot festive drink, sample incredible seasonal food from regional producers, and browse hundreds of craft and gift stalls to completely smash through your Christmas shopping list.

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 while 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 a UNESCO World Heritage site). It dominates the skyline of the city and is a magnificent piece of architecture in its own right. The Durham Cathedral Museum—housed in the spectacular, medieval monastic spaces formerly known as the Open Treasure exhibition—is home to some brilliant collections, including the priceless 7th-century wooden coffin and pectoral cross of St Cuthbert. The entire cathedral has been meticulously preserved over the years and remains a breathtaking place to explore.

Durham Castle

Both the cathedral and Durham Castle are part of the UNESCO-designated site that sits on the high bend of the River Wear, overlooking the rest of the city. It was constructed under orders from William the Conqueror in 1072 to protect the Norman kingdom. Today, the building serves as the vibrant home of University College (affectionately known to students as “Castle”). You can book regular guided tours that offer a full insight and rich detail into the nearly thousand-year history of the fortress.

Durham University Botanic Garden

Set within 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped mature woodlands, the Durham University Botanic Garden 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 among diverse glasshouse collections, exotic cacti, and luscious greenery. There are also some brilliant activities, contemporary art exhibitions, 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 the 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 features over 150 stalls selling food, drink, crafts, and gifts across Palace Green within a picturesque winter scene. For music lovers, the Durham BRASS Festival brings high-energy jazz, funk, ska, and traditional brass band music straight to the city streets every summer, while the Bishop Auckland Food Festival is well worth the short trip out of town for a taste of incredible local produce from across the North East of England.

Lumiere and Winter Illuminations

For 16 years, Durham was famously home to Lumiere, the largest light festival in the UK. Produced biennially by the creative charity Artichoke, it welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to marvel at stunning light installations, projection mappings on the cathedral, and inventive artworks hidden across the city. Artichoke delivered its final landmark Durham edition in November 2025. Today, the local council is busy building on this incredible cultural legacy, planning new, revitalised winter light programmes and contemporary events to keep the city magically illuminated for the next generation of students.

As you can see, there are 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 feel 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. With the events and attractions on show here, you’ll certainly get a true feel for the area quickly. From your luxury Durham student accommodation, you’ll be close to the heart of the action, with a comfortable base to call home.