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Welcome to all our new students

We’re here to help you with the essential next steps as you start your Durham journey.
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  • Undergraduate Open Days

    Explore your course options, learn about our colleges and discover Durham with our Undergraduate Open Days on 19 and 20 September.

    Students walking at St Mary's College

  • Join a UK top 5 University

    We are a top 5 University in the most recent Guardian, Times and Complete university guides, confirming our position as one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom.

    Student chatting with Durham and the Cathedral in the background

Undergraduate Open Days

Explore your course options, learn about our colleges and discover Durham with our Undergraduate Open Days on 19 and 20 September.

Students walking at St Mary's College

Join a UK top 5 University

We are a top 5 University in the most recent Guardian, Times and Complete university guides, confirming our position as one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom.

Student chatting with Durham and the Cathedral in the background

Your next steps

Events in the Middle East: support and assistance for students and staff

Read our statement and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Research Impact at Durham

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

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DESI team wins prestigious 2026 Berkeley Prize

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration has been awarded the 2026 Lancelot M. Berkeley–New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy.

Global research
DESI Y3P Datapoints Flat

Scientists help power world’s largest fusion energy project

Scientists from our top-rated Physics department have played a crucial role in verifying the quality of specialist materials destined for the magnets of ITER.
Research news
Prof Hampshire and Dr Raine at the lab

Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic puzzle – and reveal new class of ancient star systems

Astronomers have solved a centuries-old puzzle surrounding one of the Universe’s oldest and densest star systems.
Global research
A strip of stars runs from top to bottom of the picture against a black background and shrouded by purple clouds

New book celebrates 60 years of Classical Civilisation in English schools

A landmark new publication authored by Professors Arlene Holmes-Henderson and Edith Hall offers the first comprehensive study of two transformative subjects in the English curriculum.
Global research
Left to right: Edith Hall, Emma Bridges and Arlene Holmes-Henderson pictured at the parliamentary reception and book launch

Durham theologians reflect on faith, justice, and the cosmos on flagship radio show

Two of our leading theologians shared their insights on a flagship UK radio programme that broadcasts expert reflections on faith, ethics, and human experience
Durham news
Anna Rowlands smiling at the camera wearing a dark top and David Wilkinson wearing a dark suit talking on a stage

Polar geoengineering ideas will not help and could harm, experts warn

Five of the most-publicised polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to help the polar regions, according to a new study involving our geographers.
Global research
An ice sheet juts out into the ocean.

Durham Researcher Wins European Criminology Award

Dr Nikki Rutter has been awarded the European Society of Criminology’s Young Criminologist Award 2025.
Research news
Dr Nikki Rutter faces the camera, in the sunshine, holding a framed award certificate with a conference banner in the background
More news

Scientists develop breakthrough drone swarm system

Scientists from our Computer Science department have created a new system that allows groups of drones to fly together more quickly and safely than ever before.

Drone light trails

Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers

New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
A mother kissing her baby's foot whils the baby is lying on the bed

Scientists map stress response system in plants

Scientists from our top-rated Biosciences Department and partner institutions have created the first ever complete map of a hidden system that helps plants survive when the world around them changes.
Max SUMO cover

Renowned conductor Tim Burke named as Principal Conductor of our Choral Society

Newcastle-based conductor and composer, Tim Burke, takes the reigns of our Choral Society (DUCS) following the retirement of John Forsyth MBE.

Hitting a home run for baseball and softball at Durham

Our student baseball and softball club recorded their most successful season this past academic year. We catch up with the club’s outgoing President, Jaryd Mercer, to find out more.
A baseball team wearing medals posing in two lines for the camera

Beyond the runway: flagship student charity fashion show invites alumni to reconnect

Durham University Charity Fashion Show returns for its 43rd year with a renewed focus on alumni engagement, philanthropy, and community.

Professor Jonathan Darling on the use of hotels in housing asylum seekers

The UK Government is seeking to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explains the situation and how ‘asylum hotels’ became so contentious.

A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.

Enslaved Africans, an uprising and an ancient farming system in Iraq: study sheds light on timelines

Written accounts tell the story of the Zanj rebellion – a slave revolt that took place in the late 9th century in southern Iraq. Some of the rebels were enslaved Africans working in various sectors of the local economy. Here Honorary Fellow in Archaeology, Peter Brown sheds new light on the timelines.
In southern Iraq, a massive agricultural system was likely built by enslaved Africans who ended up staging a revolt. Courtesy the authors/Cambridge University Press

Welcome to September’s community newsletter

In the September edition of our community newsletter, we celebrate the achievements of our students, share opportunities to get involved, and highlight University research and outreach that makes a difference.

Parents and young children outdoors at a flower stall

Heritage and renewal at Durham Castle: step into history this autumn

Find out about the latest at Durham Castle, including celebrations for this year’s Heritage Open Days, and an update on the revitalisation of the historic Fellows’ Garden.

New partnership brings Durham University research to life at Raby Castle

We’ve formalised our already productive collaboration with Raby Castle, connecting world-class research with one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites.
Lord Barnard and Karen O'Brien sitting at a table signing the MoU document

Upcoming events

University College Chapel Choir Concert

Monday 22 September 2025 - Monday 22 September 2025
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
St Bartholomew the Great, Cloth Fair, London, EC1A 7JQ
Student choir

The 5th Collegiate Way International conference, CWI 2025 - booking now open

Tuesday 2 December 2025 - Friday 5 December 2025
12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Durham City, UK.
Aerial View of Palace Green, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore

Saturday 14 June 2025 - Sunday 2 November 2025
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
A shadow silhouette of a person with a sword fighting off a group of shadowy monsters

Undergraduate Open Day

Friday 19 September 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Durham University
Image of a student ambassador holding an ask me sign during an open day
See all events

From our Student Blogs:

Finding support when moving away from home

Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations student, Alex, from Collingwood College, talks about how colleges provide an incredible network of support; so when her Freshers' Week came to an end, she had already made so many new friends.
Read Alex's blog
Students sat chatting in a college junior common room

 

 

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What is life like at Durham University?

At Durham, academic success is only half the story. Our transformative wider student experience will also help you develop as a person. Discover the range of opportunities at Durham University and get an insider's look at the celebrated wider student experience. Whatever you love doing, whatever you might like to try, you will find support and inspiration here.

Join us and be inspired. Be you.

Find out more