Thank you for visiitng our Frequently Asked Questions page. Here you will find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions. We have broken this down into categories with questions, which you can read by clicking on the text or simply scrolling though.
Students do not need to do anything about accommodation before A-level results are published. Once you have confirmed your place at Durham University you will be sent an accommodation preferences form. The form will be used to allocate your room, so it is important that it is returned as soon as possible. If the accommodation preference form is not returned to us we will assume that the student does not want College managed accommodation.
Each room comes with a 3/4 sized bed (between a single and a double size), under the bed storgae, mattress protector, wardrobe, desk, desk light, desk chair, roller window blinds, shelf above the bed, and additional plug sockets.
Each kitchen comes with an iron & ironing board, dustpan & brish, campact vacuum cleaner, mop & bucket, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, hob, fridge & freezer, and lockable cupboards.
Bedroom - Students will need to provide their own toiletries (including toilet roll), towels, pillows, sheets, duvet and cover.
Kitchen - Students will need to provide their own cooking, eating, and drinking utensils. It is suggested that you bring a selection of pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups/mugs, and cutlery.
General - While our Housekeeping Team will maintain common spaces, students are expected to clean up after themselves and keep their personal spaces in good living condition. We therefore recommend arriving with general cleaning supplies, bin bags, supplies to wash and dry dishes, and items to maintain a general state of cleanliness.
Yes, we have two bedroom types available, single en-suite rooms and single standard rooms (shared bathroom facilities). Prices of these rooms differ. You can express your interest for room type on the accommodation preference form, which will be sent to you following A Level results.
*Please note it is a preference only and cannot be guaranteed.
Residence charges are inclusive of heating, electricity, water and WIFI. You will need to purchase your own TV license.
All first-year students are expected to reside in College accommodation in order to take full advantage of the College community.
Your license to occupy allows you to stay in College over the vacation periods but not the summer holiday (exception for postgraduate students that have a longer contract).
South College has five wheelchair accessible en-suite bedrooms for those students who require this type of accommodation. All accessible study bedrooms are located on the ground floor.
There is no student parking available at South. You are strongly advised not to bring a vehicle to Durham. Wherever possible, please use public transport, cycle, or walk to and from the campus. Cycle stands are provided in College and across the University campus.
Yes, South College has bike racks and there are others around the University.
Yes, South College is located near several bus stops that can take you all around Durham.
The walk to the Science Site is about 12 minutes. Here you will find the Bill Bryson Library, the Teaching and Learning Centre, Physics, Geography, Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry, Anthropology, Archaeology, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, the Law School, and the Palatine Centre.
The walk to the Durham Students’ Union and Elvet Riverside is about 18 minutes. In addition to the DSU, here you can find English Studies, MLAC, Liberal Arts, and the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. A few minutes more and you can be at Sports Science and Philosophy on Old Elvet or at Classics and History on the Bailey.
The closest major food shop is Tesco Metro in the Market Place. This is about a 23-minute walk from South. A little further are Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and Iceland Foods all located on North Road. There is also Tesco Extra, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland Foods located in Gilesgate.
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