Post-offer Visit Day

Welcome to University College, lovingly known as Castle. 

Welcome from the Principal, Professor Wendy Powers

I'm guessing you're filled with excitement and curiosity as you continue your university exploration to find the best educational experience for you. We're delighted to be a part of that journey with you. University College is a special community filled with inspiring learning opportunities, engaging social activities and meaningful personal support. We're a really diverse learning community, stretching and growing as we learn about each other's religions, cultures, races, backgrounds and other social identities. And along the way, we discover the many ways we are both similar to and different from one another.

University College, Durham or Castle, as we lovingly call it, is on a steady quest for better understanding, empathy and celebration of each person's human dignity. In other words, all are welcome here. Let me honestly say that each and every one of our Durham colleges are committed to enhancing your university experience by helping you to develop a sense of belonging while you're exploring your sense of purpose. A decision to attend University Durham University is one that students and alumni tell us every day was the best decision they made.

Our college specifically is unique in more ways than just its physical setting. Don't get me wrong, being situated in an actual Norman Castle is pretty fabulous. But honestly, it's the people, the students, the staff, the educators here in Castle that are what makes it even more special.

By joining us at our Post-offer Visit Days you'll get to see our incredible home, Durham Castle, and meet our students and staff. I look forward to meeting you then. 

Information for visitors

We are really pleased you are interested in University College (Castle). 

During the Post-offer Visit Days offer-holders will have the opportunity for a guided tour around University College between 9:30am - 12:30pm. 

The open days take place on on Wednesday 14 February and Wednesday 20 March. Due to a pre-booked large-scale student event, we will not be open for open day tours on Saturday 27 April 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

Please meet at the gatehouse (the main entrance to Castle) where a student guide will show you around our College spaces and facilities. After the tour, you'll have the chance to chat to current students and staff and ask any questions you might have.

As our site is a UNESCO world heritage site we have to limit and manage access to our buildings and spaces. There may be a short wait on the day for a tour around College - we are quite popular with offer-holders so thanks in advance for your patience!

In order to welcome as many offer-holders as possible around University College, we may only able to welcome offer-holders to our tours. If you're a parent/guardian or supporter accompanying an offer-holder, you might want to explore Durham for yourself during your time in the city. You can go on a self-guided tour using our new app Durham University Tours. The app can also be used to help explore areas all around the city.

In addition to our special tours as part of the Post-offer Visit Days, our college is also open to members of the public, and we have a number of tours which can be booked via our Museum website: Durham Castle - Durham University Many of these are led by Castle students. 

We look forward to meeting you!

How to find us

We're located right in the centre of Durham, opposite Durham Cathedral. Whichever way you are travelling to Durham, find more detailed directions here: Durham Castle : Location and directions - Durham University

Please note that Palace Green and the Bailey is not accessible via car and there is no car parking available on Palace Green. If you have any mobility issues please let us know on your booking form and our Events Team will assist you.

FAQs

What is special about University College?

We are the oldest college at Durham University and have the privilege of calling Durham Castle our home. Our college motto, Not for ourselves alone, runs through all aspects of our College community. Our students organise a vibrant calendar of events and opportunities throughout the year, from volunteering, sports/societies, events and much more. 

You're known as Castle - is it a real Castle?

Yes! The oldest parts of our building have been here for over 950 years. Our site is a UNESCO world heritage site, accredited museum and listed building which comes with certain responsibilities for students living and working in Castle as we have to look after our home. It is an amazing place to spend 3 or 4 years as a student. 

What is the accommodation like?

We offer a range of accommodation for first-year students:

• Catered accommodation, where all meals in term-time are included in your accommodation cost. Meals are in the Great Hall in Castle. Catered rooms are within a 5-minute walk from Castle: Bailey Court, Moatside, Owengate and a small number of rooms within the Castle walls, in which returning students tend to live. Catered rooms are a mix of single and shared rooms, and shared/en-suite bathrooms. We have approx. 30 shared rooms and work hard to match students with their roommate.
• Self-catered accommodation, where you have facilities to cook for yourself. These rooms are in New Kepier Court, which is a short 15-minute walk from Castle. The rooms are all en-suite and are a mixture of flats with a shared kitchen and studios. Students at Kepier are welcome to eat in College on a pay as you go basis.
• Find out more about our accommodation on our Instagram.

What kind of student activities and events are there?

For more information about the Junior Common Room, the body of students for undergraduates at University College, please see Castle JCR. In addition to societies, sports, volunteering, events and activities, College also has weekly formal dinners, opportunities funding, Castle Lectures, the College Library (the Lowe), two chapels, and our bar, the Undie.