FAQs

Congratulations to all our new preliminary offer-holders! Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about University College, our Accommodation and next steps. More Frequently Asked Questions about the broader Allocation Process can be found here: Undergraduate FAQs - Durham University. If after reading these you still have a question, please contact us via univcoll.admissions@durham.ac.uk 

What is a JCR?

Our Junior Common Room is the student-led organisation which runs a programme of events, opportunities, sport, music, drama, volunteering and much more! We recommend undergraduates join the JCR. You can find out more: University College JCR (@castlejcr) • Instagram photos and videos

What accommodation do you have at University College?

We offer both catered accommodation (on the Bailey) and self-catered accommodation (at New Kepier Court). More information is available here: durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/university/accommodation/ We do have a small number of shared rooms in catered accommodation. These are for students of the same gender.

Students in our self-catered accommodation are also welcome to eat meals in the Great Hall on a pay-as-you-go basis, via contactless payment.

How do I apply for accommodation?

You don't need to do anything now! We will contact all our offer holders over the summer to ask your preferences for accommodation: catered or self-catered; single or shared room. We will try where possible to meet preferences however we cannot guarantee a particular room type. If you have specific medical, religious or cultural needs you will be asked to share these by the University, along with supporting evidence where appropriate.

I need a specific room type for a medical, religious or cultural reason. Do you need any information now?

If you have specific medical, religious or cultural needs for a room type you will be asked to share these as part of the accommodation preference form this summer, along with supporting evidence where appropriate. We have both catered and self-catered accommodation. All of our self-catered accommodation is en suite. We have a very small number of en suite catered rooms for Freshers. All our accommodation blocks are mixed gender.

Can I change my preliminary allocated college?

It is not possible to change your preliminary allocated college, unless your allocated college cannot meet your medical needs. If you have been allocated to another college please contact that college directly to discuss your specific needs and if they can be met by your college.

My year of entry is incorrect.

If you have any issues with your year of entry (deferred or not deferred) please contact the University Central Admissions via https://durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

My course details are incorrect.

If you have any queries about the course you have been offered please contact the University Central Admissions via https://durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Scholarships and Financial Support

More information about Scholarships and Financial Support is available here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

The University expects students to have a sound financial plan for financing their studies before enrolling at the University.

We have a range of funds to support and encourage our current students, thanks to the generosity of our Alumni. More information can be found here: www.castlealumni.uk/support

Can I visit over the summer?

Due to the volume of requests we are not able to offer drop in visits outside of University Open Days. However, our public Castle Tours are bookable and give an insight into some of our heritage spaces. There is a small charge for these tours, which are often led by University College students. Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/durham-castle-museum-and-tours-33796687285

Checklist: things you need to do before you arrive

Before you become a member of Castle, there’s a number of documents to read and forms to complete. We will be sending you a weekly newsletter, Countdown to Castle, to share more information on what you need to do. Some students prefer to have a tick list and overview from the beginning, which is below.

We will be sending weekly newsletters, called Countdown to Castle, over the next few weeks so please make sure we have your current email address so you don't miss important updates.

Scholarships

We are pleased to let you know that this year, thanks to the generosity of our alumni, we are able to offer two Bell Scholarships and one Senior Scholarship to make the vast enrichment and development opportunities offered by Castle open to everyone, irrespective of their household income.  More details are available here: Fees and Funding - Durham University

Arriving in Durham

We look forward to meeting you! If you are arriving from overseas please find more information here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/arrivals/

If you're travelling from the UK and living in College accommodation you will be invited to book an arrival slot:

Self-catered accommodation at New Kepier Court: Saturday 28 September 2024, 12-4pm (anytime)

Catered accommodation: you will be invited to book a timed arrival slot for Sunday 29 September, to help manage the traffic flow along the Bailey. The booking link has been shared with students via email.

Students registered with Disability Support who need to arrive early to help settle into College accommodation can do so from Wednesday 25 September.