Frequently Asked Questions

Congratulations to all our new offer holders! We know you will still have many questions about life in College, so here is some of the information we are asked most frequently.

The College Allocation process can be found on our Undergraduate FAQs page.

If you still have questions after reading our FAQs, please get in touch with us at vm.ug.newstudent@durham.ac.uk.

Allocations Queries
What to Expect
Finance Queries

Allocations Queries

How do I get accommodation once I join Van Mildert?

We know that the majority of first-year undergraduate students thrive when they live in college and we can guarantee an offer of accommodation to those who apply for it. Please ensure you fill out the accommodation forms sent to you in a timely fashion to ensure your offer for accommodation. You can find out more about accommodation at Van Mildert on our Accommodation page.

What if I need a certain type of room for medical or religious reasons?

If you need an ensuite room or any kind of accommodation adjustments, you will have been asked to complete a Tell Us More form.  If you haven’t received this you can click here to find out more.

Can I change my allocated college?

Durham University has a policy that once a college allocation is made then it is part of our broader offer and not something that would be changed at the applicant’s request.  If you have concerns about your allocated college not being able to meet your requirements, please complete the Tell Us More form.

What can I expect when I start college life?

Don't worry! We will try to make your first few days with us as simple as possible. You can find more about what your journey with us will be like on our College Life pages.

Can I change college if I do not want to live in?

If you decide to live outside of College in your first year that is absolutely fine.  Your College Membership will remain with your allocated College and you will still be able to engage with everything College and your JCR have to offer.  We would encourage you to get involved in College life – it really is an amazing way to get to know people and to have fun!

What to Expect 

What should I do if I'm worried or have questions about life at college?

We're here for you at Van Mildert, and will do all we can to help if you're worried or have questions. You can contact us via our new undergraduate student email: vm.ug.newstudent@durham.ac.uk.

What is accommodation like at Van Mildert?

Our accommodation is spread across seven accommodation blocks. Your room has a standard single bed, desk and chair, shelving, wardrobe, draws, sink, desk lamp and underbed storage for suitcases and holdalls that you will not be using You can find out more on our Accommodation page. 

You will be allocated a single study bedroom with shared bathroom/shower facilities unless you have filled in the Tell Us More form and require an ensuite room. 

You will have the opportunity to purchase a bedding pack which consists of a single duvet, one single duvet cover, one pillow, one pillowcase and a fitted sheet. The cost of this is £35.

What can I expect from the catering at Van Mildert?

All our students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, are offered fully catered accommodation here at Van Mildert. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout term times to all our livers in. You can find out more about catering at Van Mildert on our Catering page.

 What Items should I bring to college?

If you do not wish to purchase the bedding pack mentioned above, please do bring bedding including duvet and pillows for a single bed, toiletries, towels, passport, computer, coat, coat hangers, suitable clothes for formals, warm clothes (as it gets pretty cold in Durham!), tissues and cold medicines.

It is also advised that you bring a dressing gown and some sliders/flip flops/slippers as you have communal areas within your accommodation block, including showers, toilets and a small pantry.

Can I arrange to have parcels delivered before I arrive?     

No, unfortunately we do not have the storage facilities at college to hold parcels before students arrive. We would prefer that if you are having anything delivered to College it is delivered on the day that you arrive or they day after. 

Please do just drop us an email to vm.ug.newstudent@durham.ac.uk if you are expecting any large deliveries in to College.

Can I arrive early before my Licence Agreement starts?

You will need to contact vm.ug.newstudent@durham.ac.uk to see if your accommodation will be ready. Additional cost will be incurred for an early arrival and we can get you a figure for this when you contact us.

Finance Queries

I cannot afford a catered college; can I change to self-catered?

If you are struggling with anything to do with your financial situation, please do get in touch with us at vm.ug.newstudent@durham.ac.uk and we will endeavour to get you some support.

How do I pay my fees?

Tuition and accommodation fees are payable in termly instalments following your arrival at the University. An invoice will be issued to you indicating the date by which you must pay these fees. Payments, in sterling, can be made by direct debit, credit card, cheque or bankers draft or bank transfer, however, direct debit is the University's preferred method of payment.  You can also choose pay your fees in one lump sum if you would prefer.

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information.