Welcome and Orientation 2026

We can't wait for you to join us - we know you'll love studying here. Here's our guide to help you prepare for your first few weeks, meet fellow students and find your way around.

Welcome to Durham

We're looking forward to welcoming you from September 2026.

Before you arrive in Durham, there's various steps we ask you to take to make sure you're as prepared as possible from day one. This Welcome and Orientation guide will talk you through what you need to do. Welcome Week will take place from Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October, with term officially starting on Monday 5 October.

What to do next

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Guidance that is relevant for you

Undergraduate UK Students

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International Students

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Postgraduate Taught UK Students

Postgraduate Research UK Students

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Plan your Welcome Week

Use the handy Online Planner to create your personalised schedule, simply select: - Your Department - Your College - Your Level of Study (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research). This will then show the events most relevant to you.

The timetable has been designed so your College events don’t clash with your Academic Department events. It provides lots of opportunities for you to meet your fellow new students, find your way around and settle into student life.

Create your Personal Welcome Week Planner

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College membership and accommodation

Colleges are at the heart of our student experience. All Colleges provide a wide range of opportunities to get involved, learn, develop and access support. They are places of belonging and community.

College membership and accommodation information

Explore more

Matriculation

Colleges

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Academic Departments

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Libraries

Durham Students' Union

University attractions

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Careers, Employability and Enterprise

Student Enrichment at Durham

Our Wider Student Experience offers unique and distinctive opportunities. There's so many ways to get involved and find your passion and your place at Durham. From sports, theatre and music, to volunteering and leadership programmes.

Find out more

Screenshot of DU Student News Instagram feed.

Follow the official Instagram for our student community

DU Student News is our dedicated Instagram channel for current students. We share lots of useful pre-arrival information, as well as news, events and important info once you’re here too.