Welcome to New Students - Durham University

Congratulations and Welcome to Physics

Photo of new Head of Department (as of August 2026) I am delighted that you have chosen Physics at Durham for your studies. We are dedicated to ensuring that you get the best undergraduate learning experience, providing you with an intellectually challenging environment, developing your skills and preparing you for your future career. You will learn from internationally renowned Physicists working on innovative research ranging from the smallest to the largest scale, and from the most fundamental to the most applied. I look forward to welcoming you to Durham this September.

Professor Del Atkinson
Head of the Physics Department

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Congratulations on your excellent choice of degree and on your place here in the Physics Department at Durham, we are so happy to welcome to you all into this constantly growing and developing community and I can’t wait to see how you grow with us over the course of your studies. Going into my third year I have no idea how the time has gone so fast and I am so proud to be a part of a department with such diversity and acceptance, so whether you are far from home right now, you’re a fellow northerner, or anything in between; I want you to know how welcome you are here.

You have all worked incredibly hard to be here and I encourage you to embrace the challenges of the next few years with grace and passion. Allow your voice to be heard and soak up the ideas and perspectives of those around you. Be greedy with your own happiness and never be afraid to take up space! This department should always be a source of safety for you throughout your degree; we are here for you.

Ruth Hodgson

Student co-chair of the Physics Student Voice Committee

After you have confirmed your place at Durham and a University IT account has been set up for you, you will gain access to induction information via SharePoint and Blackboard (the University’s Virtual Learning Environment).

Programme and module registration

Information, including advice on module choices, will become available to you via SharePoint. You will need to submit your optional module choices in advance of your arrival in Durham in the online registration system. For the time being, please do not worry about this – no action is needed until September.

What to do first

First of all, enrol online then consult the Physics Blackboard Induction and SharePoint sites.

Next step

Enrol online

This is the first and most important step you should take before you arrive. You can enrol 6 weeks before the start of your programme.

Two students studying in Teaching and Learning Centre with hot drink

Registering for your programme and specific modules (via Banner system)

From 1 September, register for your programme and specific modules after reading the departmental guidance.

Your first week in Durham – University Induction Week Events Timetable

The Timetable has been designed so College events don’t clash with any of your academic departmental events, but offer you lots of opportunities to meet your fellow Freshers, find your way around and settle into student life.

To help you keep track of where you need to be, and what you need to do during your first busy days at university, in your College and your Department, we have created a day-by-day University Induction Planner. This should help you to plan your schedule, so you don't miss anything - from being issued with your Campus Card or meeting the staff in your Department, to trying out for a sports team or joining a student society.

Your Personal Induction Planner

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Useful links

Matriculation

Colleges

Library

Durham Students' Union

Enrichment

Students studying in the Teaching and Learning Centre

Finding Your Way Around Durham

Learn more about the wider student experience at Durham

Student updates

Check out our student blogs to read more about life at Durham from our students. Don't forget to follow us on social media!

Highlights

What to bring to University

Read our top recommendations to add to your packing list ready for your arrival at Durham.
Welcome to Durham – and stop worrying!

Moving to University can be a daunting prospect but there’s no need to worry, you’ll feel right at home here.