Welcome to New Postgraduate Students

Congratulations and Welcome to New Postgraduate Students

Vice Principal portrait image Welcome to St Mary's College. I offer the congratulations of the whole college to everyone on the achievements that have led to the award of a place at Durham and at St. Mary’s. The College’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere is the result of a team of wonderful staff, students, alumni and friends of the College working together to create the Mary’s community.

Whether you are a Durham graduate or attending Durham University for the first time, you can expect to hear from College each week with key onboarding information between now and your arrival at College. Our MCR reps, staff are ready to introduce you to life in College, in the University, in the city and the region.

We are all looking forward to meeting you and helping you get the most out of life at Mary’s.

Kate Morrey

The Principal

Tweets by durham_uni

I'm Chloe Huang, your MCR President for 2026/27 and a PhD student in Developmental Psychology. Starting a postgraduate programme can feel both exciting and a little daunting, my aim is to foster an inclusive community at St Mary's while supporting everyone to thrive academically. The MCR is at the heart of postgraduate and mature student life, with plenty of opportunities to get involved through formals, socials, sports, academic talks and much more. Whether you are here for one year or several, I hope you will make the most of everything St Mary's has to offer and meet some wonderful people along the way. If you have any questions, contact: st-marys.mcr@durham.ac.uk

Chloe Huang MCR President 2026-2027

St Mary's College

College Information

Instagram: @stmaryscollegedurham

We shall be contacting you by email shortly to give you pre-arrival information

Click here for more information on the Middle Common Room

Find out more

Enrol online

Enrolment opens eight weeks before the start of your programme.

Two students studying in Teaching and Learning Centre with hot drink

Middle Common Room

In St Mary's College, postgraduate, mature and fourth-year undergraduate students combine to form the Middle Common Room (MCR).

Postgraduate students standing outside St Marys College

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

Students on laptop with cups of tea in Josephine Butler College café

Useful links

Matriculation

Departments

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.