Applying for University Accommodation

Postgraduate students can choose to be considered for University accommodation through the combined Membership and Accommodation Application, which opens on 30 March 2026. To access the application, you must first accept your academic offer from Durham University.

Within the application, you can:

• indicate whether you wish to be considered for University accommodation; and
• provide general room-type preferences.

Submitting preferences allows the University to take your choices into account, but does not guarantee an accommodation offer or a specific room type.

Once submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email confirming that your application has been received.

Postgraduate Accommodation Guarantee

Durham University offers a postgraduate accommodation guarantee to help eligible students secure a place to live as they begin their studies.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the postgraduate accommodation guarantee is available to:

• new international postgraduate studentswho are not currently living in the UK; and
• students progressing from the International Study Centre (ISC) to postgraduate study at Durham.

The guarantee applies to the offer of a single study bedroom in University-managed accommodation.

To be considered under the postgraduate accommodation guarantee, you must:

• be starting full-time postgraduate study in September 2026;
• intend to live in University accommodation for the full academic year; and
• complete the required steps through the combined Membership and Accommodation Application before the deadline 23:59 (BST) on 30 June 2026.

Applications submitted after this deadline are not covered by the postgraduate accommodation guarantee.

Accommodation Offers and Acceptance

Where accommodation can be offered, you will receive:

• an accommodation offer, and
• a Licence Agreement.

To secure your accommodation, you must accept the Licence Agreement by the stated deadline. Acceptance of the Licence Agreement confirms your accommodation for the academic year.

If you choose not to accept the offer, or do not meet the acceptance deadline, the accommodation offer will be withdrawn and the room made available to another student.

Applications Not Covered by the Guarantee

Students who:

• apply after the published deadline, or
• do not meet the eligibility criteria for the accommodation guarantee

and who request accommodation will be placed on an accommodation waitlist. Offers from the waitlist are made subject to availability and in date order.

Part-Time and Distance Learning Students

Part-time and distance learning postgraduate students are not eligible for University accommodation. These students may wish to explore private housing options or contact their allocated college regarding any non-residential or short-term arrangements.

Communication

All communications relating to postgraduate accommodation, including offers, waitlist status, and acceptance deadlines, are issued directly by email. Students are responsible for checking their emails regularly and responding by the published deadlines.

Accommodation offers are made in line with the published process and are not subject to individual negotiation or reconsideration outside this policy.