At Durham University, all postgraduate students become members of a college community as part of their offer. College membership is separate from accommodation and applies to all students, regardless of where they live.

Colleges bring together students from across different disciplines and levels of study, creating a stimulating academic and social environment. Through guest lectures, talks, exhibitions, and college-based events, you will have opportunities to explore new ideas, broaden your thinking, and engage with perspectives beyond your own subject area. College life also provides a supportive space to try something new, whether that is taking part in sport, the arts, drama, theatre, music, or organising and delivering student-led activities and events.

While all colleges share a common commitment to student support and development, each has its own traditions, ethos, buildings, and culture. Every college has a representative student body, usually known as a Common Room. As a postgraduate student, you may become a member of a Middle Common Room (MCR), Graduate Common Room (GCR), Student Representative Council (SRC), or Senior Common Room (SCR), depending on your college. Through your Common Room, you can take part in elected student leadership, organise events, and engage with issues at a local, regional, or global level. Sixteen colleges welcome both undergraduate and postgraduate students, alongside one postgraduate-only college, offering a wide range of communities and experiences.

Postgraduate college membership is allocated through the combined Membership and Accommodation Application, which opens on 30 March 2026. To access the application, offer holders must first accept their academic offer from Durham University. Within the application, you may rank up to five colleges in order of preference. While your preferences are taken into account, submitting preferences does not guarantee allocation to a specific college.

College membership allocations are made using published criteria to ensure fairness and consistency. These include your stated college preferences, type of study (taught or research), fee status (home or international), and any confirmed Disability Support recommendations. All postgraduate students will receive confirmation of their college membership, including those who do not request or accept University accommodation.