Last updated: 3:30pm, Tuesday 10th November 2026
The most important thing to know about student housing in Durham is that support is available to you throughout your housing journey.
Much of this support is provided directly by Durham University, Durham Students’ Union, Colleges and Common Rooms. The College Membership & Accommodation Office is the home of off-campus housing work at the University and works closely with the Community Relations team, Durham Students’ Union and student representatives on housing-related matters.
There are many activities, resources and sources of advice available throughout the year to help you make informed decisions about renting and to support you in getting the most from your time in private rented accommodation.
Our Renting in the Private Sector student housing guide provides practical information and signposts to support you at every stage of your housing journey. The guide covers key considerations including affordability, location and housemates, as well as advice on searching for, securing and settling into accommodation. A useful ‘fast access’ links section is also included. You can download the guide here.
College Common Rooms typically arrange housing talks during the first term of the academic year. These sessions are designed to give you plenty of time to consider your housing options before deciding where and with whom to live. Contact your College Common Room, Welfare team or Livers Out Representative to find out when your housing talk will take place.
Colleges may also organise additional events and activities for students beginning to explore accommodation options. Make sure you stay connected to your College through email and social media channels so that you do not miss updates.
Durham Students Union's 'International Students Association' organises a talk specifically for the wider International Student community around November each year. Follow the association's social media for more information on when, how and where this takes place.
Durham University’s Student Community Warden service provides advice and information about living out in the local community, including practical guidance on sustainable living. The team regularly shares information and resources through its social media channels:
Understanding students’ experiences of housing is important to us, and there are regular opportunities to take part in surveys, focus groups and research activities relating to accommodation and renting.
College Accommodation Survey
Each year, students living in College accommodation are invited to complete surveys about their experience. This work is currently managed in partnership with Global Student Living (GSL). The first survey for livers-in for 2026/27 will go live on Monday 16 November 2026 and remain open until Friday 27 November 2026. Last year over 1000 students participated in the survey, helping improve our understanding or their housing experience in our Colleges. Your participation this year will help us understand how we are doing and how we could improve.
Participate in the 2026/27 GSL Index Survey: https://survey.gslglobal.com/s/durhamuniversity
Housing Experience Project
Launched in 2025/26 our Housing Experience Project seeks to deepen our understanding of the experiences of our students renting in the private sector.
During May and June 2026, we sought to understand more about our students who live regionally beyond Durham city centre. This work was carried out in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield. Research staff were on site in Durham on Thursday 28 May, Monday 1 June and Tuesday 2 June, and in Newcastle on Thursday 4 June 2026. An online survey then ran in early June.
If you have any questions about the Housing Experience Project please contact our College Membership & Accommodation Office's Off-Campus Housing service: cmao@durham.ac.uk
Follow the links below for other useful sources of support during your housing journey.
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