2023/24 FAQs For New Students

When does term start?

New students should travel to Durham for the start of Welcome and Orientation Week – Monday 25 September 2023 – ahead of term starting on Monday 2 October 2023 for the majority of students. 

A number of postgraduate programmes have alternative start dates. Your department will communicate this to you if this is the case.

What happens in Welcome and Orientation Week?

There are lots of important activities taking place for new students ahead of term starting during Welcome and Orientation Week. These include College Orientation and Induction, Department Inductions, UKVI Right to Study checks, Sports and Activities Fair and Freshers' Fair. Here, you can find out more about, and sign up to, student clubs and societies. 

As well as helping you to settle into your accommodation, College and the University, Welcome and Orientation Week helps you to prepare for the start of your course and provides an opportunity for you to make friends and meet your tutors. 

More information about Welcome and Orientation Week is available on our Welcome and Orientation webpages.

Will there be a Meet & Greet service for international students?

We will be offering a Meet & Greet Service for new international students at Newcastle International Airport on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September*. College accommodation will be available from Wednesday 20 September for all international and postgraduate students.

Please click here to book a place on this service. There is no charge for this service.

*Colleges will be welcoming UK students on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September. 

Page reviewed on 4 August 2023.