Skip to main content
International
Students chatting

Information for new international arrivals

International Orientation Day is on Friday 25 September 2026. Welcome and Orientation Week will commence on Monday 28 September 2026.

A small number of our programmes, such as the full-time MBA and PGCE programmes, start earlier. Your school or department will contact you directly regarding arrival dates and arrangements.
Use our checklist to help you prepare for life at Durham
Group of five students walking down from the Ogden Centre smiling

Book our International Meet and Greet service

This free service is available to new first year international students arriving at Newcastle Airport on 23 and 24 September 2026.

Find out more

    

Your international arrival checklist

A group of three students stood in front of a view over Durham with Durham Cathedral in the background

Step 1: Student immigration and visas

Before arriving, you must apply for a UK visa, complete a Right to Study check, and may need to have a Tuberculosis (TB) test. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is required to apply for a UK student visa.

UK visa requirements Student immigration guidance
Two students walking past a coffee shop in Durham City centre

Step 2: What to bring and not to bring

There are lots of local shops, so you can buy most of what you need when you arrive in Durham with us. We advise you to bring no more than two suitcases.

Read our packing guide
a view of the cathedral and the river

Step 3: Travelling to Durham

If you're a new first year international student arriving at Newcastle Airport on Wednesday 23 or 24 September 2026, you can book our free Meet and Greet service. We'll greet you at the airport and guide you to your transport, which will take you to your college or private accommodation.

International Meet and Greet service Plan your route to Durham
Two women in walking through Durham city centre

Step 4: Welcome events and induction

Check everything you need to know before you arrive, including the actions you need to take and guidance on how best to prepare for your first few weeks in Durham. You can also use our online planner to view the induction events for your course and College during Welcome Week.

Welcome and Orientation 2026 Induction planner
Durham Cathedral

Step 5: Life in Durham

Moving to the UK to study is an exciting time. Discover more about what it's like to live in Durham and the UK, read blogs by current international students about their experiences, and learn more about the support available at the University.

Life in Durham and the UK Take a self-guided tour of Durham
Students playing hockey

Step 6: Things to do in Durham

There's plenty to do in and around Durham during your time with us. You can get involved in our student enrichment and sports activities, enjoy Durham's range of coffee shops and restaurants, visit local attractions, and attend local events.

Things to do Student enrichment opportunities
a view of the cathedral and the river

Step 7: Fresher's Handbook

The ISA 26-27 Freshers Handbook which includes lots of useful information to help with your arrival and getting set up in Durham is available here.

Fresher's Handbook
two students reading

Information for pre-sessional students

Our free airport pick-up service for new pre-sessional students took place on Saturday 4 July 2026 for the 10-week programme and on Saturday 1 August 2026 for the 6-week programme.

Find out more