The student guide to Durham

While famous for its historic cathedral and collegiate university, there’s so much more to Durham than you initially think – which makes it the ideal city to explore as a student.

Whether it’s your first year studying in the city or your last, our guide to student living in Durham will help you make the most of your time in this northern city.

Our guide to Durham student life

Things every Durham student needs to know

Home to a thriving student population, the city of Durham is also a world heritage site. Famous for historical landmarks including Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, Durham was founded in 995 by Anglo-Saxon monks looking for safety during Viking raids.

Located in the northeast of England, Durham was built on a meander of the River Wear which stretches from the Pennines to the North Sea. Steeped in culture, having submitted a bid for UK City of Culture 2025, Durham is brimming with things to do and see – if you don’t mind climbing its many hills.

Travelling to Durham is relatively straightforward, with Durham railway station operating on the main UK rail network. There are frequent direct trains to Edinburgh, London, and Manchester, making this a well-connected city. Domestic and international flights operate from nearby Newcastle International Airport, which is approximately an hour away by public transport. Situated just off the A1, driving to and from Durham is easy. If you’d rather take public transport, local services operate from the recently redeveloped Durham bus station.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Durham when you’re not studying. Aside from the obvious historical landmarks, Durham is home to beautiful architecture throughout the city. Simply look up to be transported as far back as the 11th century.

For those who enjoy getting out and enjoying the scenery, a trip to Durham Botanic Gardens may be in order. This 10-hectare outdoor space is set amongst the woodlands in the south of the city, with tickets as cheap as £4.50 for concessions. Alternatively, why not hire a rowing boat from outside The Boathouse and sail along the River Wear? Or, if you’d prefer somebody else to do the steering, river cruises operate from the same area.

For all the culture aficionados, Durham’s Gala Theatre stages everything from musicals to comedy to spoken word. Feeling bookish? Find your next read at one of Durham’s independent bookshops, including the likes of Collected and LGBTQ+ specialists BookWyrm. If you need to unwind after a long day’s studying with some retail therapy, head down to Prince Bishops Place or Durham Market, home to affordable essentials and quirky goodies.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to Durham student nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a chill drink with friends or fancy going out out for a night on the town, there’s a range of clubs and student bars in Durham to experience.

Full of charm, the tiny Old Tom’s Gin Bar is the perfect place for a quiet cocktail. Sit on their terrace, drink in hand, and take in views of the beautiful riverside as the sun sets. Other options include Osbournes, situated just off Elvet Bridge, and Tin of Sardines.

The infamous nightclub Klute is a favourite amongst Durham students, but you’ve also got the likes of Loft on North Road. Not to mention, Durham is only a short train journey away from Newcastle, a city famous for its nightlife scene if you really want to let your hair down.

Durham has no shortage of culinary delights on offer. From quaint cafes to buffets to fine dining, Durham has something to suit every student palate, budget, or dietary restriction.

Looking for a tasty brunch spot? Flat White Kitchen on Saddler Street also does exquisite coffee and mouthwatering cake. Warning: it usually has queues out the door so get there early! Alternative coffee spots include Cafédral and Vennels Café.

For lovers of Spanish tapas, Gussto offer delicious small plates in the heart of Durham, including fan favourites such as patatas bravas and tortilla Española. There’s also Zen on Court Lane which produces tasty Thai cuisine in a peaceful setting, complete with authentic décor.

The city is home to Durham University, one of only three collegiate universities in the UK, the other two being Oxford and Cambridge. Over 20,000 students study at this institution, with university buildings spread across the city.

In terms of student accommodation in and around the city centre, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Alongside the university’s owned dedicated accommodation, you also have Student Roost’s Chapel Heights. Located just a short walk from Durham city centre, this studio-only accommodation is ideal if you’re looking for your own living space within an existing student community. Plus, you’ll receive additional benefits like all bills included (no caps!), 24/7 support and more.

We’d love to have you call our Durham accommodation your home. Start your next student chapter in Durham (and use our Durham city guide to help you on your way) by arranging a face-to-face or virtual viewing at Chapel Heights. This will help you find out why we're more than a room so you can get to the important stuff, like enjoying your student experience in Durham.