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Welcome and Orientation 2026
Students walking with Durham Cathedral in the background

New International Students

Congratulations! We’re delighted to welcome you to Durham and want to do everything we can to make your arrival as smooth and as memorable as possible. This page contains lots of helpful information to help you settle into student life as quickly as possible. 

Below are links to all the information you need to know before you arrive, including actions you need to take, and guidance on how you can best prepare for your first few weeks in Durham. 

If you have any questions, get in touch.

Before you arrive

What you need to do - including Enrolment and Registration guidance

Here are the key tasks to complete before you arrive in Durham.
Two male students chatting

Airport Meet and Greet Service

New first year international students who arrive at Newcastle Airport on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th September 2026 can book our free Meet and Greet Service.
Durham city

Plan your Welcome Week

Use our handy online planner to create your personal plan of events for the week according to your course and college.
Group of students chatting with laptops at a table

Get to know your College

Find the specific welcome information related to your College.
Pair of students walking outside of South College

Get to know your Academic Department

Follow the link to your department or programme to find out specific welcome information related to your course.
Student studying in the library

Support on transitioning to Higher Education

Access a range of information and support to make the transition to Higher Education and University life easier for you.
Two students walking and chatting outside the Teaching and Learning Centre

Student Community Induction

We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community where every individual feels valued and supported.
Students on grass with trees and cathedral in the distance

Vaccinations

We encourage all students to make sure their vaccinations are up to date before they arrive in Durham.
Essential Medical Information

Once you arrive

Finding your way to and around Durham

How to get to Durham, handy maps and virtual tours.
Students walking in Durham

International Orientation Day 2026

Gain important information, ask questions, and meet fellow international students as you begin your journey at Durham.
Teaching and Learning Centre

Matriculation

Matriculation ceremonies are held annually to welcome new students to Durham University.
New students stood outside Durham Castle during Matriculation

Register for a GP and other essential medical information

Register with a Doctor for your time at University and find out other essential medical information.
Claypath Medical Centre Durham

Staying safe in Durham

We take the safety and wellbeing of our community seriously. Find everything you need to know about staying safe on and offline.
Durham City Centre

Support is available

Get in touch

If you have any questions – from completing enrolment to arriving in Durham – we can help. Get in touch via the Smart Service Gateway.
3 students at a table with a laptop

Student Support Services

Student Support is here to help you throughout your time at University. Find out about the range of services available to all Durham students.
A male student chatting with two other males with their back to us

Student Immigration Service

We provide advice for international students looking to enter or remain in the UK to study. This includes support with your Student Visa and Right to Study Checks.
laptop notepad

Finance information for International Students

Useful money advice and guidance specifically for international students including banking and protecting your money.
An image of a hand holding a pencil, going through a receipt with a notepad and calculator

Disability support

Our mission is to support all students to engage fully with their learning experience and achieve academic success.
Two students emerging through the double doors of the Disability Support service office in the Palatine Centre

International Students' Association

The Durham University International Students' Association represent the University's international students. You can find out more about what they do on their Instagram.
Student looking at another student, with others in the background

Other useful information

Keeping you in the loop

Find out about how we will communicate with you once you’re a Durham student, and where you can get your important updates and information.
A female student smiling

Digital Capabilities Hub

There’s lots of resources you can access to improve your digital capabilities and skills.
Close-up of a laptop

Student Pledge

Read the Student Pledge to see how you can help create a supportive, inclusive community at Durham.
Two female students walking and chatting outside of the Ogden Centre

Electoral registration

Don’t miss out on the chance to have your say. Make sure you are registered to vote in local and national elections.
Two students looking at laptop

Need more information?

Return to our main welcome pages for new students 

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