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Three female students studying indoors

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all our new postgraduate students who have been allocated to University College.

We are excited to welcome you to Castle

Welcome from the Principal, Professor Wendy Powers

 

Welcome to Castle!

Our college community provides a dynamic environment in which you will explore who you are, what you believe, and where you are going.  Your peers will be doing the same, and their journey will be different from yours.  As we get to know one another and engage interesting conversations, we will co-create community grounded in the values of civility, respect and appreciation of difference. 

We hope you’ll use these first weeks and months as an opportunity to get involved – try new activities, meet new people, and ask lots of questions.  There are college, department and uni-wide opportunities for involvement.  The most successful students find ways to engage in a bit of both.

Attending university can be challenging for all sorts of reasons, and we have a wonderful Student Support Team in Castle that is here to assist you along the journey.  The professional staff partners with our student welfare team to ensure there are many educational and supportive outlets for you and your peers. 

We also enjoy the privilege of living and learning in a castle on a world heritage site.  Together, we are trusted caretakers of history while we prepare for and advance the future. 

Remember these keys to Castle student success – those who open their hearts and minds to others, those who practice civility and respect, those who ask for assistance, and those who show up – these are the students most likely to flourish in this renowned learning community. 

On behalf of everyone at Castle, we are delighted you’ve joined us!

Floreat Castellum!

Long live Castle

Wendy

University student
You’ve made it—congratulations! Whether you’re joining us from the UK or from abroad, you’re about to become part of a unique and diverse community that feels like family. Durham stands out from other universities with its Collegiate system, where the common rooms play a central role in shaping the student experience. The Middle Common Room (MCR) is the heart of our postgraduate life—a welcoming, united and diverse community that proudly calls Castle our home. By choosing to become an MCR member, you’ll dive into an exciting year filled with events, activities, and unforgettable experiences. We have a very special Freshers’ Week programme lined up and I hope to see you all soon.
George Vranceanu
MCR President

 

 Banner image of the Castle and things you need to do before you arrive

Checklist: things you need to do before you arrive

Before you become a member of Castle, there’s a number of documents to read and forms to complete. We will be sending you a weekly newsletter, Countdown to Castle, to share more information on what you need to do. Some students prefer to have a tick list and overview from the beginning, which is below.

What you need to do Where Deadline & Notes
1. University College Handbook 

This has been emailed to all new postgraduate students.

 

 All students should read this handbook carefully before arriving at Durham. 
2. Enrolment 

Postgraduate Taught (PGT): Checklist for New Students - Durham University

Postgraduate Research (PGR): Checklist for New Students - Durham University

Make sure you complete enrolment so we can complete identity verification when you arrive.

 
3. Consent Matters

Complete the ‘Consent Matters’ course and the ‘Respect, Values and Behaviours’ course on Learn Ultra. 

 We will be sending more details and links to access these courses in follow-up emails, so please keep checking your emails for this information. 
4. Healthcare / GP

www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/student-support-and-wellbeing/medical-registration-and-advice/  

 

If you’re moving to Durham, please register with a healthcare practice (GP).

Details on vaccinations can be found here: www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/student-support-and-wellbeing/vaccinations/#d.en.1238066 
5. MCR

Join the MCR here.

Find out more about the Middle Common Room here: Castle MCR | University College, Durham University

Join the Middle Common Room, our student body for postgraduate students. 
6. Freshers' Week and Orientation

Our programme for Freshers' week events, from Wednesday 25 September – Sunday 6 October, has been emailed directly to new postgrad students.

 		  
7. Optional Things to Buy

Buy a linen pack for your college accommodation:

Double bed £53 (all Postgrad rooms at New Kepier Court have double beds)

Buy a gown for Matriculation and Formal dinners: buy a gown

You can buy a gown and if you're travelling from overseas you may wish to buy a bedding pack. 

We will be sending weekly newsletters, called Countdown to Castle, over the next few weeks so please make sure we have your current email address so you don't miss important updates.

Countdown to Castle

Arriving in Durham

We look forward to meeting you! If you are arriving from overseas please find more information here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/arrivals/

Arrivals arrangements for students living in College accommodation will be shared separately. 

MCR and the Principal at Holi

Freshers' Week and Orientation

We'll be sharing more information about plans for Freshers' Week and Orientation in the coming weeks, as well as how to join the Middle Common Room. Check back soon for updates.

Castle MCR

About the MCR

As a member of the MCR, you can look forward to a full programme of events and activities run throughout the year. whether it’s our socials and balls, our frequent welfare and mentoring events, or our seminar series and Academic Conference. Castle itself also offers a wide range of facilities; you might work or socialise in the gorgeous Maurice Tucker Room (the home of the MCR), study in our Lowe Library (with great views of the Courtyard) or dine in the stunning Great Hall. 

However, it is the community, as well as the facilities, which make Castle what it is - and as such, as an MCR member you may join an enormous range of Castle societies. You might join one of our sports teams, take a shine to Castle music, or help our outreach and charity work through CCA (Castle Community Action). I am always happy to hear suggestions on how we might improve the postgraduate experience at Castle, and you might do so yourself by joining one of our committees or even running for a position within the MCR! 

If you have any questions about the MCR, Castle or postgraduate life please do get in touch at president.castlemcr@durham.ac.uk.

 

Your first week in Durham – University Induction Week Events Timetable

The Timetable has been designed so College events don’t clash with any of your academic departmental events, but offer you lots of opportunities to meet your fellow Freshers, find your way around and settle into student life.

To help you keep track of where you need to be, and what you need to do during your first busy days at university, in your College and your Department, we have created a day-by-day University Induction Planner. This should help you to plan your schedule, so you don't miss anything - from being issued with your Campus Card or meeting the staff in your Department, to trying out for a sports team or joining a student society.
Your Personal Induction Planner
Students on laptop with cups of tea in Josephine Butler College café

Useful links

Student updates

Check out our student blogs to read more about life at Durham from our students. Don't forget to follow us on social media!

Highlights

What to bring to University

Read our top recommendations to add to your packing list ready for your arrival at Durham.
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Welcome to Durham – and stop worrying!

Moving to University can be a daunting prospect but there’s no need to worry, you’ll feel right at home here.
Durham Cathedral and Framwellgate Bridge over the River Wear

Get in touch

If you have any queries about any of this information or any aspect of coming to Durham please contact us.

University College

Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW

College Reception Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 3800