FAQs

Congratulations to all our new postgraduate offer-holders! Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about University College, our Accommodation and next steps. More Frequently Asked Questions about the broader Allocation Process can be found here: The Allocation Process - Postgraduate - Durham University If after reading these you still have a question, please contact us via univcoll.admissions@durham.ac.uk 

What is a MCR?

Our Middle Common Room is the student-led organisation which runs a programme of events, opportunities, sport, music, drama, volunteering and much more! We recommend postgraduates join the MCR. You can find out more: Castle MCR | University College, Durham University

What accommodation do you have at University College?

We offer postgraduates self-catered accommodation at our New Kepier Court site, which is a 10-15 minute walk from Castle. All rooms are en suite. More information is available here: durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/university/accommodation/ 

Students in our self-catered accommodation are also welcome to eat meals in the Great Hall on a pay-as-you-go basis, via contactless payment.

How do I apply for accommodation?

You don't need to do anything now! We will contact all our offer holders over the summer to ask your preferences for accommodation: studio or flat with a shared kitchen. We will try where possible to meet preferences however we cannot guarantee a particular room type. If you have specific medical, religious or cultural needs you will be asked to share these as part of the accommodation preference form, along with supporting evidence where appropriate.

I need a specific room type for a medical, religious or cultural reason. Do you need any information now?

If you have specific medical, religious or cultural needs for a room type you will be asked to share these as part of the accommodation preference form this summer, along with supporting evidence where appropriate. 

Can I change my allocated college?

It is not possible to change your provisional allocated college, unless your allocated college cannot meet your medical needs. If you have been allocated to another college please contact that college directly to discuss your specific needs and if they can be met by your college.

My course details are incorrect.

If you have any queries about the course you have been offered please contact the University Central Admissions via https://durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Scholarships and Financial Support

More information about Scholarships and Financial Support is available here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

The University expects students to have a sound financial plan for financing their studies before enrolling at the University.

We have a range of funds to support and encourage our current students, thanks to the generosity of our Alumni. More information can be found here: www.castlealumni.uk/support

Can I visit over the summer?

We have a programme of summer works over the summer so unfortunately will not be able to offer drop ins. However, our Castle Tours are bookable and give an insight into some of our heritage spaces. There is a small charge for these tours, which are often led by University College students. Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/durham-castle-museum-and-tours-33796687285

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.

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.

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.

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.