What is college membership?

At Durham, you will become a member of a College community, which represents everyone, from new undergraduate to PhD student. Our Colleges offer space to live with, and learn from, one another, as well as to debate, socialise, and mix with other students; and there are numerous opportunities to engage in sport, outreach, music, theatre, and the arts.

College is a place to develop your skills and enhance your wellbeing, with dedicated support and guidance from staff ready to offer help at every stage of your time at Durham. All our Colleges provide facilities to support your academic learning, and your personal development, such as libraries and social spaces and, in some Colleges, a chapel or prayer room.

Every College has a representative body for undergraduate students called the Junior Common Room. As a member of the Junior Common Room, you can participate in elected student leadership, organise student-led events, and engage in local, regional, and global issues. Sixteen of our colleges welcome both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a seventeenth postgraduate-only College. Our seventeen Colleges mean hugely increased opportunities for challenge and for making memories; there is truly something for everyone.

You can use the information on college webpages or attend a Pre-Application Open Day to find out more about our Colleges. We encourage you to visit Durham City to look around if you have the opportunity. You can also talk to current or past students of the University - but be warned, you will probably find our students are very loyal to their membership at their college!