Welcome and Orientation 2026

We can't wait for you to join us - we know you'll love studying here. Here's our guide to help you prepare for your first few weeks, meet fellow students and find your way around.

Welcome to Durham

We're looking forward to welcoming you from September 2026.

Before you arrive in Durham, there's various steps we ask you to take to make sure you're as prepared as possible from day one. This Welcome and Orientation guide will talk you through what you need to do. Welcome Week will take place from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, with term officially starting on Monday 5 October.

What to do next

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Guidance that is relevant for you

Undergraduate UK Students

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International Students

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Postgraduate Taught UK Students

Postgraduate Research UK Students

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Create your personal Welcome Week planner

Use the Online Planner to create your personalised schedule, simply select: - Your Department - Your College - Your Level of Study (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research)

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

Create your Personal Welcome Week Planner

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Explore more

Matriculation

Colleges

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Academic Departments

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Libraries

Durham Students' Union

Finding Your Way Around Durham

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University Attractions

Student Enrichment at Durham

Our Wider Student Experience offers unique and distinctive opportunities. There's so many ways to get involved and find your passion and your place at Durham. From sports, theatre and music, to volunteering and leadership programmes.

Find out more

Screenshot of DU Student News Instagram feed.

Follow the official Instagram for our student community

DU Student News is our dedicated Instagram channel for current students. We share lots of useful pre-arrival information, as well as news, events and important info once you’re here too.