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

New International Students

Welcome to Durham! We’re delighted to welcome you and want to do everything we can to make your arrival as smooth and as memorable as possible.

Here you can find links to all the information you need to know about your arrival into the UK and to University, what you need to do in your first few days, and useful information to help you settle into student life as quickly as possible. Use the links below to find out everything you need to know as a new international student.

Important information

What you need to do

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

Your Personal Welcome Week Planner

A handy online tool to plan your Welcome Week activities. Create your personal plan of events for the week according to your course and college.
Group of students chatting with laptops at a table

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

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

New student queries

Find out where you can get support relating to enrolment and all things getting started at Durham.
3 students at a table with a laptop

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 Hub

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

Matriculation

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

Essential medical information

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

Vaccinations

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

Student support

Student support is here to help you throughout your time at University. Find out more about our range of available services and access our Student Support Hub.
A male student chatting with two other males with their back to us

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

Other helpful things to know

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

Finance for new students

Learn more about important finance information for new students.
Two female students chatting

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

Digital Capabilities Hub

Find out what is meant by digital capabilities, undertake self-assessments, and access resources that can help you to improve your digital capabilities and skills.
Close-up of a laptop

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

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

Communicating with you

Find out how we will communicate with you once you're a Durham student, and let you know important updates and information.
A female student smiling

Find your Department and College

Academic Departments and Programmes

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

Colleges

Follow the link to your College to find out specific welcome information related to your College.
Pair of students walking outside of South College

Need more information?

Return to our main welcome pages for new students 

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