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

New Postgraduate Research UK Students

Congratulations! We’re delighted to welcome you to Durham as a postgraduate research student. We want to do everything we can to make your arrival as smooth and as memorable as possible. This page contains lots of helpful information to help you settle in at Durham as quickly as possible. 

Below are links to all the information you need to know before you arrive, including actions you need to take, and guidance on how you can best prepare for your first few weeks. 

If you have any questions, get in touch.

Before you arrive

Our handy checklist

Here are the key tasks to complete before you arrive in Durham.
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Plan your Welcome Week

Use our handy online planner to create your personal plan of events for the week according to your course and college.
Group of students chatting with laptops at a table

Get to know your College

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

Get to know your Academic Department

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

Student Community Induction

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

Vaccinations

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

Once you arrive

Matriculation

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

Register for a GP and other essential medical information

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

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

Keeping you in the loop

Find out about how we will communicate with you once you’re a Durham student, and where you can get your important updates and information.
A female student smiling

Support is available

Get in touch

If you have any questions – from completing enrolment to arriving in Durham – we can help. Get in touch via the Smart Service Gateway.
3 students at a table with a laptop

Student Support Services

Student Support is here to help you throughout your time at University. Find out about the range of services available to all Durham students.
A male student chatting with two other males with their back to us

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

Other useful information

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

Digital Capabilities Hub

There’s lots of resources you can access to improve your digital capabilities and skills.
Close-up of a 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

Need more information?

Return to our main welcome pages for new students 

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