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Newcastle Road, Durham, DH1 4FA
5 mins by public transport, 12 mins walk to Central Durham
£275
/week1-63 Front Street, New Durham, Durham, DH1 2GS
14 mins by public transport to Central Durham
£290
/weekDurham DH1 1SJ, United Kingdom
14 mins by public transport to Central Durham
£279
/week20 Claypath Durham DH1 1RH
11 mins by public transport, 12 mins walk to Central Durham
£313
/weekNorth Road, Durham, DH1 4RY
4 mins walk to Central Durham
£182
/weekSt Andrews Court Durham, England, DH1 3AH, United Kingdom
15 mins walk to Central Durham
£1,575
/week
Durham is a historic city in North East England, characterised by its mediaeval architecture and the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. It serves as a major educational hub, with a student population of above 25,000, creating a vibrant, collegiate atmosphere throughout the year. It’s also a very compact city, nestled within a loop of the River Wear, making most academic and retail facilities accessible by foot or bicycle.
Durham has a strong academic heritage and offers a blend of historic culture and modern student amenities. Finding student accommodation in Durham is a priority for many, as the city’s popularity often leads to high demand for high-quality housing. Casita helps students navigate these options by providing a platform to compare various properties and locations. Whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of the city centre or the quieter residential streets of Gilesgate, the city offers a supportive environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Durham University is one of the few universities in the UK to operate a collegiate system. Students belong to one of the university's colleges, which provide accommodation, welfare support, social activities, sports opportunities, and a strong sense of community alongside academic study. Consistently ranked among the world’s elite, Durham University holds the 94th position in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Durham University is a member of the Russell Group, a network of leading UK research-intensive universities.
With a total student population of over 21,200, the university maintains a vibrant global community where international students make up roughly 33% of the student body. The university performs strongly across a wide range of subject areas, particularly Theology, Archaeology, Geography, and Classics.
Operating as a unique satellite campus, Teikyo University of Japan in Durham serves as a cultural and academic bridge between the UK and Asia. Because the campus is designed specifically for Japanese students to immerse themselves in British culture and the English language.
The campus primarily serves Japanese students participating in study-abroad programmes in the UK. It maintains a long-standing partnership with Durham University, allowing students to participate in shared cultural and sporting activities.
New College Durham is a major regional provider of further and higher education, recognised for its vocational focus and high achievement rates. The college is recognised for its vocational education, apprenticeship programmes, and higher education provision.
The college serves a total population of approximately 8,000 students, including over 2,300 enrolled in Higher Education programs. The college provides specialised degrees in fields like Engineering and Health & Social Care, often validated by leading UK universities.
Student accommodation in the Durham market features a mix of historic college halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and private shared houses.
Durham offers several distinct neighbourhoods that cater to different student lifestyles and budgets.
Located south-east of Durham's historic centre, Elvet is one of the most popular student areas due to its proximity to several Durham University colleges and academic departments. Students benefit from easy access to Palace Green, Durham Cathedral, and the city centre, while enjoying a lively student atmosphere throughout the academic year.
Situated on the eastern side of Durham city centre, Claypath is a convenient location for students seeking quick access to shops, restaurants, nightlife, and university facilities. The area is particularly popular among students looking for accommodation close to both the city centre and Durham Railway Station.
Located just east of the centre, Gilesgate is known for its community feel and retail parks. Key attractions include Wharton Park and the Durham Sands riverside area.
Situated near the Mountjoy academic site, this area is quieter and popular with postgraduates. It is known for its green spaces and the Durham University Botanic Garden.
Durham is considered one of the more affordable student cities in England, particularly when compared to London and many cities in the South East. However, accommodation costs can be relatively high due to strong demand from Durham University's large student population. Actual living expenses will vary depending on accommodation type, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Room Type | Average Monthly Cost (£) |
Shared Room | £550 - £800 |
En-suite Room | £700 - £1,000 |
Studio Apartment | £900 - £1,350 |
Premium Studio | £1,350 - £1,700 |
Item | Average Cost (£) |
Fresh White Bread (500g) | £0.80 - £1.80 |
Milk (1L) | £0.90 - £1.70 |
White Rice (1kg) | £1.00 - £3.00 |
Eggs (12) | £2.00 - £4.50 |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £5.50 - £8.50 |
Apples (1kg) | £1.50 - £3.00 |
Tomatoes (1kg) | £1.50 - £3.50 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | £5.00 - £12.00 |
Item | Average Monthly Cost (£) |
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water) | £80 - £180 |
Mobile Phone Plan | £8 - £25 |
Home Broadband | £25 - £40 |
Many purpose-built student accommodation options in Durham include utility bills and Wi-Fi within the rent.
Item | Average Cost (£) |
One-Way Bus Ticket | £2 - £4 |
Student Bus Pass (Annual) | £220+ |
16-25 Railcard (Annual) | £35 |
Due to Durham's compact size, many students choose to walk or cycle between accommodation, university buildings, and the city centre, helping reduce monthly transport costs.
Durham's transport network is centred on bus services, rail connections, cycling, and walking. Most student areas are linked by frequent services operated by Arriva and Go North East.
The primary mode of transport within the city. Students can purchase the Arriva Durham University Annual Pass for £220, which offers unlimited travel in the Uni Zone.
Durham Railway Station is on the East Coast Main Line, providing direct links to London, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. This is ideal for students travelling home or exploring the UK.
Due to the city's compact size and the peninsula layout of the university, walking is the most common and cost-free way to reach lectures.
The city offers several cycle paths along the river and main roads.
Durham Cathedral: A world-renowned masterpiece of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site that is free for students to visit.
Durham Castle: Currently part of University College, students can take guided tours of this 11th-century fortress during designated visitor periods.
Oriental Museum: This museum houses exceptional collections of art and archaeology from North Africa and Asia.
Gala Theatre: A central hub for theatre, cinema, and comedy, offering student concessions for various performances.
Durham University Botanic Garden: A 10-hectare site featuring diverse plant life, glasshouses, and quiet study spots.
Museum of Archaeology: Located within the Palace Green Library, this free museum explores the history of Durham and the wider North East through archaeological collections spanning prehistory to the mediaeval period.
When should I start looking for Durham student accommodation?
You should start looking before 3-5 months for Durham student accommodation once you submit the university application. While Casita is there to help you with most of the steps; the room type, the amenities provided, the location, and proximity to your university, thorough research is still an essential step to ensure a smooth booking process. Also, if in any case you don't receive your university acceptance letter, Casita gives you the liberty of free cancellation with no hidden charges.
Contact our accommodation experts to inquire about pet-friendly accommodations in Durham, as we constantly get new accommodation options.
When should I book my student accommodation for the September intake?
Securing student accommodation should be done around six months before your intake. Book your Durham student accommodation preferably between the months of January and March.
Yes, they require additional costs, which often include a pet deposit, pet rent, cleaning costs, and insurance costs.
Are there short-term stays in Durham?
Yes, but you should check the availability of your student accommodation of choice during your desired period. You can also refer to a Casita accommodation expert to help you find accommodation that accepts short-term stays.
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