Student Accommodation in Durham

Searching for student accommodation in Durham? Alphaway is here to help you. Whether you are studying at Durham University or one of the colleges nearby, there is a great selection of budget-friendly student accommodation in Durham just waiting for you. You can choose from ensuite student rooms, private student studio in Durham, and shared student apartments, all created with your comfort in mind. Alphaway’s Durham accommodations also offer essential facilities like high-speed Wi-Fi, study procedure, gym, and communal social areas. All you need to do is scroll, explore and book your student room in Durham today!

About Durham

Durham is a small yet lively town that wonderfully balances history and culture with modern student life. Famous for its stunning cathedral, cobbled streets, and riverside walks. Durham is multicultural, hospitable, and compact, meaning you're never far from cafés, restaurants, or quiet places to study.

At the center of town is Durham University, one of the most prestigious in the UK and home to students from across the globe. With plenty of student-friendly neighborhoods, quaint cafés, and regular social events, Durham offers an appropriate balance of academic focus and fun. If you're looking for a quick getaway, Newcastle, Sunderland, and York can be reached within a short train ride!

Best Student Accommodation in Durham

At Alphaway you will find the best student accommodation in Durham including budget-friendly shared student flats to ensuite student bedrooms and a luxury student accommodation in Durham. Every property is verified, secure, and designed for student living. With 24/7 support and trusted listings, Alphaway helps thousands of students find their perfect home every year. Look through student rooms in Durham and find the accommodation to fit your lifestyle:

• Elvet Studios
• Houghall Court 

Why Choose Durham for Higher Education

Durham is one of the UK’s favorite destinations for students given the world-class level of education and small localized academic community it provides. Students receive the benefit of world-leading research facilities, effective and supportive teaching, and the opportunity to link with global companies via placements and internships. And, on top of all that, the attractive lifestyle in the place and affordable living costs contribute to Durham being a great place for students.

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Durham

Durham has several student-friendly neighborhoods with easy access to the university and city amenities. Here are some of the most popular areas for student homes in Durham:

• City Centre: The most convenient option, right next to Durham University, local shops, cafés, and student residences. Ideal for students wanting to be in the middle of it all.
• Claypath: A short distance from the city center, Claypath has affordable student housing in Durham, plus local gyms, local markets, and bus routes.
• Gilesgate: Gilesgate is known to have some of the cheapest student housing near the university, it also has supermarkets, pubs, and transport, making it a practical choice.
• Neville’s Cross: A quieter residential area that is popular with students who want a bit of peace but still want to live close to Durham University.
• Viaduct: Best known for its student atmosphere, Viaduct is packed with student shared apartments, cafés, and bars; ideal for people who like a busy social scene.

Different Types of Student Accommodation in Durham

• Private Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): The most common option is purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Durham. These modern buildings are designed for students and offer ensuite student rooms, shared apartments and private student studio in Durham. All rooms are fully furnished and include all bills, wi-fi, and other amenities such as study lounges, gyms, laundry facilities, and other social areas. PBSA are popular because they are safe, convenient, great for community building, and furnished, so they are a common choice for both local and international students.
• University Halls: Offered by Durham University, these halls are typically situated on or near campus. The facilities vary from hall to hall, but are ideal for keeping close to lectures, other students and join
• Shared Apartments: Shared student apartment in Durham are rented by the students. These flats enable you to have more independence, but the hassle of paying bills and cleaning services also falls on you.

Cost of Living in Durham for International Students

The cost of living in Durham is comparatively affordable. Here’s a rough breakdown of monthly living expenses in Durham:

• Rent: £180-£300 per week depending on location and room type. Most PBSAs include bills and Wi-Fi.
• Groceries: Approximately £120-£160 per month for cooking at home. Popular choices are Aldi, Tesco, and Sainsbury's.
• Travel: £40-£60 per month. Durham itself is very small, so most students walk/cycle everywhere, while buses can be utilized for further journeys.
• Dining Out: £10-£20 per meal. There are lots of excellent, budget-friendly cafés and a student pub around the city center.
• Entertainment and Shopping: £50-£80 per month, which would include some trips to the cinema and events and the occasional shopping trip.

Transportation in Durham

Getting around Durham is super easy and affordable. Here are a few ways you can travel around town:

• Buses: Cheap and a good network, regularly serving the city and outlying areas.
• Trains: Durham station connects you directly to Newcastle, York, London, etc., for weekend adventures!
• Walking & Cycling: The small city layout makes walking and cycling a popular option for many students.
• Airports: Newcastle International Airport is the closest, on the train just under one hour away.
• Student Travel Discounts: Save money with local student travel passes and national rail cards. 

Student Life in Durham

Durham offers a perfect balance of academics and fun, with plenty of ways to enjoy your free time:

• Restaurants & Cafés: Whether it's a riverside branch or a tree-lined coffee house, there are all kinds of new places to try.
• Student Clubs & Events: Attend university societies, cultural festivals, and student nights out.
• Markets & Malls: You can shop for all your daily needs at Durham Market Hall and The Gates and Prince Bishops.
• Weekend Getaways: If you need a quick break, there is always the coast to one side and Newcastle and York to the other.
• Libraries & Study Spaces: The coffee shops offer great study environments too, while Durham University Library is a fantastic academic resource.
• Music & Culture: There is lots of live music, theatre shows, and art exhibitions in Durham and surrounding areas.

Universities in Durham

• Durham University: It is well known for its distinctive collegiate system, where students have the benefits of working alongside world class tutors and researchers in a close community. It has well known academic standing across a variety of subjects including law, business, engineering, humanities and sciences, and is most well-known for excellent research.
• New College Durham: It is a popular choice for students in the city. It provides a wide range of vocational, technical, and academic courses - from further education to higher education degrees. Its emphasis on employability and practical learning has resulted in excellent resources and strong links to industry. The open and welcoming nature of the college, diversity of students and supportive staff creates a good atmosphere for students both locally and in Durham to try something different.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• University Scholarships: Durham University offers scholarships to UK students and international students that are both based on merit and financial need.
• Government Loans & Grants: Domestic students are eligible to apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.
• GCC Country scholarships: Students who live in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and in other Gulf properties can apply for scholarships funded by their embassies and ministries.
• External Scholarships: You will find options like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars for international students in Durham.

Tips for International Students in Durham

• Open a UK bank account as soon as possible to pay your rent and everyday expenses easily.
• Find a local SIM card with a data plan for your phone. Popular ones include giffgaff and EE.
• Learn a few local phrases. The people of Durham are friendly and will appreciate this.
• It is advisable to plan your budget for living expenses in Durham.
• Alphaway service includes pick-up from the airport, essentials kits and orientation to help you get settled as quickly as possible.

Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources

• Register with the NHS and find a GP near your accommodation in Durham.
• Keep emergency numbers saved-999 for emergencies and university security contacts.
• Stay safe at night by using well-lit routes and trusted transport.
• Access free counselling, wellbeing workshops, and mental health support offered by Durham University.

Explore Student Accommodation in Nearby UK Cities

Looking beyond Durham? Here are some popular student cities you can consider:

• Explore student accommodation in Newcastle, a lively student destination
• Discover student housing in Sunderland, offering coastal living
• Find places to stay in Leeds, a large student hub