Student Accommodation near Durham University

Searching for Durham University accommodation? As England's third-oldest university and a top 100 global institution (94th in QS 2026), Durham University attracts over 20,000 students. Durham University halls of residence on campus are convenient but limited, usually offering less privacy, freedom, and a shorter lease term for undergraduates (38-40 weeks). Private accommodation near Durham University allows more independence, flexibility, and freedom to choose everything on your own. More importantly, students can choose to have continuous 51-week tenancies, so you don’t have to find temporary stay or relocate during Christmas, Easter, and the entire summer.

uhomes.com provides the largest selection of verified student accommodation near Durham University housing, many of which are situated steps away from the Science Site, Business School, and Bailey colleges. We have studios, en-suites, 1B, and multi-bedroom shared houses or apartments, featuring fully furnished rooms and all-inclusive bills (protecting you from energy price hikes and hidden costs). Enjoy full control over your living environment, and also free access to premium amenities like on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and 24/7 security. Whether you are looking for a budget social flat-share or a quiet luxury studio, our Price Match Guarantee and various exclusive discounts ensure you get the best market rates.

As a Trustpilot 4.9/5 rated platform, uhomes.com simplifies the Durham "housing games" through 100% verified properties, strong filters, map function, and AI assistance. From booking to finding roommates, airport pick-up, moving, and subletting, we offer a full suite of services to make your life hassle-free. Looking for the easiest way to book? Tell our 24/7 1-on-1 experts what matters, and we will do all the hard work and offer you the perfect apartment. Start your search today and secure your ideal home near Durham University for the 2026/27 academic year!

Durham University, founded in 1832, is a collegiate public research university located in Durham in the northeast of England. Widely recognised as opening for over 600 years (only after after Oxford and Cambridge), it is considered the 3rd oldest university in England. As a member of the Russell Group, Durham University is well-known for its profound history and academic excellence.

Rankings

Durham University ranked 94th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (top 100 since 2010), 3rd in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, and 5th in the UK in Guardian University Guide 2026. Its top performance mainly came in the Sustainability category with a ranking of 19th in the world, and a world-class reputation with employers being ranked 65th. This success is a testament to the impact of academic, industrial and business partnerships, as well as further evidence of its innovative and impactful research and academic staff.

Teaching & Research

Durham University provides more than 200 undergraduate courses and 100 graduate courses, offered by 27 departments under 17 colleges. With 28 subjects ranked top 10 in the UK and 21 subjects ranked top 100 in the world, Durham will be your first choice to study Archaeology, Theology and Religion, and Classics and Ancient History. 83% of its research is regarded as world-leading, representing its excellence in teaching and academics. After graduation, more than 94.8% of the students will secure employment within 15 months, ranked 39th globally.

Student Life

As a collegiate university, it is made up of 17 colleges dotted across the city, and each features its unique personality. Living in one of the colleges is more than just living in university halls, but is more about having a sense of belonging in a close-knit community. Each college offers its own teaching plans and student halls, and there is also a wide range of off-campus Durham student accommodation since on-campus dorms are limited. With over 20,000 students from all over the world, you will find a lot of peers from diverse backgrounds in this inclusive group. There are a host of societies and clubs to take part in, and the university also invested much in its learning and sports facilities, leading to a 90% student satisfaction rate. Durham has also been a top 3 BUSC table University since 2012, where over 75% if the students engaged in sport and physical activity.  In addition, there is also a Durham University Queen's Campus, located in the town of Stockton-on-Tees, home to the Wolfson Research Institute and the International Study Centre. 

Campus & Architecture

Durham University is famous for its unique high-walled buildings, castles and churches, usually standing out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durham Cathedral is one of the most distinctive and typical Norman churches in the UK, listed as one of the "Top Ten Churches in the UK", and also one of the key filming locations for the Harry Potter film. On these scenery campus, you will find over 1000 student-led societies to join in and fulfil your extracurricular time.

The best Durham University accommodation typically includes popular options like Duresme Court, Houghall Court, and The Village at The Viaduct, known for their proximity to the university colleges and modern amenities. uhomes.com offers all these top-rated Durham University housing and more options, many of which are located just a 5-15 minute walk to your college. Students will also benefit from stylish and fully furnished rooms and all-inclusive bills to cover all utilities. Enjoy exclusive access to on-site amenities, including a 24/7 gym, laundry facilities, high-speed WiFi, study rooms, and a games area to make the most of your time here. As for your security, there will be 24-hour CCTV, secure access, and even security staff and an on-site team. The  best student accommodations near Durham University include:

1. Student Castle Durham: Located near the city centre, it is a short 10-18 minute walk to Hatfield College, University College, and the Science Site (uphill walk). Student Castle Durham offers modern studios, twin rooms, and shared flats, featuring a 45-seat cinema, gym, and outdoor courtyard.
2. Elvet Studios: Sit along the riverside, roughly a 15-50 minute walk to Bailey Colleges (St Chad’s, Hatfield). Elvet Studios has high-end studios with exceptional security and maintenance teams, and short-term leases available (3/7/11/14 weeks).
3. Houghall Court: Positioned close to the Science Site (15 min walk) and several Hill Colleges (20 min walk), and less than 1 mile from the city centre. Houghall Court has Durham Uni’s Sports Centre over the Road and a bus service to all campus.
4. Duresme Court: Just 10 min walk to Ustinov College. Duresme Court provides luxury studio living with a gym, a cook house, a cinema lounge, a fitness trail, and electric car charging.
5. Chapel Heights: 15-minute walk to Student Union and Waterside Business School, 20-minute walk to St Hild and St Bede College. Chapel Heights offers a TV and a dishwasher in all rooms, communal areas with a 24-hour gym, an outdoor courtyard, a cinema room, and a hosting kitchen. Free double occupancy is also available.
6. The Village at The Viaduct: Only a 7-minute walk to College of St Hild and St Bede, and an 18-minute walk to Elvet Riverside. The Village provides private studios and shared apartments, a vibrant student community, a landscaped garden, between the Viaduct social scene and the Flass Vale nature reserve, and easy access to Durham train station.

uhomes.com offers cheap student accommodation near Durham University from £140 per week, and many affordable options under £200 per week. We have a lowest-price guarantee to ensure you get the most competitive market rate for a verified room near the college, and also with exclusive offers and various discounts. Our Durham University accommodation prices are all-inclusive, including all utilities and WiFi,  unlike private shared houses (HMO) with unpredictable energy costs during winter. Here are our best-value private student accommodations near Durham University:

1. Houghall Court: from £184/week
2. Ernest Place: from £188/week
3. Regatta Place: from £198/week
4. The Village at The Viaduct: from £204/week
5. Elvet Studios: from £231/week
6. Dun Holm House: from £245/week

The best areas for Durham University accommodation usually include Claypath, Church Street, The Viaduct, Durham City Centre, Gilesgate, and Nevilles Cross. Durham University’s unique collegiate system determines that where to live is tied with your college, typically The Bailey (city centre) or The Hill (near Science Site and main teaching buildings).  Here is a detailed guide on the best areas for Durham University student apartments:

Claypath

Claypath is a top residential area for Durham University students with a near-central location between the City Centre and Elvet Hill. It is the road that runs from the centre of Durham, just next to The Market Tavern and till the College of St Hild and St Bede. Elvert Riverside and Durham Market Hall are steps away, and the area is also lined with cafes, bars (the Angel Inn, The Shakespeare Tavern, and Jimmy Allen’s), small shops, and supermarkets like Tesco Express.

• 5-10min walk to City Centre/Bailey Colleges (University College, St Mary’s, St Chad’s)
• 10-15 min walk to the Science Site/Hill Colleges (Collingwood, Grey, Van Mildert, St Aidan’s)

Church Street

Church Street connects the City Centre to Claypath and the Science Site, offering central access while avoiding being too noisy. It is the main road that sits between the Science Site and the centre of Durham, with surrounding roads like Hallgarth Street. You will be close to local cafes, supermarkets, and local pubs like The New Inn and the Victoria Inn Hotel.

• 5-10 min walk to City Centre/Bailey Colleges
• 10-15 min walk to Science Site/Hill Colleges

The Viaduct

The Viaduct is one of the most popular student areas in Durham, known for its high student density and vibrant social scene. It’s named after the city’s iconic railway viaducts, with the Durham Train Station and North Road’s Tesco Express just minutes away.

• 10-15 min walk to St Hild & St Bede, Elvet Riverside Colleges
• 15-20 min walk to City Centre/Bailey Colleges
• about 10 min bus ride to Science Site

Durham City Centre

Durham City Centre is not only the heart of all, but also where many of the central university colleges, such as University College (Castle) and Hatfield College, are located. Living here means being surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites. While rooms here are rare and premium-priced, you are at the absolute heart of Durham’s academic and social tradition.

• 5-10 min walk to city centre teaching buildings (Arts, Social Sciences)
• 10-15 min walk to Bailey Colleges
• 5 min walk to Elvet Riverside/Hill Colleges

Gilesgate

Gilesgate stands out for being both affordable and convenient, much more budget-friendly than other popular areas in Durham. It is situated at the end of Claypath and close to St Hild and St Bede, with a variety of shops and supermarkets, including a large Aldi and a Tesco nearby, as well as retail parks.

• 15-20 min walk or 5-10 min bus to City Centre/Bailey Colleges
• 15-20 min walk or 10 min bus to Science Site/Hill Colleges

Nevilles Cross

Nevilles Cross is the perfect choice for students who prefer a quieter and residential area, close to the Riverside area and a short bus ride to Hill Colleges and Bailey Colleges. Although more suburban, there are also a few essential shops in the nearby Crossgate Moor, and the city centre is just a short walk or bus ride away.

• 5 min walk or 5 min bus to Viaduct/Riverside area
• 20-25 min walk or 10-15 min bus to Hill Colleges or City Centre/Bailey Colleges