Student Accommodation near Durham University

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, it is considered the third oldest university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge.  As a member of the Russell Group, Durham University is well-known for its profound history and academic excellence.

Durham University ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Its top performance came in the Sustainability category, ranking 19th in the world, and it also has a world-class reputation with employers, being ranked 65th. This success is testament to the impact of academic, industrial and business partnerships, as well as further evidence of its innovative and impactful research and academic staff.

The university 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 more about having a sense of community, which is what makes Durham University so different from almost anywhere else. For students searching for off-campus Durham University accommodation, remember to ensure your room is close to the college where you will study and live.

Durham University is famous for its unique high-walled buildings, castles, and churches, which usually stand out as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durham Cathedral is one of the most distinctive and typical Norman churches in the UK and one of the "Top 10 Churches in the UK". The university was one of the key filming locations for the Harry Potter film, which was shot at Oxford University. On this scenic campus, you will find over 1000 student-led societies to join and fill your extracurricular time. Durham has also been a top 3 BUSC table University since 2012, where over 75% of the students engaged in sport and physical activity.

For Durham University accommodations, popular accommodations among students include Duresme Court, Houghall Court, and Elvet Studios. They are known for their proximity to university colleges, with a short walking or bus trip that makes everyday commuting easy. Students will also benefit from stylish rooms and modern amenities, as well as a series of security measures. uhomes.com boasts a wide range of the best housing options, offering a secure, friendly, and engaging environment where you can thrive. Here is a list of the best student accommodations near Durham University:

Houghall Court

• Price: From £175/week
• Room Type: studio, en-suite
• Commute: 14 min walk to main campus
• Features: Study space, outdoor social space, printing, vending machine, onsite service team

Chapel Heights

• Price: From £266/week (exclusive offer)
• Room Type: studio
• Commute: 5 min walk from St Hild and St Bede College, 25 min walk to main campus
• Features: TV and dishwasher in all rooms, double occupancy options, 24-hour gym

Elvet Studios

• Price: From £294/week
• Room Type: studio
• Commute: 14 min walk to St Chad's and St John's college, 15 min walk to main campus
• Features: Vending machine, bike storage, high-speed WiFi, security & maintenance team

Student Castle Durham

• Price: From £237/week
• Room Type: studio, en-suite
• Commute: 6 min walk to Hatfield College, 8 min walk to University College, 15 min walk to main campus
• Features: Gym, cafe area, game and study area, outdoor courtyard, cinema room

Duresme Court

• Price: From £239/week
• Room Type: studio
• Commute: 10 min walk to Ustinov College, 20 min bus to main campus
• Features: Private dining room, study room, cinema room, gym, courtyard, parking, electric car charging

The Village

• Price: From £199/week
• Room Type: studio, en-suite
• Commute: 7 min walk to College of St. Hild and St. Bede, 25 min bus to main campus
• Features: 24/7 onsite team, outdoor courtyard & garden, free WiFi up to 200mb, lifts to all floors

uhomes.com offers a series of cheap student accommodation near Durham University, starting from £139 per week, designed for students looking for affordability. Your utility bills are included in the rent, so there will be no extra hidden fees. Rooms are usually furnished with essentials, and you can move in directly. Also, we offer discounts for early booking, group booking, and re-bookings, as well as exclusive listings and offers to help you save more money. Not just budget-friendly, your comfort is also ensured with a wide range of amenities on-site. Below are the top options for cheap Durham University accommodation:

• St Giles Close: from £139/week
• Hawthorn Terrace: from £140/week
• Highgate: from £145/week
• Gilesgate: from £149/week
• Regatta Place: from £179/week
• The Village: from £199/week
• Student Castle Durham: from £237/week
• Duresme Court: from £239/week

For Durham University students, popular areas to find student accommodation include The Viaduct, Claypath, Gilesgate, Nevilles Cross, and the city centre. Most of them offer a balance of proximity to campus and local amenities, ensuring easy access to everything the city offers. Others focus on a quieter and more residential atmosphere, with budget-friendly houses. Here is a detailed list of the best areas for Durham University accommodation:

1. The Viaduct

The Viaduct is one of the most popular student areas in Durham and is known for its high concentration of purpose-built student accommodations. It’s just a short 10 to 15-minute walk to Durham University's main buildings and a larger Tesco Express located on North Road, just a few minutes away.

2. Claypath

Claypath is located east of the River Wear and is known for its variety of living options, from private flats to spacious student houses. The main university campus is a 15 to 20-minute walk, and it is also close to the city centre. Many popular bars like the Angel Inn, The Shakespeare Tavern, and Jimmy Allen's are situated here.

3. Gilesgate

Gilesgate stands out for being both affordable and convenient. It is within walking distance of around 20 to 30 minutes from the university, but it is more affordable than other popular areas. This area is also home to a variety of shops and supermarkets, including a large Aldi and a Sainsbury's Local.

4. Nevilles Cross

Nevilles Cross is the perfect choice for students who prefer a quieter and residential area, close to the Hill Colleges, such as Van Mildert and St. Mary's, as well as the university’s science site with a 10 to 15-minute walk. 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. 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. Local amenities, from high street stores to independent retailers, are at your doorstep, and the nightlife is the best in Durham.

The living costs are typically much lower in the North of England than they are in the South, but it usually depends on your lifestyles and habits. The average cost of living in Durham is usually between £1,200-£1,500 per month, and covering the following aspects:

1. Durham University Accommodation

University-managed:  £730 - £1,100 per month

Private accommodation: £520 - £1,000 per month

2. Food and Groceries:

University-managed:  £300 per month

Private accommodation: £200 - £300 per month

3. Travel: £40 - £50 per month

4. Utilities: £80 to £150/month

5. Entertainment and others: £50 to £100/month

Getting to know how to navigate the city is also crucial for incoming students. Durham is a small but well-connected city covered by extensive bus routes and railways. For students who live around the campus, walking and biking are usually more popular. Some common transport ways for Durham University students include:

• Bus: Durham University is easily accessible by bus, and the nearest bus stops include South Road Colleges and South College. Students can enjoy discounts, and the cost of an unlimited day ticket for each zone will be £1.50 within the Durham Uni Zone and £2.50 within the new Durham Uni Plus Zone.
• Bike: Cycling is a good way not only to travel to the University but also to explore Durham City and the surrounding area. Cycle storage is available across the University Estate as well as at many of our Durham University accommodation options.
• Walk: Walking is also a great way to get around if your Durham Uni accommodation is not very far. Durham University spreads across the city, offering lots of opportunities to explore this historic area on foot. It also enables you to commute to the university from across the city.
• Train: Durham University is easily accessible by train, and the East Coast Main Line runs through the heart of Durham City. Train services which call at Durham Railway Station include the London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine, Northern and Cross Country trains. The 42 Mount Oswald bus service or the 41 service will take you from the Railway Station to various University locations.

Durham University is a collegiate university where every student will become a member of a college and find a sense of community. There are 17 colleges in this distinctive system with over 200 student' Union societies. 85% of the students are involved in sports, music, theatre, volunteering, or student enterprise. Durham has been Britain's No.1 sports university since 2013, with over 700 college sports teams across 18 sports. Sports can be both competitive and friendly, and they often provide strong friendship networks and a sense of belonging.

Durham University spreads across the city, providing lots of opportunities to explore this historic area on foot and enabling you to commute to the university from across the city. Attractions like Durham Castle and Cathedral are the best to visit for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nature beauty, Chapels & Gardens, Seaham Beach, and Wharton Park are good choices for spending an afternoon with your friends. All these amenities, together with popular restaurants and bars, are located near your Durham University accommodation within walking or biking distance. Of course, you can also use your student discounts to get a day bus ticket for only £1.50.

Durham is renowned for its prestigious university and hosts an array of captivating tourist attractions that wonderfully capture its rich historical essence. Public transport is made easy from your Durham University accommodation to these popular attractions. Check the following top attractions in Durham, and you can find more things to do in Durham:

1. Durham Cathedral

2. Durham Castle

3. Durham University Botanic Garden 

4. The Oriental Museum

5. Wharton Park

6. Chapels & Gardens

7. Seaham Beach

8. Ushaw Historic House

9. Crook Hall Gardens

10. Beamish Museum

According to QS World Rankings by Subject 2025, Durham University has 3 subjects in the top 10, 8 subjects in the top 50, and 21 subjects in the top 100, proving Durham is especially strong in Arts and Humanities. Some of the best and most popular courses at Durham University include:

• Archaeology (6)
• Theology and Religion (6)
• Classics and Ancient History (9)
• Geography (11)
• Anthropology (29)
• Philosophy (31)
• English Studies (33)
• History (36)