Student Housing in Durham

Durham Student Accommodation

Planning to study in Durham, UK? Then finding the right place to live isn’t just a task, it’s a turning point. That’s where student accommodation in Durham comes in. It gives you more freedom, more privacy, and often, better value than on-campus halls.

From student apartments in Durham to ensuite rooms and shared flats, you’ll find options that match your lifestyle and your budget. Most student properties in Durham are within walking distance of Durham University and New College Durham. So you’ll never have to rush across town to make that 9am class.

With UniAcco, you get to choose. We’ve got modern rooms, fast Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, and flexible contracts. That means less stress and more time to settle in. Whether you’re looking for private student accommodation in Durham or shared student flats in Durham, we’ve got you covered.

About Durham

Located just south of Newcastle, Durham is known for its cobbled streets, riverside walks, and that unmistakable student buzz. And with the University of Durham at its centre, the city draws students from across the world. The University of Durham adds to the city’s academic energy, with top-ranked courses, world-class research, and a strong support system for international students.

Durham delivers if you’re thinking long nights of study, weekend getaways, and good food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You’ll find neighbourhoods that feel calm and residential, and others packed with cafés, stores, and student hangouts.

And if you're worried about fitting in, don’t be. Durham’s student community is welcoming, diverse, and full of people who’ve been right where you are.

Top-Rated Student Accommodation in Durham

Picking the right course is one thing. But picking the right place to live shapes your entire uni experience. And if you're heading to Durham, you’ve got some great options.

Whether you’re after a private studio or a shared apartment, there’s something here for every kind of student.

Here are some of the most popular picks for students

• Chapel Heights – Stylish, modern, and packed with everything you need.
   
• Duresme Court – Great facilities and green surroundings.
   
• Elvet Studios – Ideal for focused students who want space and silence.
   
• St. Giles Studio – Central location with sleek interiors.
   
• Regatta Place – Affordable and conveniently placed.
   
• Student Castle Durham – A student favourite with great reviews and a strong community vibe.

Each of these student properties in Durham offers more than just a bed — you get fast Wi-Fi, secure access, study areas, and more.

Cost of Living in Durham for Students

Budgeting for a new life abroad isn’t easy, especially when you're switching from rupees to pounds. But Durham is one of the more affordable student cities in the UK.

On average, expect to spend between £1,200 and £1,500 per month. That includes rent, food, transport, and everything in between.

Durham offers solid value for students. Just plan ahead, compare your options, and choose student housing in Durham that fits both your budget and lifestyle.

Student Travel in Durham: How to Get Around the City Easily

Durham’s compact, student-friendly setup means you don’t need a car or an expensive travel budget to move around. Whether you’re rushing to class, heading to town, or grabbing a quick bite, everything’s close, quick, and easy to reach.

• Buses: 

Durham has a solid bus network that covers both the city centre and outer neighbourhoods. With regular routes by operators like Arriva, it’s easy to get from your student flats in Durham to lectures, libraries, or late-night takeaways.

• Fares start from £1.25 to £2
• Save more with a student travel card or weekly pass
• Real-time bus updates make it easy to plan your trip

 

• Walking: 

The city centre is compact, which means your uni, grocery store, and cafés could all be a 10-minute walk from your student properties in Durham. Walking here is scenic. With cobbled streets, riverside paths, and greenery, even a class trip can feel like a breather.

• Cycling: 

There are dedicated bike lanes and cycling routes across the city. Many student apartments in Durham come with secure bike storage, so your ride stays safe. You can also explore bike-sharing apps or buy a second-hand bicycle if you’re planning to stay long-term.

Exploring Durham: Top Student-Friendly Attractions and Lifestyle Spots

Durham is a blend of old-school charm and new-age student life, where you can hop from a lecture to a lazy café, then catch a sunset by the river without skipping a beat. This city knows how to treat its students right.

• Flat White Kitchen: Trendy coffee, amazing brunch. Perfect for solo study dates or flatmate catch-ups.
   
• Cafédral: Right near the cathedral, this one’s ideal for a quick coffee break between lectures.
   
• Fab’s: An old-school student-favourite café. Cheap eats, great vibes.
• Libby’s Bar & Grill: A go-to for chilled nights and affordable drinks.
   
• The Library (not that one): A pub named “The Library”? Genius cover when your parents call.
   
• Klute: Once called the worst nightclub in Europe — and yet, it’s a rite of passage.
   
• College Woods: A calm trail close to many student rentals in Durham. Great for jogs, walks, or just zoning out with a podcast.
   
• Durham Riverside Walk: Scenic. Peaceful. Instagrammable.
   
• Durham University Botanic Garden: Free entry with your student card. Nature, sorted.
   
• Durham Cathedral: This UNESCO World Heritage site is stunning and free to visit. You’ve probably walked past it a dozen times, but go inside — it’s worth it.
   
• Durham Castle: Yes, an actual castle. And yes, students live here (jealous?).
   
• Oriental Museum: Unique, underrated, and a must-visit for culture nerds.
   
• Beamish Museum: A little out of town, but a brilliant open-air museum that takes you back in time.
   
• Durham Heritage Coast: Think cliff walks, coastal towns, and fresh air. You’ll need a train or car — but 100% worth it.
   
• Finchale Priory: Ruins by the river. Gorgeous spot for a picnic or reading break.

Top Universities in Durham

Choosing the right university goes hand in hand with finding the right place to live. Durham student accommodation puts you within easy reach of some of the most reputable academic institutions in the region.

1. Durham University

A world-renowned member of the Russell Group, Durham University consistently ranks among the top UK universities. Known for its collegiate system and research excellence, it offers a truly immersive academic experience in a historic setting.

2. New College Durham

This respected further and higher education college offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses, including foundation degrees, apprenticeships, and university-level programmes.

3. University of Sunderland

Located a short train ride away, the University of Sunderland attracts students from across the globe with its career-focused degrees and modern campuses.

4. Newcastle College

Another accessible option from Durham, Newcastle College offers hands-on training in fields like engineering, healthcare, and creative industries — ideal for students looking for practical, job-ready skills.

5. INTO Newcastle University

For international students looking to bridge into undergraduate or postgraduate studies, INTO Newcastle provides tailored preparation programmes right in the heart of the city.