Student Accommodation Durham

The demand for student accommodation in Durham is sky-high. Its Durham University has seen a 31% increase in applications leading to housing being filled up quickly. Because of this, finding a perfect place for yourself is competitive.

University Living helps students solve this problem. We provide an easy booking process, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support, making it easier for them to secure their place in the city. Most of the students studying at Durham University and New College Durham can find student rooms that are located in safe, well-lit, and welcoming locations. Some of the popular student apartments in Durham like Duresme Court, Chapel Heights, and Ernest Place offer stays starting from £75 to £345 per week. These accommodations are known for providing modern amenities such as gyms, cinema rooms, and rooftop terraces, with options ranging from private studios to shared ensuite rooms.

Additionally, student safety is our top priority. That is why every accommodation listed with us has features like 24/7 CCTV and secure fob access. Overall, student housing in Durham offers a secure, comfortable, and stylish place to live making the whole process of moving-in smooth and stress-free.

The architectural landscape of Durham is very unique and different. Built around some of the world-famous attractions such as Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, most of the student accommodation in Durham are a mix of historic stone buildings that use sandstone design to match the city’s old look. While living here, students get to experience a strong sense of community and most of the places are just 10-15 minutes away from the main university campuses. Like any other country, student accommodation in UK is divided into two types:

Student Housing (PBSAs): Purposely built keeping students in mind, these offer an all-inclusive rent that bundles every utility bill such as Wi-Fi, heating, gas, electricity and water in monthly payment. Having amazing amenities, these are further divided into four types:

• Ensuite Rooms: Ideal choice for those who are seeking a mixture of both privacy and community living. These premium student rooms in Durham, provide a private bedroom and an attached bathroom, all while sharing kitchen and living area with other students. These range between £165 to £210 per week.

• Studios: Offering a bed, bathroom, and kitchen area, these self-contained units work best for those who prioritize independence and a quiet living environment. Their prices fall between £215 to £295 per week.

• Non-Ensuites: Here you will be getting a private, well-lit bedroom, but sharing a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area with other flatmates. They are an excellent option for those who are on a budget with prices ranging between £140 to £160 per week.

• Shared Apartments: Made especially for group bonding, these allow close friends to live in a communal setting. In here, you will be sharing everything from bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living area with others. They typically start at £150 per week.

Private Apartments: These function as traditional residential homes, providing you with a bedroom, bathroom, and full kitchen. Though it’s important to remember that here utilities are managed separately. But with maximum independence and extra living space, these work best for students, working professionals and couples who want to live together.

As an historic city, Durham was founded in 955 AD. And today, it acts as an important centre for education and culture in the UK. If you look closely, the city is built on a unique limestone peninsula that is shaped by the River Wear. This gives the city a “fortress-like” look that stands out in Northern England. Though the area doesn’t have mountains, it has several green spaces that are around 33% more than other UK cities. The academic history of Durham is also very strong. Durham University is the third-oldest university in England and has a 92% graduate employability rate along with a Gold rating for teaching excellence. Because of this reputation, student apartments in Durham is in high demand, especially for students studying subjects like Law, Classics, and Earth Sciences.

Economically, Durham has grown into a modern city with a strong knowledge-based economy. It has a GVA (Gross Value Added) of around £8.5 billion, supported by industries like fintech, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. The city has a 74% employment rate, and there are many tech startups, giving students good chances for internships.

Durham is also known for being safe. It has a low crime rate and is often ranked among the top 10 safest university cities in the UK, making it a secure place for students living in student apartments in Durham. Some of the best places to live here include the City Centre, which is close to the Palatine Centre, and Sherburn Road, offering good transport connections.

Having a unique “Scholarly Gothic” vibe, Durham gives you a feeling that you are living in a museum. But it is also full of energy, as students make up nearly 40% of the city’s population. With more than 600 listed buildings in a small area, the city is also very easy to walk around, and it has received a “Green Flag” award for its clean environment and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Some of the best areas to live in Durham include:

• The Viaduct: This area is the main social hub for students, known for its Victorian red-brick houses and lively atmosphere. It is only a 5-minute walk away from the city centre and train station, making it a top choice for student apartments in Durham. Students enjoy places like Fowler’s Yard for creative workshops and The Georgian Townhouse for dining. The area is famous for its 19th-century railway viaduct, which creates a striking view.

• Claypath: It has a vibrant and convenient location, connecting the Market Place with the Gilesgate area. Just a 3-minute walk to the city centre, it is about a 17-minute walk to the main University library. With an 88% public transport accessibility score, you will often find students visiting Vennels Cafe, hidden in a historic alley, and The Claypath Delicatessen, known for fresh local food. The area is also unique because of its steep, winding streets, which offer great views of the city.

• Neville’s Cross: This area is quieter and more relaxed, making it popular with postgraduate and final-year students who want a peaceful study environment. It is about 1.2 miles from the city centre and around a 15-minute walk to the Science Site, which recently received a £40 million investment in research facilities. Students can visit places like The Rabbit Hole, a jazz-style cafe, and Neville’s Cross Club for socialising. This area is also known for its history, as it was the site of the 1346 Battle of Neville’s Cross.

The average monthly cost of living in Durham for a student is usually between £1,516 and £2,500 including rent, depending on what type of student residence in Durham you choose and your lifestyle preferences. A key financial fact about the city is that even though it is in the North East, its collegiate system and strong reputation make it about 15% more expensive than nearby Sunderland. Following are the monthly cost of living in Durham:

Planning your money properly is very important, especially because finding student rooms in Durham can be competitive. For more help, you can use our Cost of Living Calculator to get a personalized estimate for your daily expenditure.

Finding the best student flats in Durham, is all about putting your safety and comfort first. Most people opt for off-campus housing as they offer helpful services like on-site maintenance and fixed-cost utility packages, so they don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses. Additionally, students living here also enjoy modern features like smart parcel lockers for deliveries, high-speed 250Mbps Wi-Fi, and secure bike storage with fob access. Following are the top student apartments in Durham with a price range of £75 to £350 per week:

• Duresme Court

• Chapel Heights

• The Village at The Viaduct

• St Giles Studios

• Elvet Studios

• Regatta Place

• Houghall Court

• Ernest Place

• Iconinc Newcastle City

• Vita Student Leazes Park

Having the right balance between a top-quality academic environment and an affordable budget is very important when looking at housing in the Northeast. The good news in all of that is that there are several student halls in Durham that have a starting price from as low as £75 per week. These places are not just about giving you a room to stay; they are designed to support your studies and help you feel part of a strong student community. Below are some of the affordable student housing in Durham:

• St Mary’s Hall

• Clanny House

• 4 Pelham Street

• Garth Heads

• Manor Bank

• 248 Halls

• Millfield House

• iQ Stephenson House

• 11 Maple Street

The transportation network in Durham is shaped by its steep hills and compact layout. This makes it one of the easiest cities in the UK to get around. It also has a 92% accessibility score for students. Supported by a strong bus-first system for its hilly roads, its rail network handles over 2.5 million passengers every year. Additionally, a recent £10.4 million upgrade to Durham bus station has improved regional travel. Below are some of the transportation mediums that students use to travel to Durham:

• Walking and Cycling: Because the city is small and many colleges are centrally located, walking is the most common way to travel. It is completely free and often the fastest way to move between student apartments in Durham and the main academic areas, especially during busy lecture times. Although the hills can be challenging, cycling is still popular, particularly for students going to the Science Site, with a 12% increase in active travel over the last three years.

• Buses (Arriva & Go North East): Buses are also considered an active way for getting around, especially for students living in areas like Gilesgate or the Viaduct. A single journey here costs about £2.00, while a Student Day Ticket costs around £3.50-£4.00 for unlimited travel. Its Arriva Student Pass can reduce daily costs by up to 40%, and the special University Bus (Service 6) offers a flat fare of just £1.00 for students with a valid ID, making it the most affordable option for those in student rooms in Durham.

• Trains and Regional Travel: Durham is on the East Coast Main Line, with fast train connections to Newcastle in 12 minutes and London in under three hours. Many students use the 16-25 Railcard, which gives 1/3 off fares and is used by over 75% of students for trips and visits home. For late-night travel, taxis and rideshares are available, with a 2-mile journey costing around £7.00 to £9.00.

Durham is a top heritage city that beautifully mixes its serious medieval history with a lively student social scene. Supporting a tourism industry worth over £900 million every year, students love the city for its “Harry Potter-like” feel. The city is very easy to get around because of its compact peninsula layout and with a 94% walkability score. Its River Wear adds to the experience with a 3-mile loop for walking and rowing. Following are some of the top tourist attractions in Durham:

• Durham Cathedral: This beautiful 11th-century building is one of the most important landmarks in the city. It is known for its Romanesque design and was also used as a filming location in the Harry Potter movies. The cathedral attracts over 700,000 visitors every year who come to see its grand interiors and the Shrine of St Cuthbert. Entry is usually free, but a £5 donation is suggested. Nearby, students can visit Vennels Cafe, a cozy spot in a 16th-century courtyard known for artisan scones, or The Undercroft Restaurant, located inside the cathedral for a unique dining experience.

• Durham Castle: This historic castle has been in use for more than 900 years and is now part of University College. It offers a look into Norman history with features like the Great Hall and the famous 17th-century staircase. It is part of a UNESCO site that contributes around £150 million to the local economy. Students can explore it through guided tours costing about £5.00 with a valid ID. Nearby, you can visit The Shakespeare, the smallest and most atmospheric pub in the city, or Flat White Kitchen, a popular brunch spot famous for its pancakes.

• Oriental Museum: This is the only museum in Northern England fully dedicated to the art and history of North Africa and Asia. It has over 36,000 artifacts, including Egyptian mummies and Chinese ceramics. It is a great place for those living in student housing Durham to explore global culture, and entry is free for university students and staff. After visiting, students often go to The Library, a lively student pub with a beer garden, or Tealicious Tea Room for a variety of teas.

• Durham University Botanic Garden: Located on the edge of the city, this 10-hectare garden is a peaceful place for study and relaxation. It welcomes over 80,000 visitors every year and is also used for university research. Students who are living nearby can enjoy walking through different plant collections for about £1.50 entry. Nearby options include The New Inn, a classic pub, and Zen, a popular Thai fusion restaurant for special occasions.

The academic environment in Durham is known for its strong reputation, college system, and high-level research work, which together creates an economic impact of around £1.1 billion every year. The city is also investing £750 million over 10 years to upgrade its university facilities, which helps maintain a very high 96.5% student continuation rate. Those who get student flats in Durham become part of a unique “town-and-gown” culture, where 90% of students say they are satisfied with their academic experience. Learning here feels personal, as over 30% of the city is focused on research, and about 1 in 4 students are postgraduates. With a 92% graduate employability rate, studying here gives students strong career opportunities through a mix of traditional education and modern skills. Following are some of the universities in Durham:

• Durham University: Founded in 1832, this 194-year-old university is the third oldest in England and part of the elite Russell Group. It has a unique system of 17 residential colleges, which act as both living and social spaces for those staying in student apartments in Durham. The university is well known for subjects like Theology, Archaeology, and Physics, and is ranked #89th globally in the QS World University Rankings. Its famous alumni include physicist Sir Arnold Wolfendale, author Minette Walters, and former Archbishop Justin Welby, showing the strong global impact of students living in student housing  in Durham.

• New College Durham: Established in 1977, this 49-year-old college focuses on practical and career-based education. It has recently completed a £35 million campus upgrade, including a modern Institute of Technology. Students study in-demand fields like Cyber Security, Engineering, and Healthcare, with strong industry connections that lead to a 94% progression rate. It is a great option for students looking for student rooms in Durham, especially those aiming for technical careers. Alumni include business leader Ben Ridgeon and other professionals contributing to the North East economy.

• University Hospital of North Durham: This hospital is an important training centre for medical students. It offers hands-on experience in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, handling over 60,000 emergency cases every year. Students get early exposure to real patients and learn from experienced professionals, making it a key part of medical education in the city. It has helped train well-known doctors like Dr. Chris Steele and many senior NHS consultants, making it an excellent pathway for those living in student residence in Durham and aiming for careers in healthcare.