11 things every Durham Uni fresher needs to do between Results Day and Freshers’ Week

Durfess is about to become your new best friend

2 months ago

Congrats on being accepted to Durham University! To save you fishing through all the YouTube videos and Durham student TikTok’s, consider this your comprehensive guide for everything you need to do before you come to Durham.

Apart from the usual advice to think about budgeting, check your student finances, make a list of things to pack, get adjusted to little sleep and lots of Red Bull – let’s get Durham specific.

If you’re a Durham Uni fresher in 2024, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Get fit if you’re in a hill college

Your walk to college everyday will have you exhausted! Get that regular exercise in beforehand.

2. Set up a Facebook account if you don’t already have one

The majority of your freshers’ information or societies’ communication will be done via Facebook and Messenger. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on your college “fess” and “Durfess” page. Trust me, there’s some gold dust on there.

3. Book your trains/book your hotels

If you and your parents or whoever may be helping you up to Durham are intending to STAY for the weekend, remember that so are everyone else’s and Durham is a small city! There aren’t many hotels and they can get expensive quickly. To avoid the high costs and lack of hotel rooms supply, get things booked early.

4. Any funky outfit or costume, keep it and pack it

The likelihood that you’ll need to wear something stupid during Freshers’ Week or at any social thereafter is high. Some colleges post their Freshers’ Week plans on Instagram in advance so don’t throw away anything!

5. Get acquainted with the relevant college Instagram accounts

There should be one for welfare, societies, sports, general information, events etc. They will post some important and exciting stuff in the lead-up to you joining. Use them to scout out any possible societies or roles you might be interested in.

6. Keep an eye out for a reading list and communication from your department

Don’t be the only one on the first day who doesn’t know the simple structures of their readings or lectures. You don’t have to start working before, just have an idea of what’s happening.

7. Jobs in the city go fast, if you want to have a part time job during your studies, start applying before you arrive

A number of returning students will already occupy posts, as will locals. The limited number of employers that take part time student staff are likely to be overwhelmed very fast with applications. Bar work is the norm for students and if clubs or pubs aren’t hiring, your new college’s bar will likely open some roles in first term.

8. Register at Claypath Medical Centre

If you’re a Durham Uni fresher in 2024, you definitely need to sign up to a GP. It’s really easy to transfer to the GP surgery in Durham. You never know when you might need medical help and it’s equally as easy to transfer back if necessary. Don’t find yourself in a situation where your GP is seven hours away…

9. Register to vote in Durham

If you feel that your voice is better put to use in your student town than home town, you can easily register to vote in both local and national elections in Durham.

10. Stock up on formal wear and formal shoes

For both Freshers’ Week and your year ahead at Durham, you’re going to need that nice suit or nice dress! Apart from matriculation, you’ll have plenty of formals and balls to wear them to. Some colleges or student-led organisations such as ReDress Durham do have rental suits and dresses if not for a small fee.

11. Make sure your Durham ID photo isn’t going to haunt you

Believe it or not you will need this card all the time, everywhere, for the next three years. Even at home you might need it to prove your student status. So, for your own sake, make sure you check the dimensions before you upload it.

…and that’s everything! Of course, get prepared to have a lot of fun and meet a lot of great people. Durham can’t wait to have you. Oh, and number 12, make sure to join The Durham Tab.