Durham University - University College (Castle) Accommodation

Hi,
I'm from the U.S. and I'll soon be starting my first year at Durham University in University College. I'm a bit confused as to how accommodation works though. I understand that most students live outside of the castle walls but where is the housing located and what is it like? Does anyone have photos because I can't seem to find any. Any information you have would be helpful! Thanks!

Reply 1

username1260687

Original post by bluesharpies

My daughter went to Castle a few years back and in first year she lived in the castle in a shared room. She lived out for the remainder of her course. My son also has a firm offer for Castle starting this year and he is hoping to have a single room but outside of the castle walls. As far as I am aware the accommodation is still very close to the actual castle and Palace Green so still in the immediate vicinity. I haven't seen any photos of the actual accommodation outside of the castle so can't help with this I'm afraid.

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Reply 2

icehockeyolive

Original post by bluesharpies

I haven't committed to any school yet but I've been having the same issue with finding images. Also from the US as well (Michigan). Trying to decide between Birmingham and Durham as my insurance choice.

Reply 3

durhamdunce

Original post by icehockeyolive

Let's just say that there is a good reason that they aren't posting pictures...
In any case, to be fair Castle accommodation is pretty convenient

Reply 4

icehockeyolive

Original post by durhamdunce

Let's just say that there is a good reason that they aren't posting pictures...
In any case, to be fair Castle accommodation is pretty convenient

Ah, are they not allowed to post pictures? Most US schools show room floor plans and give descriptions and photos but I couldn't find any of that for Castle.

Convenient location wise? How so?

Thanks :smile:

Reply 5

durhamdunce

Original post by icehockeyolive

Well they can post pictures, but many students would definitely be put off by them.

British universities are a totally different animal to American ones. Low tuition fees and non-existent donations mean poor quality accommodation (unless you live in a room which they rent out in the holidays to guests). There are no room floor plans or descriptions or whatever, you get what they give you and you have no say in the matter unless you have a disability. As they say, you get what you pay for.

Reply 6

ChapelHeightsDurham

Hey guys,

I hope you dont mind me jumping in here.

You might want to take a look at Chapel Heights student accommodation in Durham. We are brand new and only a short walk away from the center of Durham.

We have several studios avaialble in our buildings, meaning you would have your own bathroom, living area and kitchen!

If you would like to talk to us about this just pop us an email at [email protected]. We offer skype viewings if this would interest you!!

Thanks,
Georgia @ Chapel Heights

Reply 7

durhamdunce

Original post by ChapelHeightsDurham

Great, give terrible advice to a bunch of Yanks who probably wouldn't be allowed to live out of college first year, and even if they did living out first year would basically mean knowing nobody.

Original post by durhamdunce

Great, give terrible advice to a bunch of Yanks who probably wouldn't be allowed to live out of college first year, and even if they did living out first year would basically mean knowing nobody.

We were only trying to help.

We have plenty of first years from Durham University who enjoy living here at Chapel Heights and who have made great friends in the process. You are most welcome to come and visit us.

Reply 10

2childmum

Almost every first year at Durham lives in a college - this is university policy and part of the reason for choosing Durham in the first place. Cuths is the only college where students might live out and even then most live on the Bailey (fully catered) or at Parson's field (self catered) i fail to see how you can have 'plenty' of first years living in your accommodation.

In reply to the op - the single rooms outside of the castle walls are small and basic, but they are right in the middle of the city, so very convenient for almost all academic departments (which are spread around the city - the uni buildings are integrated int with the city - there isn't one site which is the university)

You will still be eating, socialising etc within the Castle, and won't need to spend that much time in your room - so I wouldn't worry about it. Colleges have a whole range of clubs and societies you can join.