A student guide of things to do in Durham (for all budgets)

Term 1 – Michaelmas Term (September-December)

Michaelmas is a gorgeous term. Durham in autumn is beautiful, plus there is plenty of excitement from joining new societies, meeting new people, and getting stuck in with new modules. Whilst the weather starts out warm and sunny, winter soon rolls around. So, here’s a list of things to do that are actually realistic for this time of year.

Spending up to £5:

1. Go to the Freshers’ Fair! It’s a great way to see all the sports and societies on offer here at Durham, and most importantly, lots of them will run free taster sessions within the first few weeks of term!
2. Go to the Botanic Gardens. They are awesome year-round and free for students, so bring your campus card! Even if you don’t want to walk around, there are plenty of places to stop and sit down. The greenhouse is a great choice for chillier months.
3. Attend biennial light art experience Lumiere! (Usually in November)

Spending less than £15:

1. Go see a student play or a student concert, even better if you are supporting your friends. The music and drama scene in Durham is incredibly active so you will always have your pick of shows. I particularly recommend college pantomimes.
2. Take part in a college formal! Lots of colleges have Christmas formals, which have an amazing atmosphere and is a great way to celebrate with your friends.

Spending more than £15:

1. Go to a Christmas market – Durham has one and there are plenty nearby to attend.

Term 2 – Epiphany Term (January-March)

Epiphany term is the coldest term, so here are some fun indoors activities for you to get stuck in with.

Spending up to £5:

1. Go to Palace Green Library. Not only is it fun to have a look around, as you are a student and you have to study, so why not do it somewhere super historical? Being on Palace Green is the epitome of Durham’s academic vibes, and students are welcome to study in this historical building.
2. Visit the Gala Theatre. The £5 cinema tickets are a bargain to enjoy the silver screen!
3. Oriental Museum. It’s free to enter, so just pop in to see some amazing artifacts! It’s also super close to the colleges on the Hill (such as Van Mildert, South, Collingwood) so if you are living up there why not pop in?

Spending less than £15:

1. Hop on a train to Newcastle! You’ll probably need a break from the city (and your summative work) at some point in term, and less than 15 minutes away on the train, Newcastle will offer some variety in scenery, shops, and nightlife.
2. Go to one of Durham’s gorgeous independent cafés for a drink or cake with your new friends. You can’t go wrong with most of the places in Durham, but they do get very busy around lunchtime so pick your time of day wisely!

Spending more than £15:

1. Attend one of Durham’s many fashion shows (which happen both in college and university-wide!) – or maybe you are planning in modelling in one anyway!

Term 3 – Easter Term (April-June)

Easter Term has it all: good weather, the end of year stress from exams to dissertation submissions, and the celebration that follows. Whether it’s revision procrastination or submission jubilation – you’ll want plenty of things to do other than just staring at your notes.

Spending up to £5:

1. Explore the area: the Bluebell Woods, down by the river, Wharton Park, and Observatory Hill. The green spaces are honestly one of the best parts about Durham! Exploring them is also a great way to take a study break in exam season.
2. Go see St. Mary’s beautiful trees in bloom!
3. Visit Durham Cathedral.

Spending less than £15:

1. Hire a rowboat and row yourself down the river!
2. Swap out your riverside walk for one by the sea! There are plenty of beaches only a stone’s throw away.

Spending more than £15:

1. Go to a college ball! In the final term, colleges pull out all the stops on their summer balls – if you fancy a (cheaper) and more chilled out event, college days also happen in this term, offering a relaxed, music-festival vibe.

This list is not exhaustive of all the things on offer in Durham, (and obviously a large chunk of what you will be doing is studying!) but as you can see, there is plenty to do in each term for each budget.

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