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Congratulations!
Congratulations to all our new students!
Welcome from the Principal, Professor Wendy Powers
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Welcome to Castle!
Our college community provides a dynamic environment in which you will explore who you are, what you believe, and where you are going. Your peers will be doing the same, and their journey will be different from yours. As we get to know one another and engage interesting conversations, we will co-create community grounded in the values of civility, respect and appreciation of difference.
We hope you’ll use these first weeks and months as an opportunity to get involved – try new activities, meet new people, and ask lots of questions. There are college, department and uni-wide opportunities for involvement. The most successful students find ways to engage in a bit of both.
Attending university can be challenging for all sorts of reasons, and we have a wonderful Student Support Team in Castle that is here to assist you along the journey. The professional staff partners with our student welfare team to ensure there are many educational and supportive outlets for you and your peers.
We also enjoy the privilege of living and learning in a castle on a world heritage site. Together, we are trusted caretakers of history while we prepare for and advance the future.
Remember these keys to Castle student success – those who open their hearts and minds to others, those who practice civility and respect, those who ask for assistance, and those who show up – these are the students most likely to flourish in this renowned learning community.
On behalf of everyone at Castle, we are delighted you’ve joined us!
Floreat Castellum!
Long live Castle
Wendy
The Castle JCR (Junior Common Room) executive committee and I are excited to welcome you to the place we’ve all called home for the last 2 years; we hope that you’re looking forward to joining us and to what will become some of the most formative years of your life.
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Checklist: things you need to do before you arrive
Before you become a member of Castle, there’s a number of documents to read and forms to complete. We will be sending you a weekly newsletter, Countdown to Castle, to share more information on what you need to do. Some students prefer to have a tick list and overview from the beginning, which is below.
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What you need to do |
Where |
Deadline & Notes |
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1. College involvement form |
Complete the form; the link will be sent in a Countdown to Castle newsletter |
By 8 September 2024 |
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2. Accommodation |
College Accomodation is for students who have the Accommodation Guarantee. Find out more Applying for Accommodation - Undergraduate - Durham University Our College Accommodation Guide will be sent to students as part of Countdown to Castle. |
If you have indicated you would like College accommodation but haven’t yet submitted your preferences please do this as soon as possible and no later than Sunday 18 August. Link in welcome email. Costs are available at Accommodation and Catering - Durham University |
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3. University College Handbook |
Has been sent to new students via Countdown to Castle newsletter #1 |
All students should read this handbook carefully before arriving at Durham. Please note you will need to confirm you have read the handbook and agree to abide by the guidance in it when you complete your college involvement form. |
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4. Enrolment |
Make sure you complete enrolment so we can complete identity verification when you arrive.
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5. Consent Matters / Respect Values and Behaviours |
A link will be emailed to you before you arrive. |
We require you to complete the course ‘Consent Matters’, and 'Respect, Values and Behaviours' accessed via Learn Ultra. |
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6. Healthcare / GP |
www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/student-support-and-wellbeing/medical-registration-and-advice/ |
If you're moving to Durham, please register with a healthcare practice (GP). Details on vaccinations can be found here: www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/student-support-and-wellbeing/vaccinations/#d.en.1238066 |
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7. JCR |
Find out more about Castle JCR here: University College JCR (castlejcr.co.uk) |
Join the Junior Common Room, our student body for undergraduate students. We will share details of Castle JCR via Countdown to Castle newsletters in the coming weeks. |
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8. Freshers' Week and Orientation |
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Our programme for Freshers’ week events, starting on Monday 30 September, will be emailed to you in coming weeks. |
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9. Optional things to buy |
Buy a Freshers' wristband and/or a gown Buy a linen pack (£35, single bed) Buy a linen pack (£53, double bed) |
Details of how to buy your academic gown will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
If you're travelling from overseas you may wish to buy a bedding pack
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We will be sending weekly newsletters, called Countdown to Castle, over the next few weeks so please make sure we have your current email address so you don't miss important updates.
Scholarships
We are pleased to let you know that this year, thanks to the generosity of our alumni, we are able to offer two Bell Scholarships and one Senior Scholarship to make the vast enrichment and development opportunities offered by Castle open to everyone, irrespective of their household income. More details are available here: Fees and Funding - Durham University
Arriving in Durham
We look forward to meeting you! If you are arriving from overseas please find more information here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/arrivals/
If you're travelling from the UK and living in College accommodation you will be invited to book an arrival slot:
Self-catered accommodation at New Kepier Court: Saturday 28 September 2024, 12-4pm (anytime)
Catered accommodation: you will be invited to book a timed arrival slot for Sunday 29 September, to help manage the traffic flow along the Bailey. The booking link has been shared with students via email.
Students registered with Disability Support who need to arrive early to help settle into College accommodation can do so from Wednesday 25 September.
Hi everyone, and welcome to Freshers’ Week at Castle! The week is run by us as Head Frep and social chair, helped along by our fantastic Frep team. The week is packed full of fun events, games, nights out, icebreakers, and more, so there are loads of opportunities to find your place here at Castle (as well as plenty of down-time too). There really is something for everyone, and we want to make everyone feel included in our community right from the start of term. We can’t wait to welcome you all, and introduce you to (in our opinion) the best Durham college! – Coco
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Freshers' Week and Orientation
We'll be sharing more information about plans for Freshers' Week and Orientation in the coming weeks, as well as how to join the Junior Common Room. Check back soon for updates.
Your first week in Durham – University Induction Week Events Timetable
The Timetable has been designed so College events don’t clash with any of your academic departmental events, but offer you lots of opportunities to meet your fellow Freshers, find your way around and settle into student life.
Get in touch
If you have any queries in the meantime, please contact us. Please be aware that it's a busy time for staff & students and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.
University College
Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW
College Reception Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 3800