The university runs open days several times each year and you can find details of these here. The most popular are the pre-application open days which happen in June and in September, for students at the beginning of the UCAS process. These open days are a great opportunity to learn more about any colleges that you’re interested in and to talk to your department about the course content and structure. It is also very helpful to talk to your department about the application process to find out what they look for in an applicant, as well as to find out about the substitute personal statement that you can submit to Durham instead of your personal statement on UCAS. Finally, you can also use these open days to find out more about international support, studying abroad, student finance, scholarships, disability support, the libraries and the Durham Students’ Union. The university is committed to helping those from lower income backgrounds come to Durham and offer travel bursaries to people unable to afford travel to the university open days.
There are also post-offer residential visit days, when those with offers can visit Durham and spend a night in their college with the other offer-holders. These are especially valuable if you’re struggling to choose between your offers, or if you want to check that Durham is the best place for you. You have the opportunity to live in your college and have talks in your department, which means that it is as close to the real university experience as possible, so you will have a good basis for knowing whether or not you’re likely to enjoy Durham, should you choose to come here for your degree.
If you want to visit Durham outside of the scheduled open days then email your department and they will assist you. If you would like to visit Castle, then please email College Office and they will organise a current student to give you a tour.