What to Bring

Here’s our recommended list of items to bring with you to Durham! It is not a complete list - so don’t forget things like underwear just because they are not written down! It aims to give you a hand in preparing to come here. While Durham may be small, it has some useful shops if you arrive and find you have forgotten something.

Important Documents

  • A form of ID (e.g. Passport or Driving License)

  • For international students, any necessary documents (including health certificates) to collect your BRP

  • A bank card

  • Student discount cards (e.g. Railcards)

Clothing

  • Casual clothes - lots of warm stuff/thick clothes - it gets cold! A warm and waterproof coat is a must.

  • Shoes - when it rains, it pours so maybe consider some waterproof shoes/ boots (you may also wish

    to bring some inexpensive and comfortable shoes for clubbing).

  • Smart evening wear - events, formals and Matriculation will require formal wear, so make sure to pack

    a suit and tie/smart dress.

  • Fancy dress - we love dressing up at Durham! There are lots of charity and fancy dress shops in Durham

    so it is easy to grab things like this when you’re here!

  • Dressing gown and slippers - particularly handy in the event of night fire drills!

Bathroom & Healthcare

  • 2 towels - to avoid being caught out when one is dirty.

  • Soap - for your personal sink.

  • Personal medications and prescriptions

  • Basic first aid kit

  • Contraception

  • Sanitary items

Bedroom

  • Mattress protector

  • Duvet, pillow(s), sheets & blankets - Note: Most of our beds are standard single ones, but please check

    your licence agreement carefully so you don’t buy or bring the wrong bedding (there are a small

    number of beds in The Castle, Owengate and New Kepier Court that have double beds)!

  • Laundry bin

Other

  • Electronics - note that there is a list of electrical items that you are not allowed in your room that should be included with the information that you receive from the college. If in doubt, email univcoll.accomodation@durham.ac.uk to ask.

  • Doorstop - one of the most underrated things to bring to university as they make your rooms so social!

  • A mug, washing up liquid and bits of cutlery and crockery (there’ll be a kitchen near your room with a

    sink, microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster).

  • Tea, coffee and general snacks.


  • Umbrella