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University College Reviews

16 Reviews by Students
#17 out of 28 halls at Durham University

3.6 / 5
3.6 / 5
0.6 mi from Durham University - Durham Campus View map
  • 15 mins
  • 6 mins
  • 12 mins
0.6 mi from Durham University - Durham Campus View map
  • 15 mins
  • 6 mins
  • 12 mins

How do you rate University College?

credit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/university/accommodation/
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https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/university/accommodation/

Most helpful review

Accommodation is way too dated for the price we pay. The catering is far too expensive for the quality, with this year having cut backs to the selection of food and an increased bill for catering.

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
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Internet / Wifi
By member9116762
On 30th September 24
verified Verified student
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Most helpful review

Accommodation is way too dated for the price we pay. The catering is far too expensive for the quality, with this year having cut backs to the selection of food and an increased bill for catering.

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
By member9116762
On 30th September 24
verified Verified student
Read all reviews

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All the Answers You Need About Student Accommodation

What tenancy length do I need?

Some students choose to stay during the academic year, whilst others – particularly international students – require a tenancy that covers the entire year. You can also find student accommodation that is available for one or two terms, classified as a “short stay” on our search filters.

Should I stay in catered student accommodation?

This is totally up to you! Catered accommodation means you will be served meals at set times in a dining hall, and you’ll likely have access to fewer kitchen facilities than if you were to stay in self-catered accommodation.

What is a guarantor and do I need one?

A guarantor is a person who signs a contract to agree to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most university accommodation requires a guarantor, and this applies to both domestic and international students.

Will I need to pay a deposit on student accommodation?

Most likely, yes, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage to the room or property.

What bills will my rent include?

If you are staying in university-run accommodation or private halls, your rent should include any utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Students are not required to pay council tax, however you may need to fill in an exemption form so make sure you check with your local council.

What is purpose-built student accommodation?

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) are residential buildings designed for students. They are often located close to campus, boast modern facilities, include all bills, and often have staff on site to assist residents.

Will my student accommodation be furnished?

Student accommodation is typically fully furnished. Your room should include at least a bed, clothes storage, desk and chair. You’ll likely need to bring things such as bedding and kitchen utensils, but we have a full list here of everything you’ll need.


Read University College Reviews


Student Review: 3.4 /5
By member9116762 On 30th September 24 verified Verified student

Accommodation is way too dated for the price we pay. The catering is far too expensive for the quality, with this year having cut backs to the selection of food and an increased bill for catering.

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 2.7 /5
By member644778 On 13th January 20 verified Verified student

The postgraduate halls for University Castle are a joke, and are used to milk international student tuition.

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 5 /5
By member939317 On 13th June 19 verified Verified student

Living in a castle is a nice experience

Value for money
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Cleaning
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 1.9 /5
By member1030660 On 3rd March 18 verified Verified student

The porters threatened to confiscate my bike for keeping it in my room. They told me to keep it in the college bike shed with locks. I did as they said and it ended up getting stolen. I replaced my bike and kept the new one in my room. The college then threatened to confiscate it AGAIN if I didn't keep it in the bike shed, despite what happened with my first bike. I'm also an international student and am not returning to my home country for Easter Vacation. I specifically requested on my accommodation form that I have a room over the holiday. Well this didn't happen, as I am being kicked out WITHOUT being given ANY other accommodation options. They notified me of this one month before the start of vacation, leaving me little time to book flights home or find a place to stay. On top of that, they aren't providing me with enough room to store my things. Bottom line is don't go here. Many of the fellow students live beyond the 'posh, rich, and stuck up Surrey trust fund baby' rep.

Value for money
Location
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Cleaning
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.4 /5
By member424610 On 7th November 16 verified Verified student

It's a Castle, Need i say more. More formals then most Oxbridge college's, in a castle, and with less work but more fun...

Value for money
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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.1 /5
By member524025 On 16th September 16 verified Verified student

It is the best place in Durham and indeed the world

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.7 /5
By member923856 On 31st August 16 verified Verified student

Literally have been the best two years of my life here at University College aka Castle. Home is where the bar is.

Value for money
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.7 /5
By member622680 On 29th May 16 verified Verified student

You get to live in a castle in the city centre, what more could you want?

Value for money
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Property management
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 2.4 /5
By member619709 On 25th November 15 verified Verified student

Living in Bailey Court in University College. The rooms are a good size, but it is incredibly noisy and there is no social area apart from outside. Each room has a big window with a curtain that's too small, and a small window with no blind or curtain. My bathroom at the end of the corridor has no sink, so I can only wash my hands in my room, going through the same doors with my dirty hands as I have to use to get to the kitchen. If it was a hotel, I'd be calling in the building regs.

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 5 /5
By member818058 On 12th November 15 verified Verified student

Amazing place to live with a great atmosphere.

Value for money
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Property management
Cleaning
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited

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