Freshers
Let’s get you ready for Durham!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ – Isaiah 41:10
🎉 Congratulations 
We’re so glad that you’ll be joining us and we cannot wait to meet you!
This page is here to help you find your feet and to make your transition into Durham as easy as possible. Hope you find it helpful!
We’ve been praying for you already and will continue to do so as you settle in and join us here in Durham. Be excited for what the Lord will do!
Freshers' Getaway
8th-10th September 2025
Every year Durham CU runs a Freshers’ Getaway – a couple days’ retreat in the West of England allowing freshers to meet one another and make friends before the term even begins!
It is a fun time involving games, worship, talks, and lots of time with people from your own college.
The cost is approximately £75 which includes accommodation and food. We do not want money to be a barrier, however, so do email the treasurer (diccu.treasurer@gmail.com) if money is to be a problem.
For general queries, email freshersgetawaydurhamcu@gmail.com.
You can view the trailer here!
International Welcome Week
From the 25th-27th of September 2025
Settling into a new nation and culture is no easy feat. as such, we’ve put together a few events to help you feel welcome in your new home!
Cathedral Tour
Thursday 25th September | 2:00-3:30pm
Tour of Durham Cathedral with CU – come and explore this amazing landmark together! A great chance to take in the history and meet others along the way.
*Meeting outside the Cathedral’s main entrance
Afternoon Tea
Saturday 27th September |
3:00-4:30pm
Afternoon Tea with CU – experience a traditional British afternoon tea with cakes and company! A relaxed chance to meet other freshers.
Freshers' Week Events
From Tuesday 30th September 2025
To help you find your feet here in Durham, we’ll be running a series of events and activities allowing you to have fun and meet new people!
Freshers' Lunch
Tuesday 30th September | 12:30-1:30pm
Free lunch and a chance to meet other freshers and CU members
Racecourse Games
Wednesday 1st October | 11:00am
Games on the racecourse with CIS (Christians in Sports) – whether you’re sporty or not; a great opperunity to meet other freshers!
Coffee & Cake
Thursday 2nd October | 2:30-4pm
Come along for free coffe & cake and to meet other freshers alongside members of the CU
Park Run & Pancakes
Saturday 4th October | 8:45-11:00am
Parkrun & Pancakes* with CU – whether you’re a runner or not, come along for a fun morning and a great chance to meet other freshers and CU members! Meeting at Maiden Castle’s main entrance at 8:45.
*Pancakes in St Oswald’s Institute
Big Question: Ceilidh
Wednesday 8th October |TBC
Come along for a traditional scottish dancing followed by a short talk.
Check out our Instagram for reminders and any updates to the schedule…
Be sure to also check out churches and your College CU to see if they are running any events.
Find your College CU!
As a student in Durham, you would have been assigned a college. This will serve as a base for you throughout your time in Durham.
Each college (except the Postgraduate college, Ustinov) has a College CU associated with it. This is a smaller, more intimate community which has fun, prays together, worships, and studies the Bible together every Monday from 6:30pm.
Click the button below leading you to our College CU page. Once there, connect with your College CU! The Reps (i.e leaders) would love for you to get in touch and let them know who you are!
Check out the Churches!
Church is essential for the spiritual growth of all Christians, and finding one is a priority for all believers (Hebrews 10:25).
The CU is not a replacement for church, and we strongly advise all members to be rooted in a local church.
Take a look at our ‘churches‘ page to see what some of our more popular churches among students are like.
A promo from Events Week 2024 – titled GOOD NEWS – encouraging students to try out church
