Student life

Student life, services and support

By studying with us, you will benefit from living and learning in two unique locations. You will start your journey at Queen's Campus in Stockton-on-Tees. As a student at the International Study Centre you will be part of an international community with access to modern facilities, sports centre, restaurant and plenty of social places.

After successfully completing your pathway programme at the International Study Centre on Queen’s Campus, you will join the University’s collegiate system at Durham City.

Queen's Campus, Stockton-on-Tees

Modern, welcoming and very international, Queen’s Campus is the perfect introduction to Durham University. It is easy to find your way around on this small campus, and you’ll be fully supported by our on-site staff. Located in Stockton-on-Tees, you can relax by the riverside after class or walk into Stockton town for shops and restaurants.

Sport at Queen's Campus

While at the International Study Centre, you can take full advantage of the multi-million pound sports centre based at Queen’s Campus, Stockton-on-Tees.

Facilities include:

A gym membership from September 2019 – June 2020 only costs £100 (including all exercise classes). These include badminton, basketball, boxercise and HIIT. Check out our Queens Campus Sport Facebook and Instagram pages, or visit teamdurham.com for more information.

If you'd like to try something different, there is also an Olympic-standard white water course just 15 minutes' walk from Queen's Campus.

Explore the local area

International Study Centre staff organise trips throughout the year to introduce students to new UK places and experiences. In the last year, these have included street food markets, gigs and sports events.

You can now travel on the X12 bus for just £1 per day or £5 per month, making it easy to explore the local area. The bus route connects nearby cities including Middlesbrough, Teesside Park, Stockton-on-Tees, Sedgefield and Durham.

Find more information and view timetables here.

Get involved

The Student Leadership Programme at Durham University International Study Centre gives you the opportunity to meet new people and develop key skills to help you at university and in your career beyond. You can apply for any of the following roles:

Student Representatives
Student Digital Leaders
Student Mentors
Student Language Exchange
Student Ambassadors.

Ask staff at the International Study Centre for more information on these roles.

Student support services

The International Study Centre provides a complete support network on Queen’s Campus. This support is provided as soon as you enrol. Our specialist support staff are here to help you with everything from practical matters like visas to your safety and wellbeing.

Your transition from the International Study Centre to Durham University

International Study Centre staff are always available to make your progression to the University as easy as possible. As well as the academic and English language support you receive in classes, staff will also help with any other questions you have.

Celebration events

The Durham ISC progression event celebrates each year of International Study Centre students successfully completing their courses and moving on to Durham University. Staff and students gather together to share highlights and awards are presented to high-achieving students.

College allocation

Durham has 16 colleges, each with its own character and values, and you will normally be able to choose which you apply for. During your time at the International Study Centre, you will be guided through your options and everything you need to know to make your decision.

Durham City, Durham

When you successfully complete your pathway programme at Queen’s Campus you will relocate to Durham City. Larger and more spread-out, Durham City is made up of colleges, academic departments and student facilities, located at different sites throughout the city. As a Durham student, you will have access to the facilities at your college, the University’s shared facilities, and all the shops, amenities and historic attractions of Durham city centre.

Clubs and societies

When you move to study at Durham City, you can make the most of the 200+ student clubs and societies. You can get involved in everything from art and music, to fundraising and theatre productions.

Get involved:

Student Community Action –volunteer with one of the 84 outreach projects.
DUCK – Durham University Charity Kommittee raises money for more than 120 charities.
Palatinate – the University’s award-winning student newspaper is published every two weeks.
Purple Radio – the University’s student-run radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week during term time.
Durham Union Society – the debate society is the University's oldest society.
Music Durham - join one of 79 music societies including orchestras, choirs and bands.
Durham Student Theatre - Durham's 26 theatre companies produce 90 shows every year.

Sport at Durham City

The University has 650 different college teams, playing 18 different sports. Sports include football, volleyball, rugby, rowing and tennis.

University sports facilities in Durham City include:

International Study Centre student Jia Lin from Malaysia

Queen’s Campus…it’s quite small, which is good because it actually forms a close-knit community where you can bump into your friends very often. Even though your friends are doing different courses, different timetables, you can still meet them and then you hang out together. So, it’s actually a great distraction from homesickness.

Jia Lin from Malaysia
Studied International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Now studying BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences