10 Top Things To Know About Durham Students' Union

Durham Students' Union is a large student organisation offering lots of different things for each student. You'll find more information on the website but here are the headline figures of what you need to know for your first few weeks at Durham

1. Students lead the direction of the Students' Union.

Students elect their Student Officers each year to represent their interests to the University and the local community.

2. You can get a lot of free stuff at our Union Fair

On 4 October (in Queen's), 5 and 6 October (Durham), you can come along and meet the leaders of our Societies, Media Groups, DUCK and our Associations as well as many commercial stalls giving out freebies!

3. It has around 200 student groups to get involved with

From Folk, Nigerian, Thai Boxing, Breakdancing, Jewish, Archeology, Sci Fi, Cocktail, Assassins, Art, Photography just to name a few - there's plenty of societies to get involved with and get to know new people. We also have four associations to represent LGBT+, Mature, International and Students with Disabilities.

4. There is a confidential advice service for academic, housing and money issues.

Sometimes students get into difficulty whilst at University but our Advice Service are here to help you out. They can check your housing contracts, give you advice around budgeting or if you experience a problem on your course.

5. Riverside bar has an astro-turfed balcony overlooking the River Wear

Last year we refurbished our balcony so that students can enjoy a suntrap in front of Durham Cathedral. We've also bought lots of new furniture so whether to want to use the building to meet friends or do some quiet work - feel free to come make yourself at home.

6. We run lots of campaigns

From improving your academic experience, to helping you find the right house and helping you de-stress (this one sometimes includes puppies and bouncy castles), the Students' Union runs plenty of campaigns to make your student experience. Notable past campaigns have resulted in tuition fees for international fees being fixed upon entry.

7. Free Domino’s pizza is given out frequently

Whether it's at our weekly quiz night or sports night in Riverside Bar and Cafe- Durham SU is a great place to swing by if you fancy a slice of pizza. You'll also be able to buy a Starbucks to accompany it as we've got a shiny new machine for this term which will be the cheapest coffee on campus.

8. Skills and Training

We offer training to course reps, student groups and common rooms to help them excel in their roles and offer them support and guidance throughout the year.

9. DUCK (Durham University Charity Kommittee) raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities!

Whether you want to volunteer in Tanzania, attempt a charity hitchhike or sleep in Durham Cathedral - there's so much stuff that you can do for DUCK whilst raising money for charity. Last year DUCK raised over £150,000 for great causes.

10. Student Safety is incredibly important to us

Alongside running campaigns on alcohol and sexual violence - we also have a NightBus which any student can use if they're in a vulnerable position. The bus will be available in Durham City between the hours of 21:00 – 02:00 Monday – Saturday and 21:00 – 23:00 on Sunday. The night bus costs £2 per student per journey. Call the driver on 07922 648802.