students living out
We invite all students living out to see John’s as your second home: a place to study, relax, share meals, join events and stay part of the College community throughout your time at Durham.
College access
Most College buildings are accessed using key-controlled entry. Students living out can borrow a general Assa key from Reception for the academic year, allowing access to College facilities and communal spaces outside normal opening hours. Simply bring your Campus Card when collecting your key.
A refundable £50 deposit is required and will be returned when the key is handed back at the end of the academic year.
Learning Resource Centre and Library
All members of St John’s have access to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), which is open 24 hours a day during University term. With a mix of quiet study areas, group work spaces and a two-storey library, it provides a welcoming environment for both independent study and collaborative learning.
Meals in College
Haughton Dining Room is one of the places where the John’s community comes together each day. Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, grabbing breakfast before lectures or joining others for dinner, students living out are welcome to dine in College at the discounted members’ rate.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on weekdays, with brunch available at weekends. Meals can be purchased on the day from Reception by card, subject to availability.
Formals
Formal dinners take place regularly throughout term and are open to all Johnians, including students living out. They are a great way to catch up with friends, stay connected to College life and enjoy a free three-course meal in the Haughton Dining Room.
Living at home?
If you’re a new undergraduate living locally, you’ll be invited to stay in College for part of Welcome Week at a discounted rate. This gives you the opportunity to take part fully in Welcome Week activities, get to know your peers, and settle into College life before the start of term.
We’ll contact eligible students directly with further details.
It’s great knowing I can always come to John’s, even when I’m living elsewhere in the city, whether it’s to see friends in the bar, go to one of the many events, or get support. In exam season the LRC became my second home with the coffee machine in College nearby!
Emily, Engineering
I wish I’d known just how supportive the environment is. Whether it’s my housemates driving me to the library or the college staff being so helpful with academic and personal matters, the level of care here is amazing. You’re never really on your own.
Zhuge, Management
Beyond the Bailey
In the John's Chronicle
16 January 2026
Seventeen miles, and a world away: choosing Durham as a student from the North East
First-year Engineering student Jamie Megoran grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, only a short train ride from Durham – but coming to university still felt like stepping into another world. Here Jamie shares with the Chronicle why he chose Durham so close to home, what he’s discovered since arriving, and his advice for other North East students considering following […]
5 December 2024
The Trials and Tribulations of Student Housing in Durham
Opinion Editor, Zahrah Santos-Califano, investigates the chaotic whirlwind of student housing in Durham, questioning why first-years are left to navigate the high-stakes housing market with minimal guidance and exploring how the system could be improved for all.
16 June 2022
A Guide to Durham’s Cafes: 5 Cafes to start off with
Written by Natalie Lam Durham boasts a proud collection of colleges, riverside walks, hills, but most of all, cafes!! As a student, a staple activity is to visit the cafes and to sample which coffee or tea selection is the best. Here is a small starter pack on cafes you might want to start off […]