Join Us
Life here blends tradition and warmth with genuine openness: you’ll find space to grow, people who care, and opportunities that shape your time at Durham and beyond.
“I chose St John’s after hearing it called the kindest college on an open day – it stuck with me.”
Ahmed, BSc Computer Science
“Before I applied to Durham, my English teacher, a proud alumna, told me, ‘Somer, you have to apply to John’s! Every genuinely lovely person I met at Durham was from there.’ That warmth was clear from my first visit and has been completely confirmed since joining.”
Somer, BA Liberal Arts
The friendly community has really helped me cope with being away from home.
Resident, 2025 survey
Having the College run by incredibly friendly staff who always say hello makes such a difference and shapes the happiness of the whole College.
Resident, 2025 survey
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions regarding joining St. Johns. If your question is not listed here, please see our main FAQ’s page using the link below.
How big is St John's?
We are one of the smallest of the Durham colleges, with around 580 undergraduates and just under 250 postgraduates. In addition, there are over 100 students who are part of Cranmer Hall, a theological College within St John’s. About 270 St John’s students live in the College on the Bailey including about 170 first year student 50 returners (students in upper years) and 50 postgraduates.
Whether you live in College or out, we invite you to see College as your home during your studies and to make use of the support and facilities available.
How are students allocated to a College?
When you receive an offer of undergraduate study at Durham University, you will be invited express your college preferences. This will be a preliminary allocation in the first instance.
For more information of college allocation please visit:
Undergraduate Membership and Accommodation – Durham University
Can I be self-catered at St John’s?
We are fully catered during term-time and do not offer self-catered packages. Each accommodation area has access to a small kitchenette with a fridge and we have a few kitchens across the College for meal preparations out of term-time.
Will I be able to live in College in my second year?
Most students choose to live in private accommodation in their second year of study. Our ‘returner accommodation’ application process opens in Michaelmas term and is open to undergraduates and postgraduates. Priority in this process is normally given to students who are finalists, returning from a year abroad, or who have exceptional medical needs.
Get in touch
Contact us by email or phone
Reception: +44 (0) 191 334 3500
Email: [email protected]
St John’s College
3 South Bailey
Durham
DH1 3RJ