When does the service run? 

This service runs from Wednesday 25th September-Thursday 26th September. Staff will be at the airport from 9am on Wednesday 25th September. Outside of these days the free service will not operate. Information for Pre-Sessional Students and MBA students will be sent out by the individual departments.  

How do I book a place? 

You can book onto this service through a booking form, which can be found here: Meet and Greet Service Booking Form

Is there a charge for this service? 

No, the meet and greet service from Newcastle Airport on 25th and 26th September is free of charge as long as you have made a booking on to this service. 

What if I arrive outside of these dates? 

The meet and greet service will run on 25th and 26th September only. If you arrive outside of these dates you will have to make your own way from the airport to Durham University. There are taxis available from the airport 24 hours a day.

If your flight arrives on 24th September, you are able to check into a nearby hotel (at your own cost) and make your way to the airport on 25th September to use the meet and greet service. Please let us know if this is the case by emailing [email protected] after you have completed the booking form.

What if my flight arrives before 9am or after 9pm on the 25th or 26th September?

If your flight arrives before 9am or after 9pm, please let us know at: [email protected]. 

What if my flight details change after I have submitted the booking form, or my flight is delayed?

If your flight details change after you have completed the form, please email [email protected] as soon as possible so that we have your accurate arrival time. If on the day, your flight is delayed, please email [email protected] so we can keep a track of your flight and make travel arrangements accordingly.

What do I need to check before I travel? 

• CAS – You need to have your CAS and visa requirements in place before you travel. Please do not fill out this form if you do not have your CAS number. 

• Accommodation – Check that your accommodation has been confirmed and that your arrival time is within the check-in times for the property. If you are staying in a private residence, ensure that you have the keys/ or entrance code and address of the property, or that someone will be there to meet you. 

• Luggage tags – Ensure that you have printed off the luggage tags that you need from the Durham University webpage: These will be made available nearer to the travel date. 

• Luggage – Check that you can carry your luggage by yourself as you will be responsible for this at all times. This includes from the start of your travel to the loading of the coaches. For some colleges, it is not possible for the bus to go directly to the college entrance, so you will need to take your luggage from the coach to the accommodation yourself.  

• Contact information- Please make sure that you have the email address for the meet and greet team ( [email protected]) , please let us know if there are any changes to your travel arrangements. Please also ensure to stay in contact with your accommodation (college/ private residence) to keep them updated with any changes to your plans. 

• Clothing – Be prepared for any weather conditions/ or check these before you travel (the UK is famous for its ever-changing weather) at busy times you may need to wait for your onward travel. 

What if my accommodation changes after I have submitted the form? 

If your college/address changes after you have submitted the form, please email [email protected] so that we can update our information and ensure you are taken to the correct place. 

What can I expect on the day? 

On the day, staff will be at the airport from 9am. Once you have collected your luggage, you will come out of the Arrivals section of the airport where the staff will be waiting. Our Durham University table will be set up directly opposite the International Arrivals area. Please make your way to the staff who will check you in, (please keep your passport out of your luggage ready for us to check)  and provide you with transport (coach or taxi) which will take you to your accommodation. 

When can I check into my accommodation? 

Private residence – if you are in a private residence, you need to check with your accommodation provider directly. Please ensure you have confirmed arrangements regarding your time of arrival and key collection before you travel. 

College –  If you are staying in a college, the full details of your official move in date will be stated in an accommodation offer, should you receive this from the University. Please ensure that you have checked that there will be someone available to let you into the college at your time of arrival. It is advised to have a contact phone number for the college in case of any changes to your travel plans. 

What if I arrive by train? 

The meet and greet service is only for journeys from Newcastle Airport. There are taxis available outside of Durham train station, which will be able to take you to your accommodation (at your own cost).

What is the travel time from Newcastle Airport to Durham University? 

The journey time is approximately 1 hour. The buses will do drop offs at the different Durham University colleges, which might extend your journey time. Some students will be taken to Maiden Castle and then transported by taxi to their college. It is advised to go to the toilet before you leave the baggage reclaim area, as there may not be the opportunity to go once you leave this area. Please be aware that the service can be busy at certain times of the day (particularly the middle of the day), please keep your luggage to two suitcases to allow for as many people to get on to the coaches as possible.