Blog: December 2025 Update

Added Wednesday 21st January 2026 by Jacob Dace ()

ダラムの12月はいつも特別な時期になります。クリスマスムードに包まれ、カレッジ独自のクリスマスマーケットやWinter Ballと呼ばれる少しエレガントな雰囲気でコース料理を食べるイベントにも参加しました。そして、修業証書授与が行われるダラムキャンパスのフェアウェルランチ、学期の最終日にはキャンパスでクリスマスパーティが開かれ、サンタさんも来てくれました！

The month of December is always a special time of the year in Durham. With festive traditions in full swing, the students are able to experience some wonderful events in the build-up to Christmas.

Each college within Durham University has its own unique set of festive events that they organise for students. There were student-run Christmas markets, carol singing, light switch-ons, mince pies and mulled wine tasting, and lots more. Our students were lucky enough to experience many of these events first-hand, making the most of the festive spirit and creating memorable moments with friends.

Alongside these festive traditions, one of the true highlights of December for many is the much-anticipated Winter Ball. These elegant evenings celebrate the end of term in style, giving the students an opportunity to enjoy a delicious set-course meal in a glamorous setting. It is a truly memorable experience for them as they come together to celebrate their achievements and friendships, while also having the chance to bond with other Durham students in their colleges as their time in Durham comes to a close.

After lots of English exams and to celebrate the students and all their efforts, TUID organises for students and staff a festive three-course meal at a local restaurant to enjoy a festive lunch. This is followed by speeches, course certificates and awards.

Throughout the term, students earn points for their colleges through their hard work, active participation, and consistent attendance. Our Autumn 2025 course saw St Mary’s College emerge as champions – congratulations!

The celebrations continued right until the end of the course. On their final day, TUID staff hosted a Christmas party in LHCC to mark a fitting farewell before departing Durham. The morning featured a range of festive games and activities, along with plenty of snacks and drinks to enjoy. To top everything off, Santa Claus made a surprise appearance to deliver some well-deserved presents to our students.

Once the course had finished, the students on our four-month programme spent their final weekend in the accommodation halls, packing their belongings and preparing for the long journey back to Japan. Our five-month students, however, still had the exciting experience of language school to look forward to. From as far south as Eastbourne to as far north as Edinburgh, our students set off for some of the UK’s most vibrant cities, continuing their journey of language learning and cultural development.

Added Wednesday 21st January 2026