Built into the steeply sloping bank of the River Wear, Dunelm House is notable internally for the fact that the main staircase linking all five levels of the building runs in an entirely straight line.

[6] On the other hand, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the noted architecture historian, considered the building, "Brutalist by tradition but not brutal to the landscape ... the elements, though bold, [are] sensitively composed.

"[3] Durham City Council's Local Plan notes that the "powerful" building, together with Kingsgate Bridge, "provides an exhilarating pedestrian route ... out into open space over the river gorge".

[19] It also acts as am umbrella organisation for eight 'associations', which exist to allow for those who self-define into any of the associations to campaign on issues that effect their student experience, as well as to provide them with a safe space to discuss their problems.

It also organises the Fresher's Fair at the start of the academic year and runs campaigns and lobbies for student interests with the university and wider community.

[29] However, some of the JCRs have opted to disaffiliate from the students' union - including University College[30] and Hild Bede[31] - following the controversial 2020 officer and trustee elections.

[32] On a number of occasions, some have suggested have that Durham SU might disaffiliate from the NUS,[33] however until 2009 none of those opposed to affiliation had pushed the issue to a full student debate and vote.

[34] Shortly after this, controversy arose regarding a planned debate, "Multiculturalism in Britain", at the Durham Union Society, which was to involve a recently elected BNP MEP, and which was subsequently cancelled over alleged fears for student safety, reopened the issue of NUS affiliation.

[40] The Re-Open Nominations campaign faced accusations of racism and after the election has been cited as the cause of a spike in racist online abuse.

[41] Several college Common Rooms have chosen to 'disaffiliate', 'disassociate' or 'disengage' from the Students Union citing the decision to dismiss Re-Open Nominations.