A University's satellite campus is to get two student colleges.
Durham University has 14 colleges and societies for its students. The colleges are residential, with teaching in separate departments.
Until now, the Stockton campus of the university has not been split into colleges. But from the next academic year, East Drive Halls of Residence will be known as George Stephenson College and Sorbonne Close Halls of Residence will be known as John Snow College.
Each will be headed by a principal and vice-principal and supported by college tutors.
The students will have a junior common room, which will act as a mini student's union, and will be able to share social facilities.
It is hoped the college system will allow the growing number of students to develop into small communities.
The provost of the Stockton campus, John Hayward, said: "The founding of two new colleges at Stockton aims to address the issue of community in a positive and creative fashion, and one which strengthens the ties between Durham, Stockton and the wider community.
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