Guides / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

The College of Winterhold

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Consulting Urag gro-Shub about the Elder Scroll

The Dragonborn travels to the College of Winterhold during the main quest "Elder Knowledge" to find the location of an Elder Scroll. In the Arcanaeum library, the Orc librarian Urag gro-Shub directs the player to Septimus Signus's Outpost after providing relevant books. Gaining initial entry to the College requires demonstrating magic to Faralda at the gate, unless persuaded or bypassing it via high speechcraft.

Region: Winterhold
Getting there: North of Winterhold, across the large stone bridge spanning the sea chasm
Connects to: Winterhold, The Arcanaeum, Hall of the Elements, Hall of Attainment, Hall of Countenance, The Midden
Related quests: Elder Knowledge
Services and people: Urag gro-Shub · Faralda

Achievements here

GatekeeperPass Faralda's test at the entrance bridge and finish the introductory quest "First Lessons" to officially join the College.

The Eye of MagnusFinish "The Eye of Magnus" by defeating Ancano inside the College of Winterhold using the Staff of Magnus.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

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Ruminations on the Elder Scrolls: On the counter or given directly by Urag gro-Shub in the ArcanaeumEffects of the Elder Scrolls: On the counter in front of Urag gro-Shub in the ArcanaeumUnusual Gem (Stone of Barenziah): On a shelf in the Arch-Mage's Quarters

Secrets

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The Midden below the College contains the Atronach Forge, which can be accessed through trapdoors in the courtyards and halls.

Enemies

Faralda

Weak to Shock magic

She is an essential NPC who will only attack if the player assaults her at the bridge.

Shops and people

Urag gro-Shub: Spell tomes, soul gems, scrolls, and scholarly books
Faralda: Destruction magic training, Destruction spell tomes, and robes
Phinis Gestor: Conjuration magic training, Conjuration spell tomes, and soul gems
Drevis Neloren: Illusion magic training, Illusion spell tomes, and soul gems
Tolfdir: Alteration magic training, Alteration spell tomes, and soul gems
Colette Marence: Restoration magic training, Restoration spell tomes, and soul gems

Tips

If you lack the magicka to cast Faralda's test spell at the gate, she will sell the required spell tome to you for a mere 30 gold.
You can bypass Faralda's entry test entirely if you mention being the Dragonborn and demonstrate a dragon shout for her.

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Winterhold

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