From Castle to Collingwood: The best thing about all 16 Durham colleges

With Freshers’ Week starting in a mere three days and the inevitable disappointment of college allocation for some, I thought it was time to write about the best aspects of every college. If you’re disappointed with the college you’ve been allocated, fear not. Almost everyone ends up loving their college and feeling a real sense of passion and loyalty for it – all 16 undergraduate colleges are slightly different, but brilliant in their own way. College stereotypes do exist for a reason. They’re normally harmless and just a bit of fun, but this one is written to reassure you that you’ll love wherever you end up.

Collingwood

Perhaps I’m biased, but you’ve been truly blessed if you end up here. You’ll struggle to find another accommodation block in the country with such contagious energy and passion. The best bar in Durham, the best sports college by an absolute mile and the largest college by size – you’ll make friends for life and meet likeminded people who work hard and play hard. #redblack

Grey

Some of the friendliest and most down-to-earth people I’ve met at Durham have been Grey students. Grey are the only college to have sports and societies subs included in their JCR levy, meaning that you really do get the opportunity to give everything a go. “Grey by name, grey by nature” is a pretty unfair tagline for one of the most fun colleges in Durham.

Hatfield

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A real spirit to the place. Stereotypes exist for a reason, but it’s a little bit tired to assume that every Hatfield student is a) rich and b) a twat. Hatfield oozes in culture and character, boasting a brilliant bar and a great alumni support network. They also tend to show up with big charity contributions throughout the year, notably during Movember. Being located less than five minutes from the Jimmy Allen’s dance floor on a good queue day doesn’t hurt either.

John Snow

Modern and on the way up. People from John Snow have a real passion for their college and have formed a proper identity in their short history. The bar is pretty neat and their college fashion show is one of the biggest in Durham. Wholesome vibes from this one.

Josephine Butler

A genuinely friendly place to be and has some of the most beautiful surrounding areas – the mound is cute and there is so much green space nearby. A lovely place to be in summer, and as one of Durham’s largest colleges it also has a lot more sports and societies than most colleges.

South

Durham’s newest college, South is really trying to form its character this year. You have the opportunity to be part of a new and exciting college and make a bit of a name for yourself in college history one day. No better place to build a legacy.

St. Aidan’s

The views of the cathedral are absolutely incredible. You’re also located nearby to Observatory Hill which is a great place to take in the scenery of the city. The contraception stairs make for a great fitness boost and Aidan’s is also known to have some of the friendliest porters at the uni.

St. Chad’s

The most aesthetically pleasing college in Durham, and it’s not even close. The beer garden is to die for in summer, there’s no better place in the city to chop a cheeky disco water. Tend to have the reputation of being the “nicest” college in Durham and I’m yet to meet anyone there who’s changed my mind on it.

St. Cuthbert’s

The most brat college in Durham. You can always spot a Cuth’s student by their quirky fashion sense and effortless ability to be in Jimmy Allen’s at least five nights a week. Their JCR president has one of the coolest mullets in Durham, their fashion show is always a hit and you have the option of catered or self-catered. What a place to be.

St. Hild & St. Bede

One of the most underrated colleges in Durham. The main site may not be near other college sites, but it is still closer to town than most hill colleges. A lot of history to the place and a real bunch of A-listers in their alumni, solid sports set-up too. Even if you end up in Ernest Place, at least you’re near McDonald’s and big Tesco.

St. John’s

Such an ideal location – on the bailey and near everything, but not quite as noisy at 2am as the likes of Hatfield and Castle. Absolutely lovely bar that has some of the best selection of draught in Durham and architecture that really gives it a touch of character. Religious stereotype is a bit of an exaggeration too, don’t let it put you off.

St. Mary’s

The first time I ever went into Mary’s I saw a dozen or so girls singing Mr Brightside a cappella. After initial shock, it formed a positive image of Mary’s to me – a fun, creative and inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and just want to have a good time.

Stephenson

It may be a little far for others to get to, but Stevo’s bar is absolutely beautiful. I’d never been before my full college bar crawl and regret not seeing it earlier – it looks like a cute little train station and you can get food there too. Definitely worth a visit and a solid place to end up.

Trevelyan

Who doesn’t love a hexagon? On a serious note, I have never met a mean person from Trevs. A group of legitimately nice people and probably the best place to be if you’re into music. Pretty sure they used to have a White Ace society which just makes Trevs even better in my eyes.

University (Castle)

Some of you get to live in a castle and your college balls look absolutely incredible. I’m not too sure what else needs to be said, that’s pretty cool.

Van Mildert

Literally just a slightly smaller Collingwood. I am truly baffled that I ranked Mildert 11th when completing my college preference form – it is by far one of the best colleges to be in, there really is a bit of something for everyone. I’m yet to meet a Mildertian who doesn’t love their college. Just as fun and sporty as the other big colleges and potentially a little more inclusive. Oh, and ducks. Lots of them.

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