The Big 'Recommend Me A College' Thread

I could have sworn catering was standardised across all colleges - I find it really weird that Aidan's alone is kosher.

On a very basic level, colleges are glorified halls of residence - but almost everyone would agree that they offer a helluva lot more than that. With full catering, staff that you'll get to know on a name-to-name basis, unique traditions (and architecture) and a very strong representative body that makes a lot of decisions with regards to day-to-day life in college, it can be a very different experience. That's not to mention the wealth of societies, facilities and events hosted by individual colleges, that you just don't get with halls of residence.

You'll be a member of your assigned college pretty much for life, if you want to stay involved (they really try to maintain relations with alumni). You'll be a member of the JCR (Junior Common Room - representative body for undergraduates) during the course of your degree, and unless you're awarded Colours for being awesome, will cease to be a member once you graduate (although again they run a lot of stuff for networking with alumni).

You'll live in college for your first year in Durham (you'll be missing out on a LOT if you don't), then can choose to return in later years - priority given to finalists before everyone else. It's normal for people to live out for second year, then go back to college for their final year (so many distractions and jobs out the way so you can concentrate on your degree) although some people never return, and others might end up staying for their entire degree (rare, though).

Are the colleges at Durham just fancy names for halls at other universities? when you are assigned to a college is it permanent for the duration of your course? or do you get shifted to somewhere else after the first year?

Thanks

Butler
As mentioned, the meals are not compulsory. In fact, they seem to fill up very quickly - I've no intention of going to one, but a recent email said the latest filled up in a couple of minutes!

Butler is not a 'formal' college. Not at all. In fact, I've found it to be very laid back. For example, the bar [which is amazing, by the way] is open to everyone. In contrast, some of the Bailey bars are quite hard to find and you have to hand in your campus card in order to gain access. Because JB is ensuite, self-catered people are quite independent and can come and go as they please. That is why I like it.

Regarding distance, Collingwood is next to Butler, so you are talking a minute or two tops difference. When I walked back to JB from town tonight, I was at the market place [in the city centre] at 10pm and back in my room by 10.25pm - I didn't walk particularly fast, as I was chatting away on the phone and I was focusing on walking straight as I had quite a bit to drink lol. From the science site, you are looking at no more than 10 minutes there, perhaps a few minutes extra back [as it is uphill lol]. Also, JB has the park and ride service on the doorstep - that runs Monday-Saturday, 7am-7pm and is £1 for a day ticket [for students]. Nice for when you don't fancy the walk or the weather is bad. I was a little surprised but quite a few people use it for the science site - it takes just a couple of minutes to get there.

Can't really pass comment on the other colleges, as I've only experienced JB. I'd just say - don't worry about it being formal. They might have gowned dinners but other than that, the place is laid back.

Collingwood's about 5-10mins walk down the Hill from Butler (it's next to Grey). Butler is next to Ustinov.

confunsed about the different colleges? what does it mean as ive never come across this at other uni's?

I want to apply for Durahm for physics and I'm just filling in my UCAS form, However you have to select a college.

Does it really matter which one I pick? will picking a certain college affect my chances of recieving an offer? are there certain colleges for certain subjects? I notice that there is a thread somewhere on the pros and cons of each college, should I just have a look and pick one?

Thanks

All the information about choosing a college is on the university website. If you want more information about each college, look at their websites or in the pros/cons thread on here.

But does selecting say an oversubscribed college, affect the chances of recieving an offer from a department?

No you'll be accepted by the department and they will then pass you on to your first choice college and then if they don't want you you'll be passed to the other ones in that pool. If your accepted by your department then you'll definitely get a college!

Ok thats a relief thanks.

I saw the thread last night but I cant find it anymore!! been looking for like 20 mins can you post the link please?

I'm just saying what I found out through the website :/