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St Cuthbert's Society, Durham
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > Durham > St Cuthbert's Society, Durham
IntroductionCuth's was set up by students in 1888 that were unhappy with the rigidity of college life. It performs the same sort of roles as any of the other collegiate bodies - you will live, eat, socialise and be looked after on site by full-time Society staff - however Cuth's students and staff pride themselves on having independence of thought and action. We always strive to listen to our members (that’s you). We also have fantastic social, welfare and sporting facilities. We always try to cater for everybody’s tastes and preferences. Just because something may be ‘the done thing’, we always try to challenge the authorities that could give our students a bad deal. We successfully lobbied for better lighting on Prebends bridge, and are vocal in those issues which may threaten the student experience of students at Cuth's and Durham. Saying that, we are also renowned for being a brilliantly laid-back and welcoming environment to students from around the University. Where else could you chill out in the bar with a coffee watching early afternoon Neighbours! What does being a Society mean to the students?It means that everything we do aims to include and privilege every one of our members. It means that you are always encouraged to get involved, and are given responsibility over those things you want to help organise or run. It also means that we can open our bar at 12.30 daily. It means that we work with the Society staff (Accounts, Domestic Services, Senior Tutor, Principal etc), who actively embrace the students’ involvement in overall management and development. It means that the President represents not just the JCR, but also the Society as a whole. It means that we welcome local, part-time, mature and international students as an integral part of our JCR activities and organisation, whilst providing a ‘live-at-home’ opportunity to study at Durham. LocationCuth's is rather unique as it offers both the ideals of traditional 'Bailey' accommodation and also modern facilities it's 'Parson's Field' site, located near the racecourse and riverside at the top of Old Elvet. AccommodationThe BaileyCuth’s is centrally located at the end of the historic South Bailey. In the shadows of the Cathedral, and surrounded by the River Wear on two sides, we are blessed with a beautiful setting. The Bailey is a mere 5 minute walk to the centre of town, it is only 5 minutes to the Arts, Humanities and Social Science departments on Old and New Elvet, and only 10 minutes to the Science Site. 110 first years live on the Bailey. Cuth's has accommodation at 8, 13 South Bailey and 27 North Bailey, all within minutes of the Dining Hall, Bar and Library which are located on the South Bailey. Parson's FieldParson's Field is a large residential and social centre only 10 minutes walk from South Bailey. St. Cuthbert’s gained this new site in 2005, meaning that facilities will be shared between South Bailey and Parsons Field. In 2006, a brand new 192-bed ensuite block called Brooks House was completed, meaning that many finalists and postgrads can live in, in addition to the 150 first years that will live at Parsons Field. It also has licensed café and JCR rooms. It is located 3 minutes from the Student Union, Arts, Humanities and Social Science departments, and 10 minutes walk from the Science Site, where most lectures take place. Parson's Field consists of Brooks House, Refounders House, Fonteyn Court and Parson's Field Court (PFC). All accommodation at Parson's Field are self (or semi) catered. Social SpacesCuth's has a fantastic Bar, an envy of all other colleges. It also has a second bar (Brooks Bar/Café) located in Brooks House. Both bars sell a wide variety of drinks, snacks and food including toasted Panini sandwiches and toasties. It's widely claimed that Cuth's Bar is the cheapest college bar, with a pint costing around £1.20. There is a JCR area in 12 South Bailey where you can check your post and read a selection of daily newspapers. Brooks House also has a JCR with a large 50" plasma TV with Sky and DVD player. There is also a television room, gym, computer room and darkroom in House 8, South Bailey. Library and ComputingThere are a number of computers located in the House 8 computer room. There are 4 computers available in Refounders House (Parson's Field). Black and white laserjet printing is available in both computer rooms, charged at 4p per page. Both computer rooms are also equipped with a HP scanner. WelfareAtmosphereFacilitiesAll students will benefit Cuth's unique dual-site accommodation, on Durham’s historic South Bailey and at the Parsons Field Site. Cuth's fantastic Bar is located on the Bailey and a new licensed Café will be open in Brooks House on the Parsons Field site. All students have access to the facilities provided, such as the society’s own Library, Computer Rooms and Gym. Laundry facilities are offered on both sites. New music room and gym facilities are available at the Parsons Field site. There is also a darkroom equipped for developing and printing black and white photographs. All student rooms are connected to the University high-speed data network, providing Internet access, at no extra cost. The college boat house is also the envy of all the other colleges. It's located in a prime position on the route of the Durham Regatta, and in a picturesque sunny spot. The boat club stores all of its boats here, and it also has 4 rowing machines. Student-eye view | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
