Josephine Butler College
I received my offer for Politics at Durham today having made an open application to the university. I've been placed in Josephine Butler College, and was wondering if any current students (or anyone familiar with the college for that matter) could give me their opinions?
I've read up about it and the accommodation/facilities seem to be of a good standard; is this true in your experience?
Thanks a lot!
I've read up about it and the accommodation/facilities seem to be of a good standard; is this true in your experience?
Thanks a lot!
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Josephine Butler is the new college, I think. Fairly expensive, but it's meant to have excellent facilities. I don't know much more about it because that's all I knew when I applied - the only thing that stopped me applying there (I think I applied to Van Mildert instead) was that it sounded quite expensive. But that, in hindsight, wasn't hugely relevant.
The standards of the accommodation and facilities are excellent (although the toasters seem to be a bit crummy 
), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.
I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
*River
The standards of the accommodation and facilities are excellent (although the toasters seem to be a bit crummy ), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.
I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
Thanks very much! You've been hugely helpful, and I'm sure I'll take you up on your PM offer soon
*River
The standards of the accommodation and facilities are excellent (although the toasters seem to be a bit crummy ), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.
I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing.I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
that really is some fantastic essay procrastination there
*River
The standards of the accommodation and facilities are excellent (although the toasters seem to be a bit crummy ), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doing
I do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
), all of the rooms are en-suite and a fairly decent size. The bar's huge, we have a decent gym and a computer room with fast computers. I think initially it's a bit harder to find your feet socially because you obviously don't have the communal meals that other colleges do, but it's not really an issue for most people. To be honest, I've found settling in difficult, but I don't think I can attribute all of the issues to Butler. It's pot luck as to whether you get placed with a like-minded bunch of people to you - if you are, you'll generally settle in more quickly than those who aren't, but it doesn't take much effort to walk across the landing and knock on somebody else's flat. I get along fine with my flatmates, but I wouldn't say that we're friends, and we're all finding our own friends to share houses with next year rather than moving as a flat, which some people are doingI do one politics module (introduction to IR); the lectures are really quite dull, but the tutorials have been interesting, which is what's important really. Currently I'm in essay crisis mode (have to hand in an IR essay tomorrow morning), but the workload for politics really is very manageable - I certainly have more work than my flatmate who's doing Politics, and as said, I'm only a historian! Feel free to PM me or reply again here if you think of anything else.
I think even if you don't get on particularly well with your flat mates, there's plenty of ways to meet other people. Sports clubs are generally fun and have a good social side and there's lots of bops/club nights/formals/parties etc. to get to know other butler students.
If the worst comes to the worst, just walk round studio on a tuesday night and you'll find half of butler there!
I am a first year at JB and so far, I have loved it. The rooms are a good size and the kitchens big enough to party in 
. I chose JB because I knew that I wanted to play uni sport and didn't want to be tied down with meal times. I haven't had any problems getting on with flatmates and 3 of us will be sharing with 2 from another flat next year. It is more expensive than the other colleges because all the room have en-suite facilities, but it's been worth it. Anything specific u want to know just ask.
I have met loads of people from JB, my course and also from playing sport so u always have someone to hang out with
. I chose JB because I knew that I wanted to play uni sport and didn't want to be tied down with meal times. I haven't had any problems getting on with flatmates and 3 of us will be sharing with 2 from another flat next year. It is more expensive than the other colleges because all the room have en-suite facilities, but it's been worth it. Anything specific u want to know just ask.I have met loads of people from JB, my course and also from playing sport so u always have someone to hang out with
6+6=12
The good thing about Josephine Butler is when you move out in the second year.....
And others move in?happymonday
It is more expensive than the other colleges because all the room have en-suite facilities
No, its more expensive because you are forced to have a longer let, and because you pay the same weekly rate despite being self-catered.
Itchynscratchy
No, its more expensive because you are forced to have a longer let, and because you pay the same weekly rate despite being self-catered.
You dont pay the same weekly rent, its the food and the like that makes it come out more expensive. And the extra weeks.
It's a lower weekly rate because it's a lower overall amount http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/undergraduate/Undergraduateresidencecharges07-08.pdf
I stand corrected, but its still not because of en-suite anyway
oooh i've applied there!
but for engineering...
i havent heard anything from durham yet though and its stressing me so much
but for engineering...
i havent heard anything from durham yet though and its stressing me so much
MarshallM
I have an offer from Butler and I'm really looking forward to it! Looking at Google Maps, there's a golf course next door! Wondering if anyone know if they accept students?
Edit: Ooh, what does 38 weeks entail in comparison to 50/28 for other colleges?
Edit: Ooh, what does 38 weeks entail in comparison to 50/28 for other colleges?
No idea about the golf, sorry!!
38 week lets mean that you have your room from the beginning of your first term until the end of the summer term; you don't have to move all of your stuff out of your room in the Christmas and Easter holidays. Most of my friends in other colleges have to clear out completely each term and take all of their stuff home. It's handy for parents as I just got the train home, which meant that my mum didn't have to drive for almost 5 and half hours each way to collect me. I'm not sure how a 50 week let would work I'm affraid.
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