Yeah,it’s friendly. But all colleges are friendly.
When you think about it, all colleges are made up of random people and those living in change each year. So the idea that a college has a fixed personality just isn’t true. Loads of people who wanted X college don’t get it. They all end up in other colleges making up the personality types there.
In the end, the differences are location and if catered or not. Everything else doesn’t really exist as a difference. Given all colleges are in walking distance of everything, all are fine. Yes, you might be a bit closer or further from places you need to go, but you can get everywhere. Yes, you might have older or newer architecture than you prefer….but you’ll probably find that throughout life and it won’t spoil your experience. Catered is a bit of a different experience. Lots like it - sociably getting out of room at least two or three times a day. Easy to mix and meet people etc etc. self catered needs more work but gives more flexibility. Most will live this life from 2nd year in houses anyway. And most live with people they meet in college…so the colleges clearly breed friendship.
The thing that makes Durham a bit different is colleges exist and are communities which are more than halls of residence, with people having a strong connection for their full course. But exactly which college you’re in doesn’t actually matter that much. You become part of the community you’re in.
I suppose students like to find ways to differentiate themselves and people have a tendency to stereotype or want to pick on others (in basically a friendly way) and so you get people saying stuff about Hatfueld or Aidans or whatever. But the people and stuff going on in Hatfield and Aidans are the same as other colleges and those people could equally have been in other colleges, so the things people say are just foolish really. I think people here know that really…but it does worry those applying. And it’s needless. perhaps too people struggle with not getting what they wanted. Everyone knows lots do get what they wanted and don’t like not getting what they wanted….especially if in life they always have so far. Some people find it hard to believe there isn’t a mechanism they can use to get themselves what they wanted, because previously here has been. But it’s not this part of growing up too…knowing stuff happens and we have to go with it. And actually what we thought was better or best often wasn’t anyway. Getting deep now.
Mildert has lots in common with Collingwood in that it’s very big, similar location and catered. There is a lot of sport although people associate Collingwood with sport more. Mildert has a tradition of massive volunteering projects which loads are invovled with. But not everyone in Mildert is into volunteering of course, just like lots of non sporty people are at Collingwood.