Feeling upset about Durham college allocation and accommodation choices

Absolutely dreading September.
I’ve been allocated Hild Bede (which was my 8th choice anyway), and have only just learned that you aren’t even guaranteed Rushford Court, but some Brackenbury building? I’m just so upset, I know it sounds silly to be sad that the building is ugly, but Hild Bede was so far away from the other colleges anyway, and now I learn I might even be out further away than the main college building? I can’t even email and ask to change, either, because I don’t know what kind of disability would warrant switching.
Can anybody tell me if I have any chance at enjoying it? Everything I learn about Hild Bede makes me hate it even more. It doesn’t even have any college traditions, gowns, etc. Not to mention the website doesn’t even mention Brackenbury! I just hate it so much I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic.
I deferred my application last year, so I’m wondering how much of a chance I have at being reallocated after results day? Probably 0%, I’m guessing.
💔

Absolutely dreading September.
I’ve been allocated Hild Bede (which was my 8th choice anyway), and have only just learned that you aren’t even guaranteed Rushford Court, but some Brackenbury building? I’m just so upset, I know it sounds silly to be sad that the building is ugly, but Hild Bede was so far away from the other colleges anyway, and now I learn I might even be out further away than the main college building? I can’t even email and ask to change, either, because I don’t know what kind of disability would warrant switching.
Can anybody tell me if I have any chance at enjoying it? Everything I learn about Hild Bede makes me hate it even more. It doesn’t even have any college traditions, gowns, etc. Not to mention the website doesn’t even mention Brackenbury! I just hate it so much I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic.
I deferred my application last year, so I’m wondering how much of a chance I have at being reallocated after results day? Probably 0%, I’m guessing.
💔

You have me in a panic now. I thought they were not starting the college allocation until after 7 May?

Absolutely dreading September.
I’ve been allocated Hild Bede (which was my 8th choice anyway), and have only just learned that you aren’t even guaranteed Rushford Court, but some Brackenbury building? I’m just so upset, I know it sounds silly to be sad that the building is ugly, but Hild Bede was so far away from the other colleges anyway, and now I learn I might even be out further away than the main college building? I can’t even email and ask to change, either, because I don’t know what kind of disability would warrant switching.
Can anybody tell me if I have any chance at enjoying it? Everything I learn about Hild Bede makes me hate it even more. It doesn’t even have any college traditions, gowns, etc. Not to mention the website doesn’t even mention Brackenbury! I just hate it so much I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic.
I deferred my application last year, so I’m wondering how much of a chance I have at being reallocated after results day? Probably 0%, I’m guessing.
💔

Absolutely dreading September.
I’ve been allocated Hild Bede (which was my 8th choice anyway), and have only just learned that you aren’t even guaranteed Rushford Court, but some Brackenbury building? I’m just so upset, I know it sounds silly to be sad that the building is ugly, but Hild Bede was so far away from the other colleges anyway, and now I learn I might even be out further away than the main college building? I can’t even email and ask to change, either, because I don’t know what kind of disability would warrant switching.
Can anybody tell me if I have any chance at enjoying it? Everything I learn about Hild Bede makes me hate it even more. It doesn’t even have any college traditions, gowns, etc. Not to mention the website doesn’t even mention Brackenbury! I just hate it so much I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic.
I deferred my application last year, so I’m wondering how much of a chance I have at being reallocated after results day? Probably 0%, I’m guessing.
💔

Hello!
First of all, I completely understand how defeating it feels when you've been assigned to a college that you didn't rank highly. This happens to so many students at Durham and this is mostly due to how colleges assignments are made, which try to ensure a balance of students from different subjects within every college, and to ensure that every student has accommodation as much as possible.
I must say that whilst it may feel like its truly horrible to be assigned to a college you don't want to join, so many students end up loving the college they get reassigned to in the end! This is because it becomes part of your identity at Durham, and the friends and memories you have at Durham will be so strongly associated with your college and your time living in college/joining in college events. On the Durham Student website, a lot of my fellow students have shared their experiences being reallocated (I'd especially recommend reading Katie's experience here!) and how they ended up loving their college in the end. It's very likely you'll be just like them, and will end up loving it (like all my friends at Hilde Bede!)
So, don't fret! You'll still have an incredible Durham experience at a great college!
Hope this somewhat helps!
– Lesath (DU Rep.)

Hi, thank you for your response! 🙂 I think my biggest worry though (two weeks later) is less Hild Bede itself, and more the accommodation.
Like I’d said, Brackenbury wasn’t mentioned anywhere on Durham’s website, and I only found out about it from a Reddit post, so this isn’t even a case of “I should have ranked it lower if I only wanted single building accom” because it already was quite low on my ranking.
As someone who already struggles with isolation, the idea of being even further away from an already quite on-its-own college is terrifying me. Is there an option to say which building you’d rather be allocated to on the preferences form in June? The walk from B to the History Department takes twice as long than walking from RC as well, which is another annoyance.
I did read about Katie’s experience, which is helpful if I do get allocated Rushford Court, but there’s no doubt that being in separate accommodation away from the main site will have an impact on your college experience and the friends you’ll make, imo.

Hello!
Whilst I definitely understand how the geographical distance between Brackenbury and the rest of the colleges can be scary, I must say that it looks much worse on the map than it is in real life. Durham is a really small city, with a really strong community of students and you will find your people here, whether that is through college or through the university-wide societies! Your college will make it a point to give you as many social activities during your freshers week so don't worry about being left out!
As for choosing your accomodation type, it depends on what your college accomodation form looks like this year. There may be a chance its on there but usually its decided at a college level.
Hope this helps and hopefully we will see you in Durham this September!
– Lesath (DU Rep.)

Just checked on google maps. It looks like a really nice and fresh accom which is really good going for Durham. It’s a 35 minute walk to the Mount Joy centre. Or just a 25 minute bus ride, plus the bus stop is very close to the accommodation. Also you’re near the centre of town. So I wouldn’t fret too much, I know it’s annoying not being on the hill or Bailey exactly but the reality is that your actually quite close and you’ll have a whole community of people in your accom with you. Long story short I think you’ll have a good time