I felt instantly welcome and knew that I had made the right choice. After having had the chance to look around some of the other colleges, I can really see the benefits of Collingwood and why it really is the best college, as our rooms and community facilities far exceed that of some other colleges. The other main thing I think our college stands out for is our events and it's really good to see people enjoying themselves, especially after helping to run most of them this year.
Collingwood is also very good for its sports and societies mostly down to its superb financial assistance from the JCR and highly dedicated team captains. This allows for a number of teams catering for all abilities and interests. 
Alex Dudgeon, Chemistry
As Collingwood is catered it means you can meet people in the dining room and it's a really good way to catch up after a day of everyone doing different things and to decide what to do in the evening. The events that Collingwood puts on such as Collingwood Day, formals, plays, the summer ball really makes time at university special. Durham City is beautiful and although it's small it means you are very likely to meet someone you know if you pop into town. As Newcastle is only 20 minutes away on the train it means you are never far away from larger shops, cinema trips, ice skating etc.
Claire Hassell, History
Life at Collingwood has certainly been a non-stop ride! I decided to throw myself into college and university life, and have not looked back, and I think this photograph pretty much sums me up... mid-dramatic-strop during the Summer Plays! Getting involved with drama in college and university, both acting and directing, has been an excellent way of finding my place, like minded people, and sometimes an escape from an extremely challenging degree course! This is what Collingwood excels at - providing so many options so that everyone is able to find something that gets them involved, whether it is on one of the many outstanding sports squads, onstage, or running the JCR as part of the Exec. You will never be short of something to do!
Danielle Reece-Greenhalgh, Law
The best thing I have experienced from Collingwood is the community spirit. Although the college is one of the biggest it is amazing how quickly you get to know everyone within college. During my two years I have never experienced animosity between Collingwood students; we all seem to stick together, have fun, and enjoy college and University life. Within Collingwood I have always felt a strong family feel, with friendships spanning across each and every year. When walking through the doors I always feel like I'm at home, in a safe and friendly environment with friends there to support and encourage you. I don't know what it is, but 'Woodsmen' and 'Woodswomen' seem to be of a different, more fun and friendly breed. I've experienced nothing like it from any other college.
Lawrence Dalton, Sport
The main reason I chose Collingwood in the first place was because of the superior accommodation on offer. This turned out to be just a small part of what makes Collingwood great. From the first moment I arrived on "Freshers Sunday", I realised just how friendly everyone at Collingwood is! I think part of the reason for this is its size. You will meet people from all walks of life, and have lots of different groups of friends. Collingwood's size also means that there are lots of different things you can get involved in. There are committees, societies, and groups for almost anything, and if there isn't, you can set one up! They are great ways to meet even more people - I'm involved in the Ents committee, Purple radio (Durham's student radio station), and I'm a fresher rep!
Tom Hancock, Engineering
I LOVE COLLINGWOOD!! It sounds clichéd, but the collegiate system really does make you feel more included in a 'family' unit! Collingwood is a perfect example of the community spirit!
However I do believe that it is important to get involved with activities outside of college so as to broaden your horizons and expand social networks. Who knows you may find an activity that college doesn't offer that you fall in love with! Which is why I became President of the University dance society!
Becca Page, Biology
No other college comes close to having such a diverse community as Collingwood, and the chance to mix with people from so many different backgrounds. When you add to this that we have easily some of the best accommodation in Durham and some of the best views of the city then there really is no competition. There's so much opportunity to get involved with sports teams, committees and arts activities that you can never be wanting something to do. If I had to choose my college again, I'd definitely choose Collingwood.
Christopher Warr, Combined Arts
As a member of this College, never forget what it gives to you. These will be the greatest years of your life. You will forge rewarding relationships, friendships and networks that you will carry with you to the grave. Your academic experiences here will open up a range of opportunities to excel in life that most can only ever dream of attaining. Durham's unique collegiate system will also expand your training beyond merely the academic. Collingwood brings together students from an extremely diverse range of social, ethnic and geographical backgrounds. By being part of a collegiate system the opportunity for this incredible cross-section of society to come together very closely via sport, drama, music, college bodies, or simply socially, is much greater and more intense than at other schools of learning. The Collingwood community is a microcosm of the greater global community into which you will step when you leave this place, and the social training that you receive in your all too brief years here will help you understand more than most how to co-operate across the barriers that may have previously divided you. Recognise and appreciate this. After you leave this place never forget the favour it has bestowed upon you.
Mark Hillery, Collingwood College, 1985-88
Collingwood has been a fantastic college and has given me everything I have needed during my time at the University.
Anonymous Finalist
Collingwood has been a fantastic college and has given me everything I have needed during my time at the University.
Anonymous Finalist
I think that the College system has made my life here a lot more fun, and it was much easier to settle in that I was anticipating. I have definitely done things through college that I would never have thought of doing otherwise!!
Anonymous First Year
I think that the College system has made my life here a lot more fun, and it was much easier to settle in that I was anticipating. I have definitely done things through college that I would never have thought of doing otherwise!!
Anonymous First Year
Many thanks for a wonderful three years.
Anonymous Finalist
