Our students say...
The collegiate system works brilliantly and the support, atmosphere and social events Hatfield offers are quite remarkable. You can be involved in as much or as little as you want in both the College and the University as a whole.
| "After a short time in Durham I have made so many new friends from so many different places. Furthermore, I have got to know the legendary Hatfield Spirit 'Vel primus vel cum primus' (Be the best you can be) that is renowned throughout the University. This special ethos combines the traditional college system with an open-minded modern community of postgraduate students. Needless to say, you work as a postgraduate student with reading, writing essays, and preparing presentations but in Hatfield you will have fun and the opportunity of playing hard as well. I have got involved in the Hatfield College Boat Club and it is amazing to row in a team of four on the gorgeous River Wear in view of the Durham castle. Last but not least, it is an enrichment studying and living together in Hatfield College with outstanding students from all over the world. This stimulating environment prompts us to become Hatfielders and friends." |
| "In the MCR everyone knows everyone - and that's probably the best aspect. You are surrounded by like minded people, all who are academically focused but want a good time as well. It may be harder academically than undergraduate studies, but we all live by the motto - work hard, play harder! Durham has some of the best sporting opportunities of any university in the country. From competing for the University at International, National and regional events, to competitive college teams, or even just a mess around with friends after lectures - if you like Sport, you'll love Durham." |
| "After finishing my undergraduate degree [in the USA], I was concerned that postgraduate life would be solitary and demanding. So many postgraduates get so caught up in their academic work that they miss out on the unique experience offered by the collegiate system. Hatfield MCR is different. Returning to College from matriculation, I was welcomed as a member of a community, much like my fraternity in the States. I was encouraged to join societies and clubs. The singularity and cohesiveness of Hatfield means postgraduates can join in experiencing great ents with the JCR that we couldn't otherwise put on ourselves. I also found it nice that the MCR still put on our own, more relaxed ents, such as the MCR Christmas concert and casual movie nights on a regular basis. Joining Hatfield has helped me balance the rigors of posgraduate work and make friends outside my department." |
| "One of the things that is great about Hatfield, is that it is what you make it. There's no pressure on people to get involved with college life or activities, but if you want ot join in, or start something new, everything is there so that you can do it. Whatever your contribution, whether it was being involved in the Exec, singing college songs or supporting one of the many sporting events, you are made to feel like you are part of the College." |
| "The phrase 'community of scholars' is often bandied around University campuses, but I've never really felt it to be true until I came to Hatfield. Though College life is kept entirely separate from my Literature degree, it sometimes feels that I am learning more in College social events than I am in my lectures. Whether it is the bi-termly 'Interfaiths Forum' talks, or a sermon in the chapel; or even just something I overheard on the way to the library, I always feel that Hatfield vibrates with the buzz of ideas. It's an environment that can only be created by dropping a wide variety of people into the same splace and encouraing them to ask questions. Unfortunately, this type of environment can be difficult to find elsewhere." |
| "After three and a half years, Hatfield College has provided me with a comfortable environment to pursue my hobbies and studies. With good musical facilities as well as warm bedrooms and decent food, living in Hatfield has always made life easy for me." |
| "Outside of the academic work, which is University-based, I spend the majority of my free time doing things which are more college related. Hatfield is very community-centric. There are plenty of things going on at all times, from the Hatfield bar pub quiz to BBQs to Balls. I have made so many new friends from so many different places. I feel like I have people that I can go to if I have any sort of problems, or if I just want to goof around and have some fun!" |
|
"The most formidable virtue about Hatfield College is its spirit of community and belonging. Everyone can feel it from the very first day. Thus Freshers and postgrads alike feel instantly welcome and in turn are encouraged to get involved. Personally I started rowing from scratch and participated in amateur races shortly after - only one way to live the Hatfield motto "be the best you can be". There is one thing to add: if you mention in Durham 'Hatfield formal dinner' you will provoke envy in your non-Hatfield opposite." |
Quotes taken from recent Student Experience Surveys
