Our History

As a college of Durham University, St Cuthbert's Society offers an unrivalled student experience steeped in history and tradition but forward looking.  

The college had an interesting start to its life: In 1888, following University approval, St Cuthbert's Society was set up as a non-residential college for mature and local students who did not wish to reside in either Hatfield Hall or University College and instead preferred to lodge in houses within Durham City. In order to distinguish itself from residential colleges, it was given the title 'Society'.  A member of University staff was appointed to oversee the running of the Society, referred to as a Censor, and the students were mature and traditionally from the local area who tended to have family responsibilities.

After the second world war, in 1946, the St Cuthbert's Society was "refounded" and the University appointed its first Principal, a member of academic staff, to manage the Society.  It was not until 1951 that St Cuthbert's Society had its first "livers in" at 12 South Bailey and, one could argue, that this was a significant point in the history of St Cuthbert's Society.  The college was moving away from its original roots as being non-residential; the reason for its creation in 1888 and one of the reasons it is now one of the 16 colleges of the Durham University.

More accommodation was acquired on the Bailey and also at Parson's Field and in 2006, the University handed over a total of 465 beds to St Cuthbert's Society.  We currently have 110 beds available on the Bailey (full board provision) with the majority in shared rooms and 355 at Parson's Field (self catering and part catering). 

St Cuthbert's Society is managed by three college officers: The Principal is responsible for the college and is supported in this role by the Senior Tutor and Bursar, with the support of the a team of dedicated staff in areas such as pastoral and welfare support, finance, catering, facilities and domestics.  

The college has a Junior Common Room (JCR) with a JCR President who is elected by the students.  The JCR President is responsible for the running of the JCR and is supported by a team of students referred to as the JCR Executive.  The college also has a Senior Common Room (SCR) with a SCR President and a team of people all of whom are volunteers.  Finally, there is the Alumni Association and a group of alumni referred to as the Refounders.

Whilst it is not called 'St Cuthbert's College', it is a college with the decisions on its operation, including the bar and the library, resting with the college officers and the University.  The University agreed in 2008 to allow the college to retain the title of Society as a reflection of its heritage.

St Cuthbert's Society now provides accommodation for 465 students including guaranteed accommodation for all first year students and a large number of returners and postgraduates. We continue to welcome local and mature students to our college.