All your questions answered...
- What actually is the MCR?
Well, as you'll know from reading Derrida, concepts only have meaning when contrasted with what they're not. So, the MCR isn't the Junior Common Room - the undergraduates who have yet to discover the world of academia - and it isn't the Senior Common Room - those who define the world of academia.
We're in the middle and represent the postgraduate community. We also have several 'associate members' including 4th year undergraduates and others with links to the MCR. This makes us a diverse group of ages, backgrounds, nationalities and interests, but means we've got a lot to offer each other and the College as a whole. We're the perfect blend of youth, wisdom and (im)maturity. - Where is the actual Common Room?
Our common room can be found on the first floor of Main College. It's at the back and looks out over the croquet lawn. It's next to the computer room, near to the libraries, and right above the bar.
To find it go up the stairs next to the JCR, and turn left on the first floor corridor. Or just ask at reception! Once you've found it the first time you'll remember. Perhaps. - What's the meaning of life?
We've no idea. But check out our stuff that's cool page to pass the time.
- What are battels?
Battels is a name we use for fees or bills. Wikipedia says the word originated in Oxford. The MCR charges each member a small annual fee of £25. This enables us to maintain the common room, hold a massive range of events, and provide lots of different opportunities for our members. It also includes a contribution to the JCR for the things we share such as the bar, daily newspapers, and Sky TV.
MCR Battels are due within the first two weeks of Michaelmas Term. - Is it cold in Durham?
Yes.
- I've noticed the MCR and JCR websites are very similar. Did you work together on them?
No. They stole our code.
- What is Trinity Hall like?
Simply put, Trinity Hall is the best postgraduate-only accommodation that we've seen in Durham. All the bedrooms are a good size, nearly all are en-suite, there's a big kitchen, a large living and dining room, and the only free car-parking in sight of the cathedral. Come round sometime and we'll show you.
- What's the best way to meet other MCR members?
We've got a big schedule of different events planned for the start of term where you'll be able to meet other new members as well as our returning students.
We hold events regularly throughout each term (and vacations), and our common room is the perfect place to meet at any time of the day.
Chad's is a small college and we pride ourselves on the friendly atmosphere we create. We're really looking forward to welcoming new members, so we hope to see you soon! - How can I get involved?
Getting involved is what Chad's is all about, and there are countless ways to do it.
If you're musical (we use the term loosely) then you can sing with the choir, jam in the jazz band, join the orchestra, or practice up for a solo spot at ChadsFest in the summer.
Even though we're small we play every sport going. Everyone gets stuck in and normally ends up playing in more than one team. There's rugby, football, cricket, croquet, table tennis, pool, darts, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, netball, squash, tennis, badminton, and plenty of others we've forgotten. Ability really isn't much of an issue, so go for it.
Other great ways to get involved include working behind the bar, joining our Theatre Company, or presenting your work at the MCR forums.
Near the beginning of the year we elect our MCR Exec. This is the way to get involved in the running of the MCR and is a brilliant experience. Check out the Exec page to see the different positions on offer.
Other than this, nothing beats just being in College, whether in the MCR, JCR or the bar. Chad's is yours, so wipe your feet on the mat and make yourself at home... - How does the Tutor system work for postgraduates?
Chad's has a fantastic team of College Tutors - people from all backgrounds who take on a pastoral or mentoring role for a group of students. For postgraduates in Chad's this means that you'll be assigned a tutor at the beginning of the year and they will be someone you can contact for help with academic, university, or any other issues.
Your tutor will also invite you each term to a special Tutor's Formal - a free meal in college with the rest of your tutor group.
You'll be able to meet your tutor for the first time at our special Postgraduate Matriculation Ceremony in the second week of term.