Being a member of a college is like being in a family. It is a brilliant system that allows you to explore your potential academically alongside growing and discovering your strengths as an individual.
John Sheard, Van Mildert College
The collegiate system has provided me with a backbone of pastoral support that’s underpinned my time at Durham. No one’s time at university will go completely to plan – personal health, relationships and family issues can act as a barrier to a person’s fulfilment of their academic and personal potential. The collegiate system at Durham ensures that you always have someone keeping an eye on your progress, making sure that you’re performing to your maximum.
Matthew Walters, St Chad's College
My three years at Durham have been the best possible preparation I could have had before heading out into the real world. The time I’ve spent doing extra-curricular activities have proved invaluable material for discussion in job interviews and after receiving three graduate job offers I am grateful for all the opportunities Durham has provided me with.
Niamh Murphy, University College
In college you meet so many people from day one and there’s a great community feel – it’s like a big family. One of my highlights has been getting involved in loads of things I hadn't done before. Anyone at university can come away with a good degree, but few can leave with the life skills and experience that a college gives you.
Charles Robin, Hatfield College
I’ve done so many things I never expected to do because of the friendly, caring atmosphere and support of my college. I help run the Van Mildert Young Persons’ Project; I’m a senior freshers’ rep; I’m on our executive committee; and I’ve performed in the College panto and cabaret. The college system was one of the main reasons I chose to study here and it has allowed me to discover and develop so many new personal strengths.
Rebecca King, Van Mildert College
I live in Ustinov College, which is unique with its multi-cultural, multi-racial student population. Where else can you attend a BBQ where you eat and drink with fellow students from places as diverse as the Philippines, Japan, Angola, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the host country, United Kingdom? It's an enriching experience.
Bahma, Ustinov College
The college system at Durham helped me to settle in very quickly. Everyone really looked after me and there were lots of people I could ask for advice.
Annika, Germany
Durham has enabled me to pursue passions I'd never previously considered and given me the confidence to try and make a living out of them.
Chris Atkins (who has sent a sitcom to the BBC and performs stand-up comedy)
One of my most rewarding experiences so far at university has been visiting an elderly residential home on a Wednesday afternoon. We played scrabble, baked cakes and played bowling on the Nintendo Wii. Having the opportunity to go into the community and meet people has really added to my time at University.
Ashley Watson, College of St Hild & St Bede
My time at Durham was fundamental to me becoming an entrepreneur. The collegiate system provides the opportunity for so many people to be in charge of something, express themselves and find out what they can achieve. I still feel that running the boat club was my first small business and has provided me with invaluable transferable life skills and experience.
Paul Hawkins, Grey College 1993 - 96, Founder of Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited
Durham was my crucible where all the different interests and urges that drive me and inspire me were made real and forged me into the person I would eventually become.
Tim Smit, Hatfield College 1973 - 76, Founder of the Eden Project
The diagnosis was clear: late adolescence, with recurring episodes of aimlessness. The possible cure? Three years at Durham. Durham made me believe in myself and gave me confidence to aim high. In short, Durham defibrillated my life.
Lucy Beresford, Trevelyan 1984 - 97, Author of 'Something I'm Not'
