Welfare & support

The welfare of our students is our key concern. There are times when even the best plan can be derailed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as illness, personal emergencies or simply because we have developed and changed. What was once a good plan may therefore no longer be appropriate and require adjustment. Students who find themselves in such a position can rely on our excellent support network for help and advice, however large or small the issue.

Your Senior Tutors have overall responsibility for providing and co-ordinating personal support and general academic guidance in college. Senior Tutors have an open-door policy and are normally available to meet with you any time during normal office hours. In term-time it is advisable to pre-book an appointment via the College Secretary. Our College Chaplain also plays a key role in our welfare network. He is available for anyone to talk in confidence about any issues or concerns whether practical, emotional or spiritual.

To help you manage the transition from home to university life and to encourage you to get the most out of your time at Durham, you will be assigned a College Mentor, who will act as your personal mentor throughout your first year. He/She will contact you prior to your arrival in Durham and you will meet up on Freshers' Sunday. Our mentor system is optional beyond the first year.

Under the leadership of an elected student welfare officer our Junior Common Room (JCR) has a well-established welfare committee offering peer support to fellow students. Your JCR welfare officer can be a useful first point of contact, who can help to resolve minor issues or point you in the right direction for further advice. The JCR welfare team also runs regular awareness campaigns and information sessions on wider student welfare issues.