Trevelyan College

Welcome to Trevelyan College

Trevelyan College was founded in 1966 and formally opened in 1968. It was named after George Macaulay Trevelyan, the famous historian and Chancellor of the University. It was designed by John Eastwick-Field to reflect the form of the Castle in modern style, being in the form of inter-linked hexagonal blocks and has won a Civic Trust Award. As a result of the architectural design, all the rooms on the landings face each other, creating micro communities, which contribute to the really friendly atmosphere of the College.

Originally an all female college, men were admitted for the first time in 1990 and the College is now a diverse, international community. Some of the blocks and landings, which are all under one roof, accommodate postgraduate students so opportunities exist to mix with people from a range of academic disciplines, different years of study and of wide ranging interests, which adds to the rich life that Trevelyan College offers whilst you are at University.

Our College, affectionately known as 'Trevs', is the third smallest in Durham. We have around just over 650 undergraduate and 145 postgraduate students, and roughly 40% of those students live in College. Our small size is part of what makes us widely renowned as one of the 'friendliest colleges in Durham' - a reputation that we are proud of. Our infectious College spirit comes from the strong sense of community in Trevs which is forged, in part, by our unique 'under one roof' architecture. You will immediately feel at home at Trevs and will make friendships that will last a lifetime.

Find out more about our facilities

Durham University is made up of 16 colleges: Durham’s distinctive residential and educational communities. These colleges are more than just halls of residence, and allow students to interface with the University on a human scale. The colleges are the centre of student development at Durham, acting as the primary outlet for sports and societies, student democracy, welfare and pastoral support, and student social life. The colleges vary significantly in size, location, appearance and personality, so it’s important that you choose the right one.

We believe that Trevs is a special place, and that it's the best possible home you can have during your time at Durham. We are the smallest of the University's maintained colleges and most of our facilities and accommodation are housed under one roof, in a building that is quite literally built to build community. The eye-catching hexagonal architecture means that rooms are arranged into groups of 6, around communal landing spaces. This creates an instant connection with those living around you, and results in life-long and meaningful relationships with fellow Trevelyanites. As Lydia, our JCR president has phrased it, 'The inclusive atmosphere of Trevs creates a close-knit community, which in turn comes to form a second family. Not only is there something for everyone at Trevs, but it’s a place you can try literally anything whilst having people around you who will support you, no matter what. I feel privileged to be part of a college which has such a strong sense of belonging and community. For that reason, Trevs is home.'

Indeed, Trevs isn't just your home for the time that you live in College, but throughout your entire time at University and beyond. Trevs is home to a wide array of sports teams, musical groups and other societies which are open to all of our students throughout their whole time here, and which will allow you to develop the skills and experiences that you need to excel once you graduate, whilst having the time of your life in the process. As well as the wid variety of clubs and societies, we actively invest in your future, and encourage you to do the same. Coming to Trevs is about more than simply getting your degree, and as a College we offer a comprehensive porgramme of student development opportunities, including careers and employability events, professional networking opportunities, academic skills workshops, and specialist student support services. Your time at Trevs will prepare you comprehensively for when you graduate, but this doesn't mean that you stop being a Trevelyanite. Our alumni still see Trevs as their home long after they leave us, and continue to have a strong connection with the College, attending reunion events, joining our SCR, and offering mentoring to current students.

For all of these reasons Trevs really is a special place.

" ‘A special place’… this is a description many have used of Trevelyan College, over many years – and they are all absolutely right! Our residential community is also a thoughtful place – the cultural, social, musical, recreational and often scholarly focus for all College members – resident and non-resident alike. The original ‘Hive of Activity,’ our hexagonal home is the only one of Durham’s colleges to be built throughout in the same intimate architectural style, in which friendships are inevitable, and where it’s so much easier to engage with others than it is to be isolated. It’s a place of welcome, warmth, fun and achievement – special indeed!"

Professor H. M. Evans, College Principal

So come and join the Trevs Family! Look at our 360 degree panoramas to get to know us a little better.