About Us
Our Story
University College, proudly located in Durham Castle, became the first college of Durham University in 1837. Lovingly known as “Castle,” the college is home to 1100 undergraduate and 500 postgraduate students, with 550 of these living in college accommodation in or within walking distance of the Castle. Additionally, the college is home to more than 11,000 alumni and our esteemed Senior Common Room is comprised of several hundred faculty and staff colleagues from within and outside the University, many of whom are Castle and/or Durham alumni.
Organised into the Junior (UG) and Middle (PG) Common Rooms, the student community is heavily engaged in more than 30 clubs and societies, including sport and social issues groups, an active community outreach/volunteerism offer and multiple performing arts ensembles.
University College common rooms activate the ethos of our learning community and the Executive teams of each are highly dedicated. Members of our learning community are being challenged to get involved, dig deep academically, respect each other and the facilities, invite marginalised voices to the fore, reflect openly and honestly, interrogate “tradition”, participate authentically, and confront toxic attitudes and behaviours.
In a typical year, Castle hosts a vibrant calendar of events and activities including weekly formal dinners during term alongside a wide range of academic, social and charity events as well as volunteering opportunities.
Many events are held for members of all three common rooms, while some events are designed for a particular common room. We strive to build meaningful connections within and across common rooms to cultivate an inclusive and flourishing learning community.
Supporting our Learning Community
The SCR is vital to strengthening our learning community, and there are several ways we engage to support this.
Our students and their learning here is of utmost importance, and our goal is an SCR that contributes to the student journey while our members also enjoy the benefits of engaging in a robust learning community with colleagues.
Connecting with students at events, in the Hall over a meal, through an academic talk or as a mentor are just a few ways our involvement makes a difference.
Other ways we contribute:
- Recommending guest speakers from our own professional networks for SCR or college-wide events such as academic talks, book launches, arts/music performances, Castle Lectures and more
- Attending college-wide events such as formals, chapel services, and public lectures
- Serving as college mentors to a small group of 10-15 students
- Volunteering on the SCR leadership team or offering to coordinate a particular SCR event
- Delivering a talk or lecture, sharing your musical or artistic talent in a performance, or facilitating a panel discussion about a current affairs event
- Serving as hosts for a visiting IAS or IMEMS Fellow here for a specific academic term
Supporting our Members
We want our members to benefit from the unique opportunities our community offers. Here are a few ways you can benefit from being part of Castle SCR
- Attend SCR specific events such as music recitals, art exhibits, wine and cheese gatherings, book discussions, and other socials
- Network with colleagues and professionals across the university and local area
- Dine in College weekday lunchtimes through the servery (pay as you go, guests welcome)
- Spend time in the historic SCR space in Castle
The SCR space is for members to read the paper, have coffee or tea, invite a colleague for a chat, etc. Tea and coffee supplies are available, and the kitchenette is at your disposal for brewing as needed.
The space is designated for SCR member use and is not available for other groups or common rooms to book for events except on rare occasions
