University College, Durham
|
|
Template:Durham college University College, commonly known as Castle, is a college of the University of Durham in England. It is the oldest of Durham's colleges, founded in 1832. Since 1837 it has been housed in Durham Castle, which dates from 1097 and is the oldest University building in the world. Castle students eat their meals in the medieval Great Hall, drink in an 11th century bar, and about 100 of them live in rooms in the keep. In addition to rooms in the castle itself the College maintains some other halls of residence in the surrounding area. These are; Moatside Court, which is a modern development mainly inhabited by first years; Owengate which is a series of inter-connected houses along the lane of the same name; and Bailey Court which faces similar accommodation belonging to Hatfield College.
Home to around 600 undergraduates, Castle is medium-sized compared to Durham's other colleges. It is the most oversubscribed of the colleges by a considerable margin: in recent years there have been approximately fifteen times as many applicants as places.
As with other colleges, the student body (JCR) is governed by an elected Executive Committee. The head of the 'Exec' is the Senior Man (even when a female student holds the role), supported by several other officers. Regular JCR meetings are held to discuss and vote on important issues. There are several other elected non-executive officers such as Returning Officer, Fresher Rep, Sports Captain who organise other important college functions. The Senior Man meets regularly with college and university authorities to represent the JCR.
There are many social events in the college calendar, but the most famous is the June Ball. Held each year at the end of Easter term, the JCR is given full use of the Castle and often a themed event is adopted. Top bands are drafted in (recently the Bluetones) and security is tight - tickets are highly sought after throughout the University.
Castle has a proud sporting tradition within the University, major sports include rowing, rugby, football and hockey. Less traditional sports are played to a high level, including pool and 'arrows' (darts). Castle is the only Durham college to maintain a full size snooker table.
Castle has an intense and legendary rivalry with nearby Hatfield College.
Notable alumni include Nassar Hussein, Tim Lawrence, Lucy Henman (Tim's wife) and Crispin Blunt MP.
External links
- University College (http://www.dur.ac.uk/university-college.www/) official website
- University College JCR (http://castle-jcr.dur.ac.uk/) undergraduate student organisation
- University College MCR (http://www.dur.ac.uk/castle.mcr/) postgraduate student organisation
- University College SCR (http://www.dur.ac.uk/castle.scr/) staff organisation