FAQs
Frequently asked questions to help you get your head around Hild Bede and what goes on here. If you have any other questions do feel free to contact the SRC President at hild-bede.src@durham.ac.uk
Is Hild Bede "far away"?
Our temporary location at Rushford Court is situated in a fantastic spot in the Viaduct area of the City, which means it is only a short walk to both the Hill and Bailey Colleges! Many students choose to live in the Viaduct during their time outside of college accommodation, meaning you are surrounded by a diverse collegiate community.
What is the accommodation like?
All Hild Bede rooms at Rushford Court will be self-catered, with all rooms being ensuite (a room with private bathroom and shower) in clusters of 4-10 students, with the rooms being allocated randomly.
Postgraduates who live in College accommodation will have studio rooms at Rushford Court; like our undergraduate students, they will have access to all the facilities.
Are there kitchen facilities?
Each cluster of ensuite rooms has their own kitchen with a dining space; larger ones have additional cooking facilities to accommodate extra students. Studios have the same facilities as an ensuite with the addition of private cooking facilities.
Is there a gym at Hild Bede?
There is! Rushford Court will have a gym on-site, which Hild Bede students will have access to 24/7. Membership is £45 per year for SRC members or £90 for non SRC members; for out-of-college options there's also the University Fitness Centre Gym which offers a wider range of equipment at a higher price (about £120 per year) alongside a couple of other gyms in and around Durham City Centre..
What Clubs and Societies does Hild Bede have and where can I find a list of University wide sports teams and societies?
Information about Hild Bede’s Clubs and Societies can be found by clicking on the tab marked "Sports and Societies" at the top of the webpage! Details about general SU Societies can be found on the Durham SU website https://www.durhamsu.com and details of University Sports teams can be found at https://www.dur.ac.uk/teamdurham/performance/universitysport/clubs/.
What level are the college sports and societies?
The great thing about college level sports is that you can get involved no matter what level you are, and our wide range of college sports and societies mean that there is something for everyone! Many Durham University athletes play multiple sports at a collegiate level but you're always welcome to join, even if you've not played before. If you would like to see the specifics of how a certain sport has done in the college leagues, you can check out the results here.
Can I play more than one sport?
Absolutely! You can join as many of our Clubs and Societies as you wish. There tends to be training during the week and matches at the weekends, so it may be worth checking when these usually happen at the Freshers' Fair (during Freshers' Week) before signing up.
What is the nightlife like in Durham?
If you’re up for it, there are a range of night clubs in Durham, including Jimmy Allens, Babylon, and Osbournes! If you're craving more, we are only a stone’s throw away from Newcastle which has thriving nightlife, including lots of big clubs.
Can people who don't go to Durham/are from other colleges come to our formals and balls?
Yes! Although priority for these events will go to SRC members, anyone is welcome at our events. As the SRC levy subsidises events such as the ball and college formals, there is a reduced ticket price for SRC members.
What are College Parents and how are they assigned?
College parents are a long-held tradition within Durham’s colleges. In first year, students ‘college propose' to each other, then 'getting married' and 'adopting' first years when they become second years. There is a dedicated "adopt-a-fresher" night after Induction Week where everyone meets their college family. College parents act as student mentors for during your first year, often hosting social events or just hanging out.
There will be a form sent out that incoming freshers should fill out and a separate form that those becoming college parents will fill out. This information is then used to allocate college children to their parents, according to shared interests such as subjects, sports and music.
What is Hild Bede's mascot?
Our mascot is Bedo the Bear, named after the Venerable Saint Bede!
