Welcome to Hild Bede, your home for the next three years and beyond. Congratulations are in order! A massive well done on the brilliant achievements that have brought you to us. After a challenging period, all of your work and effort has paid off, and you should be immensely proud of yourselves. You are soon to be enrolled at a world class institution, at the best and one of its oldest colleges. There are many things that Hild Bede can boast about. Chief among them is our vibrant community, where everything is run by and for students. No matter your background, there are abundant opportunities and experiences to benefit from. We have over 35 clubs and societies covering everything from rowing to ultimate frisbee – and if a specific group for a niche interest of yours doesn’t yet exist – you can always create one. There are always things to get involved in and do.
We put on multiple events throughout the year, including: our famous Winter and Summer balls; formals; college day; beer festival; quizzes; karaoke and open-mic nights galore! If you want some down-time, we also have a bar and welfare services running throughout term. Our remarkable college has found itself temporarily at Rushford Court, situated a stone’s throw away from the railway and bus stations and five minutes’ walk from the City Centre. We have a long-standing reputation for friendliness and passion, and with 450 residents and even more livers-out, you can rest assured that you will find your people and place here.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our incredible team made up of the executive committee and freshers’ reps (aka Freps). The executive committee are a group of elected student leaders that organise all aspects of life at Hild Bede through their specific roles of responsibility. Our Freps are student volunteers eager to help get you settled in and make your freshers’ week enjoyable. They have spent weeks in preparation to give you an unrivalled, memorable time. Feel free to ask them questions and let us know if you need anything. We can’t wait to meet you all.
I am the president of the SRC (Student Representative Council), which is a huge privilege. My duties are: overseeing the work of our executive committee; representing the student body’s voice to multiple external organisations and managing our events and finances. I live in college and my office is located in the main Harding Building. Please feel free to drop in whenever you want or need - my door is always open, and I will happily provide a cup of tea and chat. Alternatively, you can email me with your queries, no matter how big or small. I am here for you, to make sure you have access to information and feel at ease.
Undoubtedly your time at university will entail difficulties, push you out of your comfort zone, allow you to develop your interests, and forge lifelong friendships. There is no pressure to define this time by your freshers’ week, just trust that by being yourself and open to new things and people, you will flourish here.
Finally, I cannot express how glad we are to have you. Every single student makes a valuable contribution to the college, and we hope to supply an environment where you can grow and prosper. We will support you every step of the way.
- Sam Cooper, president 2024/25
