Experience Ustinov College

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.college

Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Contents Introduction

3

Life in Durham

4

The ‘Durham Difference’

6

Unique Ustinov

8

Academic Life at Ustinov

10

Social Life at Ustinov

12

Social Activities for Families

13

Two weeks in the life of a Ustinovian...

14

Clubs & Societies

16

Support & Advice

18

Glossary

20

Useful Contacts

22

Acknowledgements

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Introduction So, you’ve trawled through all the prospectuses and course descriptions and accommodation guides. But what – you want to know – is postgraduate life in Durham really like? What is a ‘college’, and why should I choose Ustinov?

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We want to suggest the feel of postgraduate life in Durham, giving you insights from current students about their own experiences. We’ll cover the academic opportunities and social activities on offer at Ustinov, sources of pastoral and financial support, life in an intercultural postgraduate environment – in short, everything that makes Ustinov distinctive! There’s even a glossary of the popular buzzwords – or jargon – that you’ll have come across and that you may have wondered about.

We hope this gives you a good idea of what Ustinov College is about – if you have any comments or queries, do feel free to get in touch. We can always include your contributions in future editions, and feed the information forward to the Ustinov students of tomorrow!

We look forward to welcoming you soon,

Sarah Prescott Vice Principal Ustinov College ustinov.college@durham.ac.uk

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Life in Durham Durham City has 40,000 residents, with around 90,000 living in the wider area known as County Durham. The city sits on the river Wear, 14 miles south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and our world-renowned Norman cathedral and 11th-century castle overlook the town.

The University has around 17,000 students, with postgraduates making up about 4,500 of this number.

Many of the city residents are students, and student accommodation in Durham does fill up quickly – so start searching early if you intend to live in private housing here. University accommodation can be found in the charming historic architecture of the Bailey – the city’s central ‘peninsula’ formed by the loop in the river Wear, which is also the site of the castle and cathedral – or purposebuilt accommodation further out of town, such as Ustinov’s sites at Howlands and Dryburn. Private rented housing, usually shared between several occupants, can be found across the town, with students tending to congregate in areas such as Claypath, Gilesgate, the Viaduct and Neville’s Cross, or further out in towns and villages such as Langley Moor, Shincliffe or Ushaw Moor.

The city is small enough to walk around easily, but you can also get around by bicycle, or by car or public transport (particularly if you are travelling between University locations in Durham and Stockton); the main Ustinov College site at Howlands Farm is well served by the

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city’s park-and-ride bus service, which leaves from the bus stop adjacent to the Ustinov College car park. It’s also straightforward to go further afield – to Newcastle, York, Edinburgh or London, for instance – for shopping or sightseeing, while Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley airports are within 30 minutes’ drive of the city.

days first y r e v my ‘From anks to nd its th here, ion Week a me t a t I n d u c e ev e n t s , I e o f iv om inclus eople – s p c lo s e f lo t o h o b e c a m e m e w p ed th em o hel am!’ h w s friend in in Durh ng i l t o d e rn set (P h D M t ) C re p e 11–14 auline ultures, 20 P e n – A n ges and C a Langu

Locals are friendly and welcoming, especially in favourite postgraduate haunts, and on the whole Durham is a safe and pleasant city. Crime levels are low, but it is still important to be careful about personal safety, whether out and about or in your home. Local police can provide useful advice about security.

As for climate, we’re a typical northern English town. Over the year, weather varies from hot and humid summers to freezing, snowy winters, with plenty in between. It has been said you’re not prepared to go out in Durham without your sunglasses and your umbrella ...

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

The ‘Durham Difference’ Durham University comprises three faculties, made up of 25 schools or departments. But, unlike many other universities, Durham also comprises 16 colleges, 14 in Durham city and two at its Stockton campus. Whereas most universities offer dedicated accommodation – ‘Everyone is friendly some of it even going by the name , welcoming and in the ‘college’ – Durham colleges are s am e boat – p o s t gr a d unique as residential, social and u at e s together e njoying th supportive communities of e remainder of their students and academics. university life and sim ply trying to g et everyth Most colleges host a greater or lesser ing from the experience number of postgraduates, but Ustinov .’

is unique in that its student body is – Jack Taylor (MSc Defen Developmen ce entirely made up of those with t and Diplom , acy, 2013–1 4) degrees already. It began life as the ‘Graduate Society’ in 1965, but became a college in 2003, taking the name of then University Chancellor Sir Peter Ustinov, and transferring its operations, and the bulk of its accommodation, to the hillside site of Howlands Farm, on South Road.

all ‘Students from ll this place nationalities ca r a year or their home fo as meant I more, which h nds all have made frie ld in a way around the wor er institution hardly any oth e go.’ can enable in on th (PhD – Philip Gater-Smi 5) –1 12 20 s, Relation

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International

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As a dedicated postgraduate college, Ustinov is an extremely diverse college community – indeed, our motto, ‘Diversitate Valemus’, translates more or less as ‘Diversity is Our Strength’. Current Ustinovians range in age from 21 to 60, hailing from places as far afield as China and Yorkshire, arriving here on their own, in couples or in families. This diversity is reflected in the choice of subjects – while many come to study vocational courses such as PGCEs or Master’s degrees in business, renewable energy or museum studies, others are pursuing much more esoteric research, doing PhDs on online gaming communities or climate change in poetry.

College Officers and the Graduate Common Room Committee share the mature, independent and intercultural outlook of students here, and are well placed to provide the facilities, activities and support that will benefit Ustinovians.

In the rest of this guide, we’ll be giving you a sense of what makes life at Ustinov so distinctive – and special.

‘Ustinov C ollege is a n internation al com m u nity and I thin k it provid es many oppo rtunities b o th for living a n d a ca d e m ic progress.

It’s the b est choice fo r internatio nal students to get invo lv ed in a UK co llege’s life .’

– Yuqian (L inda) Wang (PhD Educat 2012–15) ion,

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Unique Ustinov As you may be realising, Ustinov College is a unique community to join. There is no typical day for a Ustinov student, because there is no typical Ustinov student. You may be up at 7.30 to shower and breakfast before your lab or lecture at 9. Or you may have a more leisurely morning, heading to the Café in Fisher House for breakfast before hitting the library to do some serious reading, late into the evening. You may have to get your children off to school or head off to a job before you can even begin to think about studying. But whatever your circumstances, Ustinov is a supportive environment – a community – that can see you through your studies, while helping you flourish in your research and unwind with friends playing sport or just having a bite to eat or relaxing drink.

‘Almost no two people are from the sam e cultural background and almost no two subjects studied are the same. T he potential for laughter, sh ared culinary delights fro m various countries an d amazing conversations is infinite.’

– Peter Robejse k (PhD Financ e, 2011–14)

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At both Ustinov sites, there is common space open to resident and non-resident Ustinovians alike. Dryburn offers dedicated space for families and children, while Howlands Farm boasts indoor and outdoor gyms and sports areas, an allotment, desktop and wi-fi provision, games tables and vending machines, as well as the GCR Office and DVD library, the Café, the College Office and one of the most welcoming and well-stocked bars in Durham, replete with screen and projector.

‘I will always r em em b the tim er e spent with my flatmat es differen talking about t a our hom spects of life in e c ount ries, and our exp erience in the U O f t en t K … his was o v er a multicu l tu r a l d inner.’

– D r P ao la 2009–13 Bassino (PhD Cla )

ssics,

But it’s not these facilities that make up Ustinov – it’s the people that use them.

For instance, the Café at Fisher House regularly becomes a discussion space for our student-led Ustinov Seminar and academic Café discussion series, the Howlands sports hall is transformed into a plush venue for formal dinners on occasions such as Bonfire Night, Christmas and Burns Night, while the bar hosts frequent movie evenings, sports screenings and parties run by the GCR. Ustinov is more than just a place, it’s a state of mind – as the following pages demonstrate!

joy the ularly en ic t r a p ‘I d by s arrange t n ve e l ia soc rly and regula the GCR iz and e pub qu attend th are nd there A . ls a m r fo s and ndly face ie r f s y a the alw alk to in t o t e n o some é.’ ar or Caf college b

rvation (MA Conse jects, Wilkinson b – Charlotte ical and Museum O og ol ae h rc A of 2013–14)

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Academic Life at Ustinov The focus of college-run, student-led activities in Ustinov is the Global Citizenship Programme, which aims to help students, through research and scholarship, to explore the possibilities for living together, both on a practical, day-to-day basis and a theoretical, long-term one.

‘I didn’t expect the range and quality of the seminar s and lectures he ld at Ustinov, which are both educat io nal and social (gra d students ten d to flock to the fr ee snacks and wine).

You can hear student papers , or listen to intern ational author it ies, depending on the night. The re al trick is arrivi ng while there are still seats!’

The Programme includes a variety – Michael Ba ker (MA Med ieval English Literature, 20 of projects, designed to foster our 13–14) student community and enable you to become global citizens for the 21st century. Every year, applications are invited for leadership roles, and successful applicants can receive a financial contribution towards their college accommodation for the year that they hold the position.

You have the opportunity to help organise activities and attend those given by other students or academic staff. Current college projects include Café des Arts, Café Politique, Café Scientifique, the Race, Crime & Justice Network, the Ustinov Intercultural Forum (UIF), The Ustinovian magazine, the Ustinov Seminar, the Volunteer scheme and the Walking Club.

For more information on any of these college projects, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.college/academic_community.

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projects – Café ‘I help run two inar. the Ustinov Sem Politique and e, set is s plan, organ Our small team air regular up, host and ch and ary symposia multidisciplin we do ly ons. Not on panel discussi cs of pi to t very diverse learn a lot abou very t also meet the our choosing, bu eak, le we invite to sp interesting peop the om fr personally and we benefit me co at ent skills th event managem tion.’ with this occupa rn mith (PhD Inte – Philip Gater-S 5) –1 Relations, 2012

ational

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Social Life at Ustinov The Graduate Common Room (GCR) Social Committee organise events for members, including the weekly pub quiz, disco nights, film showings, sports tournaments and excursions. Larger events in the Ustinov calendar include the annual Summer Barbecue, the Ustinov Summer Ball and the UIF Gala, where we celebrate Ustinov’s diversity with cultural presentations and performances.

Additional events include Christmas parties for the whole college (including families) at Howlands Farm, the Chinese Spring Festival – with countdown to the New Year – the Burns Night supper and ceilidh, and the traditional Bonfire Night celebration, complete with fireworks!

‘Being in a purely post graduate community was the rig ht choice fo as it has en r me abled me to li ve alongsid interesting e people who a re at a simil stage in thei ar r academic career. Ther always frie e are ndly faces and someon talk to in th e to e college bar or Café.

Ustinov Col lege is a frie ndly, positi environmen ve t to live and work in an have immen dI sely enjoyed my time her e.’

– Charlotte W

of Archaeo ilkinson (MA Conservat logical and Museum O ion 2013–14) bjects,

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Social Activities for Families Some students move to Durham with their families, and the College Brochure offers information on the specific accommodation and support provision. There is a range of events at our family site including an extremely creative Halloween party where children dress up and win prizes, and a popular Easter event, incorporating an egg hunt in the gardens of the College Principal, as well as films and art activities. Events like the barbecue are open to all and younger ‘members’ actively participate.

Events are open to all members, living in or out.

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Two weeks in the life of a Ustinovian...

Here’s what an – untypically busy! – fortnight in your diary might look like, if you wanted to take full advantage of our projects and social events.

Saturday: Ustinov Seminar:

Postgraduate speakers and visiting academics will address the theme of gender from different disciplinary perspectives. All welcome, refreshments and lunch provided.

Sunday: Walking Club:

With Sunday due to be sunny, this week’s walk will take in Finchale Priory and Lumley Castle.

Monday: Café Scientifique:

This week’s Café, ‘Holy Morphometrics, Batman!’ looks into correlations between US crime statistics and the changing shape of the Caped Crusader.

Tuesday: Ustinov Live!:

Do you sing or play an instrument? Now’s your chance to take to the mic and shine!

Wednesday: Castle Formal:

Join us for Ustinov’s annual dinner in the distinguished surroundings of Durham Castle, with an after-party in town.

Thursday: Mentor Dinner:

Meet your Mentor and fellow mentees to enjoy a meal and chat.

Thursday: Pub quiz:

Come down to the bar for the legendary Ustinov quiz! A test of wits on a range of themes, this is reputed to be the toughest pub quiz in Durham.

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‘In Cafe des Arts, we provide art for all predilections whether it is for cultural liaison, historical interest, exercise through dance, community through music or any of the other myriad benefits an artistic life may endow.’

– Ariadne Schulz (PhD Archaeology, 2012–15)

Saturday: Race, Crime & Justice Network:

Our coach trip to Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum will give you a glimpse into the history of crime and punishment in the UK.

Sunday: Clubs & Societies Fair:

Want to get involved in sport or a society? Come down to Fisher House and sign up!

Monday: Chinese Calligraphy workshop:

The Ustinov Intercultural Forum and Chinese Students and Scholars Association will explore the history of calligraphy and give you a chance to try your hand.

Tuesday: Volunteering:

We will be holding a roundtable to discuss, brainstorm and present on effective and creative ways to volunteer.

Wednesday: Café des Arts:

After a screening of Miradas a la Muerte, about the culture of death in Mexico, anthropologists will be discussing points raised in the film.

Thursday: Café Politique:

Our visiting speakers will discuss questions on the rights and wrongs of intervention in international crises, as well as challenges on the ground.

Friday: Back to the ’80s Party!:

The GCR offers you the chance to party to some of the biggest hits of the decade!

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Clubs & Societies

‘Within a few m on t h s of moving in to Ustino v College, I w as a m em b er o f th e b a r s t af f , p a r t o f th e G CR executive committe e, an edito on Th e U r stinovian, a mem ber o f th e C h oral Socie ty , a regular at Walking C lub and film night , and to d ate I’ve never mis s ed a pu b quiz!’

Another way that Ustinov’s diverse community manifests itself is in the range and enthusiasm of our different clubs and societies, each devoted to a particular sport, activity or pastime.

Whether you’re feeling energetic or cerebral, want to compete or – Siobhan just to make friends and share Harper (Ph D English S 2013–16) tudies, some good times, there is a society for you. And if there isn’t, you can always get together with like-minded Ustinovians and set one up!

To give you a flavour of some of the activities our students take part in, let’s take a closer look at some of our societies.

Allotment society: Students from Ustinov and neighbouring Josephine Butler College meet once a week to sow and grow fruit and vegetables, in a number of plots and a large greenhouse on site.

Basketball society: Ustinov Basketball Society has been one of the most active clubs in the college in recent years. Since 2007, we have run weekly training sessions and participated in the collegiate league.

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Badminton society: We are a small, relaxed badminton club open to all Ustinovians, providing a friendly, non-competitive environment for playing.

Bible society: We meet each week to look at a section of the Bible together, and enjoy monthly social meetings, sharing our diverse range of cultures and lots of tasty food!

Cricket club: The Ustinov Cricket Club is one of the college’s newest clubs. We play in the intercollegiate tournaments, indoor (six-a-side), and outdoor (T20), and we train once a week throughout the year.

Pool society: Typically gracing the pool tables in Fisher House most nights, the society currently has four teams in the intercollegiate league, from the A team, up there with the university’s best, to the Ds, who play a few games with friends and aren’t too worried about results.

ov I ng at Ustin ‘When arrivi at th y horror found to m lub o Squash C there was n elp With the h in existence.

Clubs & of the GCR fficer I Societies O and have had started one, it.’ es through amazing tim – Peter Robe 2011–14)

jsek (PhD Fina

nce,

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Support & Advice Postgraduate study is by and large a positive experience, something we take on to challenge, stretch and improve ourselves. In order to ensure that you make the most of it, Ustinov, like other colleges, provides a range of support for you in completing your degree and setting you up for the future.

For instance, funding is available in the form of regular travel awards and awards from the Norman Richardson Postgraduate Research Fund, to enable fieldwork, attendance at conferences, or other visits connected with your studies.

Closer to home, a number of part-time jobs are also available in college, working in the Café or the bar, allowing you to top up your bank balance while making a valuable, and valued, contribution to the college community!

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‘I presented at the Ustinov S eminar on the Future of Work, an el em ent of my research , and this was an excellent settin g in which to pitch my work in a frie ndly and supp ortive environment, but receive valu able feedback at th e same time. T ha t experience gave me the confide n ce to go on to presen t my work at the International Well-Being co nference.’

– Andrew Youn

g (PhD Law, 20

11–14)

Café o f th e t r a p g given ‘Bein a m h as e t s t r d es A nity to opportu e ov h t e m h Ustin s t o b t n t u d en t repre se d its s n a e g e l and C ol to run g in p l e by h .’ e ev e n ts organis n nservatio

Co son (MA jects, tte Wilkin nd Museum Ob o rl a h C a – l a ic g lo eo of Archa ) 2013–14

The breadth of skills you can gain from participating in projects, the GCR or clubs and societies is a valuable supplement to your degree in terms of rounding out your CV. Further support in developing your future career opportunities can be provided by our network of alumni career mentors – former members of the Graduate Society and Ustinov who are happy to share their experiences of and insights into the working world with you as you set out on your career.

‘If you w ant t o experienc e the sen se of com m unity tha t is Ustino v, grab at least one chance at volunteer ing for some even t.’

– Peter Rob ej (PhD Finan sek ce, 2011–1 4)

It’s still important to recognise that, in addition to all these opportunities, postgraduate life can be demanding, with the stresses it presents on both mental and physical health. Both the College Office and the GCR can offer helpful – and where appropriate confidential – advice, through the Student Support Officer and Welfare Team respectively. nce PhD -time dista rt a p a m ‘I a chester. g in Man in v li t en the stud grant from a ed rd a w I was a Fund to ichardson rse Norman R guage cou erman lan G e a e u le ol rs pu the C g r. I found te es ch n a in M pful in ff very hel e as part Office sta rence for m fe re a g in .’ arrang the award irement of u q re e th of art-time, tz (PhD p 15) 0 Brower-La – Andrew d Religion, 2009–2 an Theology

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Glossary College Office – The staff who keep things running – College Officers (Principal, Vice Principal, Assistant Principals and Bursar), support staff, hospitality team, porters and maintenance team, housekeepers and Café staff.

College Projects – Activities run by students and co-ordinated by the college, open to all. They include the Seminar, Intercultural Forum, academic Cafés, volunteering, The Ustinovian magazine, Walking Club and the Race, Crime & Justice Network.

DSU – Durham Students Union is the place where students from all colleges can meet to socialise, debate and take part in university-wide activities.

Dryburn – Dryburn, 20 minutes’ walk out of town, is the site of Keenan House, the college residence for families.

Fisher House – Home to Ustinov’s Common Room, College Office, GCR office, the Café and bar, this is the central venue for students at Howlands.

Formals – Formal dinners, for occasions such as Induction, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and Burns Night are often held in Howlands Building, followed by a party in Fisher House. Ustinov also stages an annual formal in the Castle and an amazing Summer Ball.

GCR – The student body, of which everyone is a member. Representation is through the GCR Committee, which organises activities, services and events through the year.

Elections to the Committee, for which any member can stand, are held several times a year.

The Graduate Society – GradSoc was set up in 1965 as a dedicated body for postgraduate students in Durham. It became Ustinov College in 2003.

Howlands – Howlands Farm is the South Road site of most of Ustinov’s operations – Fisher House and the majority of residences are based here. It’s a 25–30-minute walk from the city centre, and is also served by the PR2 (the park-and-ride bus).

The Howlands Building itself contains a laundry, gym, music and study facilities, plus a sports hall.

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Induction Week – This jam-packed period will likely be your first experience of Durham.

As well as all the necessary business, like moving in, registering as a student and induction, there’s plenty of socialising to do!

Livers Out – Those living not in college but in private accommodation (i.e. ‘out’), as opposed to ‘livers in’.

Mentors – Mentors offer advice and guidance, and also organise occasional day-trips for their groups. They also invite mentees to the college-organised dinners each term.

MUGA – The Multi-Use Games Area at Howlands is an enclosed, surfaced area for tennis, five-a-side and other sports.

SCR – Ustinov’s Senior Common Room comprises academics, volunteers, alumni and mentors, who participate in college events and their own programme of activities.

Sir Peter Ustinov – Durham University’s Chancellor from 1992 until his death in 2004, actor, raconteur and humanitarian Sir Peter gave his name to what had been the Graduate Society when it became a college in 2003.

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Experience Ustinov College ...your guide to student life at Ustinov College

Useful Contacts Durham University Accommodation Office (sourcing private accommodation in Durham) Email: accommodation.office@durham.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 1774 / 1770 www.durhamstudentpad.co.uk

International Office (visa queries or information relating to international study at Durham) Email: international.office@durham.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 6328 www.durham.ac.uk/international.office

Ustinov College GCR (queries over induction, student life and clubs/societies) www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.gcr

We look forward to welcoming you, and wish you a safe journey to Durham!

Please contact us with any queries, or check out our college website, which is full of useful information and contact details: www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.college

Acknowledgements The college would like to thank all of our contributors for their assistance with producing this brochure. We would also like to acknowledge the following individuals in relation to the imagery used throughout this brochure: Dori Beeler, Joshua Bull, Rafael Gutierrez, Stefan Kemp, Brian D. Taylor, Ustinov GCR.

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‘The Ustinov community is diverse an vibrant. Ther d e are a broad r ange of events going on almost ev ery day from the Ustinov pu b quiz on Th ursdays to formal dinner s and dances; from musical perf ormances to se minars on th latest politica e l or scientific to pics. You meet and live with people fr om all over the world. Du ring my tim e at Ustinov, have enjoyed I my first tast e of k im and learned chi a few words in Malay. It’s these sorts of daily experie nces which make Ustinov such a specia l place in which to live and study.’

– Jennifer Ber ge Studies, 2013 vin (MA Museum and A rtefact –14)

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Ustinov College Howlands Farm South Road Durham DH1 3DE Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 5470 Email: ustinov.college@durham.ac.uk Admissions enquiries: ustinov.admissions@durham.ac.uk

HPM/08/14/270

www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.college Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of going to press in August 2014. However, changes may occur and Durham University reserves the right to amend or change any information contained in this brochure at any time.

Copyright Š Durham University 2014 Durham University and the Durham University Logo are registered trade marks of the University of Durham trading as Durham University. All rights reserved. Ž