A heartfelt look back at how Durham’s Graduate Society sparked romance, lifelong friendships, and a global community.
A history of Ustinov College
Explore the Graduate Society’s transformation from scattered postgraduate housing in 1965 to the vibrant, international community we now know as Ustinov College.
How I met my wife
A serendipitous meeting at a festive party—and a drunk friend—sparked a lifelong love story.
If you would like to submit to the next edition of the Ustinovian, please email ustinov.publication@durham.ac.uk
The Ustinovian magazine is written by Ustinovians, for Ustinovians. The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments in the articles do not necessarily reflect the views of Ustinov College or Durham University. CUR/07/25/413
ustinovian
Hello everyone,
It has been a genuinely exciting experience digging through our past editions in anticipation of the 60th anniversary. I’m extremely proud to have played a small part in that rich history over the past couple of years and to have been entrusted with putting together this magazine to mark the occasion.
In our anniversary edition, Reflections, we not only explore the story of our College’s physical evolution but, more importantly, celebrate the people who make it so special day in and day out. We’ve always been—and continue to be—a diverse community of students from all around the world who find a home together. Many of us arrive here for the first time, far from home, pursuing postgraduate degrees and discovering Durham and the North East of England side by side. These shared experiences, and the camaraderie they foster, keep us going through the working weeks—whether it’s a good day in the lab, a long day in the library, or a tough day out in the field. Ustinov has always been a safe place to come back to.
contents
doctoral student’s reflection on academic discovery, mental health, and the deeper life lessons gained at Ustinov.
30 Two masters and three years at Ustinov
I also want to take this 60th anniversary as a moment to express my admiration and gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to make the College what it is today. They’ve given their dedication and their time, often working long hours in difficult circumstances—through changes in site, through pandemics. And I think everyone who has passed through Ustinov knows just how fortunate we are to have some of the finest people anywhere supporting us. It’s a great privilege to see so many of those faces again as we come together to celebrate this milestone.
I hope you enjoy reading Reflections. If you feel inspired to contribute to future editions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at ustinov.publications@ durham.ac.uk
Thank you for joining us on this journey through 60 years of Ustinov history.
Wherever you go, remember that a part of Ustinov is always with you— and that Ustinov is always here for you to come back to. We love hearing from our alumni and seeing the amazing things our community gets up to. Here’s to another 60 years—and to the thousands of people whose horizons have widened after spending time in the Ustinov community.
Anthony Jones
Principal’s Welcome 60th Anniversary Edition
Dear Ustinovians,
It is with great pride and a deep sense of occasion that I welcome you to this special 60th Anniversary Edition of The Ustinovian. As we mark six decades since the foundation of the Graduate Society—now Ustinov College—we celebrate a unique and enduring community within Durham University, one that has consistently championed postgraduate scholarship, diversity, and global citizenship.
From its modest beginnings in 1965 with just 94 students spread across a few city-centre locations, to its transformation into the vibrant, international college we know today, Ustinov has always been more than a place to live or study—it has been a home. A home built by people from all over the world who bring their energy, intellect, and generosity to every element of our community.
The 60th anniversary is not only a moment to reflect on our history— from Shincliffe Hall to Howlands, and now Sheraton Park and Dryburn—but also to look forward. Ustinov has
never stood still. It is shaped by each generation of students, staff, and alumni who have contributed their ideas, leadership, and friendship. Whether you’ve just arrived or left us decades ago, you are part of a story that continues to evolve.
As Principal, I am honoured to witness the impact Ustinovians make—both home and away and in Durham and beyond. May this issue bring fond memories, spark inspiration, and remind us all of the enduring strength we find in our diversity.
As we mark this 60-year milestone, we do so with confidence and optimism for the future. Ustinov College continues to grow, adapt, and inspire— and I have no doubt that Ustinovians will gather again to celebrate our 80th and 100th anniversaries with the same pride and spirit that define us today and as believers in Ustinov as a great place to be a postgraduate student.
Glenn McGregor Professor of Climatology (Geography) and Principal, Ustinov College
Ustinov has always been more than a place to live or study — it has been a home
Being the President: Responsibilities, challenges, and reflections
By Anthony Jones (GCR President 2023-2024)
Here’s a bit of a trade secret: for committee roles in a college common room, when you take on any position, there is a handover document. These documents vary greatly. Some are excellent—almost encyclopaedic— written by someone so invested in the role that the sheer amount of detail can be overwhelming. Others are more practical “how-to” guides, offering enough structure while leaving room for personal adaptation. And then, unfortunately, there are those that are either incomplete or entirely absent.
When I stepped into the Presidency, my experience was far more interactive than relying on a handover booklet. Joel, the President before me, was a good friend, and he had shown me the ropes during my time as Vice-President. By the time I took over, I had a big advantage. I knew the details, the inner workings, and even the challenges of the role because I had spent a year learning and absorbing all of it from him. I walked in on day one with a list of things I wanted to achieve and the confidence to start working toward them. Joel gave me that chance, and I remain grateful. He’s still one of my closest friends today.
But what about those who don’t have that kind of guidance—those who step into this role of President without much prior experience or knowledge of what it entails? What if they’re unsure whether they’d even like the job of President? Or if it’s now nearly 70th anniversary, you want to know what it was like being President in the past. I thought it might be helpful to offer a reflection—not a handover document, but an outline of what I believe the role should be and what you can expect from it.
And a note: this guide is not about me or my qualities as a President. It’s about the lessons I’ve learned through Presidency. What I offer isn’t an example to follow but a collection of insights. Naturally, my experiences help shape the context, but they are not the focal point.
A clip from my 73 question video – the first thing I removed from YouTube on completion of my term
The role of the President
As a President, you oversee the student committee that forms a core part of the college. At Ustinov, the common room operates as an independent charity, which comes with distinct advantages—chief among them, we are under the VAT (a UK tax) threshold so we don’t pay that tax like many other student common rooms (DSOs) which means we have more money for events and creating a fantastic experience for our students. The main part of the job is making a good experience for everyone, so that every single student feels happy, safe and supported in the college environment. Running the charity therefore primarily involves organising events, maintaining proper records for the charity commission and university, and representing the college in various settings. You’ll meet weekly with other college Presidents and the college management team, including the Principal, Vice-Principal, Operations, Student Support, and Food and Beverages lead. The three cornerstone events of the year are induction week, the summer ball, and the college day. When you look back on your time in Ustinov, these are the events you’ll most likely remember, so a big part of the job is making these headline events as good as they can be and are a good guide on what to expect doing the President Job.
Induction Week
Induction Week is often your first major test as President. It sets the tone for the entire academic year by welcoming new arrivals and ensuring returning students feel reinvigorated. Since this period is all about first impressions, it’s critical to get the details right. You’ll need to coordinate membership sign-ups, lay out the event schedule, and make sure everything is publicised well in advance. It’s one of those times where the old adage rings true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
When I was President, I spent a significant amount of time writing and refining all the information handed out to students. In hindsight, though, I recognise I missed some opportunities. For example, I should have used our social media accounts more effectively to showcase what the common room was about. I did create a “73-question” video in the spirit of Vogue’s rapid-fire Q&A to offer a fun introduction but I didn’t send it everywhere and make it into clips, I should have done. I should have stressed more how it was good to become a member. The GCR’s survival depends on its membership base. At Ustinov, aiming for around 200 members is a solid goal each year. Securing memberships early on—by highlighting perks like priority booking
When you look back on your time in Ustinov, these are the events you’ll most likely remember, so a big part of the job is making these headline events as good as they can be...
for formals—helps get people to sign up. Since Ustinov is unique among colleges in that we can hold formals at different locations, it’s a tradition well worth advertising.
Summer Ball
Another highlight is the Summer Ball, effectively a showcase event for the common room. It’s a chance for students to celebrate the achievements during the year somewhere outside the college, capturing “forever photos” with friends and colleagues. Competition for attendees can be surprisingly intense, as other colleges also host balls and vie for postgraduate participation. I recall deciding to sell tickets earlier than anyone else and other Presidents thinking it was a mad strategy. In retrospect, I wish I had started even sooner. Generating excitement from Induction Week onward—using photos, teaser announcements, and strategic reminders—could have amplified the buzz around the event.
When I served as Vice-President, I had the pleasure of learning how to run a Durham ball from Nicole, who was exceptionally talented at organising it having done it over in Trev’s. She had a knack for blending logistics with a creative flair, ensuring everything
College Day – volunteers are always the reason an event is a success – some great people here in our Ustinov Day T-shirts
Our formal at the Castle, always one of the highlights of the year
from the decorations to the meal plan ran smoothly. My own approach as President ended up closely mirroring hers, with a few twists to personalize it a little more. Nicole’s influence was pivotal; she set a high standard that I strove to meet, and I’m grateful for her guidance, it would not have been possible without her.
College day
College day is a celebration of all things Ustinov, there is food and entertainments in the day, and normally Ustinov Live in the evening. During my year as Vice-President, Joel hired a ride for the event. I argued with him at length, thinking it was a mistake because it was such a big part of the budget. And I was wrong. The ride was the main reason the day was a success. When it was my turn last year, I followed his example. And helpfully, the England quarterfinal match in the Euros added to the
atmosphere in the bar —especially since England won. It was the day I was most proud to be President, it had everything, and it really felt like my event, a ceilidh, food trucks, indoor/ outdoor entertainment, music, even a free ice cream. It was a reminder of what makes Ustinov special—bringing postgraduates together to celebrate the achievements of the year.
What it’s like in the job and building your team
The President role demands dedication and resilience. It’s stressful, amazing, awful, infuriating, and fulfilling in equal measure. You love it and hate it, and at times, you may even want to quit. Yet, those who persevere often look back with pride, having left their mark on the college. It is a role that will stretch someone to their limits at times—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
It’s stressful, amazing, awful, infuriating, and fulfilling in equal measure. You love it and hate it, and at times, you may even want to quit.
Being President isn’t like being a member of the committee—it’s a different league entirely. You’re not just managing; you’re leading. As President, you set the tone for the committee. Your attitude, work ethic, and leadership style will influence everyone around you. This is why it’s crucial to approach the role with energy and excitement. You don’t want to get on a plane where the pilot looks depressed. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll burn out quickly, and that lack of enthusiasm will ripple through the team.
At the same time, you need to be prepared to work harder than you probably ever have before. It isn’t a role you can half-heartedly delegate. While you can and should rely on your team, the ultimate responsibility for the success of the GCR falls on your shoulders.
All the events, organization, and effort that goes into running the common room depends on volunteers. The President is the only person who gets any financial benefit: with a free room in college. If you’re in the job for the room though,
The Old Bar before the revamp
The Paddle, Ambitious and delivered on time. It was good to get new games like air hockey and table tennis into the Paddle, along with making the pool tables free and the neon signs!
that’s a big mistake, believe me, it’s not worth it. The President bears ultimate responsibility. If something goes wrong - and it does—whether it’s ends with a meeting with the Principal or, hypothetically, legal accountability—it’s the President who is held responsible. The trustee board can offer advice, but the day-today decisions fall squarely on your shoulders.
Building a capable team is crucial, and it’s where admittedly I struggled most. I often took on too much myself, acting as both the first and last line of defence. The roles beneath the President are meant to be developmental, but I didn’t always give people enough space to grow. While I was willing to delegate to those who I had faith could deliver, my tendency to maintain control limited others’ opportunities to step up. Here’s a reality about teams in common rooms though: out of a group of ten people, three will be great, three will be okay, three will need a lot of help and still not be bothered, and one will disappear entirely. That’s just how it tends to go. Ideally, the three great team members will hold the most critical roles, but that’s not always the case.
Making the job easier: setting targets, being ambitious and delivering
Before stepping into the role of President, establish clear targets that you can actively work toward. Communicate these objectives during your election campaign, then align your actions with them once elected. When you deliver on your promises, it’s clear you’ve been successful.
Of course, ambition must be balanced by practicality: your goals should be within the scope of the presidency. In my own manifesto, I committed to revamping the bar, organizing formals across multiple colleges, and creating a better induction week to welcome people. Each goal varied in complexity—redeveloping the bar, for instance, took about a month of planning and remains one of my proudest achievements in the job.
I did the revamp because I realised as VP most common rooms have loads of ideas and no money but our GCR was in the unusual position of having lots of money and not many ideas. If someone dedicated like me didn’t do it, who would. As for formals in other colleges, it was something I felt would bring our community together and used to happen just before Covid, offering the chance to visit colleges like Mary’s, Hatfield, Trevs, or Castle, it’s a privilege we get to do that as a college, I wanted to take us back on tour.
If I were to advise future candidates, I’d suggest focusing on three realistic yet ambitious targets. Know what the presidency entails and keep your promises within that remit. Also, strive for authenticity—avoid language in a manifesto that is AIgenerated. But no matter how wellcrafted your manifesto is, remember that compromises are inevitable. Leadership is about adapting to challenges and learning from them. The real measure of success is leaving the common room in a stronger position than you found it, so that each subsequent year builds on the progress of the last.
Leading,
learning to say no,
and improving the student experience
Surely, being a President is basically doing what people want—right? Well, not exactly. This idea needs some careful clarification. The goal of a President is to improve Ustinov students’ lives in Durham—making their experience better, happier, and more fulfilling while helping them achieve their aspirations. But this doesn’t mean simply giving people everything they want at any given moment.
Being the President isn’t about chasing every passing opinion, reacting to every demand, or shaping decisions based on what’s most popular in the moment. Nor is it about agreeing with the loudest voices or mistaking the intensity of an argument for its merit. The best President has been elected for the right reasons and
Of course, ambition must be balanced by practicality: your goals should be within the scope of the presidency. In my own manifesto, I committed to revamping the bar, organizing formals across multiple colleges, and creating a comprehensive
induction week calendar.
Donations for the Knitting and Crochet Society went into Christmas Shoe Boxes –doing our bit for the community was very important to me
is about giving people what they need, not just what they want. If a leader merely follows the loudest sentiments in the common room, they stop being a leader and become a follower.
I’ve always liked Henry Ford’s response when asked about giving people what they wanted: “If I’d asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” That insight, drawn from car manufacturing, applies just as much to you being a President in a common room. The role of a leader is to anticipate needs, act on principles, and chart a course for meaningful progress—not simply to appease or react.
And even at work my friend Janina knitted me something to remember Ustinov
A leader must act in the best interests of their community. If people dislike the results, they have the right to remove the leader—that’s the nature of democracy. But the leader’s job is to lead, not to please everyone. Competence is critical; no amount of courage can make up for a lack of skill. But courage—true political courage— is just as important. It means doing what’s right, not what is easy, it’s good to remember that in the job.
How to handle criticism
In recent years, the role of a President has grown more demanding, particularly in how criticism is experienced and expressed online. When negativity is directed at you—whether it’s explicit or simply perceived—it can be painful. It can sap your motivation, undermine your focus, and shake your self-belief. Feeling unfairly criticised is an almost inevitable part of being a President, which is why resilience is essential. At a minimum, you need the inner strength to keep going.
All too often, leadership positions are filled by those who are either unaffected by criticism or energised by the disorder it brings. They appear to draw power from a backlash, using it to rally their friends and build a narrative of persecution. This strategy often shields them from real scrutiny, regardless of whether the criticism is valid.
The role of a President has become more challenging in the last 15 years when it comes to the size and shape of criticism. When negativity targets you—even if it’s just a feeling—it can hurt. It distracts, discourages, and erodes your confidence.
For leaders motivated by integrity and purpose—not by ego—the challenge is different. To stay the course, you need to build emotional resilience: a kind of emotional armour that allows you to remain steady and focused. This doesn’t mean ignoring criticism or pretending it doesn’t exist. You can’t, and you shouldn’t – some of it is actually very helpful. What matters is learning to face it with a degree of distance—evaluating it calmly, without letting it derail your values or mission. It also helps to have an outlet.
For me, this meant carving out time to reflect—usually while at the theatre. It was a chance to let go of negative thoughts, to gain perspective on my small place in the world, while also appreciating my significance in the lives of those I care about. I also leaned on a snippet of wisdom commonly known as the Serenity Prayer: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Whether you’re religious or not, the
message resonates in leadership contexts—acknowledge what is beyond your control (the criticism in this case), and concentrate on what you can truly improve.
The question naturally arises: how much energy should you spend countering criticism? On one hand, you want to correct falsehoods and defend your integrity. On the other hand, responding to attacks can draw more attention to them, consuming your time and energy. Sometimes, even when you’re justified, engaging can feel like losing.
Here’s how I see it: no student leader is immune to criticism. It comes with the territory. So if you find that criticism unsettles you deeply, it’s worth honestly reflecting on whether you’re equipped to handle it. If not, the role of President—where criticism is constant and often unavoidable— might not be the right fit. But if your work genuinely matters to you, if you care deeply about what you’re trying to achieve, then don’t
The first ever Cathedral Formal – and a very special high table guest – my mum (something we will always remember and look back fondly on)
Restarting clubs and societies like the Allotment Society – dormant since COVID, Lucy was the driver of everything – the job of the President is just to support and give them the right resources
Joel, Nicole and Me – Nicole taught me everything I know, if I ever had a wedding to organise, she would be the first person I would call. And still very good friends
There’s always a sense of unfinished business, projects left unresolved, and ideas left unexplored.
let criticism knock you off course. The key is to stay focused on your purpose and direct your energy into positive, meaningful action. Opinion can change—often in ways you don’t expect. Some of those who were once your harshest critics may eventually come to understand or even appreciate your choices. Others may simply lose interest, which is also a kind of progress. Leadership isn’t fixed; it evolves alongside the community you decided to represent. And in time, you may find that those familiar faces who once stood in opposition return with a different perspective—perhaps with newfound respect, and occasionally, even genuine respect. It’s one of the quieter, more surprising rewards of sticking to your path. It’s one that has surprised me.
Letting go and succession
There’s rarely a perfect moment to step away—no ideal point where everything aligns, where you reach a pinnacle and bow out gracefully. Even in common rooms, where term limits clearly define the endpoint,
the emotional challenge of leaving remains. Some Presidents lose reelection before their vision is fulfilled, left grappling with the sense that their efforts fell short. Others may be quietly edged out, their energy worn down until leaving feels like a relief rather than a choice.
Few leaders walk away with everything neatly wrapped up. That’s the nature of the role—it almost always feels unfinished. There are projects left midway, ideas that never found momentum, and conversations still waiting to happen. But ultimately, every President must hand over the reins. Leadership is a phase, just like university itself.
So, how do you leave well? Is there such a thing as a “right” exit? While a flawless transition may be elusive, there are principles that can guide a good departure.
The first is acceptance. Staying on too long rarely serves anyone—not the common room, and not you. It’s important to ask yourself honestly: are you staying because your continued presence is essential, or because you fear what stepping back might say about your identity or worth? Recognising the difference is key to leaving with dignity and clarity.
Letting go of leadership is never easy—especially when you still feel driven by purpose, or when the desire to lead hasn’t waned. One of the paradoxes of being President is that you tend to grow into the role over time. By the time your term ends,
you’re often at your most capable. Ironically, that’s also when it’s time to step aside. You usually begin with enthusiasm and popular support but little experience, and end with a much better knowledge and insight—yet often with less approval than you started with.
By the time my year as President came to a close, I felt I had a strong grasp of how to drive meaningful change and help shape a more positive future. But I also knew that running again would mean carrying all the institutional knowledge—and that would be too much. And if I wanted a good PhD, it was time to explore roles in other areas of the University I had been offered, broadening the perspective I’d been fortunate enough to develop.
Then there’s the matter of succession. In the wider university context, leadership transitions are typically planned and carefully managed—they have to be. The same should be true in student common rooms, where continuity can make all the difference. But in reality, especially in places like Ustinov, seamless transitions are rare. The rapid turnover of students means leadership handovers are often rushed, fragmented, or improvised.
Presidents often feel a pull to influence their successors—sometimes out of a desire to remain relevant, but often from a genuine wish to ensure stability or see important projects continue. While overstaying your welcome risks becoming an obstacle, the pursuit of
Summer Ball at Beamish. Diamonds are Forever Theme. Perfect weather for a Summer Ball aswell, mini golf outside was played late into the night!
Your attitude, work ethic, and leadership style will influence everyone around you. This is why it’s crucial to approach the role with energy and excitement.
continuity isn’t inherently self-serving. In fact, preserving momentum on well-considered initiatives can provide the foundation for lasting progress. Stability, when rooted in good ideas, is a powerful asset.
Still, achieving continuity in a common room setting is no easy feat. New Presidents often resist inheriting the status quo. Even within the same exec committee, leadership transitions can bring shifts in tone, style, and priorities. As President, you must plan with the long term in mind—but also accept that, once your term ends, your control over the future fades.
One consistent truth about leadership transitions is that you never truly know how someone will lead until they’re in the role. A committee member who seemed ready on paper may surprise you—for better or worse—once they carry the full weight of responsibility.
It’s also worth remembering that your successor may feel pressure living up to your legacy. It’s not uncommon for new leaders to draw comparisons, or even criticise their predecessors to assert their own direction. Resist the
urge to engage in that dynamic—it serves no one and only undermines trust and cohesion.
If you’re fortunate enough to leave office with grace, try to carry that same spirit in the time that follow. Graceful leadership doesn’t require being silent —it means understanding when your voice is needed, and when it’s best left unsaid. If you see the common room veering towards real harm or serious misjudgement, speaking up is reasonable. But stepping in over minor disagreements or personal frustrations is not only ungracious—it’s usually damaging.
Leave with grace if you can. However difficult it might feel at the time, you’ll look back with greater peace of mind knowing you did.
Final thoughts
Thank you for reading, I hope this answers some questions, raises new ideas, and supports anyone contemplating this job or at the very least does not scare the right person off.
Christeen (Social Secretary) and me at the first big event I ran for the GCR (Halloween 2022) – I’ve never worked with anyone and had as much fun, she was a huge miss in my year as President – the whole college respected and liked her –and she protected me from the monsters (fitting it was Halloween)
Matriculation Ceremony with Emily the Stephenson President – the other presidents were great people, and friends were made that made the hard work all the more worthwhile.
For anyone still considering the role, I will summarise my thoughts. Being President is a rollercoaster ride of highs, lows, and everything in between. No matter where your future path leads - your time as President can serve as a robust training ground. It teaches you decision-making under pressure, people management, financial stewardship, public speaking and conflict resolution. It’s not an easy job but you can make it easier by having a plan, prioritising what to do and delivering. Make your year about your vision, as an example build a bar, don’t simply add your name to the visitor book in the bar somebody else built. Create a community, not a clique. And ensure you have something positive beyond the GCR to keep you grounded—a circle of friends outside your committee, a sport you love, or some creative hobby that provides a welcome diversion. Commit wholeheartedly, keep perspective, and try to leave the common room, and the people within it, in a better place than you found them.
Reflections from the Graduate Society
By Helen Cannam
Not quite sixty years, but near enough: that’s how long it is since Grad Soc brought us together.
Newly graduated, he from Cambridge, I from Sussex, we found ourselves in Durham as aspirants for a Diploma in Education. Grad Soc found us accommodation, along with a good few other graduates, in the nearly complete Van Mildert College, which had rooms to fill and hardly any undergraduates. So there we were, women on one floor, men on the floor beneath, each in his or her study bedroom.
Newly arrived on a sunny autumn day in 1966, I made my way under arches near the lake, where a tall young man stood back to let me pass. “Hmm!” I thought. “Lovely eyes…”
We met again at breakfast next day, where words were exchanged: “Please would you pass the butter?” A voice as agreeable as his appearance, duly noted.
Before long, a group of us had become friends. We’d meet in one another’s rooms, talking, listening to music; we’d go for walks along Hollingside Lane (it was all woods and green fields then, in every direction. No Ustinov or Josephine Butler Colleges— Peter Ustinov was still just a wellknown actor—no Botanic Gardens); we explored Hadrian’s Wall and Weardale; we compared notes on our experiences of teaching practice. He was a Linguist, I a historian, so when he ended up teaching history at Ferryhill, I coached him on “Turnip Townsend” and the Agricultural revolution. How, in such circumstances, could romance do anything but blossom?
centre - This first
shows Tim (seated front
at Van Mildert on the day in June 1967 when it was officially opened by (I think) the then Archbishop of Canterbury. I think there will certainly be other Grad Soc members in the picture.
Just a year—but at the end of it, there were three pairs among our group, and three weddings to come. We married in 1968, and have lived in Durham County ever since. So, thank you, Grad Soc!
But the connection didn’t end there. When Tim retired we moved from our country cottage on the edge of Weardale to the fringes of Durham city. One day in 2015 we were wandering along South Road when we came upon Ustinov College. I think there was some sort of open day, so we went in. I’m not even sure then that we’d realised this place had its origins in the Graduate Society, but we soon did. We were warmly welcomed by Vice Principal Rebecca Bouveng, and somehow found ourselves persuaded to become mentors, without knowing a great deal about what this involved. So began seven years or so of some of the most enriching experiences of our shared lives.
Left
photo
left)
Top - Tim took this picture of me attempting to look smoochy and romantic in my room in Van Mildert, spring 1967
Left centre - Tim also took this view of me on the lake edge below his window at Van Mildert, probably summer 1967
Right centre - Our wedding day, August 1968
Bottom - Then forward about fifty years, and this one from January 2017 shows us on her graduation day with Veronica Benduski from the US, one of our very first mentees, from whom we learned so much.
We loved welcoming our varied group of students, offering them food— afternoon teas a speciality, and Sunday lunches too—and introducing them to the places we loved so much in our region, with trips to the countryside, castles and coast. We explained national and regional customs and the history of our area. We took part in official college trips and even organised some (a very wet day in York being a notable low point). We attended mentor dinners, enjoying the chance to socialise at leisure. Above all, we made friends with people from countries near and far—the US, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Germany, Norway, France, Thailand, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and above all China. When we visited China in celebration of our golden wedding in 2018, we were made astonishingly welcome by many of our former mentees. We kept in touch with very many of our mentees long after they left Durham, who told us about their careers, their marriages and in time their children.
When Tim died in 2023, condolences came in from all over the world, and many of these friendships continue to this day. We may have worked hard to welcome our mentees, but in return they enriched our lives in ways we could never imagine.
Just as a postscript, as I write this (27/01/2025), I’m filled with thoughts of a happy day yesterday, spent eating brunch and exploring old haunts with a visiting Chinese mentee from our 2019 group, who said again and again how much she loved Durham and what a good time she’d had during her year in our city.
THE WILD
Low tide on the beach at Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast
The wild North-East
By Thom Addinall-Biddulph (GCR Chair of Trustees)
It is not an uncommon experience for a Durham student to look up one day and realise they haven’t left the city in two months. This may or may not, as it happens, have happened to me. For many, it’s such a pleasant place (and you’re working so hard) that the need to leave doesn’t present itself!
However, it’s pretty well established now that getting out into nature does wonders for your mental health - and even if you’re feeling happy already, you never know what you might see! I was once walking along the River Wear by Hollow Drift rugby ground, towards Maiden Castle, and locked eyes with an otter in the middle of the river. That was ten minutes’ walk from the centre of town. It also goes without saying that, as global citizens, we should do our best to appreciate and enjoy the wonderful wildness of our world, and how close that wildness can be to the buildings where we live and work, often without thinking about what else might be living nearby.
One of Durham’s greatest advantages is that it is surrounded by the countryside, and you can walk a fairly short distance in any direction
and find shady woodland and rolling green fields. For a start, you might try walking past the Hill colleges down South Road to Low Burnhall, a reserve managed by the Woodland Trust. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, trees, smaller plots, planted wildflower meadows, and some unexpected wicker statues and sculptures. Inspired in part by the landscape’s heritage, there’s still more to discover for yourself! There’s also a bird hide if you like watching our feathered friends, looking out over a large pond, which sometimes freezes in the winter, providing an ice rink for the more enterprising birds.
Going a little bit further, the Durham Wildlife Trust has nature reserves all over the county. Their headquarters is at Rainton Meadows, an easy bus journey on the number 20 from Durham. This site has several small lakes with many resident birds, as well as peaceful walks through trees, and a nice café! Their other major site at Low Barns is a little trickier to get to, but very worthwhile for its own lakes and ponds. Mikelwellum Wood, further north, is an atmospheric woodland
The verdant Northumberland countryside with views along Hadrian’s Wall
Besides being where the mediaeval saint
St Cuthbert – who lies in Durham Cathedral – lived as a hermit, it’s a thriving colony of seabirds. Most notably, in the summer it has thousands of puffins, the “penguin of the north”!
that the Trust are slowly returning to ancient woodland conditions. I’ve volunteered a few times with the Trust (check out their website for opportunities to volunteer across their reserves!) – from planting trees to cutting up pine tree branches to make natural hedges. It’s a memorable place to spend a Saturday.
The grandfather of all northeastern sites, though, is the Farne Islands, off the Northumbrian coast. Besides being where the mediaeval saint St Cuthbert – who lies in Durham Cathedral – lived as a hermit, it’s a thriving colony of seabirds. Most notably, in the summer it has thousands of puffins, the “penguin of the north”! You can take boat trips from the lovely town of Seahouses – where I recommend
visiting one of their rightly revered fish and chip shops – which take you round the islands, and allow you to spend an hour on Inner Farne surrounded, literally, by puffins, terns, guillemots, cormorants, shags, and more. You’ll be able to walk within inches of the birds – though wear a hat, as they don’t always discriminate about where they relieve themselves!
It is an incredible experience, not least for the fantastic view from the boat of the three important mediaeval sites of Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne, and the Farne Islands strung across the North Sea.
There are many places worth visiting to experience the English wilderness across the region that aren’t necessarily specific nature reserves, of course. You might walk along the Tyne Valley, following the route of the Newcastle to Carlisle train (not to mention Hadrian’s Wall); you could take in the dramatic cliffs and beaches along the coast, perhaps at Seaham or Tynemouth; without leaving Durham at all you can enjoy glorious views over the city from Pelaw Wood, above the river next to Hild Bede College, or Whinney Hill and Maiden Castle Hill on the opposite side of the river. Visit the sand martin colony near the university sports fields (just follow the path up across Old Durham Beck towards Gilesgate, and it’s on the right above a field). Stand still a moment and listen to the environment, the birdsong, the rustling of things unknown in the undergrowth, the wind swaying through the trees. Look closer. You’re never alone.
A hiker walking along a dirt path, trail on open moorland with purple flowering heather at Edmundbyres, County Durham
A history of Ustinov College
Written By: Anthony Jones
Origins: The Graduate Society (1965-2003)
Ustinov College traces its origins to the Graduate Society, which was established in 1965 by Professor Bill Fisher in response to the growing number of postgraduate students at Durham University. The society provided a dedicated community for postgraduates, initially admitting 94 students from 14 nationalities and 17 departments. Over the next three decades, the Graduate Society expanded significantly, reaching several hundred students by the mid-1990s, including a large number of international students.
Unlike undergraduate colleges, the Graduate Society did not have a single physical home. Instead, its buildings were scattered around Durham City, including sites at Shincliffe Hall, Old Elvet, and the Parsons Field Bar. However, as the postgraduate community continued to grow and attract students and their families from overseas, it became clear that a new vision and location were necessary for postgraduates at Durham.
The transition to Ustinov College (2003-2006)
In the early 2000s, discussions about postgraduate education were gaining prominence in UK universities, with an emphasis on internationalisation and the recruitment of non-EU students.
The Prime Minister’s Initiative 1999 aimed to increase the number of international students studying in the UK, creating an opportune moment for Durham to expand its postgraduate provisions.
In 2003, the Graduate Society officially became Ustinov College, named in honour of Sir Peter Ustinov, the actor and humanitarian, whose global outlook and commitment to education reflected the college’s mission. The renaming coincided with Durham’s broader push to create a postgraduate-specific community, distinct from its traditional undergraduate colleges.
Sir Kenneth Calman, then ViceChancellor (1998-2007), described this transformation as a “win-win”, allowing postgraduate students to
30 Old Elvet
38 Old Elvert Shincliffe Hall
Fonteyn Court
remain within Durham’s collegiate system while providing a dedicated environment for interaction between different disciplines and nationalities.
The construction of Howlands Farm
The construction of a site for the new Ustinov College began in the 1996-97 academic year with the acquisition of Howlands Farm, located near the Botanical Gardens south of Durham City. The site was developed into a postgraduatespecific residential community, beginning with the transformation of a former barn into what was known as Fisher House, a key social hub for the college.
In 1998, the first 200 students moved into Howlands Farm accommodation. Over the following years, the college expanded further, with the addition of four large accommodation blocks by 2006, including Keenan House and Brackenbury, collectively known as Dryburn Court.
By 2006, all remaining university buildings previously occupied by the Graduate Society were vacated, marking the completion of the transition to Howlands Farm and Keenan. The former residences at 38 Old Elvet were sold and converted into a hotel, while the Parsons Field site was allocated to St Cuthbert’s College.
Howlands Farm over the next decade became a much-loved part of the Durham postgraduate community and there remains a huge fondness and connection for students who studied during these wonderful years at the site. The bar was a particular favourite for many in the college, and even attracted many undergraduate students to visit, often remarking it was one of the best bars in the city.
Sheraton Park and beyond
In 2017, Ustinov College relocated from Howlands Farm to Sheraton Park, a site originally built for Neville’s Cross College in 1921 and vacated in 2004. A detailed history of Sheraton Park is included later in this magazine for those interested.
The acquisition of Sheraton Park for the university, and the subsequent relocation of Ustinov College, was a significant and widely discussed change. A key condition of the acquisition of the Sheraton Park site was a covenant requiring a set percentage of postgraduate students on the site, making Ustinov the natural choice to relocate. The move was made possible through the efforts of many individuals, most notably Ian MacDonald, then operations manager and now a GCR trustee. Ian’s dedication played a crucial role in the success of the transition, ensuring the bar’s establishment and spearheading design improvements that continue to benefit Ustinov students today.
Ustinov’s mission and growth
Throughout its relocations, Ustinov College has remained committed to its founding vision: an international postgraduate community that embodies its namesake’s humanitarian values.
This dedication to postgraduate inclusivity led Ustinov to become Durham University’s largest college at times in its history. By 2012-13, Ustinov had 1,700 members from over 100 nationalities, making it one of the university’s most diverse communities. Today, the college is home to approximately 1,400 students, with over 450 living in college accommodation.
Reading this history, it will likely strike you that Ustinov has changed a lot in the past 60 years, but regardless of where the buildings have been located, many have found a home in the college. It will of course continue to change and evolve with the postgraduate students who make the college what it is.
Ustinov College today in Sheraton Park
The Barn, later known as Fisher House
The Barn during the Ustinov Years
A brief history of Sheraton Park
Written by: Anthony Jones
As we reflect on 60 years as a college, I think it would also be poignant to reflect on our current home in Sheraton Park, opening back in 2017.
Sheraton Park’s origins trace back to the early 20th century, when Neville’s Cross College was established on this site for teacher training. Construction of two main buildings—Sheraton House and Neville House—began in 1913 but was halted by World War I. Ultimately finished in 1921, the college opened in 1922 under Durham County Council, becoming a licensed hall of Durham University by 1924. Initially reserved for women, it became co-educational in 1963. Over subsequent decades, the college maintained a close relationship with Durham University, offering a wide range of courses and practical training.
The later evolution of Neville’s Cross College
During its peak, Neville’s Cross College included extensive facilities for students. One of the campus’s original buildings housed a library, large dining hall, and dance/performance space, while the grounds featured tennis courts and other sports areas. Neville House itself provided the Principal’s accommodation, teaching spaces, and laboratories, reflecting the breadth of its educational mission. For many years—especially when teacher training was primarily a women’s program—access to the college was limited to certain times, and family members were only occasionally permitted to visit higher floors.
Formation of New College Durham
By 1977, changes in teacher training funding led to a merger between Neville’s Cross College and Durham Technical College, resulting in the creation of New College Durham. After operating for several decades across multiple sites, the college’s leadership decided to consolidate at Framwellgate Moor in the early 2000s. This move spelled the end for the older Neville’s Cross campus, which was sold in 2002. While new housing appeared on parts of the property, the original buildings stood vacant—sealed off and gradually falling into disrepair.
The Sheraton Park redevelopment
By the time Ustinov moved to Sheraton Park, the “second building” of Neville’s Cross College was deemed too deteriorated to salvage. The demolition paved the way for Sheraton House—completed in 2017—to meet the needs of a modern college. The newly built Sheraton House includes the common room (now The Paddle), seminar room, GCR Office, and around 200 student bedrooms. Neville House was in better condition and redeveloped to also provide around 200 bedrooms.
The cost of redeveloping Sheraton Park was approximately £20 million, reflecting a large-scale effort to integrate historic character with updated facilities. Despite the loss of the old second building, aerial and modern views in 2018 illustrate how the campus has evolved alongside its surrounding neighbourhood.
Commemorating the heritage
To mark Neville’s Cross College’s centenary and continuing legacy, the (Alumni) Association contacted Ustinov College in 2021—coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the original campus opening. Ustinov welcomed around 45 former Neville’s Cross students to visit and reminisce about their college days. The event featured refreshments, an exhibition of memorabilia, and an opportunity to wander around the newly completed Sheraton Park site. Some attendees had studied all the way back in the 1950s and 1960s, a period during which the college was expanding its facilities.
In honour of the occasion, the Association unveiled a celebratory plaque listing several former Principals; the plaque is now displayed at Ustinov College, acknowledging the site’s shared academic history. There were toasts to those present and to friends fondly remembered, as well as an archive exhibit of historical materials donated by alumni, which attendees viewed with great interest. At the event’s close, the visitors received Ustinov College tote bags and commemorative items.
Looking ahead
For Ustinov College, the move to Sheraton Park marked a significant new chapter, breathing life back into a once-derelict site. While the demolition of one of the historic buildings was understandable albeit regrettable, the goal has been to preserve the educational spirit of Neville’s Cross College through respectful redevelopment and continued engagement with alumni. Today, Sheraton Park’s blend of modern facilities and historical roots reflects the evolving nature of Durham’s academic communities.
Going forward, Ustinov plans to further strengthen its relationship with the Neville’s Cross College Association. As both organizations contemplate future gatherings—such as the Association’s annual general meeting—Sheraton Park and Neville House will continue to serve as links between the site’s past and its vibrant present. Ultimately, Ustinov College carries on the heritage of the original campus while forging a path for the next century of students.
How I met my wife
Zoe and I met on 9 December 2000, at a Christmas party hosted by a friend on her course (Historic Object Conservation) and a friend from my department (History) who were flatmates. I very nearly didn’t make it to the party since I could not find the street, but after deciding to return home to Howlands Farm, I finally saw it.
After arriving at the party, I spent the evening and into the early morning regaling Zoe with fascinating stories about the American election (this being the contested election between George W. Bush and Al Gore), the rules of baseball, and the structure of the American education system.
Surprisingly, despite these (and many other similar tales) she was less than keen on seeing much more of me. Around 2:00 a.m., she decided to leave, and I left as well.
Since she lived at Parson’s Field House, and I at Howlands (the party was near the New Inn off South Road) we would soon go our separate ways. Luckily, fate intervened in the form of a friend of mine (who had had a great deal to drink) taking a snooze in an alleyway. I helped him up, and had to essentially carry him back to his flat, which happened to be also at Parson’s Field House.
By this point, I had managed to demonstrate sufficient potential to entice Zoe to have coffee the next day (despite the fact that she doesn’t drink coffee or tea), and the rest is history, as it were.
I very nearly didn’t make it to the party since I could not find the street, but after deciding to return home to Howlands Farm, I finally saw it.
Craig M. Nakashian and Zoe Nakashian (née Old)
Sir Peter Ustinov: Our former Chancellor and Namesake
By Sarah Prescott (Former Vice-Principal)
In memorial remarks shared after his passing, the University highlighted its reasons for selecting Sir Peter as Chancellor in 1992, citing “his extraordinary qualities and achievements, not only as a writer, performer and director, but also as a compassionate man, a champion of international understanding and peace.” His life and work touched on many of the values that Durham seeks to uphold in its teaching and research.
Founded in 1965 as Durham University’s Graduate Society, Ustinov College was renamed in his honour in 2003 in recognition of his contributions while serving as Chancellor. Guided by the motto Diversitate Valemus (“Strength in Diversity”), the College officially opened under its new name that same year. Today, it remains a postgraduate-
only community, providing support and activities to approximately 1,600 students annually. At the opening ceremony, Sir Peter remarked on the special affinity he felt for a college whose students hail from such a wide array of cultural backgrounds—an observation still true today, with so many nationalities represented across all levels of study.
Sir Peter was born in London in 1921, the same year Neville House (now part of Ustinov’s Sheraton Park site) first opened as a teacher-training college. Of French, Italian, Russian, German, Polish, and Ethiopian Jewish descent, Sir Peter’s international perspective was reflected in his fluency in multiple languages, from English and French to Russian and German, and even Turkish and modern Greek. His career spanned stage and screen, garnering him two Oscars, one BAFTA, three Emmys, one Golden Globe, and one Grammy. He was also a dedicated UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over 35 years, and his philanthropic legacy continues through The Ustinov Foundation (Ustinov Stiftung)—run by his son, Igor, and a board of trustees committed to promoting children’s education worldwide.
Ustinov College and Durham University continue to honour Sir Peter’s remarkable life, celebrating a man whose influence and legacy continue to shape the College’s ethos. As Ustinov moves forward, it remains dedicated to upholding Sir Peter’s values—a fitting tribute to the man for whom the College is named.
All this while attempting to socialise and make friends. It would have been so easy to sit in my room and wallow, but the first few weeks of non-stop GCR events kept me distracted from my homesickness.
My first month as a Ustinovian
By Arundhati Sarkar
It’s been more than a month since I arrived in Durham on a blustery day, jetlagged, hungry, and homesick. I had been in flights and airports for nearly twenty-four hours. I had two suitcases, a backpack, and a trolley, and once I deboarded the coach, I was immediately soaked in the rain. I managed to roll all three pieces of baggage up the street (I could only roll two at a time, which meant I had to keep going back for the third) and ended up at the reception in Sheraton House. This was where I met Artie for the first time, who was shepherding flocks of students to their flats. Artie greeted me with a big smile and answered my barrage of questions all while helping me roll the luggage to my flat. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how much Artie’s kindness meant in that moment.
The first few days were a flurry of overwhelmingness. Getting lost in the maze that Durham felt like. Tracking down Indian staples with my compatriots in Tesco and getting
used to lugging heavy grocery bags back home. Figuring out the correct induction hob setting to not burn my food. Understanding recycling rules (my American flatmate was a willing teacher in these orientation sessions… I think). All this while attempting to socialise and make friends. It would have been so easy to sit in my room and wallow, but the first few weeks of non-stop GCR events kept me distracted from my homesickness— from the shopping trip to Arnison Centre, the Come Dressed As Your Subject Party, to the karaoke night where a fellow Swiftie gifted me a friendship bracelet.
I soon found myself falling in love with Durham, which came aglow with autumn just around the two-week mark when I felt that I’d finally found my footing. There’s something about the crunch of golden leaves and the sting of cold breeze on a brisk morning that makes it so easy to romanticise your life.
The Ustinov Mentor events were wonderful experiences, too: pumpkin carving before Halloween, and Bonfire
Night for Guy Fawkes Day helped me ground myself in hitherto enigmatic aspects of British culture.
Something that sets Ustinov apart, and what I cherish about it, is the multicultural experience of it. My flatmates are all from different regions of the world, which means that the kitchen smells delicious in different, wonderful ways, and there are always new recipes to teach each other. The group of friends I hang out most with are from different corners of the world, too—Mexico, Japan, Korea. We teach each other phrases in our native languages and have completely stopped saying ‘thank you’ or ‘sorry’ to each other in English—it’s far more amusing when my Japanese friend turns to me and says ‘gracias’ while my Mexican friend giggles at our accent.
It’s been a beautiful, exciting ride so far, and I can only wonder what the rest of the year will bring. What I’m certain of is that Ustinov’s real magic lies in its people—the kindness, warmth, and diversity of those around me. They are what make this place feel like home.
Experiencing the seasons in Durham as a tropical islander
By Deshon J. Griffith
Growing up in the Caribbean makes it easy to take warm weather for granted—sometimes even to the point of disliking it on those scorching days. Having lived most of my life in Barbados, I rarely ventured out of the country for more than two weeks at a time. That’s why, rather surprisingly, I found Malta quite cold during the winter months of my first Master’s degree, even though it never actually snowed. The strong winds alone were enough to challenge a tropical islander. Eventually, I picked up the art of layering, which helped me adapt to chillier conditions—though the yearround average in Malta was still a balmy 17 degrees Celsius. The coldest temperature I encountered was about five degrees, which had me shivering! Still, it was a valuable introduction to cooler climates before heading to Durham for my second Master’s.
I arrived fresh from law school in Trinidad and Tobago—arguably even hotter than Barbados, though opinions differ. The moment I stepped off the plane at Newcastle Airport and caught the train to Durham, I realized serious adjustment was in order. Initially, when I experienced what I considered “freezing cold” in October, I had no idea I’d only scratched the surface. I’m amused now, recalling how I rushed out to buy what I assumed was a perfectly suitable coat, only to realize a few weeks later that it wouldn’t
be enough. As the lush green leaves turned vibrant shades of orange and red, then withered and fell, the winds grew more intense, and I quickly concluded that a thicker coat was a must.
By February 2020, I’d become surprisingly adept at handling the chill—maybe a bit too adept. I’d often see local residents bundled in multiple layers, visibly cold, while I was more or less comfortable, occasionally even warm enough to indulge in ice
cream. It felt like I’d evolved beyond my tropical upbringing in just a few months. I was admittedly proud of that progress, and that pride peaked the day I witnessed my first snowfall.
It happened during a lecture. I noticed some mysterious white flakes swirling outside the window and felt both curious and slightly concerned. “What in the world is going on?” I asked myself. Glancing around for a shared reaction, I discovered my classmates were barely paying attention to the spectacle. I turned to a friend and asked, “Is that snow?” He calmly replied, “Yes,” and resumed listening to the lecture. Meanwhile, I could hardly contain my excitement. That initial dusting ended quickly, but before long—near the end of the month—Durham was transformed into a genuine winter wonderland. Seeing Ustinov and the surrounding city blanketed in snow was thrilling, and to be honest, I wouldn’t mind if the season lasted indefinitely (apologies to those who might disagree!).
A journey at Ustinov
Written by: Joe Farrow
Now that I’m wrapping up four years of doctoral studies at Ustinov College, I find myself looking back on the rewards and the challenges of this PhD journey.
During my time here, I’ve published some of my work, delivered talks, and attended international conferences.
I’ve also witnessed the ebb and flow of life at Ustinov, as new faces arrived each year and familiar ones left. It’s been a remarkable opportunity to connect with people from around the world and immerse myself in different cultures. While I’ve learned a great deal of mathematical physics, I’ve also discovered what it means to be a researcher—and, perhaps more importantly, what it means to be human.
I’ll start by sharing a few lessons I picked up along the way as a researcher. (I’ll spare you the equations for now; keep an eye out for my thesis if you’re really curious.) My program began with six months of intensive taught courses that, though demanding, felt relatively familiar to someone who has spent most of their life in structured education. However, the leap from regularly graded assignments to open-ended research was sudden. Gone were the neat percentage scores that told me exactly how I was doing; in their place, I had weeks of uncertainty and occasional feedback like “well done” or “you need to work more on this.”
Since then, the PhD process has come in waves. Some months, I thought seriously about leaving, while at other times I was fully engaged—envisioning an academic future and thoroughly enjoying my work. One particular challenge is investing weeks or months into a problem, only to realize it’s unsolvable (at least with my current
approach). Fortunately, I’ve had a supervisor who would let me know when it was time to move on. Without that guidance, it would have been far more discouraging.
One of my favourite moments in research is the sudden realization— often called the “Eureka moment”— when you believe you’ve found something new. A piece of advice I heard a while ago was that when you hit that moment, stop for the day and savour it, because you might come back tomorrow and discover a mistake. I’ve experienced that realization of error several times myself. Part of my growth as a researcher has been learning how to handle these setbacks and understanding that they’re not failures but natural parts of the process.
Part of my growth as a researcher has been learning how to handle these setbacks and understanding that they’re not failures but natural parts of the process.
It’s becoming increasingly recognized that postgraduate research students face high rates of mental health challenges. In my own experience, once my taught modules ended and the open-ended nature of research began, I felt severe anxiety—I could only manage a couple of hours a day in the office, and even small social activities felt overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy helped, as did reading, and I also dealt with repetitive strain injuries
that restricted my computer time. Understanding how deeply our mental and physical wellbeing are intertwined has been a significant lesson.
While meeting new students from around the world has been incredibly rewarding, moving to a new environment and forming a new support circle can be difficult. After my first year, I felt isolated when many of my friends left, but joining the GCR helped me find a new community. Reflecting on it all, the most important thing I’ve learned during my PhD is how to relate to my own humanity. I’ve read different perspectives on Buddhist philosophy, and those ideas have guided me through moments of anxiety, depression, and other struggles. In times when I felt alone, I discovered that reaching out to those around me was vital. Although it’s still challenging to express what I’m going through—especially at my lowest points—talking about it has gradually become more manageable, much like any other skill that improves with practice. Writing this article is part of that process, and I hope it might encourage anyone else who reads it.
If you’re pursuing a PhD here, you’ll formally earn a doctorate in your chosen field, but it can feel much like a doctorate in the philosophy of life. The lessons I’ve absorbed about life and humanity have been the most meaningful part of my time at Ustinov. Standing now on the threshold of what comes next, I’m not entirely certain where a background in mathematical physics might lead me. Still, I’m confident that the insights I’ve gained into being human will guide me wherever I go.
Two masters and three years at Ustinov
Written by: Matthew Roberts
Durham has no shortage of well-known landmarks—foremost among them the Cathedral and Castle. Yet places like Crook Hall can slip under the radar, even though it’s only a brief walk from the city centre. Stroll through its gardens, warm yourself by the fireplace, and give a friendly pat to the resident cat. Much like the Cathedral and Castle quietly marking time in the background, Crook Hall becomes part of your daily life in Durham—an ever-present setting during your studies at Ustinov College.
That said, your experience here should be more than simply meeting deadlines. If you’re pursuing a Master’s, the year can feel like racing the clock, with assignments constantly on the horizon. It’s easy to feel there isn’t enough time. However, in the years to come, you will primarily remember the personal experiences you sought out— the hours in the Bill Bryson Library and the assignments themselves will blend together, forming the structural “bricks” of your degree. These are vital but often indistinguishable from one another. It’s the unique memories you create that will stand out: visiting a tucked-away part of Durham or hiking through the surrounding countryside. For example, Crook Hall lies close to the city yet is frequently overlooked. You might also explore the Low Burnhall Woodland Trust or seek out the Wicker Miner statue to take
in scenic views of Durham’s rural outskirts. Farther along the walking path north of town, Finchale Priory offers striking ruins worth revisiting. If you venture east along the River Wear, you’ll encounter the abandoned Belmont Railway Viaduct, less than a mile from the city. These are just a few of the many local points of interest—a surprising number of them are near enough to fit into a busy postgraduate schedule.
One distinctive advantage of Ustinov is that you’re part of a diverse community of individuals in a similar situation—each balancing rigorous academic demands with the desire to fully experience Durham. The college organizes formals, events, and excursions that can help you adjust to new surroundings, connect with people, and gradually build your own support network. Make the most of
Jesmond Dene
the longer summer days to explore beyond Durham itself. Newcastle is a short train ride away, offering places like Grainger Market, the Laing Art Gallery, and the Great Museum of the North, all within walking distance of the station. South Shields’ beach is a metro journey from Newcastle, while Edinburgh, York, Hexham, and Carlisle are under two hours by rail. In essence, it’s wise to look beyond the university’s immediate confines so that your time here becomes truly memorable.
Originally, I arrived for a one-year Taught Master’s but soon realized there was more I wanted to do. My decision to stay wasn’t solely academic; the supportive community at Ustinov played an equally large part. Over the years, Ustinov has evolved, including a relocation to a new campus, which involved its own set of logistical hurdles. Despite such changes, the true essence of Ustinov comes from the people who fill its corridors. Every autumn, you might have to say goodbye to friends who depart, but you also welcome a fresh group of students from around the globe. Even if you think you’ve seen all there is in Durham, there is always something more to discover.
Ultimately, Ustinov’s defining trait is that every year feels both familiar and brand new. Embrace that quality, and let yourself enjoy the place for what it is.
On Instagram you can find us @ustinovcollege so why not follow us and stay informed?
We look forward to continuing the Ustinov journey with you in the years ahead!
