Matriculation
Pots, Pans and Pleasantries
Matriculation: Everyone knows what Matriculation is. The formal ceremony, transforming a cathedral of smartly dressed and fairly sleep-deprived young adults into official Durham Students. However, it's more than just a magical declaration from the Vice-Chancellor. It’s a messy combination of noise, tradition, and (trauma) bonding.
As a returning MA student, matriculating for a second time provided a unique perspective on this meaningful day. Rising at 5 am on the other side of Durham to make wake-up in time was certainly unique. But worth it. Arriving to Platform 1, I was greeted by a few handfuls of knacked freps. We picked up our variety of noise devices and made our way to the quad for a prompt 6:30 start.
Matriculation wake-up is a polarising tradition. Beloved by freps who can wake up in time, yet overwhelmingly loathed by freshers. In my four years of wake-ups, it seems to get louder and louder each year. With the additions of vuvuzelas and an air horn, it's a snowballing of commotion year on year. However, this effort has not extended to duration, only lasting half an hour compared to a whole hour two years ago; count yourself slightly lucky. Ironically, we also managed to wake our head frep, who overslept. She promptly joined in with the ruckus. Highlights included the two cars honking and blaring music, several damaged pots, and the lone harmonica.
After we got tired of walking in circles, we made our way inside to wait for the photo. I am fortunate enough to have never experienced much imposter syndrome at university, but I felt very out of place during the photo. After a whole undergrad, I felt I was from a different world to those first years I waited next to. A reassuring reminder of how much I have changed in three years. I was able to reflect on my old age for quite a while whilst everyone slowly shuffled into place. After a moderately successful Mexican wave, we got down, and I had the postgrad photo. This took significantly quicker, really putting into perspective the university's lack of postgrads this year.
The sausage and hashbrown bap was strongly appreciated, providing the pinch of energy needed to make it to the cathedral. Following the snaking line to the baily, I was able to get a few more steps in. Hats off to those who made the walk whilst wearing heels. We did a tour of the Baily and Palace Green before slowly making our way into the Cathedral. Unfortunately, I was at the end of the line with some of the other postgrads, leaving us with the overflow seating at the back.
After a tad more waiting, we all stood for the staff possession, which felt just as bizarre as the first time I watched it three years ago. We were then treated to speeches by the Dean of Colleges and the SU President. They stressed the Durham Difference and the range of opportunities available. Good thing I already chose Durham. An undergrad and postgrad from Stephenson and St Aidan’s, then signed the matriculation book. I could not see this at all, although I can assume that it was pretty interesting.
This was followed by an interesting speech by Karen O'Brien, the Vice-Chancellor. Admittedly, I don’t remember too much, although I’m glad to know the university cares a lot about e-sports; it really is a top priority. Unfortunately, after searching for a while, O’Brien was not able to find an inspirational quote from George Stephenson. It’s a real shame that our college motto, "one day I shall astonish the world," doesn’t perfectly fit this description. Alas, it's good to see a £300,000 salary is well spent.
Someone (I couldn’t see who) then confirmed that we are now matriculated, inviting us to give some awkward handshakes and exchange pleasantries with those near us. And with that, we were officially Durham students. We made our way out of the cathedral to the noise of more pots and pans, followed by a few more obligatory photos.
But that’s just my experience.