WELCOME TO STEPHENSON COLLEGE
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FRESHERS WEEK ITEMS:
A white top to be written on during the White T-Shirt Party.
If arriving by car, something red to put in your windscreen when arriving.
Shoes you don't mind clubbing in.
Snacks to share with your flatmates.
Cold & Flu tablets for when the Freshers’ flu hits.
Formal wear- at Stephenson our dress code for formal dining is smart. This is typically business attire such as smart trousers, jacket, shirt, suit, jumpsuit or smart dress/skirt. Jeans and trainers are not allowed.
Sportswear if you want to take part in any sporting/active activities.
ROOM ITEMS
Storage boxes to put under your bed.
Hangers to go in your wardrobe.
Shower mat if en-suite, flipflops if shared bathroom.
Pins for noticeboards.
Toilet paper (unless you have shared bathrooms)
Extension lead (as long as you get it PAT tested at Reception!)
OTHER USEFUL ITEMS
A pack of cards/games to play.
Washing pods or detergent for laundry.
Printed copies of your personal documents, vaccination status, medical, visa etc.
Often Societies/Sports teams do fancy dress socials so if you have any costumes you should definitely bring them along!
Door hooks - more hanging space for coats and bags in your room.
Kitchen utensils.
If you want fairy lights make sure they are battery powered.
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Bedroom & bathroom bins are provided.
You are not allowed to keep items like toasters, kettles or ricecookers in your room.
Mains powered fairy lights & candles are not permitted in your rooms as they are a fire hazard.
Door stops are not permitted since the doors in your accommodation are fire doors and must remain closed for health and safety purposes.
What can I expect during freshers week?
Once accepted into Stephenson College, you will be emailed by the college with more information. This will come in the form of virtual ‘newsletters’ - updating you on life at college, what to expect and how to prepare for moving to Durham! Additionally, these newsletters will include ticket links to your Freshers’ Week wristbands, college merch, and JCR Levy.
Freshers’ Week is one of the most memorable times of your university journey, and the Head Frep Team are hard at work over the summer to make it exciting for you all. Expect themed parties, a murder mystery, crafts, petting farms, movie screenings, and club nights. We also offer a range of JCR and College based ‘taster sessions’ so that our newest members can explore life at the college before the academic term starts.
You'll also get to experience some Durham traditions, including attending ‘Matriculation’. This is the process through which all of our new students officially join the university, marked by a formal service at Durham Cathedral. All of our new students also get to experience a College Formal Dining Event, more commonly known as the Freshers’ Formal, held in college, celebrating the new students through a formal dining event.
Fresher’s is a chance to meet new people, get involved, and start exploring life at college. Whether you're diving into events, joining societies, or just settling in, there will be something for everyone!
OUR COLLEGE ACCOMODATION
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![Group of women celebrating St. Patrick's Day, wearing green hats with shamrocks and leprechaun hats, one holding a dark beer.]()
"Stevo has made my first year of uni the best year yet. I felt right at home after my first open day visit, and it has lived up to every expectation. Friendly, fun and supportive, and I’ve made best friends for life!"
Jessie Lennox
Current Student
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![Three young people dressed in formal attire, standing outdoors with trees and a field in the background.]()
“I've made best friends for life during my time at Stevo!"
Grace Bailey
Current Student
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![Young man smiling in front of a brick wall, wearing a black jacket with a university logo.]()
“I absolutely loved my time at Stevo, I recommend it to anybody applying to Durham! I made some of my closest friends there and had so much fun taking part in all of the JCR & College events. It was great to be part of such an exciting, warm, and supportive community whist at Durham.”
Jordan Guthrie
Stephenson Student 2020-2023
Purchase Links
Fresher’s Handbooks
Site Map
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While an A JCR Levy isn’t necessary, it’s heavily recommended. Most of our students do buy a membership- and it has a lot of perks.
Most notably is the significant discounts JCR Members receive across all JCR events - Including the Fresher’s Week Tickets!
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No!
Stephenson is a non-gowned college, which means that we don’t require students to wear gowns to events such as Matriculation, College formal dinners, or JCR meetings.
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The Dress code for these events is ‘Smart’.
This could be a smart shirt or button-down, with a skirt or trousers, or a midi-length dress. Smart shoes include flats, heels, loafers & leather-look shoes. However, for matriculation we reccomend flats over heels, as durham has cobbled streets as is quite hilly!
For inspo - check the College’s Instagram (@stephenson_college) for last year’s photos
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The college will contact you, and within this email, you’ll be given an allotted time and date for move-in.
Only on move-in day, will you receive your block allocation and name, and your room keys.
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Yes!
On move-in day, our JCR Exec will be available at check-in. Here you can buy a fresher’s week ticket, a JCR Membership, and any college merch you’ve had your eye on.
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College Rooms have a wardrobe, desk (with drawers), and usually, a bedside table for storage. However, you can fit additional storage boxes under the beds.
Additionally, many students bring storage containers for their desks or en-suite bathrooms.