By Lauren Hewett 

So, you’ve received your college allocation and discovered you’re heading to St Cuthbert’s Society! You may be brimming with excitement, perhaps Cuth’s was your first-choice college, you toured an open day, loved the accommodation and can’t wait to immerse yourself in college life. Or perhaps you feel less enthusiastic – maybe Cuth’s was further down your list, you’re unfamiliar with it, or you didn’t get the accommodation you hoped for.

Last year I was firmly in the latter category. While Cuth’s was higher up in my college rankings, it wasn’t my first, or even in my top three. I hadn’t visited it, knew almost nothing about it, or the fact it had two sites and was allocated my third-choice room! I began to panic.

”If I had to choose again, I would pick Cuth’s in a heartbeat”

Fast forward a year, I can gladly say my worries were misplaced. My Durham has been unaffected by not securing my first-choice college, or accommodation for that matter, and if I had to choose again, I would pick Cuth’s in a heartbeat.

So, if you’re an incoming fresher, in a position similar to mine, or simply eager for insight into what lies ahead, this one’s for you!

Accommodation

From three storey buildings on cobble streets, to high-ceilinged bedrooms featuring old fireplaces, the bailey accommodation certainly doesn’t lack that quaint, olde-worlde feel. And if the buildings weren’t already impressive enough, the private gardens certainly are! Yes, that’s right – private gardens!! Sported by Houses 8 and 13, they make the ideal location to host a fresher’s party or two, or a cricket game amongst friends!! While House 12 enjoys prime position above Bailey Bar, home to the college’s main garden, perfect to begin a night out, regardless of the season, or relax and sunbathe on the grass in the warmer months. 

Most Bailey rooms are shared, which may initially feel daunting. Yet, sharing provides a built-in companion – someone to navigate freshers’ week with, debrief after a night out, or exchange anxieties. They may even become your best friend!

”Making it one of Durham’s most enviable spots”

Across town lies Parson’s Field, nicknamed ‘Prison Cuths’ thanks to its first-class view of HMP Durham. But the nickname belies its many advantages. Its location bedside the racecourse, a Durham’s gems and university hotspot, is perfect for picnics, sports and summer lounging, making it one of Durham’s most enviable spots! 

Additionally, Parson’s Field houses both of Cuths’ gyms, including rowing ergs, ideal for any budding rowers, gym rats or anyone seeking a quick workout between lectures. For those wanting more, Maiden Castle’s state of the art sports facilities is only a ten-minute walk away.

Durham’s renowned pub culture is never far from Cuth’s, with the Swan & Three Cygnets, Boat Club (home of the 2 for £9.95 cocktail) and Blue Eye, to name a few, within a 10-minute walk of both sites. Alternatively, if 2 for £12 pitchers sounds like your kind of pre-drinks, Wetherspoons is only 13 minutes away! 

Nightlife staples Klute and Jimmy Allen’s are also well within walking distance. And while neither is home to the most ‘vibrant’ of nightlife’s, with Klute taking the top spot as “worst nightclub in Europe”, their respective signature beverages the ‘Quaddy’ and ‘Woodgate’, ensure the best and messiest student nights out. Not least you’ll be thankful when you watch your friends on the hill have to buy an Uber back, when you’ll already be snuggled up in your bed by the time they’re home!

Top tip: see if you can book Klute’s basement for you or your friend’s birthday!

Equally important is Cuth’s proximity to Dunelm Food Store, opposite the SU. Stocked with every frozen food, sweet treat and cider under the sun, it quickly becomes a fresher’s lifeline, whether dashing to sports socials and in need of a tinny, or rewarding yourself after a hard(ish) study session in the library. Speaking of the library, if you are the ultimate academic weapon, preferring the quality of Cuth’s to be measured by proximity to the library (and no not ‘The Library’ pub), you’ll be thrilled to hear it is a mere twelve minute walk from both sites, keeping you connected to campus, while still close to the heart of town.

College Bars: The Heart of Cuth’s 

”Something for everyone, regardless, of whether you drink or not!”

Cuth’s is unique in that it boasts two bars, and college life is centred around them, with something for everyone, regardless, of whether you drink or not!

Bailey Bar, with its wood panelling, booths, garden, and dartboards, is the quintessentially British pub, and always packed on a Wednesday and Friday. Brooks Bar, by contrast, is more relaxed, think card or pool games (only 20p a go), and an easy-going atmosphere. 

No introduction to Cuth’s bars would be complete without mentioning the college’s signature drinks: the tadpole, the frog, and the toad – rites of passage for every student!

Hopefully this article has shown you that soon enough you’ll agree Cuth’s truly is the best college in Durham.

Good luck freshers!!

Image Credits: Durham University