As I conclude my first year of study at Durham and student life at Trev’s, what a fantastic year I’ve had. Although scary, as my first year is almost concluded in the blink of an eye. From the early days of college life as a fresher navigating the college’s hexagonal maze of a building (you get used to it quickly), mealtimes, the Junior Common Room (JCR) and the nuances and often quirky traditions of gowned formals. To settling into the small, vibrant and friendly community that Trev’s instils, meeting new and interesting people to form lasting friendships.
Getting involved
I almost immediately delved into college and university life as soon as I arrived, from becoming deeply involved in the JCR through to becoming an elected member of the steering committee, dealing with JCR governance, proposing change through motions and engaging in student politics through debate in regular JCR meetings. I also joined a few of the myriads of college societies that are on offer such as games society and charity committee, as well as sitting on numerous college and university wide society executives and forming new societies such as Trev’s debate society and assisting with the relaunch of the college’s student publication, HEX after a ten-year hiatus. Further, the events put on by the JCR, societies and college, from the Summer Ball, Live on the Hill and Trev’s day to musical productions such as Jesus Star Superstar were highlights for me.
Something for everyone
Yes, starting university life comes with its challenges, attending lectures/seminars, living away from home for the first time, referencing, meeting deadlines, on top of the abundance of opportunities that immediately become available.
Trevelyan College has offered numerous opportunities and events throughout the year from its explore programme of leadership workshops, global dynamics lecture series, hearing from the likes of John Curtis (a highlight for me as a politics student), to wellbeing events, particularly around exams.
There’s something for everyone. You often hear that university life is some of the best days of your life, and I’d wholeheartedly agree, and I can’t wait for the opportunities and challenges that await me going into the new academic year, such as working with the JCR Executive as JCR chair for the upcoming year.
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