A Collage of Colleges

Alcuin, Derwent, Goodricke, Halifax, James, Langwith or Vanbrugh? From the outside it can all look a bit confusing. Are they that different? What are the students like? Where is the best accomodation? Well the ever trusty and helpful York Vision team have taken it upon themselves to help you all navigate the queer quagmire of the collegiate system. We have got seven recently finished freshers to provide all the facts and opinions on why Langwith might be better than James, how the bedrooms in Vanbrugh might be nicer than those in Derwent and why Alcuin simply trumps them all. Read on for all the info you will need on picking your college…

Alcuin College
(by Jack Knight)

Location – Up the hill and behind the library, frankly a bit hidden and confusing for the first few days, but you will get used to it.

Why did you pick the college? – I like having my own bathroom and I was told it was the nicest accommodation on campus.

Distinguishing features – All ensuite, only cocktail bar on campus and better class of student. Basically, Alcuin is like a bottle of Krug champagne in comparison to some other colleges which resemble a can of Special Brew or a shot of Corkys.

Best thing about the college – Being so close to the library. Which other college can you go and return a book in your pyjamas?

Worst thing about the college – The location means it can seem a bit quiet.

Alcuinite most likely to say – “Gap Yah”, “Has anyone else realised how much Derwent looks like a gulag?”, “Anyone up for Reflex tonight?”

Alcuinite least likely to say – “I was watching a DVD with a friend in their flat in Langwith and I just thought – wow, this is some nice accommodation.” or “I have decided to walk the whole length of campus in order to get to the gym, anyone want to come along?”

What the website says – “our accommodation is some of the newest and best on campus. All our spacious study-bedrooms are equipped with en-suite showers.”

What the students say – “Great atmosphere, great bathrooms and great people!”

Derwent College
(by Milana Knezevic)

Location – Derwent College is situated on Heslington West. Blocks A to D are practically next to Heslington Hall, which is the main administration building. Extension blocks E and F are right across the street from there, while Eden’s Court is a 5-minute walk away, on Heslington Road.

Why did you pick the college? Browsing through various facebook groups and judging by what second and third years had to say, Derwent seemed like the most sociable college. I figured the relatively small size of it would make it easier to get to know people and build up a sense of college spirit. Finally, the prospect of a fresher’s fortnight rather than week, made Derwent all the more alluring.

Distinguishing feature – Club Ds! Derwent is famous for its fancy dress parties held in D Bar a couple of times a term, with themes like “Rave D”, “Chav D” and of course, the legendary “Slag n Drag”. In addition to this, at the end of each year Derwent hosts Big D, one of the biggest and most popular events on campus. Last year’s theme was “SinneD”, the 7 deadly sins, with performances from Chase and Status and Audio Bulleys.

Best thing about the college – The college spirit, by far! In Derwent you feel like you’re a part of a community right from the start, and Club Ds, trips to other cities and events like the RAG parade (which we won last year) only help cement that feeling throughout the year. Should you choose to join us, you’ll be singing “I’m Derwent ‘till I die!” in no time!

Worst thing about the college – With Derwent being one of the oldest colleges, the quality of the actual accommodation is not exactly up to par with say, Alcuin or New Goodricke. For instance, you’ll soon find that the winters seem to be extra cold in Derwent, while you might want to invest in a fan or two for when summer rolls around. However, there is definitely a certain charm to it and you will miss it when you leave. And hey, at least it’s not cellblock C!

Resident most likely to say – “Let’s get drunk and/or dress up!”

Resident least likely to say – “I really need an en suite.”

What the website says – “Derwent is a lively, social college in the heart of the Heslington campus famed for its social events. Derwent students organise the biggest and best events on campus – regular Club Ds and the end of year Big D, as well as many other events during the year.”

What the students say – “Everyone gets involved and by the end of first year everyone knows everyone else. Most onlookers say that Derwent looks shabby and run down. But once you remove these shallow afflictions you discover that Derwent’s college spirit is unmatched!”

Goodricke College
(by Paul Virides)

Location – Goodricke’s on the new Heslington East campus, which is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from Derwent College, or the Charles XII pub! It’s close to a petrol station, on the number 6 bus route and the number 44, which also provides a free shuttle bus service to one of three bus stops on campus. Computer Science, Law and Management and Theatre Film and Television are all on Hes East next year, too.

Why did you pick the college – The brand new accommodation was the main attraction, as well as the college website’s promises of the “best atmosphere on campus”. All in all, I wasn’t let down.

Distinguishing feature – Probably the bright pastel coloured accommodation blocks: salmon red (or “russet”), pink and yellow, as well as the Tellytubby-land style grass features!

Best thing about the college – The atmosphere really is good, probably as a result of being alone in a field. Toastie nights and film nights help to maintain a sense of college spirit, as well as regular bar crawls held by the JCRC, with the highlight being the summer term’s “Goodfest” celebrations.

Worst thing about the college – The hike to and from campus is a massive pain, especially when ankle-deep in snow, but the free shuttle bus makes it all forgivable.

Resident most likely to say – “My hob’s blown up”

Resident least likely to say – “I’m just gonna get cash from our [non-existant] cash point”

What the website says – “Our facilities are modern, welcoming and equipped with the latest technology.”

What the students say – “Our facilities are modern, welcoming and equipped with the latest technology… meaning I just locked myself out of my room. Again.”

Halifax College
(by James Masters)

Description of the location – Halifax is a monumental five minute walk from the campus, a short saunter into the village and smack bang next to the playing fields.

Why did I pick the college – Last year I turned out my pockets in desperation and found only a solitary five pence piece and a strawberry Chewit; it was then I knew I was destined for cheaper accommodation and none of that poncy en-suite Alcuin lark. Halifax combines large rooms and excellent facilities to provide great value for money.

Distinguishing feature – Our common room, JJ’s, is the ideal venue for watching big sports events, playing on the Xbox and enjoying the tea ‘n’ toast provided by the Christian Union after a big night out on Tuesday… mmmm I love that Christian toast!

Best thing about the college – The majority of the accommodation are houses rather than corridors which provides an excellent atmosphere among housemates. These are situated around individual grassy courtyards which are the perfect spaces for those cheeky summer barbeques, especially when you can buy all you need from our very own Costcutters.

Worst thing about the college – Many rival colleges would rant that Halifax doesn’t have its own bar whereas they have facilities such as V-Bar (Vanbrugh) and McQ’s (James). But never fear… Halifax is only a two minute toddle from not one but two pubs!

What are residents most likely to say – Pub?

What are residents least likely to say – Let us skip along to V-Bar and enjoy their sumptuous wooden benches and non-existent atmosphere.

What the website says – “Halifax is like a village. Our housing layout represents the type of housing available in the private rented sector so students gain experience living with others in a shared space pretty much as they will be doing in Years 2 and 3 of their degree. Halifax year on year provides a diverse neighbourhood and our family housing gives Halifax the welcome sight and sound of children and families. As a result, our students become responsible and mature.”

What the students say – “You know what? It really ain’t too shabby.”

James College
(by Josh Mangham)

Location – The college is right next to the lake, perfect for sharing Kodak moments when coming back, still drunk, from a night out in summer term, and great for suicidal ice skating attempts in winter. The college is an easy area to navigate, with everything nearby and the sports hall/astro only a 2 min walk away.

Why did you pick the college – I’m not particularly selective about where I live. I didn’t visit the York campus before I arrived in freshers’ week, and so I picked the college because a friend in the year above, who surprise surprise is in James, gave me the hard sell on it. The fact that it wasn’t located in an obscure part of campus, or worse off campus, probably played a part in the decision.

Distinguishing Feature – It’s right next to the Sports Hall, which is useful if you’re a gym-freak or like a kick-about with mates. Having McQ’s as the college’s pub is good as well, especially if you’re the type that digs the graveyard atmosphere when sipping on a pint. The prodigious number of ducks, and the accompanying duck shit, is pretty distinctive as well.

Best thing about the college – The best thing about James is probably its location, along with the students’ lack of airs. Along with colleges like vanbrugh and derwent, james’ location and the students it attracts-and in my experience that is students that don’t place too much importance on work-means that it’s one of the best colleges to be a first year in-it’s lively, fun and has everything happening around it. Also a strong sports college, with a very good JCRC committee (if a bit Jehova’s Witness-level keen) Is that okay? I feel like a used car salesman…

Worst thing about the college – Worst thing is the lack of heating in your room during winter if you’re in one of the non-en-suite blocks.

Resident most likely to say – Um…”Watch out for the duck shit”; “Goodricke students are the people that wished they were in James”; “Was that Neil Lunt (James provost) hiding in the bushes just now?”

Resident least likely to say – “I’m looking for a really good night out-McQ’s anyone?”; “Neil Lunt (James provost) is so fit”

What the website says – “All rooms now have high-speed internet connections.”
“In total the College has over 1500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. ”
“James is the closest college to the sports centre and playing field and traditionally has a strong showing in both College and University sport.”

What the students say – “The lake wildlife can be a bit odd, but apart from that the students are fun and I like the college.”

Langwith College
(by Cem Turhan)

Location – It’s right in the middle of campus, next to the Lake, near costcutters, has one of the biggest lecture theatres and is surrounding the Courtyard.

Why did you pick the college? – It’s in a great location and as it’s so small has a huge college spirit.

Distinguishing feature – Langwith defines itself: the spirit, the location, the history, the people. Being a Langwithian is rare and the students in it create the spirit which differs to any of the newer, bigger colleges.

Best thing about the college – Langwithians always seem to be amazing, friendly people, and along with the JCR who are always available to help and work really hard to continue the college spirit and high level of welfare. Also the location is perfect as on top of the amenities being so close, first year Langwithians get a perfect view looking over the lake, which you can’t really top.

Worst thing about the college – The buildings are a bit old, but they’re about to be rebuilt although personally I think it gives the college a personality, as it is the oldest college on campus along with Derwent.

Resident most likely to say – PUNCH!!!…Langwith till I die!

Resident least likely to say – I love sobriety, constantly working and Derwent.

What the website says – “Langwith is one of the oldest and proudest colleges at the University of York.”

What the students say – Langwith is the best college, and suits people of all backgrounds and personalities, with a great welfare side to it. It caters to party animals as well as more chilled out students, and there’s never any drama because everyone gets along. Other than with Derwenters…We hate Derwent!

Vanbrugh College
(by Jaime Riley)

Location – Vanbrugh is in such a great location. We are the closest college to town (which means cheaper taxis on nights out) and also the closest to Costcutter – excellent for when you need to hit the cashpoint or grab yourself some milk on a morning. Vanbrugh nucleus is a hub of activity, and at lunch times especially it is always very busy, so you’re bound to bump into lots of people you know. We have accommodation stretching across a large area and surround many departments, so we’re the ideal college to choose if you study Music (I’ve been informed it’s 140 steps from accommodation to the department), History, Maths or Linguistics. We also have our very own Paradise and the newest accommodation on Hes West campus.

Why did you pick the college? – Vanbrugh jumped out because it seemed to have real team spirit when I visited, and also placed a big focus on Music, which I thought I’d really enjoy. I’m a Linguistics student so it’s where my department is, and it’s also so close to town but still in the centre of campus.

Distinguishing Feature – There are two distinguishing features! First is V-Bar and Vanbrugh canteen; the canteen sells excellent baguettes and the carrot cake is especially good. Also, “Vanbrugh Palace” (choose Vanbrugh en-suite) – it’s the newest accommodation on campus, but unlike Alcuin, is in an excellent location, within a great college atmosphere.

Best thing about the college – The location – we’re in a very convenient place, near cashpoints, bus stops and many departments, and only two minutes from The Courtyard (the main bar on campus).

Worst thing about the college – Some of our accommodation is quite old, but it’s definitely not the worst. If you’re undecided between standard and en-suite, choose Vanbrugh en-suite to secure the best!

Resident most likely to say – “V Bar anyone?”

Resident least likely to say – “I wish I was in Alcuin”

What the website says – “We are the heart and soul of York University, whether it be via our excellence in academia, entertainment events, music or sport.”

What the students say – “I really enjoyed my freshers’ year in Vanbrugh, there was a great atmosphere.”

Wentworth College
(by Gennelle Smith)

Location – The college faces the lake and backs onto Walmgate Stray, making for a very quiet, picturesque location. It’s also right on campus, with nearly all university buildings and shops within a 5 or 10 minutes walk, and its own bar, The Edge, just 30 seconds away.

Why did you pick the college? – As a postgraduate, you do get the choice of a few different colleges, but Wentworth’s all-postgraduate population, its quiet location, and of course, its en-suite rooms, were a big factor!

Distinguishing Feature – Probably its U-shaped block of flats facing the lake, which looks lovely when lit up at night. Also its highly international population.

Best thing about the college – Its quiet location, perfect for the concentration needed to finish those stressful postgrad papers.

Worst thing about the college – Its large number of busy residents means attendance at college-organized events can sometimes be low.

Resident most likely to say – “Curry night at The Edge, anyone?”

Resident least likely to say – “These laundry machines work wonderfully, ALL THE TIME.”

What the website says – “We have a simple aim at Wentworth: each member of the College should have as full, rich, productive and enjoyable a graduate experience as possible while at York.”

What the students say – “I’ve made great friends here, and feel like I’m part of a community.”