College colours

On the committee

“Each college is run by an elected committee of students, working under a professional college manager. There are over 20 different roles, leading on wellbeing, sport, events, photography and more. The colleges run big events during Freshers’ Week and throughout the year. They also organise the Second and Third Year Contact (STYC) programme, connecting each flat to a group of senior students to help them settle in.

I’m in Derwent (which I think is the best!), and having been part of it for nearly three years I can proudly say I bleed my college colours! I was elected Head of Events, which offered me the opportunity to set up fun nights like Take Me Out and Derwent’s Got Talent. I’ve also organised big on-campus club nights, working with DJs like York’s famous Jason Reilly to put on events attended by over 700 students.

I would really recommend getting involved in your college committee. You learn so many transferable skills for your CV, as well as getting to work with a fantastic group of people.

College sport  

One of my favourite parts of the college system is the friendly rivalry created by college sport. The colleges each have their own sports teams, which play each other throughout the year. In Derwent, we have an annual tournament against James College. It’s a super fun weekend, with face paint, ribbons and drinks to keep us warm while shouting from the sidelines. The campus bars have a vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, great deals!

Support and wellbeing 

Colleges are also an important source of welfare and wellbeing. In Derwent and other colleges we often offer free food to help with the cost of living. Derwent does regular toasties and jacket potatoes, and sometimes puts on a brunch or even ‘dessert for dinner’ with lots of sweet treats. 

There are also opportunities to unwind, with regular game and film nights, and even a ‘drumming to de-stress’ workshop during assessment week.

A perk of being a part of your college committee is free entry to events and getting to see behind the scenes. I wanted to get involved to help run events that I experienced in my first year. I’m grateful that being a part of the committee involves me in college life and allows me to make a difference. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”