Welcome to Van Mildert College JCR

Freshers’ Week Timetable

Rest assured we're working hard behind the scenes to provide you with an incredible fresher's week! Our timetable is currently unreleased, but we will be in touch to let you know all the ins and outs of your fresher's week experience. In the meantime, check out our main instagram, and keep an eye out for our dedicated Freshers’ 2025 instagram too!

At Van Mildert JCR, a lot of our information (including applications that are opening, details of stash ordering and collection, college families, photos from events, and more) are posted on our Facebook group, Van Mildert College Students, so be sure to join it ahead of your arrival.

A welcome from your JCR President, Neve

Hey everyone! I’m Neve, and I am Mildert’s JCR President. First and foremost, I want to say a massive congratulations on getting into Durham. You have done the hard part (phew!) and now you can breathe and start to get excited to come to University… and trust me when I say it is going to be some of the best years of your life! 

No matter who you are and where you have come from there is a place for you at Mildert. We pride ourselves on being the college that does everything; from being one of the strongest colleges in sport; to offering music, drama, debate, Dungeons and Dragons society, and so much more! But most of all, we pride ourselves on just having the best people. You’ll feel it from the moment you arrive - in the friendships you make, and in the amazing volunteer work we do both within and beyond our Mildert community. 

As JCR President, I’m here to make sure every fresher has the chance to get the most out of their time at Durham. That could mean joining one of our fantastic sports teams or societies, or diving into our jam packed calendar of events — from our iconic annual fashion show to bingo nights, bar events, balls, and everything in between.

If I could give you one piece of advice as you prepare to join us in September, it’s this: treasure every moment… it really does fly by! I’m writing this having graduated in July, with countless memories, lifelong friends, and experiences I never thought I’d have — all because I got involved and stepped outside my comfort zone.

Of course, your degree is important, but the time you spend outside your lectures is just as valuable. Say yes to new things. Get involved. And most importantly — don’t panic! I came to Durham not knowing anyone from my school, and I can honestly say Mildert became a home away from home. We’ll be there from day one to help guide you through your first steps — and before you know it, three (or four!) unforgettable years will have flown by.

If you have any questions before you arrive, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at president@mildert.co.uk, or contact college — we’re always happy to help. And once you're here, my door is always open!!!

College Families

College families are a key part of Mildert life. Each year, first & second year students within college get "college married" and sign up to be college parents for the next year of freshers. As an incoming fresher, if you opt in to be part of a college family, you along with a few others ( college siblings )  will be assigned one of these sets of parents in your Fresher's week - thus making a college family. College families are an excellent way to get to know people as we match families up according to their interests, subjects and hobbies. They are great for making connections with people in older years who don't live at college and it can be particularly nice to know someone in the year above with an extra year's wisdom on your course for advice.

Van Mildert JCR Freshers’ Handbook 2024

The Freshers’ Handbook provides new students with a guide to the JCR, the College and Durham. Read this before you arrive to know what to expect when you get here.

This is the 2024-25 version, but it will be updated with the 2025-26 version soon.