Welcome to Van Mildert JCR

Congratulations to all incoming students!

We look forward to welcoming you to Van Mildert soon!

Take a look at our applicants and freshers pages for more information about us, and what you can expect when you arrive.

Van Mildert Junior Common Room is an independent Students' Union working to support and enrich the experience of students of Van Mildert College, Durham University. The JCR is a charitable organisation, run by students, for students. The JCR works to promote the interests and welfare of students at the college, by supporting, representing, and advising them. We also provide social, sporting, cultural, and recreational activities for the personal development of our students.

Founded in 1965, Van Mildert is one of Durham’s largest colleges. Despite its size, Mildert has a unique friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community. We strive to be welcoming and inclusive, and helping others is the core of our ethos, demonstrated in our motto, sic vos non vobis.

Get in touch

Whether you’re a current JCR member, a prospective student, or one of our alumni, we would love to hear from you. Have a question about how things are run, are a way in which we could improve? Let us know!

You can also stay up to date with our main social media using the links below:

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  • Sports

    With over 25 sports clubs, from Lacrosse to Cricket, and Frisbee to Volleyball, Mildert has a strong sporting tradition. We’re one of the biggest competitors in college sports, with our Netball, Darts, and Men’s Rugby teams topping the league this year.

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  • Societies

    Whether you enjoy music, dance, theatre, dungeons and dragons, films, yoga or more, there is something for you to get involved with here - and if not, you can start your own society!

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  • Outreach Projects

    Our Outreach projects have a reputation for excellence, and have a direct impact on the local community. Volunteers raise thousands for good causes, ranging from the environment, young people, and refugees. In 2024, our Queer Awareness Project won Best New Volunteering Initiative at the DUSVO Awards, and we were shortlisted for college of the year.

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  • Events

    Events are a big part of the college experience here at Durham. Events at Mildert include Formals, Balls and the Charity Fashion Show, alongside BoPs, and the 48 hour musical. Whether you organise the events, or just attend them, they will leave you with memories for life.

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  • Committees

    There’s more to Durham that getting a degree. The JCR offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional development - from working in the shop, being on Technical Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee or Website Committee, there is plenty on offer to help you grow.

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  • Welfare

    Van Mildert Talk and Support is here to provide all Mildert Students with the necessary welfare and support that they need throughout their degree. Want someone to talk to? Feeling homesick or upset? Worried about friends or things going on at home? Require FREE sexual health supplies? Need some guidance on the University counselling system? We’ve got you covered.

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Guides to the JCR

Check out the JCR’s handbooks for 24-25 here:

The JCR Handbook provides a guide to the JCR as an organisation: what it is, how it operates, and how you can get involved.

The Freshers’ Handbook is an introduction to the JCR, the college, and Durham for new students. Read this before you arrive!

The talk and support handbook contains information on the peer lead welfare support that the JCR offers, and signposts other points of contact for welfare.