Skip to main content

College Life

Collingwood is one of the largest and most dynamic student communities in Durham. Our students are ambitious and engaged, contributing at a high level academically, in sport and across the arts. At the centre of college life is our Junior Common Room (JCR), a highly active student body that leads a wide programme of events, initiatives and activities throughout the year. There are opportunities to get involved at every level whether by joining, leading or creating something new. 

Around 550 students live in (‘livers in’) college, creating a lively and close-knit environment. Most students live in during their first year, with many choosing to return later in their time at Durham. Those living out (‘livers out’) remain fully part of the Collingwood community, regularly returning to take part in college life, use facilities and stay connected with friends. 

As a fully catered college, we provide three meals a day, seven days a week during term time with varied menus designed to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements. Shared pantry spaces offer flexibility between meals, while the Stag’s Express provides a social hub for coffee, snacks and informal gatherings. 

Collingwood’s culture is informal, open and non-hierarchical. Students and staff interact directly and on first-name terms, creating a community that is approachable and easy to be part of. At the same time, shared traditions from formal dinners to well-known end-of-evening song ‘Country Roads’ bring the College together in ways that are both lively and memorable. 

Above all, Collingwood is a place to take part, to contribute and to belong. 

You can use the links below to find out more about life in Collingwood. If there's anything else you'd like to know, please contact us at  collingwood.collegeoffice@durham.ac.uk 

  • Student Support & Wellbeing

    We have excellent support arrangements at Collingwood to help people through even the toughest times.
    Armchair and sofa with teddy
  • Facilities

    Collingwood has state-of-the-art facilities for all of the Collingwood community to enjoy (including when you might live out in your second, third/fourth years).
    Collingwood College gym with stacked weights

Student Support & Wellbeing

We have excellent support arrangements at Collingwood to help people through even the toughest times.
Armchair and sofa with teddy

Facilities

Collingwood has state-of-the-art facilities for all of the Collingwood community to enjoy (including when you might live out in your second, third/fourth years).
Collingwood College gym with stacked weights
Cathedral viewed from Owengate with Durham Tours purple app logo in left corner

Durham Tours

Fancy taking a virtual tour around Durham? Our brand new 'Durham University Tours' app is available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store!

Learn more about our virtual tours