Welcome and congratulations on earning a place at Durham university – it’s a huge achievement. And, most importantly, welcome to John Snow College.

We are a happy, diverse and active community and one to which you each now belong, whether you will live in College or live out, are an undergraduate or post graduate and wherever you come from in the world.

At John Snow we combine our pride in Durham University’s traditions, such as gowned formal dinners and a wide variety of sports teams and societies, with a modern and dynamic outlook.

Colleges are at the heart of Durham’s student experience. Alongside your academic studies you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of activities run through the student-led Junior Common Room. We compete in numerous sports from football, netball and rugby to lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and darts – and all teams welcome beginners. In addition to sport, there are over 20 societies to cater for all interests from arts to cooking and liberation societies to poker. There are also many social events throughout the year from informal brunches to black tie balls run by the Junior Common Room.  These all provide the opportunity to make friends from all backgrounds, develop new or existing skills and strengthen our college community.

Being at university is an exciting time but many students experience occasions when they need support. The student support team and the JCR Welfare representatives have a huge amount of experience and are there for you when you need them.

Our aim is that each of you has a safe, happy, stimulating and successful experience during your time at John Snow College and that we enable you to achieve your full potential.

Professor Nathan Sempala-Ntege