Freshers
Welcome Freshers 2011!
Firstly, a massive congratulations and welcome to John’s – from a totally unbiased perspective you’ve made an awesome choice/open application. You should all be receiving a John’s Freshers’ pack soon, bursting with forms, leaflets, booklets and yes, even more forms; all for your delectable reading pleasure. Although there seems like shed loads to get through, it’s supposed to ensure that things such as room allocation, parking application forms, etc, are all sorted before your arrival, so things run smoothly....that’s the theory anyway. So although we know it’s a bit tedious and that the paper cut risk is high, sit back, take a bit of time out and get stuck in.
The John’s Freshers’ Handbook - the bible to everything Johnian - is included in the packs as well as on this site so check it out when you have time – it’s an important read. In addition is the JCR Handbook – this’ll tell you all about St. John’s Common Room and its Executive Committee (a lovely bunch of Johnians). You don’t need to know it inside-out but it’s a very useful reference and well worth a look.
There’s also a Facebook group set up:
St John's College Freshers 2011 (Official Group)
On here you’ll be able to ask myself or the Freps any questions you may have and also chat to other Freshers coming to Johns in October. If you still have any questions however, please don’t hesitate to contact me via e-mail:
Ollie - o.g.hooper@durham.ac.uk
Moving away to uni is one of the most exciting and nerve – wracking experiences of your life, and the job of my team and me is to make sure that you settle into college as quickly and as easily as possible and, most importantly, give you an awesome Freshers’ week in the process.
With less than two months to go until the fun begins, we can’t wait to relive Freshers’ Week....it rocks. Until then however, enjoy the rest of the hols, get loads of sleep and get ready for Durham life. You’ll love it.
All the best,
Ollie (Freshers’ Week Co-ordinator)
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
- Durham life
- College information
- JCR democracy
- General uni info
- House hunting
- Welfare issues
- Meal times and food
- Recycling and the environment
- Useful numbers
- John's library info
- Computing at John's
Durham life
How can I find my way around Durham?
This is a useful map showing all areas of Durham University.
Is there a bus to college?
You can get the cathedral bus from Palace Green to the railway station for 50p. The timetable can be found here.
What is the nightbus?
The nightbus is a service run by the DSU to enable livers out and those from hill colleges to get home safely after a night out. The service is not timetabled but runs from 9pm - 1am Monday to Thursday, 9pm – 3am Friday and Saturday and 9pm – 11pm on Sundays and costs 75p per journey. To arrange a pick-up from one of the pick-up locations ring 07854 838890. More information about the service and details of the pick-up points are available on the DSU website here.
Where can I find a taxi?
There are taxi ranks at the top of North Rd (nearest the Fighting Cocks) and in the market place. Alternatively you can ring one of the numbers below:
B&C 0191 386 3000
Durham 0191 372 2233
Eileens 0191 384 6345
Mac’s 0191 384 1329
Paddy’s 0191 386 6662
How do I get to Newcastle?
There are regular trains from Durham train station and the journey takes about twenty minutes. If you are going out for the night be sure to check when the last train is as the taxi journey back to Durham can be quite expensive.
College information
Staff contacts
The contact details of all the members of college staff can be found here.
College Postal Address
St John's College
3 South Bailey
Durham
DH1 3RJ
What do I need to do if someone wants to stay with me?
If you have any visitors you need to sign them in at reception in case of emergency. You can also borrow the camp bed from the JCR flat by contacting the President. If you share a room make sure your roommate knows that you will be having a visitor and that they are ok with it. You can also book a room in college for them to stay in for a small charge. If you want to do this you need to go and see Sue Hobson to find out what rooms are available and when.
What is the college’s health and safety policy?
The health and safety policy for the college can be found on the college website here.
How can I book Leech Hall or any other room in college?
To book a room in college for a meeting or event you need to fill in a room booking form which can be found here. Once this form has been completed you can give it in to reception to be put in the domestic manager’s pigeon hole. Alternatively you can contact Sue Hobson or Lynne Ramage personally in the housekeeping office.
What are the smoking regulations in college?
Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area on Linton Lawn. By law the rest of the college is a no-smoking area so please don’t light up anywhere but in the designated area.
Who do I contact if something breaks in college?
When something breaks in college you need to notify maintenance to let them know. You can do this by going to "Contacts and Links" and following the link to submit a 'blue slip'. The maintenance team are usually very quick at following up requests and the repair should be done within 3 days.
JCR democracy
Where is the exec flat?
The flat is at the top of the bar overspill stairs. The flat is where the JCR president lives and where the exec meets. The exec pigeon holes, lost property and JCR camp bed can also be found here.
I want to stand for a JCR position what do I need to do?
Check out the "Democracy" section of this website for helpful guides, and if in doubt contact the JCR Chair at johns.chair@durham.ac.uk.
What is a hust?
If a position requires a manifesto you will need to hust during the JCR meeting. A hust is a short talk about why you think you are suitable for the position being elected.
Where can I find further information on JCR positions?
A list of positions and who holds them can be found under the "Democracy" tab, as "JCR Exec" and "JCR Officers". For information on what a particular position entails contact the person holding the position. If the position is currently vacant contact the Chair for more information.
What do I do if the JCR owes me money?
You need to fill in a money request form. A guide and the form itself are available under the "Democracy" tab. You can also ask the Treasurer for help. Once you have filled in the form you need to put it in the Treasurer’s pigeon hole in the exec flat.
What is the debtors list?
This is a list of people who owe money to the JCR, e.g. for ball or special formal tickets. People on this list are not permitted to use any JCR services, including the bar, Bailey room and laundry until the moeny is paid. Finalists are also unable to graduate if they owe money to the JCR. It is at the discretion of the JCR Treasurer whether the list comes into force or not.
What is the JCR?
JCR stands for John's Common Room. The JCR is made up all undergraduates at St. John's, as well as the members of the Cranmer common room (CCR) and the Middle common room (MCR). The JCR oversees the running of each of these common rooms and is separate from the SCR (Senior common room). The JCR is responsible for all the services in college, such as the laundry and Bailey Room as well as student welfare and running student social events.
General uni info
Who should I contact if I have a computer problem?
The university runs an IT support service (ITS) who can help with computer problems. Visit their website for more information.
What do I need my campus card for?
You need your campus card to get into the main library and to take out books in all the university libraries. It also allows you entry into DSU events such as Planet of Sound. It also entitles you to student discounts.
What is DUO?
DUO is the university’s online teaching service. DUO provides details of the modules you are taking, including lecture notes, assessment details and your lecturer’s details. You can also access the library website, your webmail and the careers service from this service.
How do I log in to DUO?
You log in to DUO using your student ID which is printed on your campus card and the password you are given at the beginning of term. This password should be changed to something personal as soon as you have logged in for the first time.
How do I access my Durham email?
Your webmail is accessible through DUO or www.dur.ac.uk/webmail. To log in you will need your student ID which is printed on your campus card and your password.
Where are the general access computers?
There are lots of computer rooms dotted around the university and many departments have their own computing facilities. There is a list of all open access computer rooms on the CIS website here. You can find out how many computers are free in a particular room by looking at this page.
I need to use a particular piece of computer equipment where can I find out which computer rooms have it?
You can use the CIS room search to find out which rooms have which pieces of equipment, such as colour printers and scanners.
House hunting
When should I start looking for a house?
You don’t need to start looking for a house until the second week of Epiphany term. Although you may want to start thinking about who you want to live with before this.
Where can I get advice about house hunting?
Information about house hunting can be found on this website "Welfare" > "Livers-out" or from the accommodation office in the DSU who can be contacted on 0191 334 1770. The livers out officer Matthew Funnell (matthew.funnell2@durham.ac.uk) is also around to give you a hand both when looking for accommodation and when you’re living out.
Welfare issues
Who should I contact in the case of emergency?
In the case of emergency during the day the Senior Tutor should be contacted. If the emergency occurs after college office hours the resident tutor should be contacted. Their numbers can be found under "Welfare" > "Contacts".
Who should I contact if I need someone to talk to?
The Welfare and Assistant welfare officers have regular office hours where you can pop in for a chat, office hours can be found in on the Welfare notice board outside the bar by the bar overspill. The JCR also supports a network of student2student supporters who are available to talk about any issues you may have. Details of these students can be found under "Welfare" > "Contacts" > "student2student"..
In addition the DSU runs the Nightline service who can be contacted by phone (number on the back of your campus card), email (nightline@dur.ac.uk), instant messaging through their website (www.dur.ac.uk/nightline), via the anonymous form on their contact pages, or by dropping into their office behind the Dun Cow pub on Old Elvet.
I’m ill and have missed compulsory classes or deadlines, what should I do?
If you’re ill and miss compulsory lectures or practicals you need to inform the Senior Tutor. You can complete a self-certification of illness form stating when you were ill. You can do this either while you’re ill or as soon after you have recovered as you can. You can self-certify twice a term for 5 consecutive days at a time.
Meal times and food
When are college mealtimes?
Weekdays:
Breakfast – 8.00-9.00
Lunch – 12.00-1.30
Dinner – 6.00-7.15
Weekends:
Breakfast – 8.00-10.00
Brunch – 10.00-1.00
Dinner – 5.00-6.15
Are there any takeaways in Durham?
Yes, and many places will deliver to the colleges.
What do I do if I have special dietary requirements?
Contact the catering manager Alison Bradshaw on a.c.bradshaw@durham.ac.uk to arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements.
How do I sign up for formals?
You can sign up for formals using this website. Just click on ‘Event signup’ on the left-hand side of the page. Sign-up times are usually sent out by email and the list of people signed up will also be sent round by email.
Recycling and the environment
Where can I recycle in college?
Your room should have a blue bag for recylable materials. This bags should be filled and then emptied at your nearest recycling point. There are recycling points in Cruddas garden, Cranmer garden, 23 garden and the back of 28. If you have no blue bag in your room, contact Sue Hobson.
What can I recycle?
Glass, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and cans can all be put into the green recycling boxes as long as they are reasonably clean (i.e. have been rinsed out). Things which are commonly put into the boxes and cannot be recycled are: tetrapaks (juice cartons), straws, plastic carrier bags and jiffy bags (envelopes with plastic).
Who should I contact about environmental issues in college?
The JCR has an environment rep who advises college on environmental issues and co-ordinates the recycling in college. To find out who this is look under "Democracy" > "JCR Officers".
Useful numbers
Here is a list of useful contact numbers:
Police
Non Emergency: 0191 3864222
University Security: 0191 3342222
Student health
Health Centre: 0191 3346086
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
DSU Advice Centre: 0191 33417775
Counselling Service: 0191 3342200
Night Line: *On the back of your campus card*
Student union
Reception: 0191 33417777
Accomodation Office: 0191 3341770
Nightbus: 0785 483 8890
Science Site library: 0191 3343042
Palace Green library: 0191 3342932
For other useful welfare contacts see the welfare section of this website http://www.johnsjcr.org.uk/welfare/contacts.
John’s library info
When can I use the library?
The library is open 24 hours a day and can be accessed using your ASSA key. Books can be taken out and returned at any time of day using the self-service machines under the stairs.
The catalogue says the book is in the library but I can’t find it. What do I do?
You should write the name of the book and the author on the sheet for missing books on the notice board by the stairs. Alternatively you can email the librarian Jane Ghosh (j.a.ghosh@dur.ac.uk) or the library rep.
There’s a book I need which we don’t have what can I do about it?
You can submit a book request form (under "Contacts and Links") detailing the name, author and approximate cost of the book or email the librarian or library rep.
Is there internet access in the library?
There is wireless internet access available in the library. See the ‘computing at John’s’ section of these FAQs for more information on how to connect to the wireless network.
Computing at John’s
Where can I get a cable to connect to the internet in my room?
You need to collect a network cable from reception (this needs to be returned at the end of the year).
Are there any computers connected to the university network in college?
There is a college computer room in the building opposite Leech Hall at the top of the stairs. These computers are available for anyone to use and are connected to the university network.
Is there a printer in college?
A black and white printer can be found in the college computer room. Printer credits can be purchased from reception or online from the CIS website here or the self-service machines in the main library. A colour printer can be found in the Vasey room.
Who should I contact about computer problems in college?
You should contact the IT rep, you can find their details under "Democracy" > "JCR Officers" or ask a member of Exec. The IT rep is responsible for maintaining all the computer equipment in college, filling the printers with paper etc.
CIS guides
The CIS (Computing and Information Service) have many guides to help you connect to the Durham University network on this page.
Notes
- Operating Systems (OS): The majority of guides are applicable to any OS. However some are specific to Windows XP/Vista users.
There are pages for mac users. Help can be found here.
- Searching the Durham Website: You can search the Durham website if you can't find what you want by navigating with the links. Simply use the search box at the top of the webpage.
Below are the three main services you are likely to want to know more about and use.
I) Using the University's local area network
If you want to know how to attach a computer printer, or other device to the network, see this page. It also provides guides to explain how to configure your web browser, email client, news client, network printer, and how to connect to your CIS filespace (J: drive)
II) Ensuite Online (ESOL)
ESOL is the University high speed Internet service provided to Durham University college bedrooms. Basically, if you live in college or in St Margaret's flats, you will have access to the ESOL service. There are regulations as to its use (don't think you can do whatever you want) and before you can use the service, you have to go through a quarantine stage, which is to make sure your computer meets the minimum security levels. You can do a remote scan of your computer to check your computer against the network policies even before you come to Durham to make the quarantine stage as pain-free as possible. Simply go to this page and follow the instructions.
If you need more information about the policies, how to configure your computer or download software to meet the requirements, you can go to this page.
III) Wireless
You will probably be coming up to Durham with a laptop. All recent laptops have a wireless network card. In college, only certain areas have access to a wireless hotspot, and on campus, most areas are covered by the wireless.
This page explains what wireless is, and how to use it. If you want to know where you can have wireless access throughout the University, you can find a list on the same site.
Freshers' Rep Co-ordinator
Ollie Hooper
WELCOME!
Hello!! First off, welcome to St. John’s College! I’m Ollie, your Freshers’ week coordinator. It’s my job, along with the rest of the Frep team to make sure you settle into Durham and have an awesome first few weeks!
We have lots of great things planned for your Freshers’ week so that whatever you enjoy doing there is something fun to amuse you. There’s going to be theme nights in the bar, clubbing, film nights, acoustic and jazz evenings….. It’s going to be sensational!
Coming to John’s is a great decision! It’s a really friendly college and there’s always loads going on and stuff to get involved with, like sport, music, theatre…. and well pretty much anything you can think of!
We’re really looking forward to meeting you in October, but please do get in contact before then if you have any worries or questions. You should all be receiving letters from one of the Frep team and your ‘college parents’ shortly, who can also answer any queries. Also, do join the Facebook group, it’s St John’s College Freshers (Official Group).
I hope you enjoy the rest of summer and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Ollie, your Freshers’ Rep Coordinator
Freshers' Rep Team
Hi, we're the team that will bring you Freshers' Week 2011!
Handbooks
These are the handbooks sent to Freshers in the Freshers' Packs. We've included lots of useful information about John's and Durham that should help you to settle in quickly. Please take a bit of time to look through them and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Map of Durham
Practical Information
Rooms....
You’re not allowed to nail things to your walls in your room, but by all means use bluetac to put up your favourite photos, posters and all that jazz. College provide you with a few pillows, a thin duvet, and duvet cover, but most people prefer to use their own bedding, so if you want to bring your own covers/pillow/duvet by all means do. A sleeping bag is always useful if you’re letting mates from home visit. College will provide you with a desk, chair and lamp as well as broadband connection, mirror, wardrobe and cupboards.
It’s useful to bring extension leads for all your appliances but all electronic appliances must be checked by the maintenance team in fresher’s week, just to make sure they are safe.
It’s also pretty important to make sure you have some sort of insurance for your belongings before arriving. Unfortunately there have been a few break-ins to the college in previous years, so it’s best to make sure your belongings are covered, just in case.
In your pack you will also find the room allocation form. In first year some people will have roommates (approx 2/3rds), so it’s important to fill out the forms as honestly as possible so that you can be matched with someone you will get along with. The room allocation is not actually completed until the 28th September, so you won’t know if you’re sharing until you arrive. It may seem a daunting prospect at first but our method is very good at matching people up, and it all adds to the excitement. It’s important not to stress too much about it before you arrive.
If you have a medical or other important reason for not being able to share, PLEASE do let us know on the form, and all information will remain confidential.
Clothes....
Durham can be rather chilly in the winter months. Hats, gloves, scarves, warm jumpers are all quite obviously useful to help prevent you from freezing.
There are also events that are Formal (Suit & tie / Smart Dress) or Black Tie (Dinner Jacket & Bow Tie / Ball Gown), so either go out shopping before you get to Durham or there are one or two good shops in Durham where you can purchase a dress or suit in the first week. Also, there are loads of bar events and corridor parties which are fancy dress, so come prepared – Jungle is key, as well as back to school, bad taste – you name it! So bring any good dressing up stuff with you, it’s always useful.
Laundry wise we have washing machines, tumble dryers and irons at college. Make sure you also bring a drying rack for your wet clothes.
The Day You Arrive
The day you arrive......
For all those arriving on Sunday the 2nd I would like to give a brief warning. You will quickly learn that despite the Bailey (the road college is on) being an absolutely stunning place to live, it is also a logistical nightmare; cobbles, a narrow road with no distinction between road and pavement, hundreds of people arriving at one of the five colleges on the Bailey throughout the day and most importantly the only way in is the only way out.
As such I felt it appropriate to warn you in advance of what the standard procedure is for your arrival, if you are arriving at the peak times in the day (11:00 – 15:00).
The moment you pull up outside college you will receive a huge John’s welcome, a Fresher’s Rep will introduce themselves to you and then instruct you and your parents on what will happen next. The Frep will take you to get your room key, whilst other Johnians help your parents unload your car and take your stuff to your room. You will know they are Johnians as they will be wearing college clothes.
You and your Frep will then meet your parents in your new room where they will then explain what will happen next.
The reason we have to make the whole process seem a tad rushed is because due to the sheer volume of traffic arriving up the Bailey that day we need to get cars moving in and out within a fairly short time frame.
I apologise in advance for any annoyance this may cause. Once your car has been moved your parents are more than welcome to come back to college to help you unpack and have a look around with you.
Sunday 2nd will be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for many of you, which is why I have decided to warn you in advance of what to expect. If you feel we are moving too fast on the day or you are confused as to what is going on please don’t hesitate to ask your Frep to slow down or reiterate what has been said.
I would like to emphasise: don’t worry, you will not be expected to arrive in sports gear or start sprinting around the place the moment you arrive, however it may be a bit more kinetic than you expected.
Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in October.
Ollie Hooper
Freshers’ Week Co-ordinator.