WHAT WE DO
Welcome from your JCR President
Firstly, I’d like to welcome each and every one of you. Welcome to Durham’s 17th, and newest College. Our infancy presents our students with a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy within a historical University. You can be the very first person to set up a new society and be its founding President. You can actively create lasting traditions within the College. In embracing the endless opportunity and responsibility available to you, you can stand out within a university full of exceptional people.
I write this introduction to you now as a 2nd year Psychology student, still with a year of my degree to go. My thriving passion for this College saw me run a successful campaign for the Presidency and take a year out of my degree to hold this prestigious position. I saw an opportunity to implement the change I wanted to see within South College, and here I am, at 19, as the President of the JCR.
Addressing the members directly, you will be at the heart of my plans to ignite our college spirit, creating lasting precedents and memories. All I ask of you is to get involved. Throw yourselves into new sports and societies, try new things, and I assure you, we will have a fantastic year. Our community extends unwavering support to all those who participate, and I say this not as a JCR President, but somehow who has enjoyed this support first hand. My peers willingly coached me on the fundamentals of rugby as a complete novice, likewise with cricket. I had never played either of these sports before, but thought they looked fun, so I got involved. And despite me still not really understanding how to play rugby, I have made two appearances for our College Rugby Team, and managed to get out on my very first ball playing my first match of Cricket. Sports and societies are exceptional fun, made better by the willingness of your peers to guide and support you when trying something new. I implore you try as many out as you can. Equally, get involved in every event you can. Attend formal dinners, embark upon your first Winter and Summer Ball. Head down to The Nest as frequently as you can and enjoy your social space. Listen to live music, watch live sport, or perhaps just go to unwind after a long day of studying.
My promise to you is that this year you will all certainly have fun, make lifelong memories, and lifelong friends along the way. So please, be open to new experiences, take every opportunity, and let’s have a fantastic year.
What is the JCR?
The Junior Common Room - often referred to as the JCR - is the undergraduate body of students at South College. The JCR is run by and for students. All Durham Colleges have a JCR, which run very similarly to ours. We run everything from daily activities including sports, societies, bar events, welfare support and campaigns to larger events including our Freshers’ Week, College Day, Winter and Summer Balls. There are also several leadership positions that you can get involved with!
The JCR has a committee in charge of different aspects of the Common Room. They are elected by the student body, and meet regularly to discuss issues affecting you, represent South to the wider university and work to provide the best student experience possible. If you ever have any questions for any of our committee, find them during their office hours or reach out through their email.
“South College JCR and MCR are dedicated to and will create a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, income or disability can get involved and become part of South College’s story.”
What do the JCR DO?
Run and support a variety of Sports Clubs and Societies.
Organise regular events and socials throughout the year.
Celebrating events such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Pride and Christmas.
Organise larger events such as Freshers’ Week, seasonal balls and South Day.
Offer Welfare Support and supplies.
Provide opportunities to run for leadership and executive positions within the JCR, Sports Clubs and Societies.
Opportunities for volunteering, outreach and charity projects.
In order to access all the amazing benefits of the JCR, you will need to opt-into the JCR Levy. More information about what the JCR Levy is can be found here.
South Day 2024