Durham is split into 15 colleges. You live in college but most teaching is done outside. Realistically they are a glorified hall of residence but they do all have a strong individual identity. The collegiate system lends itself to a series of dull small bars which all try so hard to be interesting that they can't help but be bland. You'll probably frequent your own bar more often than not because it'll be the shortest walk. The sense of overall university identity seems better than at other collegiate institutions so Durham students get the best of both worlds in this respect. Although people are usually proud of their college and will cheer away at sports events, they will quite happily go elsewhere to drink and socialise.
There are basically two groups of colleges, Bailey and Hill. Bailey colleges are usually older and more pretty, wheras hill colleges are newer. (as in 60's) You will probably end up drinking in all of the bars, but some are a bit of a way away so should be reserved for bar crawls, which are quite regular.
University - The bar in this castle, founded in the 11th century, is called The Undercroft and is situated in the basement, or dungeons as some students prefer to say. It is a good size and is one of the best bars at Durham. As with most college bars it has a juke box and the usual bar games and it closes at 11pm, except on special function nights, which come around about 3/4 times a term. It's due for refurbishment in the near future.
Hatfield - Without a doubt the worst looking bar. Diabolical 80's diagional wooden slatting is the nicest thing we found to say about it. There is a famous raised corner though which is very popular with sports teams who drink themselves into a stupor and then light each other's farts. On student said, 'Hatfield is only good if it's the interval at the Assembly Rooms theatre over the road.
St Chads - A small and quiet bar that has murals of The Little Mermaid and The Simpsons all round the walls. Sofas are the biggest attraction aside from the converted S&M dungeon feel.
St Johns - Another small and quiet bar, much like St Chads often closed to outsiders.
St Cuthberts - The college is made up mainly of locals and mature students, so it's not quite as debauched as some of the others but the bar is lively and popular nonetheless. It offers the most pub-like atmosphere, the cheapest drinks, (usually) and absinthe, for those who like hallucinating. After exams, it's also open from 11am, as if being open from 1pm every day wasn't enough for the rest of the year.
St Aidans - The college on top of the hill is its popular name. It is pretty cramped but busy in the evenings. Not that many people go there as its a bit of a trek and all uphill.
Van Mildert - The bar looks like a 70's school gym. It also has the curtains to match. If you can pick your way through the crash mats and Mr. Gibson doing situps then you'll find a lively bar which has great acoustic jam sessions.
Trevlyan - An awful bar which is shaped like a hexagon. In fact the whole college is made up of hexagons. No doubt someone won an award for it in the 60's. Chairs are along the walls giving it the feel of a junior school disco. Be sure to use the phrase 'Oi my mate fancies you' then. To be honest outside of bar crawls or if you are actually at them, Trevelyan, Mildert and Aidans aren't worth going to unless there's an 'everything that was horrible about the architecture of the 1960s' revival.
St Mary's - An all girls college. In the first week all the girls go to the other colleges and all the boys come here looking for the girls who aren't there. After that's established it's dead for the rest of the year.
Grey - A very boring bar described as a 'dark hole.' Its also very poorly designed so getting served takes an age.
Collingwood - One of the best bars. It has a very 50/60's retro America feel to it with memorabilia to match. It's a good laugh.
Hild/Bede - It's just been renovated and looks like an innercity wine bar. Not for real ale drinkers. Its also a bit far away, being on the other side of town.
Kingsgate Bar - The SU bar is fun and friendly but given that people can drink in colleges it doesn't get as well used as it should. It also has the same licencing hours, closing at a measly 11pm. On the upside are the pool tables and fantastic barbeques on the terrace in the summer.
DUS Bar - A bar for the debating society members. It is pricey to join so you want some benefits!
Stockton Campus - Some 21 miles away this is a totally seperate site comprised of two colleges with its own union and facilities and might as well be a seperate university.
