Established: 2002
The University’s youngest college, Halifax can sometimes feel like York’s accidental, unloved and forgotten last child, like Derwent and Langwith had an affair and tried to hush it up. But the University is never short of Halifax students willing to strenuously and vigorously declare the wonders of their beloved college. Although perched on the edge of campus, its students waft such frivolous accusations away with endorsements of their unusual house system structure (as opposed to most other colleges, which have halls) and their maniacal and sometimes ironic college spirit. This all adds up to give Halifax probably the most unusual, unique, position within the collegiate system.
Halifax Chair – Davedass Mootanah
1. Location?
Opposite 22 acres of playing field, near the Holmefield centre.
2. Why did you pick the college?
To be honest, it was the only one available to me at the time.
3. Distinguishing features?
The ceilings are higher than they should be.
4. Best thing about the college?
Being the biggest college and having an open housing structure, it’s definitely the most social college. Everyone is someone’s neighbour and everybody loves good neighbours. You’ll make a lot of friends. Also, we’re a pebbles throw from the Charles and Derymore pubs and they do a good Sunday roast.
5. Worst thing about the college?
The rooms in St Lawrence Court, which are now being improved drastically for the coming academic year (as well as the rest of Halifax College accommodation).
6. College member most likely to say?
I don’t think I could possibly classify our whole college population’s perspectives of greatness into one mundane quote. I am offended to be asked to do such a thing.
7. College member least likely to say?
“D-bar! Woo!”
8. Why you love being College President?
I save lives!
9. What animal would your college be and why?
Six legged rainbow giraffe.
10. Best college memory?
Saving a clan of child tortoises from a burning fire.
11. What you wish you had known as a fresher?
Allocate your time wisely – even first year is important if you want to get a step ahead in your career. If not, party on.
Halifax Student – Susie Rickett
1. Location?
Halifax is about seven minutes’ walk from campus, although if you’re late to a lecture it is definitely possible to do it in four. It is right next to the sports fields and two minutes’ walk to the Deri and the Charles (pubs in Heslington village).
2. Why did you pick the college?
I picked Halifax because I like the idea of being in a proper, self-enclosed house rather than a corridor, and I liked the real community feel that being a bit off-campus lends itself to. It is also really pretty and green, and barbecues in summer are a great way to get to know your neighbours better.
3. Distinguishing features?
Halifax is the biggest college and definitely one of the most sociable! The houses and courts have a great, friendly atmosphere and the Costcutter is useful, if extortionate, for basic groceries. There is a range of house lets, with some en suite and some cheaper 39-week lets.
4. Best thing about the college?
The college events, especially at the start of term, are amazing. College sport (especially rounders and cricket in the summer) is also a really big feature of Halifax life.
5. Worst thing about the college?
Not being able to walk to lectures in your slippers without being looked at a bit oddly. Maybe the disco toilet (i.e. flickering lights reminiscent of a ’70s horror movie) and showers that look like they’ve been rented from the set of Saw II.
6. College member most likely to say?
“CHUFFIN ‘ELL!” (we’re generally a bit northern up ‘ere in ‘alifax).
7. College member least likely to say?
“We haven’t had a power cut or a fire alarm for weeks!”
8. What the website says?
“Our well equipped and comfortable common room is the largest on campus.”
9. What the students say?
“Certainly, Halifax is half an hour away from the library, there’s no cash point, no bar, no lakeside view, and the Costcutter thinks £20 is a reasonable fee for 6cl of milk, but, there is a decent laundrette. So if some posh knob from new Vanbrugh winces when you tell him about your new home, smile, and repeat the age-old motto of Halifax College – ‘Yeah, I know we’re a bit far out. But at least it’s not Goodricke.’” – Eleanor Francis
10. Best college memory?
STYC (Second and Third Year Contact) night in freshers’ week – something I will be trying to repeat with my new styclets! Rag parade and our House E day trips to the seaside.