College profile: James

Established: 1990

Set between the sports centre, several academic departments and the University lake with wildlife encircling it, James College is probably what Lord James of Rusholme (the University’s first Vice-Chancellor and the college’s namesake) had in mind when he wrote “A University consists not primarily of buildings, but of men and women, both staff and students”.  James is widely known for having the most eclectic mix of accommodation on campus, with everything from ensuite to shared bathrooms, hall-organised or house-based, and brand-spanking new buildings or slightly dilapidated older ones available to its students.   This gives James a great mix of an atmosphere that defies expectations or easy stereotyping.

 

James Chair – Emma Bartlett

1. Location?

South side of campus, a few metres from the sports hall.

2. Why did you pick the college? 

In all honesty, it was by complete chance. I wanted an en suite and it was the only college left with one! The college is one of the newest and has a great feel about it as it is set in quads and has a brilliant atmosphere. If I could choose again there is no doubt I would pick James College.

3. Distinguishing features? 

Blocks are laid out into quads which is perfect for our annual quad dash event. We have two common rooms, one overlooking the Central Hall lake and a newer one in the heart of James College overlooking another lake shared with Wentworth.

4. Best thing about the college? 

In first year I loved the layout and BBQs in the quads in summer. The events and weekly pub quiz! Also James College is amazing at sport, especially anything to do with rugby.

5. Worst thing about the college? 

Can’t think of anything apart from dodging the ducks when you come out of your block sometimes.

6. College member most likely to say? 

Apparently we’re known for being the ‘rah’ college but if that’s the case then I’m definitely in the wrong one! I’d say anyone would be the most likely member.

7. College member least likely to say? 

Who are meant to be our rivals? I know Halifax footy team trashed our kitchens in my first year so I’ll go for Halifax footy team.

8. Why you love being College Chair? 

I love getting involved in every aspect of the college life. I love leading the committee to make the entire experience better for James students. Not only did we win the RAG cup but we also came 2nd in the volunteering cup! James College really does have everything going for it and being a part of that is incredible.

9. What animal would your college be and why? 

It would definitely have to be our college mascot the black swan. Beautiful, yet not to be messed with!

10. Best college memory? 

For me becoming Chair after a long week of campaigning, but also I loved RAG parade. It was such a laug,h we even got a JCRC member to parade in our swan mascot outfit and we raised a lot of money for charity.

11. What you wish you had known as a fresher?

Little bit of advice that someone told me before I got to uni was to stay for the first two weeks without going home even if you’re feeling homesick (which you won’t as there’s lots of things going on).

 

James Student – Clemmie Van Hasselt

1. Location?

Right next to the sports centre and surrounded by geese – what more could you want?! It is a five minute walk from practically everything on campus.

2. Why did you pick the college?

The look of the college, clad in soothing sandy bricks, and the quads with their barbecue stands appealed to me. Out of all the colleges the atmosphere was the one I felt most at home in, plus some of the blocks have the luxury of en suites without the price tag of Alcuin or Goodricke.

3. Distinguishing features?

The lakeside JCR – beautiful views overlooking the lake and most loved by freshers for the CU’s “Toasties Tuesdays” evenings – any combination you could want (marshmallows and jam is my favourite) and the perfect pre-night out snack.

4. Best thing about the college?

The people, the atmosphere, and the ducklings in summer, in that order. Summer term was fabulous, with lounging in the quads and the smell of barbecue constantly in the air. The block system means it isn’t daunting to move in, as you only have to learn the names of your flat/kitchen, and not a whole floor of people.

5. Worst thing about the college?

Most people’s answer to this question would probably be McQs, our ‘traditional’ college bar. We all grew to love the pub quizzes and the fading sofas but it won’t be an issue for next year’s lucky freshers, as they are getting a brand new and snazzy bar.

6. College member most likely to say?

“Get volunteering” – Amber Fuller our fab Volunteering rep for this year. She has got me scrubbing out a shed, all in the name of James College Volunteering – and having a surprisingly good time.

7. College member least likely to say?

“I stayed at home on a Ziggy’s night”- George Richards, hockey player for the University and Sports rep for James.

8. What the website says? 

“James College is a supportive College where everyone is encouraged to get involved and to help make the College a great place to live and work. We take pride in our give-it a-go ethos, offer diverse activities to suit all interests, and aim to create a supportive and fun atmosphere.”

9. What the students say? 

“Living in L block was honestly one of the best years of my life. I made so many exceptional friends there, and I will never forget it”- Samuel Baines, graduate and very committed James Colleger.

10. Best college memory?

Sam Lumley says its having a battle over the huge stuffed elephant we brought as a block mascot, someone else says it’s the refreshers bar crawl, but I say it’s the Quad Dash and Bash where we all dressed up as sumos and wrestled on a bouncy castle.