In 2009, Goodricke became the first college to take the brave steps to the new Heslington East campus. This year, of course, they are joined by new neighbours Langwith – who bring with them a bar and a cash machine, both long awaited by the residents of the wood-clad utopia spread across the University prospectuses. In the past, Goodricke was criticised for its prison-like accommodation. Those days are gone and it now boasts the best rooms around. Add that to the various events going on around campus, topped by the summer spectacular of ‘GoodFest’, and its no surprise that more people are looking east.
The stats: 39, 41 and 51 week lets priced at £117 – £123 per week for self-catered rooms. Studio flats are available for £149 per week.
Goodricke Chair – Emily Niamh Miller
1. Why did you pick your college?
The idea of living in the best accommodation on offer – with a 3 minute “light jog” from bed to department – had me sold!
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
Apart from being the first college brave enough to venture onto Heslington East? And our fantastic College Welfare Team who genuinely care about your wellbeing? Probably the somewhat space-age aesthetic. Not every building could carry off the “part wooden, part not” look, but Goodricke does it with style.
3. What’s the accommodation like?
There are three “blocks” which all centre around the main Nucleus building (where you’ll do your laundry, chill with friends and raid the vending machines/play a spot of table tennis as you see fit). These blocks are made up of various combinations of 6-person, 12-person and 14 person flats, as well as 8-person houses. There is a mix of ensuite and non-ensuite rooms available, as well as studio flats for 2 people to share.
All of the accommodation in Goodricke is still pretty sparkling new, being only 3 years old. The prospectus isn’t lying to you – the facilities really are that shiny!
4. Sum up your college in 3 words:
Pioneering, passionate, welcoming.
5. Best thing about the college?
The fact that it feels like home. For all its quirks, and despite being a fairly large college, Goodricke is ultimately a really friendly place to be – where every late-night expedition to the Nucleus to print your essay (or to grab a free toasty) will undoubtedly result in meeting and chatting with someone you know. When even the benches are arranged in the shape of a smiley face, you know you can’t go far wrong.
6. Worst thing about the college?
The price of accommodation, and the assumption by most other colleges that we live another world away – we’re just 5 minutes further down the road on the free bus!
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
Incredibly smart (they have, after all, chosen Goodricke) ;). Quite possibly a law student who likes nothing better than to sprawl out their infinite reading over the spacious common rooms, enjoying a weekly free lunch courtesy of our ‘GoodFood’ initiative… Or potentially a Chemistry student who can’t wait until exams are over to chill outside in the sun, have a BBQ and feel like they’ve walked off the set of the Teletubbies. Perhaps just someone who really loves the colour green. We probably have all of these different characters in Goodricke… but they’re all united by the simple fact that they are GOODRICKE ‘TIL THEY DIE.
8. College member most likely to say:
“Goodricke’s where the heart is. I don’t want to leave.”
9. College member least likely to say:
“Wish I lived in [insert other college’s name here]”.
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
To keep a spare pair of shoes somewhere in the flat apart from your room – so that when you lock yourself out of it (wearing only your finest Snoopy pyjamas), the walk to the Porters to borrow a key is mildly more dignified.
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
One of my favourite moments was seeing so many people come together for our Royal Wedding Tea Party – that was a brilliant day from start to finish, evidently enjoyed by everyone who came. Another image that will always stay with me (whether I like it or not), is the sight of many male (and indeed female) Goodrickers getting rather too into the spirit of our “Drag for RAG” fundraising social… I think it’s fair to say that The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s got nothing on us.
12. Why do you love being College Chair?
I want to make sure that everyone feels like Goodricke is their home – and that they have a place in college life, as well as the support and services they need to make their time here the best it can possibly be. Being a part of Goodricke College has made my university experience utterly unforgettable, and I love being in a role that contributes towards other students feeling the same.
Goodricke Student – Rachel Jackson
1. Why did you pick your college?
Goodricke was close to my lectures, meaning you could wake up 15 minutes before a lecture with a hangover and still get there on time…making early mornings a little less dreadful!
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
The modern look build and newer bedrooms than all the other colleges! Alongside the Ron Cooke Hub, which stands as the go-to place for anyone in trouble, locked out or just plain hungry!
3. What’s the accommodation like?
As one of the new colleges, Goodricke looks fresh and new (well, until the fresher’s move in each year!) The en-suite bathrooms are a little small in the 12 person flats, however, the kitchen size makes up for that lost space! Depending on whether you want an en-suite you could be living with 5 others or more commonly, 11!
4. Sum up your college in 3 words.
Unpredictable, Eventful, Unforgettable!
5. Best thing about the college?
By being the only campus on Heslington East last year, there was always a positive vibe and buzzing atmosphere. (Not to mention the smiley face benches that everyone loved when the sun (finally) came out). Plus, the constant cheap discounted wristbands to student nights in York.
6. Worst thing about the college?
Freshers last year didn’t have the access to shops, bars or even the much needed ATM machine on Heslington East, that students in other colleges had on their doorstep!
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
Like most colleges, the typical student varies. With quite a few different departments on Heslington East, you are sure to meet every type of character!
8. College member most likely to say:
“Can someone please come to main campus with me?”
9. College member least likely to say:
“No sorry guys, can’t go out tonight! Essay is my main priority!”
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
I know it sounds stupid, but keep shoes outside your bedroom! The walk to The Hub barefoot is not the best look!
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
As cliché as this is, it has to be the memories with my flat…both hilarious and disastrous! This year was great: both for night outs and in, whether it was clubbing or even just skateboarding down your hallway and having waterfights indoors! The people I met definitely made it what is became!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRDjTSE5sW8]