College profiles: Derwent

Established: 1965

Opened in 1965 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Derwent College is one of York’s two oldest colleges, the other being Langwith.  Unfortunately, the sense of upper-class respectability that the Royal Family may have been able to transfer onto Derwent has not lasted until the present day, with this college being widely known for its haphazard and below-par living quarters.  However, whatever Derwent loses in comfy accommodation it more than makes up for in its fanatic college spirit and allegiance, demonstrated by its reputation for throwing the best social events on campus.  Make sure not to miss the annual jewel in the University’s social crown that is the Derwent-organised Big D event at the end of the academic year.

 

Derwent Chair – Matt Jenkins

1. Location?

The scenic side of campus, with plenty of greenery. We are right next to Heslington village, which has plenty of shops and, most importantly, two student-friendly pubs. A minute’s walk from the only good bit of Langwith, the Student Union bar, and five minutes away from most departments.

2. Why did you pick the college?

It was recommended by a friend from another college who said it was by far the most sociable – even now he spends most of his time in Derwent!

3. Distinguishing features?

Excluding the YUSU bar, we are the only college that has a bar open for over 12 hours daily. We also have a knack for being better than every other college at everything.  We have the smallest college population, but our club nights are the best attended, we dominate RAG parade, won the volunteering college challenge and never fail to put out a sports team.

4. Best thing about the college?

The spirit. Unrivalled across campus, the majority of Derwenters take pride in their college for all three years, rather than just in freshers’ week. Whether it’s through sport, music or socialising there is always something for people to get involved in.

5. Worst thing about the college?

If you’re unlucky you may be able to see Langwith from your window.

6. College member most likely to say?

“Let’s all p*** on Langwith”.

7. College member least likely to say?

“Let’s go to [insert other college name], because I’m sure something fun is happening there”.

8. Why you love being College Chair?

Best bit about being Chair is when Derwent events are consistently successful and well attended (unlike other colleges). Whether it be a well-attended club night, city trip, BBQ or charity event, it’s always worthwhile when we get good feedback.

9. What animal would your college be and why?

Courtesy of my Sports Rep Joe Boughtflower – “A Blue Macaw – it’s blue, chatty, friendly, sociable and up for a good time. Plus an animal that everyone wants to own (well I do).”

10. Best college memory?

Without a shadow of a doubt, Big D (the largest event on campus)! Both I have been to have been amazing, with acts including Chase and Status, Basshunter, Sub Focus, Lethal Bizzle, Crystal Fighters and Audio Bullys, making it the biggest event on campus and putting all other events to shame.

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

Do as much as you can in your first year whilst your work (for most subjects) does not count towards your degree. Join as many societies as possible, meet as many new people as you can and get involved in your college! Get the most out of university – working hard is for 3rd years!

 

Derwent Student – Adam Coe

1. Location?

Pretty central, on the ‘nice’ end of campus (if there could be such a thing). English students expect to roll out of bed and into lectures. If that’s not on the cards, it’s also the closest college to the pubs in Heslington.

2. Why did you pick the college?

I heard it was the most lively college in York and I knew it was well located..

3. Distinguishing features?

Got to be the ‘college atmosphere’, because Derwent obviously RULEZ! Duck poo and asbestos included in other aspects for which Derwent proudly stands tall.

4. Best thing about the college?

The study abroad office is based in Derwent so when York gets just too boring, you don’t have to drop out. Just sign up to an exchange scheme… I’m going to California (not just reserved to Derwent students).

5. Worst thing about the college?

Undoubtedly the music in D-Bar. Derwent students should expect a freshers’ week of horrific American screamo punk trash unless Richard acknowledges one day that no one with taste likes it.

6. College member most likely to say?

“Oh my god babez, we can’t miss the last Ziggy’s of term. That would be like sacrilege!”

7. College member least likely to say?

“Wow, Yorkshire pudding and splodge for dinner? How original!”

8. What the website says?

Derwent is the most student-run college at York. This is a tradition that is worth preserving. But it depends on you!

9. What the students say?

“I do love Derwent, but my undying hatred for Langwith burns hotter than the embers of hell”

“Derwent football is as cliquey as a year 7 playground”

“F***ing in the ‘Quiet Place’ is a must”

10. Best college memory?

Cynicism aside, Big D was pretty spectacular. It was very well organised, had a brilliant atmosphere and, last year, an impressive line-up to boot.