Situated in the south-western corner of campus, but spanning out towards the centre, James College takes its name from the University’s first Vice-Chancellor, Lord James of Rusholme, who once wrote, “A University consists not primarily of buildings, but of men and women, both staff and students”. James has this mantra in mind when you consider its mix of accommodation and students. Known for its close proximity to the Sports Centre, as well as housing YUSU’s ‘The Lounge’ bar, James College is possibly the most diverse that the University has to offer – and they take pride in it.
The stats: 33 and 39 week lets price at £117 – £123 per week for self-catered and £122 for standard catered accommodation.
James Chair – Laura Watson
1. Why did you pick your college?
The reasons why I picked James, was that I’m really lazy and loved the fact I could literally roll out of my bed into my Psychology lectures and wanted some of the best accommodation on campus, preferably including an en-suite. I also really like how close the sports centre is to my accommodation as I wanted to join the Badminton Club and when I visited the accommodation on an Open Day, it felt just like home.
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
The accommodation has 13 blocks that are laid out in quads, which is great for meeting new people and socialising which is very important for our amazing annual event, Quad Dash & Bash! The event is great, this year we had FREE hog roast, unlimited ice cream (until it ran out), afternoon tea, face paints and the chance for the whole of James College to come together and celebrate the end of exams in a Best of British fashion! We also have two common rooms, the Lakeside JCR which is beautiful in the evening that overlooks a lake shared with Wentworth college. We also have another common room based in the heart of James College that this year will have brand-new lockers in for second and third year students.
3. What’s the accommodation like?
James College is based at the South of the University campus near the Psychology, Maths, Electronics & Physics departments as well as the Nursery, Sports Centre and newly built YUSU Student Centre. In James College we have accommodation from Band 2C catered to Band 4 self-catered, so it is pretty varied in terms of quality just like some of the older Colleges. On average, a student living in James will live in an 8-person flat or 16-person house, I would also say most people will have an en-suite too.
4. Sum up your college in 3 words.
Spirit. Banter. Ducks.
5. Best thing about the college?
Our involvement in extracurricular activities, James College Sport is something James students are really passionate about as it connects all years and is something the college is really good at, particularly the rugby, hockey and netball teams. We had a great turnout at the annual College Sports day and came 2nd overall as well as having a Welfare BBQ in the Quads after the competition. James College for the past two years, has won the College RAG cup (raising the most money for the six charities) and this year we won the best dressed at RAG parade in the city centre of York, this is something to get very excited about. RAG is a fantastic way to bring the college together in new and fun ways – like Open Mic nights, DRAG for RAG bar crawls and Family Fortunes etc. The college’s RAG reps are great, both this and last years RAG reps are the RAG Week Co-ordinators.
6. Worst thing about the college?
In my opinion, the geese and ducks and the incessant shit that never seems to disappear. There have been many times, geese have tried to attack me, then barricade me from entering my block…..and then I’ve heard about the black swans that come peck your front door and kitchen windows… Then there’s mating season… all of this is across campus though!
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
With 600 students in each year, we’re pretty much the most diverse college on campus. You would be hardpressed to find a stereotype, there’s just too many of us!
8. College member most likely to say:
“Oh. You’re in Derwent….”
9. College member least likely to say:
“I love Alcuin”
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
Whilst fresher’s is fantastic as it’s a totally new experience, it can be overwhelming at times. You’re told to make the most of your time as a fresher – trying new things, meeting as many people as you can and ultimately having the most fun possible. Some people may tell you that “You’re a fresher, your first year does not count!”, I’m telling you now that you should still aim to do as well as you can in your first year as it does impact your degree later on.
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
Regret: I thought it was a marvellous idea to bring ~20 bottles of Lambrini with me as my alcohol for the week, I remember walking to my flat clinking as I went along. The look on my flatmates faces were priceless. I ended up drinking, or sometimes downing two bottles of Lambrini, with my drinking glasses straw. I can safely say, I do not like Lambrini anymore…
Memory: I remember my very first day at University very clearly. Arriving in the car park, collecting my keys, meeting the JCRC in their red polo shirts, stealing a trolley to move my belongings into my flat, meeting my flatmates in person for the first time, attending the fire talk, listening to the College Chair at the end… what I can remember most clearly, was getting to know my lovely M-block friends and speaking to them all for the first time. I’m ever so thankful for my James College parents, my James College Grandparent – Emma Bartlett (for enthusing me to get involved with the college) and most importantly my fellow M blockers – they made my Freshers Week fantastic and rest of the entire year, a year to remember!
12. Why do you love being College Chair?
My favourite thing about being Chair is meeting new people and talking to members of the college. I love listening to their experiences, finding out what they’re involved with and mostly finding out what the JCRC can do to make their student experience even better! I also really enjoy leading the fantastic group of people on the JCRC as well as working alongside the other College Chairs and YUSU part-time and full-time officers. I really do love James College; from the accommodation, the friendly cleaning staff, the staff in the Roger Kirk, the College Team, the JCRC, the College’s achievements but mostly the students which make it the best college of them all.
James Student – Chris Butterworth
1. Why did you pick your college?
Modern, large and friendly, but mainly its close proximity to the sports centre.
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
Great community spirit and sporting rivalries, the population of geese would also have to be up there.
3. What’s the accommodation like?
Split between houses (approx 16 people) and flats (6-10) dependent on catering/non-catering. All modern except for N block, and a range of en-suite and shared bathrooms located 2 minutes from the centre of campus and right next to the sports facilities.
4. Sum up your college in 3 words.
Fun, friendly, fierce (in terms of loyalty, rivalries and succeeding).
5. Best thing about the college?
Layout of the blocks with grassy quads are great for socialising.
6. Worst thing about the college?
Without doubt the goose and duck poo.
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
There is no typical student, the college boasts great diversity which makes it an interesting place to live. The only distinguishing feature of every James college fresher is that they are better than freshers from any other college
8. College member most likely to say:
“Let’s _______. Work can wait! (the blank can be replaced with: go play football, watch a film, hit up the lakeside JCR, start drinking etc).”
9. College member least likely to say:
“Let’s go see our friends in Derwent.”
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
It’s better to be yourself and do what you are comfortable doing from the start instead of potentially doing things in an attempt to fit in, as it helps you find your close friends sooner.
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
Although people rarely remember much from the first term, freshers week in particular, getting to know flatmates and teamates was a highlight. I don’t know any James freshers with any significant regrets from the year.
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