Established: 1968
Conveniently located for any History, History of Art or Biology students, Vanbrugh is one of the more established colleges on campus, being only three years younger than the college elders that are Derwent and Langwith. As well as its central location, Vanbrugh is often typified by its breadth of college accommodation. This ranges from the off-campus party location of Fairfax House (located 5 minutes’ walk away and a bit closer to the city), the dire housing of Vanbrugh’s older blocks and the plush niceties of Donald Barron and Barbara Scott Courts (some of the most desired accommodation on campus). Maybe it is the extra exercise of walking from one end of college to the other that gives Vanbrugh its noted sporting prowess and sense of banter that was encapsulated in a 2007 naked sports calendar.
Vanbrugh Chair – Kallum Taylor
1. Location?
Slap bang in the middle of campus; fitting the slogan: ‘the central college, the essential college’.
2. Why did you pick the college?
I didn’t put too much thought into it at all, to be honest, a lot of students’ experiences here are self-made – however I was aware of its location on campus, which I was keen on. Also, I thought the name sounded a bit classy!
3. Distinguishing features?
Well we’ve got a pretty cool space for bands to rehearse, lots of greenery, the leading student bar outside of the Courtyard, but I’m going to claim, without any shame, that the lake is Vanbrugh-owned – end of. Halls on either side, a bridge to link, the territory speaks for itself.
4. Best thing about the college?
As Chair I think the big thing I can see is the amount of integrated international students we have here who flourish with the rest of the students. I could probably travel the world for hardly any money if my mates from Vanbrugh could put me up!
5. Worst thing about the college?
Probably the ‘spread’ of accommodation geographically. It’s made life difficult at times at getting people to mix beyond differing halls and get involved in the events we hold – but the last two terms have been fantastic, so perhaps the tide’s turning.
6. College member most likely to say?
“Wow, erm, I’m really sorry about that…” – To anyone who tells them they’re from another college.
7. College member least likely to say?
“Oh that reminds me of this one time, on my gap year…”
8. Why you love being College Chair?
If you do it properly and actually put the hours in to represent and defend our students, as well as organising events for them, it’s rewarding to have people just say “thanks”, or hear that they enjoyed a certain event.
9. What animal would your college be and why?
A dragon. Why not?
10. Best college memory?
After our giant Open Mic night in the Main Hall got kicked out (as we over-ran on time), everyone went outside, in the rain, and carried on… It might sound daft, but you can’t organise that, or plan it, it just happened like. There were people there who I’d never have expected to be there, and people performing who I’d never have expected to be doing so too.
11. What you wish you had known as a fresher?
Just practical things I guess. For example, maybe that Costcutter is a rip-off and that it’s worth walking 10/15 minutes to Morrisons, Aldi, Iceland or wherever to save money!
Vanbrugh Student – Oliver Todd
1. Location?
Vanbrugh is one of the University’s biggest colleges and probably the most widespread, from Le Page Court right in the centre of campus, to the off-campus accommodation at Fairfax House and Fulford Road, with much more in between. Everything you could need isn’t too far away either.
2. Why did you pick the college?
Personally, my accommodation email came through in one of the last few batches. It was a choice of either Fairfax House, a 51-week let at Goodricke or a shared room in Derwent. A very quick decision was made!
3. Distinguishing feature?
The location and sprawling layout of the college is impressive, plus we’ve got the widest variety of students and accommodation. There’s huge participation in the sports teams as well, unlike the likes of Langwith who rarely even bother to turn up with a full team.
4. Best thing about the college?
Spirit. Many people wouldn’t necessarily associate Vanbrugh with having a good college spirit as it’s so large, but as a college we go against the norm. Whether it is large scale gatherings in V-Bar for drinks during freshers’ week, a trip to Scarborough, or having the largest crowds at all of our College Cup football games, college members support each other and interact well.
5. Worst thing about the college?
Some of the older accommodation is complained about, and these blocks aren’t as nice as they maybe should be. However, a lot of them are being refurbished this summer, and it’s definitely not the worst in terms of campus accommodation. You should see some of the mould in some of the Derwent rooms.
6. College member most likely to say?
“I can leave this work ’til later, V-Bar then into town anyone?”
7. College member least likely to say?
“I wish I lived in Goodricke, the atmosphere’s great around that half empty building site, not that I’ve even ever been there.”
8. What the website says?
“Choosing Vanbrugh is not just choosing a place to live, it is choosing an environment in which to flourish, to make friends, to study, to be inspired, to learn and to grow.”
9. What the students say?
“I loved my first year living in Vanbrugh, it’s a shame I can’t be living here again next year but I still can’t wait for next year’s College events. Bring on Fresher’s Fortnight!”
10. Best college memory?
Freshers’ fortnight this year was great, in particular the college-based Volume events. For me and most of my friends, A. B. C. (Anything But Clothes) was one of our favourite nights of the whole year. Either that or watching Vanbrugh 4ths shock James 1sts and contribute to knocking them out of the College Cup in the summer term. You’ve got a lot to look forward to if you choose Vanbrugh!