When I first got assigned Hild Bede, it was not the college I was expecting. In fact, I had not even heard of it until then… I hadn’t attended the Durham open days, so was anxious about this allocation, but once I saw the college on the Post Offer Visit Day my mind was settled instantly.
Beautiful location
Hild Bede is located perfectly on the river, with a beautiful view of the cathedral every time you walk into town. People always say it’s far out, but in the world of Durham the definition of ‘far out’ is a 20-minute walk (and a gorgeous one at that!).
The sheer amount of outdoor space never fails the residents of Hild Bede either! In my first year, I spent hours sledging around Hild Bede in the snow, and when that had melted away I was lounging around in the sun getting a tan. And it doesn’t end there, because with all that outdoor space comes serious potential for an insane Hild Bede Summer Ball!
Hild Bede ball
The ball is one of the highlights of Hild Bede. We’ve had Pixie Lott, Scouting For Girls and The Hoosiers (to name a few…) as well as dodgems, free fall and inflatable assault courses. As well as this, Hild Bede puts on a great event! After formals – a great 3-course meal – you’ll be treated to some karaoke or a silent disco (I know which I prefer…)
Cheer!
As well as the events, Hild Bede has a great number of societies. I joined Cheer, a sport I never thought I would do (but LOVE!). We got to wear the best outfits, and competed against other colleges before a huge, all-cheer party! They also have some great committees – last year, I ran the social media for HB Environment. We organised Durham’s first Earth Day, inviting guest speakers, sustainable shops and vegan food stalls to create a day that combined education, support and fun! Hild Bede takes the students seriously – if you want to do something, the staff will always support you!
Friends for life
Being quite a large college in Durham, it makes for a safe, but not claustrophobic, space. It is a perfect balance between knowing everyone in Hild Bede and having your own space. I can honestly say I have made some of the best friends of my life at Hild Bede. Living at the college, going to different colleges and blocks for different parties and gatherings, feels like one entire fever dream. You are consistently surrounded by your friends, and laughter is around every corner. I would not change my college for the world – it is the heart on the hill for a reason!
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