What to Expect
Freshers' Week is packed with events, introductions, and time to get settled. You'll meet the JCR exec, college staff, and fellow freshers. From quizzes to club nights, board games to "Tea and Toast", there is something for everyone!
What Should I Bring?
Here's a quick checklist to help you settle in:
- Bedroom Essentials
- Bed sheets, duvet, pillows & covers
- Mattress protector & blanket
- Laundry basket, detergent & drying rack
- Clothes hangers & storage boxes - you can store things under the beds
- Note that a desk lamp will be provided, and there are 6 power sockets in a bedroom.
- Kitchenware
- Crockery, cutlery, mugs & glasses
- Chopping board, sharp knife & tin opener
- Frying pan, saucepan & baking tray
- Food storage containers
- Tea towels, sponges & washing-up liquid
- Documents
- Passport or UK Driving/Provisional Licence (for registration)
- Bank card & any money (note that most college bars are card-only)
- Any visa documents (if applicable)
- Health & Toiletries
- Any medication and prescriptions
- Toiletries bag: toothbrush, shampoo, soap
- Towels
- Study Supplies
- Laptop & charger
- Notebooks, pens & folders
- Headphones
- Clothing
- Everyday clothes & formal wear
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Sports kits, and fancy dress (black tie) items - there'll be themed events!
- Pyjamas, slippers
- Extras
- Fairy lights, photos & posters - to decorate your room!
- Reusable water bottle & coffee cup - they do come in handy, especially at Butler!
- Bike & helmet (if needed)
Freshers' Events
You'll receive a full schedule on arrival, but highlights include:
- JCR Freshers' Fair - clubs, societies and committees
- Durham Night Out
- Newcastle Night Out
- Matriculation
- JBs Nights in the bar - live bands, karaoke, and more!
- Chill nights - boardgames, film nights, tea and toast, crafts, and more!
- JCR Freshers Fair - introducing you to college committees, sports, and societies.
After Freshers
Throughout the year, many events are out there, including formals (which includes themed ones, such as murder mystery!), our Winter Ball & Summer Ball, and Butler Day. We may also have more events throughout the year, such as festive celebrations from the international committee!
Need Help?
@josephine_butler_freshers_2025 has more information on Freshers Week events
@butler.sabbs / butler.jcr@durham.ac.uk will connect you to our President & FACSO. Feel free to email if you have further questions.
@butler_welfare / butler.welfarejcr@durham.ac.uk are our welfare team, if you need any other support throughout freshers week, or indeed, after.
#GetInvolved
There are societies and sports at a university level, but our college also has some of its own localised societies, sports, and committees. You will be able to access the intranet if you have already got a university email address and a CIS code (the abcd12 format code) to view more details, including contacts, but a snapshot is available at the student groups page.