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Josephine Butler College Reviews

26 Reviews by Students
#21 out of 28 halls at Durham University

3.66 / 5
3.66 / 5
0.2 mi from Durham University - Durham Campus View map
  • 5 mins
  • 2 mins
  • 5 mins
0.2 mi from Durham University - Durham Campus View map
  • 5 mins
  • 2 mins
  • 5 mins

How do you rate Josephine Butler College?

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Most helpful review

The location is beautiful, especially being only a few minutes walk from the botanic gardens and close to the science site for lectures. The students and staff are all extremely friendly and the community feels very welcoming and homely

Value for money
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By member5122333
On 27th October 24
verified Verified student
Read all reviews

Most helpful review

The location is beautiful, especially being only a few minutes walk from the botanic gardens and close to the science site for lectures. The students and staff are all extremely friendly and the community feels very welcoming and homely

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
By member5122333
On 27th October 24
verified Verified student
Read all reviews

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All the Answers You Need About Student Accommodation

What tenancy length do I need?

Some students choose to stay during the academic year, whilst others – particularly international students – require a tenancy that covers the entire year. You can also find student accommodation that is available for one or two terms, classified as a “short stay” on our search filters.

Should I stay in catered student accommodation?

This is totally up to you! Catered accommodation means you will be served meals at set times in a dining hall, and you’ll likely have access to fewer kitchen facilities than if you were to stay in self-catered accommodation.

What is a guarantor and do I need one?

A guarantor is a person who signs a contract to agree to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most university accommodation requires a guarantor, and this applies to both domestic and international students.

Will I need to pay a deposit on student accommodation?

Most likely, yes, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage to the room or property.

What bills will my rent include?

If you are staying in university-run accommodation or private halls, your rent should include any utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Students are not required to pay council tax, however you may need to fill in an exemption form so make sure you check with your local council.

What is purpose-built student accommodation?

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) are residential buildings designed for students. They are often located close to campus, boast modern facilities, include all bills, and often have staff on site to assist residents.

Will my student accommodation be furnished?

Student accommodation is typically fully furnished. Your room should include at least a bed, clothes storage, desk and chair. You’ll likely need to bring things such as bedding and kitchen utensils, but we have a full list here of everything you’ll need.


Read Josephine Butler College Reviews


Student Review: 3.7 /5
By member4123909 On 15th November 24 verified Verified student

Good. I love butler but Durham increased the price of student accommodation this year meaning that I am worse off financially despite there also being an increase in my funding and grants

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 2.7 /5
By member10122799 On 30th October 24 verified Verified student

The accommodation is good value, and comes with all the amenities required for independent living.

Value for money
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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.4 /5
By member5122333 On 27th October 24 verified Verified student

The location is beautiful, especially being only a few minutes walk from the botanic gardens and close to the science site for lectures. The students and staff are all extremely friendly and the community feels very welcoming and homely

Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 3.7 /5
By member10120918 On 19th October 24 verified Verified student

A bit far from town, but clean, with staff being extremely helpful and responsive. Facilities such as the library, sports, and laundry are acceptable. Rooms get cleans biweekly and free meals are served once every two weeks. Kitchens are well equipped, if not a bit old. Green spaces and ecological conditions are great, with solar panels and conservation efforts.

Value for money
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Property management
Cleaning
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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 3.6 /5
By member8120728 On 18th October 24 verified Verified student

Staff are useful and there are many opportunities for socialising. The kitchens are large, but the appliances have not been replaced for a while. The rooms do not have ethernet ports.

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4 /5
By member8116900 On 1st October 24 verified Verified student

Overall it was good but the rooms were quite small for how much you pay

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Student Review: 4.1 /5
By member860319 On 18th June 21 verified Verified student

My college was amazing and people were so loving and kind! Being at JoBo is honestly the best but it’s so far from city:(

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Student Review: 1.7 /5
By member1253689 On 25th January 21 verified Verified student

Bureacratic AF, 4 years in durham and i can confidently say college higher ups NEVER helped with anything, they always give the same cookie cutter answers. Litterally go to any other college (except grey or trevs) students and porters are nice tho

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Student Review: 4.4 /5
By member945151 On 1st February 20 verified Verified student

Although a bit pricey (like all Durham accommodation) it's probably the best value for money of all colleges as every room is ensuite, and the porters are great at fixing things etc. The community is amazing- there's a crazy number of societies to get involved in, and the JCR is always there to help you fit in. It's a big college, so you're likely to find someone you click with, and although it's a little far out it's totally worth it

Value for money
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Internet / Wifi
All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 1.6 /5
By member837558 On 1st May 19 verified Verified student

Don't go here as a postgraduate student. The college often forgets that it has postgrads. It's common to find part of the college closed and be aggressively told by reception staff "we sent an email to all students about it," by which they mean all undergrads. Staff in accommodation office get confused when you ask about accommodation arrangements over summer as "students go home then." According to the university counseling service, all postgrads have a college tutor to look after their welfare but I never found out who this was at Jo Butler. Accommodation is nice and modern but heavy doors will keep you awake banging all night. There is no privacy: cleaners are supposed to come at the same time each week but in reality it is completely random. Very common for staff to unlock bedroom doors and walk in without knocking. No notice of maintenance work - I came home one day to find the shower in my room had been dismantled. I ended up dropping out because of the stress of living like this

Value for money
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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 3.4 /5
By member1036567 On 18th March 19 verified Verified student

Wi-Fi is horrible. Up to 10% packet loss and low connection speeds.

Value for money
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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.1 /5
By member1035024 On 22nd November 18 verified Verified student

Really love the community feeling in the college, the societies and ways to get involved, and, of course, being self-catered and having single rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The college is a little far from city centre, but if most of your lectures are around the science site area (as mine are), then the location is in many cases actually better than that of other colleges in town. There's a lot of nature and open spaces as well as the botanical gardens nearby, which I love. The quality of the rooms themselves could be better, though - the walls are very scraped and dirty for example. Like some other reviewers, I did not click with my first year flat, but this is hardly something that should ruin your university experience. There are plenty of opportunities to find people you have more in common with - through the many college and uni societies, your course, social events etc. And, after all, you get to choose the people you live with for the rest of your years at uni.

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 5 /5
By member1332807 On 12th July 18 verified Verified student

Good community spirit, loads to get involved in

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Student Review: 1.7 /5
By member829737 On 20th January 18 verified Verified student

Wow, this place is bad. Not in terms of facilities, but student wellbeing and support. It's depressing enough being in a horrible flat, doesn't help when student support does nothing about it. "It makes our lives so much harder trying to move students into a different flat". It's ONE student. One student that has had their mental wellbeing hit rock bottom because of how awful this college has handled mental health issues of a person who's struggling to get out of bed most days because the environment they live in is hostile. What an awful college. Looks like the reviewer below is in the same position as me. Says a lot.

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 2.1 /5
By member928918 On 1st November 17 verified Verified student

they did an awful job of organising the flats this year, they literally randomised it, so don't bother filling out the 'tell us about yourself' form because they don't use it to pair you up with people you'll click with. ruined my university experience as I now live with someone who clashes with me. fresher's was fine but it's just been boring ever since. I wish I applied elsewhere now.

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Student Review: 4.7 /5
By member425385 On 20th December 16 verified Verified student

It is fab, location a bit far from town though

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Student Review: 4.4 /5
By member1324162 On 28th September 16 verified Verified student

Great community feel to the college and feels like a cosy unit to go back to after a night out or a day in lectures.

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Student Review: 5 /5
By member0512 On 25th November 15 verified Verified student

Easy and cheap bus access to anywhere in Durham County, lots of open spaces and everything you need within walking distance. There's a grocery store and super cheap gym.

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.9 /5
By member518169 On 12th November 15 verified Verified student

Being self catered and 100% ensuite is the best choice in a college. Josephine butler is the only college to offer this, and I think it's truly beneficial. Socially they always make sure events and formals are advertised and ensure everyone is involved.

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.7 /5
By member515135 On 30th August 15 verified Verified student

Being part of the collegiate system was a huge part of my university experience and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Having wanted self-catered/ensuite accommodation thanks to my love of cooking and my hatred of the idea of sharing a bathroom with 6 other people, I chose Butler. Butler Bar is loved by those that frequent it and described as an aircraft hanger by others, but it's hard to dispute the fact that the onsite kitchen and cafe, huge bar, pool tables, library, space to plug in your laptop, wifi and TVs make it easy to work or play in this space. Many a day was spent in there working between lectures when the library was too full/quiet and again relaxing in the evening in PJs or parting away at a silent disco. I miss walking into the bar and finding a friendly face without fail. The rooms are a good size, clean and of course, ensuite, which is such a luxury. I've just realised how much I miss it, take me back!

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 5 /5
By member1110371 On 5th July 15 verified Verified student

good way to make friends, more sociable than standard halls

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All reviews are the views of StudentCrowd members, not of StudentCrowd Limited
Student Review: 4.8 /5
By DurhamBiologist On 3rd July 15 verified Verified student

Best bar in Durham, ensure rooms and huge kitchens

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