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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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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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:(
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
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
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
Wi-Fi is horrible. Up to 10% packet loss and low connection speeds.
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.
Good community spirit, loads to get involved in
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.
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.
It is fab, location a bit far from town though
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.
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.
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.
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!
good way to make friends, more sociable than standard halls
Best bar in Durham, ensure rooms and huge kitchens