Welcome to South College. You are now a student at one of the world’s finest universities. You are also a Southie, and as such, a member of our excellent College. During Welcome Week, you will begin to understand what this means. You will also learn about our South College clubs and societies and our values and traditions.

At our Welcome Formal Dinners, we will toast the values of liberty, equality and global citizenship, that are celebrated in our College motto. At South we raise the toast in the original Latin, so ‘Libertas, Aequalitas, Civitas Totius Mundi’. Fear not, the pronunciation is phonetic.  First, of course, we all turn to face Oswald, our college mascot.    

As you will have noticed, Oswald is more than an image in the top left section of our College shield. He is a repository of wisdom, genius and South College pride who appears in our midst as a large, wooden owl. Oswald is unique. In addition to being wooden, and thus heavy enough to deter theft by rival College rugby teams, Oswald is sensitive owl. We treat him with respect. Oswald will attend your College Matriculation ceremony.     

And, as we observe these South College Welcome Week traditions, my colleagues, Vice Principal Lee Worden, Assistant Principal Lynn Preston, and I, will recall how much has changed since the first South College freshers joined us in 2020 amid a global pandemic.

Our first full cohort were not able to attend the university matriculation ceremony in the Cathedral, as you will. Nor did they enjoy the lively Welcome Week you will experience. It was a very difficult time, and yet one in which the spirit of innovation, determination and optimism that have come to characterise our community were already apparent.

South College has benefited enormously from their efforts. Now our College is renowned for its spirit of creativity and innovation. Southies share a collective determination to make the very most of our community. Their drive is formidable, and it has helped South grow.

In the first four years, we have built for our college foundations that make us intensely proud. South is not just on the map as an ambitious college determined to make its mark amongst its longer established peers. Southies are winning prizes and recognition in Durham and beyond and in activities encompassing the full range of those for which Durham University is renowned.

Academically, we excel in many subjects. In team and individual sports we are competing with the very best, and frequently winning. Southies are making a mark in music, sport and debating, mooting, journalism and drama. Entrepreneurship is thriving. Creativity, kindness and compassion are all around. South College Formals and Balls have a reputation for stylish inclusivity. There are few institutions of higher education in which you can hear music performed on a lute, piano or violin before raising a toast to a large, carved wooden owl.  

South has already produced leaders of the Durham Union Society and the Law Society and the creator of the Durham Diplomatic Society. It is home to some of the friendliest teams you could hope to encounter. So, if you would like to take up rowing or learn lacrosse, you will have every opportunity. If you simply want to continue playing football, netball, rugby or hockey you will have every opportunity.  

We think we have a club, team or society to meet every taste, but South College is always open to new ideas.  You are only the fourth generation of South College Freshers to join Durham University and we want to hear your ideas. Your JCR President and his Executive will be delighted to explain how student democracy works at Durham. So, please join the JCR and make sure you get fully involved in College life.  

Every student matriculating this autumn will contribute to our College’s growth. I hope and believe that each of you will help to enhance further the distinctive culture and spirit of this seventeenth college at the third oldest university in England.

Colleges are not just physical communities; they are virtual families too. This was true long before that term became linked to the use of digital technology. For nearly two centuries, alumni of the colleges of Durham University have met in offices, cafes and clubs, parks and pubs, theatres and stadia all over the world. They have reminisced and celebrated together. They have planned great enterprises and projects. Their work has inspired, entertained and enlightened millions. 

In Britain and around the world Southies are already continuing and enhancing this great tradition of achievement. I hope that in your time at Durham, you will enjoy your College immensely. Together, we will raise many toasts to Oswald. You will experience the warmth and inspiration for which South is already renowned. As you progress, you in turn will help new generations of students as our outstanding FREPs have helped you.        

You are members of South College, and you will remain members for life, but that thought is for the future. During your time in Durham, I hope you will contribute to our teams clubs and societies and that you will enjoy College events including Formals, Winter, Spring and Summer Balls, South College Day and opportunities to meet our visiting speakers and distinguished guests.

 All best wishes,

Professor Tim Luckhurst MA, FRSA,

Principal, South College