St Cuthbert’s Society is one of the oldest student communities in the University. It was set up in 1888 by a small group of local and mature students who did not wish to live in residential colleges, but did want to be part of a community. This independent spirit is a strong part of our college tradition today. Cuth’s is made up of the student body, which forms the Junior Common Room (JCR), college staff, and the Senior Common Room (SCR). The SCR includes University staff, alumni (former students), and members of the wider Durham community. SCR members enjoy interacting with students at social and scholarly events, which enhances your experience as a Durham student and your awareness of local heritage and activities.
Cuth’s has a proud history of not being afraid to be different, that’s why we’re historically a society, not a college and it’s amazing to see that legacy live on today in the inclusivity, creativity, and dedication of our current students. The name “society” now has no practical influence on how we operate in comparison to other colleges, but it does help us keep that part of our history alive and remind ourselves that although we are one of the oldest colleges in Durham (founded in 1888, making us the third-oldest), we remain as forward-thinking as those students who founded Cuth’s all those years ago as an alternative to the existing structures. This mix of the traditional with the independent and alternative is a key part of what makes us the college we are today.
St. Cuthbert's Society can be visited during University Open Days for Undergraduates, please find more information on upcoming dates here.
Our self-guided tour guide is available for download here: Cuth's Self-Guided Tours - Spring 2026
Please note: Self-guided tours and on-site visits are only available on Open Days. The College is closed to all external visitors unless on authorised visit days to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Private tours cannot be offered and unauthorised visitors on site will be asked to leave.
View our information below to find out more about St Cuth's
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