College Life

There's a whole range of opportunities for you to get involved with at Van Mildert College.

We are known for our outreach projects, vibrant social scene, successful sports teams, and opportunities for student participation. We have over 80 different clubs and societies and there is something for everyone. Over 100 volunteering positions are available each year, and over 50 sports teams - talented athletes and sports enthusiasts both welcome! Our 'give it a go' approach is really valued and promotes inclusivity and engagement regardless of your level of skill or experience.

Student Support and Wellbeing

Fees and Funding

Get involved

Societies

Societies play a key role in student life at Van Mildert. The JCR offers a wide range of societies, giving you the opportunity to pursue existing interests, discover new passions, meet people from across the College, and enjoy activities you love. Many of our societies play an active role in some of the College's biggest events, including Jam by the Lake (the North East's largest student-run open-air music festival), our College Balls, Formal events, and the annual College Fashion Show.

There are countless opportunities to get involved, whether your interests lie in sport, music, culture, creativity, volunteering, academic pursuits, or simply trying something new.

We also have a variety of societies and committees dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community, ensuring that everyone feels at home at Mildert, regardless of their background, identity, or where in the world they come from.

If you're joining us from overseas, be sure to take a look at our International Students Handbook below, which contains useful information to help you settle into life at Van Mildert and in Durham: International Students Handbook.

Formal Dinners

Formals occur twice a term. Come with friends, dress up, and enjoy being served a delicious 2-3 course meal. Sometimes we look forward to fancy dress Formals or themed events including Formals for Halloween, Christmas, Burns' Night, Valentines or St Patrick's Day.

More Information

Please see our useful guides below for more information about formals, how to sign up and what to expect/what is expected of you!

The Van Mildert Guide to Formal Dining - 2025
The Mini Guide to Formal Dining - 2025
'So, what are formals all about?', a guide by Van Mildert alumni, Ruby Tomlinson

Events

MildArts (the umbrella society for art, music and theatre at Mildert) oversees our theatre company, three music rooms with amps, guitars, pianos, drum-kit, and recording equipment, a full brass and percussion Big Band, an annual musical, a talent show, a college pantomime (written by students about the college) and Summer Shakespeare, with a plethora of other plays and performances. Then there's our Charity Fashion Show (the only one in Durham to accept everybody who wants in), Jam by the Lake, 'bops' which transform the JCR into a massive themed party with special drinks, decorations and entertainment, and College Balls. Balls are the biggest events of the year; bringing the whole college together, dressed up in 'black tie' for a formal meal, live music and a whole variety of entertainment through to the early hours.

Students behind a 'Mildert Pride' banner

Sport

Sport forms a central and vital part of student life in the College. With clubs ranging from the traditional (such as Rugby, Football and Hockey) to the more unusual (such as Ultimate Frisbee or Cheerleading), there is something for everyone, at any level. We are proud to have a consistent and high achieving record in sport amongst the Durham Colleges.

Enrichment Programme

Our Enrichment Programme offers a range of opportunities to students. These activities seek to enhance and develop a student's intellectual curiosity and personal effectiveness through the facilitation of student-led activities. These include a broad-ranging series of lectures, seminars and debates, and skills-based activities such as networking sessions, employability initiatives and our well-established work with the local community.

The programme is based on three themes: engage and inspire, wellbeing and community, and find your future. Information about forthcoming activities is sent to students regularly via email and sign ups will also be posted on our Instagram and College Screens.