Facilities

Use of college facilities, both practical and for leisure, are a real bonus of being a member of the MCR, especially given that everything is right in town. General facilities are located on the main site on the North Bailey, while James Barber House, our dedicated postgraduate building, is just five minutes walk away.

James Barber House

Livers In

Hatfield postgraduate accommodation is primarily located in James Barber House (JBH), located just five minutes walk from the main college site and just down the road from the main university library and the science site. The house has 45 single study bedrooms with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, dining area, TV/living room, a courtyard garden and a barbecue area. The let is for 50 weeks on a self-catered basis, so no need to worry about moving out for the holidays. It’s a very sociable place to live, and the building often plays host to various MCR events. We also regularly host events on the College Main Site, where some of the catered livers-in are based.

Livers Out

Many MCR members live in private accommodation in and around Durham. Although it can be a very different experience living in JBH or in private accommodation, livers out are encouraged to get involved with the MCR just as much as livers in. There is dedicated fridge and freezer space for livers out in JBH and they are always welcome to come and use the facilities, attend events or just hang out. The events committee includes a livers out rep whose job it is to put forward ideas and organise events such as brunch in town to help get everyone together.

Porters’ Lodge

The Porter’s Lodge is located just inside the main college gates. If you have any post delivered to college this is where it will be kept safe until you collect it. You can pick up sign out keys for the gym, library, art room and music room, buy Hatfield merchandise (postcards, umbrellas, ties, tankards, CDs…) and find information about college sport and activities.

The porters are the first point of contact for any maintenance problems in college. They operate a 24-hour shift system and can be contacted on the mobile number listed outside the lodge. Livers-out should also note that they may borrow carbon monoxide detectors from the Porters’ Lodge.

Library

The library is an open study space with a reading room next door, open 24/7. Run by our dedicated librarian, Michelle Austin, and her team of student staff members, it holds over 8,000 books for the exclusive use of members of Hatfield, which can be very useful when there is competition for books from the main library. Books can be borrowed for up to three weeks, and then they can be renewed unless recalled by someone else. The collection includes a recreational reading section, reference books, daily newspapers and photocopying facilities. Students can also make requests to the college librarian to buy specific books that they need but are otherwise difficult to get hold of.

MCR Common Room

The MCR have a common room in the main college. It’s where everybody gathers before formal dinners, and in general it’s a convenient meeting point when you’re in town. It also has a small kitchen which everyone is welcome to use.

Computer Room

In addition to wifi throughout college, there is a computer room in the main building containing 8 desktop computers, a black and white printer and a colour printer. The computer room is available to use at all hours and uses the University printer credits system. Credits can be bought online or in cash at the main library.

Gym and Recreation

Gyms

Hatfield has two gyms – the Timpson for cardio-vascular activity and the Rosewood weights gym. Both are open from 9am to 9pm and are open to use by all members of Hatfield, although they can be reserved by sports teams, and there are ladies hours through the week. The gym fees can be paid via ‘Optional payments’ on the Durham University Ecommerce Platform.

Music Room

The music room is a fantastic practice space for use by all Hatfield students. It is used by the music society and the numerous college bands, including the widely acclaimed Kinky Jeff, but can also be booked by individuals wishing to practice between 8:30am and 9:30pm. The key is available from the porters at reception. In the addition to the Music Room, the refurbished James Barber House will have a piano, apart from several other pianos located on site that be used for practice.

Tennis Court

The tennis court is at the centre of the college site and doubles as a space for a variety of sports including basketball, netball and 5-a-side football, and is also used as a space for the marquee for the annual Lion in Winter Ball. As it is a popular space, especially in the spring and summer, there is a sign-up sheet to use the tennis court in the porters’ lodge.

Art Room

The Art Room located in the Main College site provides a lot of excellent equipment for amateurs and serious artists alike. Like the Music Room, the Art Room can be booked by any member of the college.

Bar

The bar is where every formal dinner finishes, and is a great starting point for a night in Durham any day of the week! It sells soft drinks from 50p and alcoholic beverages from £1.55. It also screens a variety of sporting events via Sky. Also, if you’re looking to work whilst studying, there are often opportunities for students to work behind the bar or on the door.

Term-time opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7pm – 11pm
Friday & Saturday: 7pm – 11:30pm
Sunday: 7pm – 10:30pm

Chapel

The college chapel holds Choral Evensong on Monday evenings at 6pm, and other special services such as the annual Remembrance Day, Advent and Christmas Carol services.

If you are musically inclined, there is the opportunity to audition for the chapel choir at the beginning of the academic year. It sings one regular service per week (Tuesday evensong) as well as regularly in Durham Cathdral and other, farther-flung, places.

Director of Music: Jonny Allsopp

Organist: Laura Erel

Chaplain: Professor Anthony Bash