Derwent College, York

Derwent College, York

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view from behind Derwent College toward Heslington Hall

Derwent College is a college of the University of York, the very first to be opened following the university's inception. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 22 October 1965. Derwent College is home to the University's Politics and Philosophy departments.

The college itself is on the fringe of the campus, lying in the shadow of Heslington Hall close to the gazebo and gardens known collectively as The Quiet Place. This contrasts with the somewhat raucous reputation usually given to Derwent students.

Derwent College often identifies itself as DCUK, a parody of FCUK. The college has a theme song, I love you, Derwent, sung to the tune of Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You.

Famous past members of the College include Greg Dyke, Jung Chang, Long Dong Silver, John Barnes and Harry Enfield, George Galloway.

College facilities and events

Facilities in Derwent include the Computer Services class rooms and computer rooms, the Junior Common room and Derwent bar and dining room. During the day there is the main dining room, the snack bar and the drinks bar.

Club D, a popular student disco on campus is organised by Derwent JCRC. This is held periodically at weekends during term time in Derwent bar and dining room.

Derwent College also hosts the annual Big-D the biggest event on campus. It is an end of year event along the lines of Club D, but as the name suggests, it is on a larger scale. Taking up the whole area in and around the college, it is normally held on the final Thursday of the Summer term and has several rooms of music, several bars and food and activities outside. In the past there have been bouncy castles, bucking broncos, gyroscopes, table tennis, candy floss and hot dogs at the event.

Recent acts to play in Derwent include Fenna Rhodes and Bruce from X factor.

Accommodation blocks

Derwent College has six accommodation blocks, named A, B, C, D, E, and F. Blocks A, B, C and D are standard university accommodation and part of the original college buildings. They were build in the CLASP system, invented by Andrew Derbyshire, consisting of prefabricated concrete blocks and panels. A block is part of the main college building. B block is situated near Heslington Hall overlooking the University Lake. C and D blocks are also located near Heslington Hall and, while attached to the main college building, they essentially form a separate building, unlike A block. There are also a small group of rooms known as "N block" (N standing for nucleus) which are situated above the bar.

E and F blocks form part of the Derwent-Langwith (sometimes known as Derwith) extension. They are situated across the other side of University Road from the rest of the college, adjacent to Heslington Church field. They are more recently brick-build accommodation and some of these rooms offer en-suite bathroom facilities.

Derwent College JCRC

The JCRC (Junior Common Room Committee) are a group of students democratically elected in the Autumn term to look after all aspects of College life, established in 1965. Each year the college is served by a committee of around 30-45 members.

Former/current chairs

• 2007: Jamie Tyler
• 2006: Dave 'Cuddly' Jones
• 2005: Rich Croker
• 2004: Andrew Whittingham
• 2003: Mark Hinton
• 2002: Rick Guest
• 2001: Nick Besley
• 2000: Clive Burrell
• 1999: Ben Youdan
• 1998: Helen Woolnough
• 1967-1997: Long Dong Silver

For more information on the current JCRC see web link below.

External links

• Derwent College JCRC
• University pages on Derwent College