Monday 02-10-2023 - 20:09

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. My name is Dan, and I have the privilege of being your Students’ Union President this year. I’d like to welcome you to Durham and to the University. I hope you’ve managed to get settled in during your first days here, and I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone across our colleges who has worked so hard to prepare an amazing welcome week. The efforts of student volunteers, principals and vice-principals, welfare teams and operational staff remind us that beneath the pomp and ceremony, cathedrals, castles and robes – awe-inspiring though they are - it is people who make this place tick.

University is a daunting prospect. There are so many firsts: leaving home, learning to live independently, learning to manage your time properly or the academic demands of your course. Then there are the bigger things. Maybe you are the first person in your family to come to university. That is a huge step. Coming to Durham, with the weight of the institution, the history, and the stories, can be incredibly intimidating. That is why it is important to articulate something very important right here, right now: you got into Durham, so you belong at Durham. No ifs or buts. You belong here. This university needs your experience just as much as it needs your knowledge. Share both and do so knowing you do not have to ask permission, and that you have something unique and important to bring to the table.

It’s a massive cliché to talk about the transformative power of education. But, like all cliches, there is a truth to them. And the thing about Durham is that the education doesn’t end when you leave the lecture theatre. That’s only half of the experience. Those of you who are embarking on your postgraduate journey will be able to attest to this. The other half is in the day-to-day interactions and experiences you have with each other. So, be open, be mindful and be curious, and you’ll reap all the benefits of the wild ride you’re about to go on.

At the SU, it is our members - all of you – who guide us, make demands of us, and ultimately are the reason we do what we do. It is our job to defend, support and advance your interests. Nearly two-thirds of you will join one of our clubs and societies. Whether the charity fashion show, DUCFS, which raised £175,000 last year to support seriously ill children, or our incredibly diverse range of societies dedicated to everything from curry to crochet, upfront or in the background, we are there to support you.

We also represent you on the big issues facing students on campus and across the country. Across the Officer team this year, we are working on a wide variety of issues; affordable housing, access and participation, mental health facilities, SMV, community outreach, postgraduate engagement, academic feedback and bringing our digital infrastructure into the modern age, we will do it all. We will take buzzwords and strategies and make them into reality. That is what the students’ union does, and that is why you should get involved.

I have one final piece of advice. Durham is a university city. But there is more to Durham than this university. It is meant to be your home away from home. Explore it. Take in Durham and the surrounding region. I am biased, but it is a truly special place. Be open to this city, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

If you are a fresher, congratulations and welcome to Durham. If you’re a returning student, welcome back. I’m looking forward to seeing what you all get up to. If you need us, please get in touch, and we will do everything we can to help, whatever the issue.

Dan – SU President

su.president@durham.ac.uk