The Senior Common Room – SCR

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The SCR at St Aidan’s is unique. Other colleges in Durham split their student community into three distinct entities: The Junior Common Room for undergraduates, the Middle Common Room for postgraduates and the Senior Common Room for staff and associate members. At Aidan’s, the SCR is a combination of postgraduates and senior members which gives us a greater level of diversity and integration. As well as organising regular social events such as formal dinners, members’ nights and relaxed evenings in the SCR, we also represent postgraduate students in college and across the University on issues ranging from levels of interaction between the JCR and the SCR to the provision of desk space for research students. We hold tri-annual General Meetings to discuss business matters at which every member has the right to contribute and vote. As we are a Students’ union, you can ‘opt-out’ of the SCR if you do not want to be represented by us. Further details of how to do this can be found in the College Handbook.

What is the SCR Exec?

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The SCR is run by the Executive Committee, which is elected once a year in October-time. St Aidan’s SCR operates from a flat power structure, teamwork is essential to our success. Any member of the SCR is eligible to stand for election to open committee positions and this is a great way to shape the way the SCR is run.

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Elections this year will be online through DUO and will open Friday morning the 23 October and run until 17:00.

EMAIL your intent to run no later than Tuesday 22 October, 17:00

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Message from Interim President

“Aidan’s College: never above me, never below me, always by my side.”

Welcome ‘Aidanites’ 

 St Aidan’s is known as the “Rainbow College" and is a community that welcomes students from all backgrounds who want to participate fully in university and college life.

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Our SCR is unique among the Durham colleges in that it is made up of postgraduate students and college and academic staff, something of which we are immensely proud.

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The SCR is for you. It represents you at college and university level. Additionally, the SCR adds to your social life by running members’ nights, formal dinners, organising events with the rest of college or just by hanging out in our lovely common room. Of course, COVID-19 will make these social gatherings smaller, but together we can think up creative workarounds to build our SCR community.

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The SCR needs you! Once you’ve settled in, why not consider becoming an officer and help to run the SCR? Contact Katie Brun if you are interested!

 ​katie.d.brun@durham.ac.uk

I have no doubt you will enjoy meeting other members of Aidan’s SCR and look forward to getting to know you over the coming year and hope you will enjoy your time at St Aidan’s.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions, comments, or just want to say ‘hello!’

All my best,

                k.d.e. 'Katie' brun

College Information

COMING AUTUMN 2020

Offical St Aidan's College Merchandise :

   bow ties 

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ties

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Plus: cufflinks & pin badges

Useful links and guides for International Students

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Arrival Information

Arriving in the UK - Practical information on issues such as transport and money, when first arriving in the UK.

Accommodation

Accommodation overview - An introduction to the accommodation options available to international students in the UK

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What you need to know when choosing accommodation - Things to look out for when deciding what type of accommodation to choose

Money Matters

http://international.studentcalculator.org.uk/ 

http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Article/Budget-planning-in-the-UK

http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Article/International-student-bank-accounts

http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Article/International-student-discounts

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Council tax and international students - An explanation of Council Tax and advice on who must pay it.

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Financial hardship - An outline of strategies for international students in the UK who find themselves experiencing financial hardship.

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Welfare benefits - Advice on if and when international students can claim government benefits and help with health care costs.

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Sources of funding for international students - This is a basic guide to possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK.

Health and Safety

http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Article/Health-advice-for-UK-international-students

http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Article/Stay-safe-during-your-UK-studies

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Keeping healthy - A practical guide to medical services in the UK, and students' entitlement to them. Also, helpful information on diet, weather and personal health.

Practical Information

Driving in the United Kingdom: a guide for international students - An explanation of the legal requirements relating to the car and to the driver.

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International students and culture shock - Adjusting to life in a new country and a new culture can be very difficult at first. This Information Sheet aims to help students prepare for this period of adjustment and the effects it may have.

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Preparing to return home - Practical arrangements before leaving the UK, and a discussion of 'reverse culture shock', which many students experience when they return to their own country.

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Study methods used in the UK - What is it like to study in the UK? How is education structured? An introduction to what to expect from your course, and what your tutors are likely to expect from you, as well as some suggestions to help you study effectively.

SCR Contact Information:

SCR Welfare Officer 19-20 - Vani Jani

SCR Treasurer 19-20

(Interm President September & October 2020)

SCR Mentor

St Aidan's SCR proudly presents Dr Barbara Crosbie.

 

Barbara has vast experience mentoring graduate students, researching and problem-solving. If you get stuck or have questions about college, the university, or life- contact Barbara!