Congratulations and Welcome to Mary’s

Congratulations and Welcome from the MCR President

Congratulations on continuing your studies at St Mary’s, and a huge welcome to you! I’m Chloe, a second year Developmental Psychology PhD student, and your MCR president this year. Whether you are a home or international student, studying for a taught or research degree, starting a postgraduate programme can feel both exciting and a little daunting. The aim of our Middle Common Room (MCR) is to foster an inclusive community at Mary’s while supporting everyone to thrive academically in their own field.

The MCR is at the heart of postgraduate and mature student life, with plenty of opportunities to get involved through formals, socials, sports clubs, academic talks, and much more. MCR membership grants you access to discounted rates for events hosted by the Junior Common Room (JCR) and the MCR, as well as access to the MCR’s communal spaces (i.e., the shared kitchen and the Common Room itself). We highly value inclusivity, compassion and respect here at Mary’s, in which creates an enviornment that you can make lifelong friends.

Additionally, the MCR fresher’s representative (FREP) team and I have been working hard throughout the summer, planning a variety of events for your arrival. We have an incredible lineup prepared for you over the twelve days leading up to the start of the academic year, including movie/game nights, scavenger hunt, escape rooms, coffee trip, pennant decorating/painting sessions, a bowling night and much more! These events are a great way to meet other Mares (a cute nickname for Mary’s students) and learn about the MCR and life at Mary’s/Durham. Whether you’re here for one year or several, I hope you’ll make the most of everything Mary’s has to offer and meet some wonderful people along the way.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].

See you all soon!