Simeng Wang speaks to St John’s postgraduate students about their experiences at the college.
While St John’s is well-known for its vibrant undergraduate community, our postgraduate student body (the MCR) is equally dynamic, bringing diverse perspectives from all over the globe to the Bailey. But what is it really like to experience John’s as a postgrad? We sat down with four MCR members, hailing from China, Colombia, and Nepal, and studying everything from Supply Chain Logistics to Philosophy, to hear about their unique journeys, their college involvements, and how they’ve made this small but incredibly welcoming college their “UK home.”
Shuge Zhang: Finding a “UK Home” Through Community and Logistics
For Master’s student Shuge Zhang, studying Management (Supply Chain Logistics), the journey to St John’s started with glowing reviews on social media half a world away. Attracted by its reputation as a supportive and resource-rich community, she traded global logistics for the historic cobbles of Durham. Now an active member of the college badminton club and a frequent visitor to the 24-hour library, Shuge shares how John’s has quickly transitioned from a screen to her genuine home.
How did you end up in St John’s?
I actually saw a lot of posts on Chinese social media about St John’s! People were talking about what a wonderful place it is, which has this reputation for being a “small but rich” college, meaning it has great resources and a lot of character. I heard that the staff here are incredibly kind and that the college hosts wonderful celebrations for different festivals, like Chinese New Year. That warm, welcoming atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for.
Tell us about your journey at John’s so far.
It has been such a happy experience. The most interesting part for me is the people I’ve met. I’ve made friends from all over the world, including Canada, America, Pakistan, and many other places. It’s a very international and inclusive environment, which has made my time here so far feel very vibrant.
What activities are you involved in in College and the University?
I am quite active in the St John’s College Badminton Society! I try to go about three times a week. It’s been a great way to stay active and have fun outside of my studies. I’ve found a lot of friends through the club, and the frequent sessions really help in building a sense of community within the college.
Tell us about postgrad life at John’s.
To be honest, postgrad life involves a lot of studying! My major is Management with a focus on Supply Chain Logistics. While we don’t have a specific “business hub” in the college, the St John’s library has been a lifesaver. It’s open 24 hours, which is perfect when you’re trying to catch up on deadlines. Having that dedicated, quiet space right within my own college makes the academic pressure much more manageable.
What do you wish you’d known before coming here?
I wish I’d known is just how supportive the environment is. Whether it’s my housemates driving me to the library or the college staff being so helpful with academic and personal matters, the level of care here is amazing. You’re never really on your own.
What are your plans for next year? After graduation? Beyond Durham?
My plan is to find a job in Marketing or Procurement. I’m hoping to apply the supply chain and management knowledge I’ve gained here in Durham to a professional setting, taking the international perspective I’ve developed at John’s with me into my career.
Finally, how do you describe John’s to others?
I always say it’s the best place in Durham! To me, it’s my “UK home.” It’s a place where I feel incredibly safe—whenever I’m walking back on the Bailey and see the college doors, I feel a sense of relief and belonging. It’s small, safe, and incredibly welcoming.
Photos provided by Shuge Zhang.
Yin Tang: Beyond the Comfort Zone in Language but Finding Belonging at John’s
For TESOL student Yin Tang coming to Durham from Chengdu was about more than just a degree, it was a deliberate move to challenge herself. Seeking an environment where she could truly immerse herself in a diverse community, she chose St John’s for its intimate size and reputation for close-knit relationships. From unexpected room upgrades to quiet nights, Tang Yin reflects on the “human touch” that defines the John’s experience.
How did you end up in St John’s?
I wanted a college that was relatively small and where the international student ratio would push me out of my comfort zone. I did my research on social media and the official website, and St John’s stood out because it felt more intimate and “closed” in a good way. I really wanted to build close relationships rather than just being a number in a huge college.
Tell us about your journey at John’s so far.
It has been a journey filled with small, warm surprises. One thing that stayed with me was when I first arrived: I had applied for a single bed, but my room ended up having a double bed. I was worried because my bedding didn’t fit, but the reception staff were so incredibly thoughtful—they provided a full set of double bedding for free! It’s these small details that show how much the college cares about the student experience.
What activities are you involved in in College and the University?
My schedule is quite demanding with the TESOL program, but I’ve joined some MCR (Middle Common Room) activities. A highlight was the ice skating trip to Newcastle, which was my first time spending that kind of social time with such a large group from the MCR, and everyone was very welcoming and looked after each other.
Tell us about postgrad life at John’s.
As a postgrad, convenience is everything. My classes are at the English Language Centre on the Riverside, which is just across the bridge from John’s. Being able to walk to class in minutes is a huge advantage. Also, when deadlines approach, having the college library right across the street on the Bailey is a lifesaver, especially when it’s raining and you don’t even need an umbrella to get there!
What do you wish you’d known before coming here?
I’ve realized that the frequency of cultural events can vary from year to year. For example, I heard there was a fantastic official Chinese New Year formal last year. While we didn’t have an official formal for it this year, it was heartening to see our Resident Tutors step in to organize a lovely Chinese New Year activity instead. It taught me that even when official plans change, the community here still makes an effort to celebrate and care for each other.
What are your plans for next year? After graduation? Beyond Durham?
I’m planning to get my CELTA certification to become a qualified international English teacher. I want to spend the next year or two gaining formal teaching experience, perhaps moving back to China or even exploring opportunities in other countries where English is taught as a second language.
Finally, how do you describe John’s to others?
I describe it as a place with a “human touch.” It’s the perfect choice if you want to live on the historic Bailey. It’s quiet, safe, and academically convenient. It’s a college that doesn’t just provide a room, but a supportive environment that lets you focus on your studies while feeling like you’re part of a family.
Photo provided by Tang Yin.
Felipe: Building a Home as a Resident Tutor
For third-year Philosophy PhD student Felipe, St John’s was a deliberate first choice. Seeking a small, intimate community near the Bailey, he found more than just a place to study. Now serving as a Resident Tutor, Felipe shares his journey from being a table tennis captain to fostering cultural exchange through Colombian music and gastronomy within the college walls.
How did you end up in St John’s?
St John’s was my first choice when I applied to Durham. I specifically wanted to be near the Bailey and the Marketplace, but I was also looking for something small. Some other postgrad-focused colleges felt too large or too far away for what I wanted. John’s offered the perfect balance of a dedicated postgrad community and a central location.
Tell us about your journey at John’s so far.
It has been wonderful. During my first two years, I was an active member of the MCR and found some of my best friends here. Last year, I became a Resident Tutor, which gave me an even deeper sense of ownership and connection to the college, its history, and its architecture.
What activities are you involved in in College and the University?
I’ve been quite involved in sports and community building. I played for the college table tennis team for two years and served as captain last year. Within the MCR, I’ve been part of the welfare team, organizing trips and tours around Durham. As a Resident Tutor, I love organizing cultural exchange activities, like sharing Colombian music and traditional Christmas dishes with the students.
Tell us about postgrad life at John’s.
The postgrad community here is relatively small, which I think is its greatest strength. We almost all know each other, whether you are doing a PhD or a Master’s. It’s a very solid, supportive group.
What do you wish you’d known before coming here?
I wish I had known that there was absolutely nothing to worry about regarding the practicalities of living here! The food, for instance, is fantastic and far exceeds the general reputation of food in the UK. Even navigating daily routines like the laundry or understanding the college’s independent systems becomes second nature very quickly. The community is so welcoming that you figure everything out in no time.
What are your plans for next year? After graduation? Beyond Durham?
My scholarship from the Colombian government requires me to return home for at least three years after I finish. I hope to work in academia, but I’m also open to the publishing industry, NGOs, or diplomacy. After that, who knows? I might find my way back to Europe or the UK.
Finally, how do you describe John’s to others?
I describe it as a very kind, warm community and a truly enjoyable place to be.
Photos provided by Felipe.
Swastika Poudel: Finding Meaning and Community as a Chevening Scholar
Swastika Poudel, a Chevening Scholar from Nepal studying International Cultural Heritage Management, provides a unique perspective as a “livers-out” student. Despite living off-site, she has found that the St John’s MCR and its formal traditions have given a deep sense of meaning and community to her social life in Durham.
How did you end up in St John’s?
I did quite a lot of research on the different colleges. I knew I wanted to be in one of the “Bailey” colleges in the town rather than on the Hill. Something about the ethos of St John’s really spoke to me during my research, which is why I shortlisted it.
Tell us about your journey at John’s so far.
As a Master’s student who lives out of college, my journey is a bit different, but I’ve tried hard to be part of the social life. The MCR has been a great support in helping me get to know other Master’s and PhD colleagues. I’ve really found a sense of community here.
What activities are you involved in in College and the University?
I absolutely love the St John’s formals! I enjoy the excuse to dress up and experience a traditional dinner. I’m also the Livers-out Representative on the MCR Committee and have enjoyed participating in events like “Philosophy and Coffee” and various organized trips with fellow members.
Tell us about postgrad life at John’s.
Coming from another country, having that sense of community is something I really appreciate. St John’s has given a lot of meaning to my social life here. Even as an introvert, I’ve found the environment very welcoming.
What do you wish you’d known before coming here?
I wish I’d known more about the socializing opportunities and how helpful the staff and teachers are. I’m quite shy, but I’ve found that whenever I approach them, they are very invested in supporting me. My advice to anyone coming to John’s is: don’t hesitate to ask!
What are your plans for next year? After graduation? Beyond Durham?
After graduation, I will head back home to Nepal. While I’m here, I’m trying to get as much experience as I can in my field of study, but I’m also focused on having a wholesome social experience in Durham.
Finally, how do you describe John’s to others?
I tell them that students from other colleges are actually a bit jealous of us! We have an awesome library, high-quality formals, a great variety of events, and a very close-knit community.
Photos provided Swastika Poudel.
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