Oliver, 2025-26 SJCR President, has been at the heart of student life at St John’s throughout his time in College. From turning up to a meeting on a rainy evening as a first year biosciences students, to leading the SJCR, he reflects on his journey to John’s, what the role involves, and why getting involved can shape your university experience.
Tell us about your journey to St John’s and Durham University
When I was applying to university back in 2021 (ouch), I knew I wanted to go to a top UK institution. I was not keen, however, on the ‘big city experience’ of universities like UCL or Edinburgh, and I knew I wanted somewhere which was familiar to home. I hail from Rochester, Kent, which has a similar setting and vibe to Durham with cobbled streets, a castle, and cathedral being ever-present factors of daily life. When I visited Durham over the Summer of 2021, I knew it was the right place for me.
When I received my Durham offer in early 2022, I immediately started researching the Colleges. I knew I wanted to be in a Bailey College (no surprise there!), and upon visiting St John’s on a post-offer visit day, the choice couldn’t have been easier. I actually remember my tour quite vividly, seeing various spaces around College and a shared bedroom in Cranmer B. What struck me at the time was the warmth of the place and how much fun the students were having (thanks Lucy & Dilly for the tour, you’re to blame!). I later found out from my Dad that my grandfather had been a student here at St John’s, so maybe it was meant to be!
How did you end up getting involved in the SJCR?
Like most students who end up in the SJCR, I was bored one rainy Thursday evening and decided to go to a SJCR meeting to see what this whole ‘SJCR’ thing was about. I went into the meeting not knowing what to expect and ended up leaving with the position of Assistant Food and Formals Officer. I have many fond memories of working with Eloise, Charles and the rest of the Catering team to deliver formals. This role helped expose me to the amazing and varied work the SJCR does, and I never looked back!
What have you enjoyed most about being SJCR President this year?
This is a hard one as I have enjoyed so much this year as President. I have really enjoyed facilitating our big events like Welcome Week and Bailey Ball but I also really enjoy the unseen stuff like governance, risk assessments and compliance. I have also enjoyed working with College staff to make St John’s the best it can be.
What have you found challenging in your role?
A big part of my role is ensuring that the SJCR is legally compliant as a registered charity. Some of you may (but probably not!) be aware that the SJCR is in a strange transitory period of becoming an incorporated charity. Thankfully a lot of the work has already been done but the technical legal language and processes can be challenging to understand. When you start adding in things like insurance policies, financial accounting and governance procedures which are necessary to make it all work, that can be a big challenge to both understand and communicate what is going on
What is something people may not expect about your role?
Something people may not expect is the extent of external representation I do. I spend a lot of time with Presidents from other Colleges discussing and working through issues which we think should change at the University level. I have been privileged enough to have meetings with some very senior figures at the University advocating for students and Common Rooms. I also work very closely with the Students’ Union helping tackle issues which hold Durham students back.
Favourite series?
I am guilty of enjoying a reality TV show and I find that ‘Married at First Sight Australia’ is truly one of the best. I don’t know whether it is the Australian setting for the show or the never-ending drama which seems to get better each episode, I just love it! I will forever be obsessed with Heated Rivalry too.
Any advice for students thinking about getting involved in the SJCR?
It is a cliché, but just turning up to something and giving it a go is truly the best advice I can give. For me, university is so much more than just getting a degree, it is also about getting a broader education and learning more about yourself. Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable is scary and uncomfortable but it is so important. So, come along to an SJCR meeting, a sports training session, or whatever it may be, and just be vulnerable and give it a go! You never know, you may actually end up enjoying it.
How would you describe John’s to others?
I would describe St John’s as the most welcoming College but also one of the most understated. Despite our small size we have a hugely vibrant music, theatre and sports offering with our student groups putting on 5-star performances and beating much larger Colleges in sports. We are often overlooked by others, but they are missing out on a really special place.
Favourite John’s potato?
The only right answer is the formal dauphinoise potato. If you said a different one, you are unfortunately wrong!!
John's Chronicle 