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MCR Membership Benefits
To purchase your membership for 2023-24, please click here.
Accessing our Formals
Do you want to go to gowned formals enjoying a sumptuous three-course dinner in the Great Hall of Castle? With the membership yes you can! Held three times a fortnight, it is incredibly fun and unique, and often feature social events afterwards hosted by the MCR. You can only sign-up for formals if you are an MCR Member on eCommerce.
Accessing our Socials
You will have access to our program of social events, both in and around Durham and the local area. This includes inter-MCR events (so you can meet PGs from other colleges).
Find out more about our social events here.
You will also have priority and significant discounts to attend larger-scale MCR events - for example, we recently ran a Garden Party with live music and free food and drinks open to all PGs. MCR Member tickets are usually less than half the price of a standard ticket.
Extra Benefits for the Charity Ball
As a Castle MCR member, you will have access to priority and discounted tickets to our annual flagship event, the Castle Charity Ball! In 2023, our Charity Ball is a fairy-tale themed ball, attracting more than 600 students, and was an incredible success. Learn more here.
Academic Exposure
You will have access to the interdisciplinary Castle Conference and our Sunday Seminar series - our last one, 'Power, Privilege and Possible Futures' featured Kehinde Andrews and it's a great opportunity to hear about the research of your fellow PGs as well as showcase your own! It is a very casual and encouraging atmosphere to practice presentation skills and share your research.
It is also a great opportunity to learn about the diverse range of subjects studied at Castle.
Free drinks and snacks are provided at these events.
Learn more about the 2022 Castle Conference here.
Steward's Brunch
You will have access to Steward's Brunch, one of our favourite traditions of the MCR. Held once every term, we offer salmon and cream cheese bagels (veggie and vegan alternatives are also available) with sparkling wine and orange juice!
Sports and Societies in Castle
You will have access to the 50+ student sports and societies in Castle, including rowing, football, rugby, tennis, music, drama and many more!
Access to our Welfare Team
You will have access to our renowned wide-spectrum welfare support from our dedicated MCR welfare team, and access to our welfare-focused events, including yoga (from a professional instructor) and rounders.
Get involved in Castle Operations
You are also entitled to get involved with the operations of Castle MCR at our OGMs (feat. free Dominos Pizza) and potentially on the MCR Exec and committees - it is a rewarding, enriching and challenging experience that is sure to look good (I mean very good) on your CV!