College Life at Digby Stuart College
At Digby Stuart, we work towards creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity. With over 2000 students living in halls during term time and many more commuting and studying online, we are the largest of the four colleges, and we have a busy programme of activities for staff and students.
'Spark' is our series of events for the creative and the curious. Co-created by students and staff, each year is different . In the past we have had poetry, dance, music, painting and the spoken word, as well as speakers on veganism and the environment.
Coming together online or in person is important, and we meet together for informal meals and socials, recognising that friendships and networks made at university can last for lifetimes. Our commuting students are part of us, and we offer a number of special breakfasts and lunches to make sure we can meet. These are often in the College Kitchen (with lockers for commuters) and in The Base in Erasmus House. We also celebrate our history together with traditional formal meals, a Winter Ball, and party games at Christmas.
Our college football teams -the Lions and Lionesses- compete and we have a programme of Sports for All, encouraging everyone to be active in whatever way they enjoy.
There are opportunities for volunteering, for the exploration of knowledge and faith, and the chance to develop skills of resilience and wellbeing.
We celebrate success from across the college with prizes for academic and community achievement. And we have two rabbits, Barnes and Putney, who can be visited by special arrangement.
Student Leaders
Student Leaders are at the centre of our community, and there are many ways you can be involved. Our Flat Reps support our residents, our College Community Leaders support all our students, and our College President and Deputy President are voted into office by our students to make sure that the student voice is heard and that our social calendar is engaging and inclusive.
Flat Reps
Each of our flats has a 2nd or 3rd year student living within the flat as a Flat Rep, to assist new students during their time at university and to build a small community within their accommodation.
Every January, Digby Stuart recruits 1st and 2nd year students to become Flat reps for the next academic year. They help new students with their transition to university life. They will be in touch to greet them, show them the campus, direct them to key services, and report any issues students may be having back to the college team.
Flat Reps receive a week of training to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need for their role, including mediation, active listening, and raised awareness of issues which students might face on campus.
You can ask your flat rep about a number of topics, including:
- Locations of buildings and lecture halls
- College events and activities
- Student support services
- The University community
- General advice for university life
This year, Digby Stuart has recruited over 50 flat reps, who will be present in accommodation throughout the full academic year.
Interested in being a flat rep next year? Keep an eye on college social media in January for application details!
College Community Leaders (CCLS)
Our College Community Leaders are peer student leaders in the college who are here to help foster community spirit; that wonderful sense of belonging that makes being part of Digby special!
So, you'll see the CCL team facilitating events and activities of all kinds to enhance your university experience. Your ideas are always welcome and they're happy to chat with you about what you'd like to see in terms of amenities or activities in the college!
The CCL team is made up of individuals who represent home and international students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, whether resident in college or commuting from home. They're a friendly bunch, and are here to support you, so please do have a chat with them!
Contact digbystuart.college@roehampton.ac.uk or visit the College Community Hub at Erasmus House E104 to contact the CCL team or to find out how to become a CCL.
College Officers
A welcome from our student President, Orla O'Flynn
Hello everyone,
My name is Orla and I am your Digby Stuart College President for the 2021/22 academic year. It's been great meeting you all on campus during Fresher's week, and I can't wait to get the year started.
I began my Roehampton journey back in September 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. Currently, I am in my final year of studying Ancient History with the Humanities Department at Digby Stuart College. As President it is my job to ensure that your experience is as enjoyable as mine has been, and to welcome you into our community.
One of the best things about Roehampton is its relatively small cohort. This makes it easy for you to make connections, get involved and really make the most out of your student experience; this level of involvement will aid you in developing interpersonal and social skills that will enhance your development after leaving Roehampton.
The last 18 months have presented difficulties for us all. I want to congratulate you all for your hard work in achieving your university placements despite these unprecedented circumstances. The Digby Stuart College Team is here to make sure you all feel welcomed and supported in this transition and will be meeting regularly to discuss what we can do to achieve this. We love hearing directly from students and encourage your feedback. You can follow our social media pages below to get in contact with us and keep up to date with the latest college news. I will be posting videos and information throughout the year to help you all get familiar with the college and life at University.
Here at Digby Stuart, you have the opportunity to make friends and connections that will last a lifetime. Our college is a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming space and I am certain you will love being a part of our college since, we are of course, the best college at Roehampton.
Welcome to the Digby Stuart Community,
Orla O'Flynn (Digby Stuart President 2021/2022)