What are formals?
Each college in Durham has its own “formals”, regular formal three-course meals with table service where students are able to enjoy a posh meal with other students, for around £4-£5 a meal, and there is usually a short speech by the Master too. Students sign up and sit with friendship groups, and can bring in a bottle of wine, beer or soft drinks. Afterwards students usually congregate in the bar and there is usually a DJ set in the JCR. Mildert is a modern college, so unlike other colleges students here do not wear gowns for formals but wear smart dress such as suits for the boys and nice dresses/ skirts and tops for the girls, and there are no really strict rules and fining that are in places in most other colleges. Mildert formals are the biggest in the university, seating around 400 people at a time, which gives a real sense of community and college spirit. They are lots of fun, and undoubtedly one of the highlights of college life.
