Community Dining

Coming Together to Dine as a College…

Whilst Stephenson College is self-catered, we recognise that having an opportunity to dress up and dine together with friends is an indispensable part of the university experience, so Stephenson offers a variety of community dining opportunities. What makes Stephenson’s community dining unique is that our dinners have varying degrees of formality, so you can attend the occasions that are right for you!

Any Stephenson College student is typically welcome to attend any of our community dining events and will be able to reserve a place in advance of the event - however, there may be occasions when attendees are limited to a certain section of our community or students are personally invited to attend. If you’re very lucky, you may be invited to sit on the High Table with the Principal, JCR President, College Staff and other invited guests, this is often done in recognition of a special contribution to the College or JCR.

Please note, as a non-gowned college, you are not expected to attend any of our community dining events in a gown.

Locomotion Dinners

Locomotion Dinners are informal, two-course dinners with a theme, such as Burns Night or Valentines Day. After the dinner, attendees will usually flock to Stephenson Central to continue their evening, whilst the high-table guests retire to Stationmasters. These dinners take place in Saltwell, hosting students, staff and guests. These dinners will be a great chance for you to enjoy a relaxed evening with your friends whilst dining as a student community.

Dress Code: Smart-Casual

Formal Dinners

Our Formal Dinners are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a grander, more sophisticated dining experience. Attendees are encouraged to join us for the drinks reception in Stephenson Central, before moving over to Howlands Hall for a three-course meal. The hall will be decorated in accordance with the theme, table plans circulated in advance, and during the meal, there will be speeches. After the dinner, attendees are welcome to return to Central to enjoy the post-dinner entertainment! Our formal dinners allow you to dress up to the nines and celebrate in style with your friends and peers. The annual Honours Formal is a key event in the calendar, celebrating contribution to the College community and student success across sport, societies, volunteering and the performing arts.

Dress Code: Formal  

CONNECTIONS DINNERS

Connections Dinners are informal dinners which provide students with a great opportunity to discuss your interests and potential future career paths with someone who works in the field. Sitting on a table with other students and a guest speaker, it's a great way to meet subject matter experts as well as fellow students interested in connecting with like-minded people, all over a delicious two course meal!

Dress Code: Smart-Casual