The College Record 2022

Reports and College Activities
Credit: John Cairns
A YEAR IN THE MCR
Samuel Fink
MCR President
President Samuel Fink; Victualler Samuel Teague
After two consecutive years of major disruptions to
academic and social life, 2021/22’s crop of postgraduate
freshers found themselves integrating into a community
that many returning students were still rather new to
themselves. After all, those returning had not had the
opportunity to enter the Common Room for the duration
of the preceding year, a year many had largely spent locked
in their homes. It therefore came as a relief that the MCR’s
past year was mercifully ordinary.
Postgraduate life at Queen’s was defined by the same occasions and routines
as pre-pandemic. Michaelmas, for instance, saw Freshers’ Week, postgraduate
social events deepening ties with other Colleges, and Hall Parties fostering cross-
Common-Room connections. With the return of weekly Guest Nights and regular
exchange dinners, the continuation of the Queen’s College Symposium series, and
a Common Room in permanent usage – as room to study, a casual social space,
or venue depending on the time of day – Queen’s postgraduates were able to enjoy
an undiminished experience of MCR membership. All in all, refreshingly normal.
Reflecting on the past year, thanks are owed to the members of the MCR Committee,
whose efforts on behalf of the larger community and good cheer carried us through
the year, to the College’s Fellows and officers, who made sure to take the MCR’s
voice into consideration as they steered the College past crises large and small, and
to the College staff, who did their utmost to make us feel welcome despite facing
understaffing and changing guidelines.
I have full confidence that 2022/23’s Committee will build on the foundation that
2021/22’s return to business-as-usual represents, making Queen’s postgraduates’
new academic year extraordinary, and I wish them all the best.
58 The Queen’s College | College Record 2022