During fresher's week students are officially greeted by their new university. Each college has it's own appointment in the cathedral. Students have a seat on the pews inside and listen, very smartly dressed, to several welcome speeches. If your college was founded in the 19th century – likewise my University College aka the „Castle“ – you show up wearing an old fashioned „gown“ over your jacket. Apart from that event and with the exception of formal dinners, suits and gowns do not play any role in Durham life. After 30-40 minutes the matriculation ceremony ends. Then the youngsters go back to their colleges, where they get suprised by older students (see the video below).