Oxford College

Guide 2014
Applying for universities can be a very trying and stressful process. Youve done your
research and youve decided to apply to Oxford instead of The Other School (good for
you!) and you are now faced with a seemingly harder decision - what college should you
apply to? Is it that important to pick the right one for you? How do you even decide? This
guide, compiled lovingly by your Singapore seniors whove had the benefit of hindsight, is
here to hopefully make this decision an easier one.
In this guide, youll find some general information about the thought process you should
go through, as well as a collection of bits of information about each undergraduate
college, written by our members who are (or were) students there. These opinions may
not be representative of the general perception of each college but they will hopefully
give you some insight into the pros and cons of each college.
After youve narrowed down your choices, feel free to find out more about each college
by asking seniors. If you dont know anyone from the college you want to apply to, drop
an email to publicity@oumssa.org with your contact details and the college youre
interested in, and we will link you up with a Singaporean senior!
Unfortunately, we do not have members in all colleges so we will not be able to provide a
write-up for those colleges. Bear in mind as well that there are always two sides to a coin
and much to like at each college.
Happy Reading!
With Love,
OUMSSA
Disclaimer: the Oxford University Malaysian and Singapore Students Association
(OUMSSA) will not be responsible for any reliance on information provided in this guide.
Please take everything you read with a pinch of salt (:
About the Guide
2014
The collegiate system in Oxford is rather unique and may be hard to get used to. Essentially, the
university is made up of 38 independent self-governing colleges. Each college has its own management
and student-government, as well as its own campus and accommodation buildings (see map below)
As an Oxford student, you go to lectures at your subject faculties but you attend tutorials (small 2-3
student classes with your tutor) at various colleges, depending on where your tutor is. You will spend the
majority of your time in your college - accommodation is generally provided within the college for first
and final year students (colleges may have off-campus or on-campus residences for their second
years), and all colleges have catered meals in the dining hall. Most colleges also have their own libraries
and basic facilities such as gyms, function rooms and recreational rooms. In addition, most colleges also
have their own sports teams and clubs.
In other words, you will most likely sleep, eat and study with people from your college, and apart from
the very awesome friends youll make within the Singaporean community (which is very close) most of
your social circles will likely be from your college rather than your course.
What are colleges anyway?
20% of applicants make an open application - in other words, they decide not to choose a particular
college to apply to. If you do so, you are assigned at random (by computer) to a college, generally one
with fewer applicants that year, and your application is processed by that college and you are
interviewed at that college just as if you had applied specifically to it in the first place.
Making an open application does not decrease your chances of success - the college that youre
assigned to will not know that you made an open application, and will deliberate over your application
like any other applicant. There is some speculation that making an open application in fact increases
your chance of getting accepted into Oxford in general since youre most likely assigned to a college
with fewer applicants, but there is no evidence to support this.
Singaporeans here who have made open applications generally have mixed feelings about their choice.
Some are perfectly happy with the college that they end up at, and grow to love it. Others regret their
choice after they realize how much they value certain traits that are absent in their college - it may be
hard to imagine now but things like location and culture of a college can go a long way in shaping your
entire university experience.
So should you make an open application or not? Our advice is that if you really dont mind what college
you end up at, go for it. But if there are particular colleges that you do not want to end up at, dont take
the risk.
Should I apply open?
Location, location, location - When you have to spend 3-4 years of your life at a particular
college, location is paramount. Centrally located colleges are obviously more convenient but you may
have to tolerate higher noise levels and the occasional drunkard yelling at midnight, not to mention
hordes of tourists snapping pictures. Colleges further away may be more tranquil, but your social circles
may be more limited to those who share your postal code. Consider also how close to your faculty you want
to be, especially if you dont intend to cycle. During the cold seasons in Michaelmas/Hilary term lecture
attendance generally decreases ( ) Also think
about where you want to live in if your college requires you to live off-campus in your second year. Houses in
Cowley/Iffley (south-east of city centre) may be cheaper, but some say that the Jericho area (north-west) is a
safer neighbourhood.
Size - Do you want to be in a small, close-knit college where everyone knows everyone else? You
may be less likely to feel alone when everyone around is familiar, but you may not have the opportunity
to meet a great many people. On the other hand, larger colleges are likely to have better facilities and
are most likely better endowed, but it can get awkward when you dont know your batchmates' names
even after a few years.
Culture - While cultures vary from year to year, many colleges have distinct cultures. Some are very
sporty, some are very supportive of LGBTQ rights, some are very academically competitive and so on.
So what do you want to get out of your college experience? If you intend to focus mostly on your
studies, you may want to stay away from colleges that have a very strong partying/drinking culture or
you may have to endure loud drunken behavior when youre having an essay crisis. On the other hand,
if you don't perform well under pressure, you may want to choose a college thats more laid-back. That
being said, many colleges strike a balance between the two and its up to you to shape your own college
experience.
Accommodation - While youre likely to be guaranteed on-campus accommodation during your
first and final undergraduate years, accommodation arrangements vary greatly between colleges for the
intermediate year(s). Some colleges have on-campus housing for all undergraduates, some provide off-
campus housing (which may be far from the college), while others require certain students to move out
and source for their own properties. Living out can be stressful for some (having to sign a billion tenancy
agreements is not fun), but many enjoy the experience of having housemates and cooking for
themselves, as well as the added convenience of being able to leave your belongings in your house
over the vacation. The quality and price of accommodation vary across colleges - some offer large
ensuite rooms at decent rates, others charge exorbitant rents for less-than-satisfactory rooms.
Food - All colleges have catered meals in their own dining halls, but price and quality can differ quite
a bit. Not all colleges cater on weekends or everyday. If you intend to cook for yourself, consider if your
college has decent kitchen facilities and whether there are supermarkets such as Tesco or Sainsburys
nearby. There are many eateries in Oxford but they tend to be concentrated in certain areas. You may
also want to find out how frequent the college holds formals, which are 3-course dinner meals generally
requiring formal dress (or even the academic gown, sub fusc). While most colleges have formals or
guest nights once per week, some colleges hold it every single day.
What to consider
Location, location, location - When you have to spend 3-4 years of your life at a particular
college, location is paramount. Centrally located colleges are obviously more convenient but you may
have to tolerate higher noise levels and the occasional drunkard yelling at midnight, not to mention
hordes of tourists snapping pictures. Colleges further away may be more tranquil, but your social circles
may be more limited to those who share your postal code. Consider also how close to your faculty you want
to be, especially if you dont intend to cycle. During the cold seasons in Michaelmas/Hilary term lecture
attendance generally decreases ( ) Also think
about where you want to live in if your college requires you to live off-campus in your second year. Houses in
Cowley/Iffley (south-east of city centre) may be cheaper, but some say that the Jericho area (north-west) is a
safer neighbourhood.
Size - Do you want to be in a small, close-knit college where everyone knows everyone else? You
may be less likely to feel alone when everyone around is familiar, but you may not have the opportunity
to meet a great many people. On the other hand, larger colleges are likely to have better facilities and
are most likely better endowed, but it can get awkward when you dont know your batchmates' names
even after a few years.
Culture - While cultures vary from year to year, many colleges have distinct cultures. Some are very
sporty, some are very supportive of LGBTQ rights, some are very academically competitive and so on.
So what do you want to get out of your college experience? If you intend to focus mostly on your
studies, you may want to stay away from colleges that have a very strong partying/drinking culture or
you may have to endure loud drunken behavior when youre having an essay crisis. On the other hand,
if you don't perform well under pressure, you may want to choose a college thats more laid-back. That
being said, many colleges strike a balance between the two and its up to you to shape your own college
experience.
Accommodation - While youre likely to be guaranteed on-campus accommodation during your
first and final undergraduate years, accommodation arrangements vary greatly between colleges for the
intermediate year(s). Some colleges have on-campus housing for all undergraduates, some provide off-
campus housing (which may be far from the college), while others require certain students to move out
and source for their own properties. Living out can be stressful for some (having to sign a billion tenancy
agreements is not fun), but many enjoy the experience of having housemates and cooking for
themselves, as well as the added convenience of being able to leave your belongings in your house
over the vacation. The quality and price of accommodation vary across colleges - some offer large
ensuite rooms at decent rates, others charge exorbitant rents for less-than-satisfactory rooms.
Food - All colleges have catered meals in their own dining halls, but price and quality can differ quite
a bit. Not all colleges cater on weekends or everyday. If you intend to cook for yourself, consider if your
college has decent kitchen facilities and whether there are supermarkets such as Tesco or Sainsburys
nearby. There are many eateries in Oxford but they tend to be concentrated in certain areas. You may
also want to find out how frequent the college holds formals, which are 3-course dinner meals generally
requiring formal dress (or even the academic gown, sub fusc). While most colleges have formals or
guest nights once per week, some colleges hold it every single day.
Balliol
Brasenose
Christ Church
Corpus Christi
Exeter
Harris Manchester
Hertford
Jesus
Keble
Lady Margaret Hall
Lincoln
Magdalen
Mansfield
Merton
New
Oriel
Pembroke
Queens
Regents Park
St Anne's
St Catherine's
St Edmund Hall
St Hilda's
St Hugh's
St John's
St Peter's
Somerville
Trinity
University
Wadham
Worcester
Green Templeton
Kellogg
Linacre
Nuffield
St Anthony's
St Cross
Wolfson
College list and contacts
Zhang Yifan
Seah Ee Wei
Benjamin Teo
Aniq Ahsan
Matthew Chan
Nicholas Tan
Chester Chen
Sarah Toh
Minerva Lim
Tan Zhi Hao
Denise Lim
Marcus Lee
Loh Ping Shun
Theophilus Kwek
Rachel Tan
Esther Wong
Samantha Halim
Ruth Ng
Rebecca Chia
Nicole Mah
Kengyi Kwek
Shaun Tan
Hou Shi Hang
Wilfred Ngia
Shinny Woo
Wong Yong Sheng
Du Xuan
Glendon Goh
Eng Keat Hng
Weiran Zhang
Lim Chern Yuen
yifan.zhang@balliol.ox.ac.uk
ee.seah@bnc.ox.ac.uk
benjamin.teo@chch.ox.ac.uk
aniq.ahsan@ccc.ox.ac.uk
matthew.chan@exeter.ox.ac.uk
nicholas.tan@hmc.ox.ac.uk
chester.chen@hertford.ox.ac.uk
sarah.toh@jesus.ox.ac.uk
minerva.lim@keble.ox.ac.uk
zhihao.tan@lmh.ox.ac.uk
yi.lim@lincoln.ox.ac.uk
marcus.lee@magd.ox.ac.uk
ping.loh@mansfield.ox.ac.uk
theophilus.kwek@merton.ox.ac.uk
rachel.tan@new.ox.ac.uk
esther.wong@oriel.ox.ac.uk
samantha.halim@pmb.ox.ac.uk
ruth.ng@queens.ox.ac.uk
rebecca.chia@regents.ox.ac.uk
nicole.mah@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
keng.kwek@stcatz.ox.ac.uk
shaun.tan@seh.ox.ac.uk
shihang.hou@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk
wilfred.ngia@st-hughs.ox.ac.uk
shin.woo@sjc.ox.ac.uk
yongsheng.wong@spc.ox.ac.uk
xuan.du@some.ox.ac.uk
glendon.goh@trinity.ox.ac.uk
eng.hng@univ.ox.ac.uk
weiran.zhang@wadh.ox.ac.uk
chern.lim@worc.ox.ac.uk
College Guide 2014
Balliol is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford and turns 750 this year.
It's conveniently located, with Tesco and Sainsbury's across the
road and the city centre at its doorstep. The college is pretty large
with about 750 students who are laid-back and friendly. The porters
and staff are delightful and the college is very informal and collegiate
(heh). Balliol is left-wing and is known for Philosophy, Politics and
Economics, and has produced 3 UK Prime Ministers. The Junior
Common Room is very active - we're the only college where the
JCR runs the bar and a pantry.
Accommodation for the 1st/3rd years is on-site and at Jowett Walk
in 2nd year. Food is good and cheap. A one course lunch is 2.20,
2.75 for dinner. Formal is on Tuesdays and suits are needed but
not gowns. Balliol has the most expensive formal at 13.25 but the
food makes up for it.
Balliol
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5 (14.75-23.80 a night)
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 3
Brasenose
Brasenose is famous for having a weird name (true), being David
Camerons college (hyped), and being full of posh people (not true).
We rank among the top on the Norrington table and Law is our
strong suit we have the biggest cohort in the university. We have a
fantastic location with accommodation provided for your whole
degree. In 2nd/3rd year you might live in the Frewin Annexe, which
is still in the heart of the city. Its small enough so you know most
people in college, which is lovely.
Brasenostrils (haha) know how to have fun. There are free welfare
teas on Monday, movie screenings on Sundays etc. We have a
small but close knit international student population. You may find
yourself having more British friends which adds to the whole Oxford
experience!
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 4.5
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 3.5 (we have a law library)
College Guide 2014
Christ Church is one of Oxford's oldest colleges, and is known for
the filming of Harry Potter, and as where Alice in Wonderland is set
in. We have produced 13 British Prime Ministers, equal to that
produced by the rest of Oxford, and more than any Cambridge
college. The college is endowed with a well-stocked library and
other resources to meet your research, music or sporting needs, not
to mention an expansive Meadows to run around in.
Many rail about the quality of the hall food. (It is not as bad as you
may think). College accommodation does not have kitchens, and
everyone living in the college is automatically enrolled in the hall
dinner scheme. Nevertheless, this college has one of the largest and
most comfortable rooms and surroundings within Oxford.
Christ Church
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 4 (18.73 a night)
Atmosphere: 5
Library facilities: 5
Corpus Christi
Corpus is one of the smallest colleges in Oxford and has a
welcoming and tightly-knit community. Apart from a fairly serious
rowing team and drama society, Corpus supports less orthodox
interests some societies are dedicated to playing Werewolf (Brit
version of murderer), LAN-gaming, alternative ice hockey (ice
hockey without the skill), and watching films every Sunday night.
Corpus may not have the glamour or polish or some of the bigger
(and richer) colleges, but has it certainly has its own quirky charm.
In Corpus, classes are rigorous and you are more than welcome to
have extended chats with tutors about any specific interests; but for
most part the consensus seems to be that work is an obligation, not
a priority. I think were slightly above the average level of
achievement/effort in Oxford.
Hall food: 3.5 (cheap)
Accommodation: 3 (18.25 a night)
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 5 for classics, 3.5 for PPE
College Guide 2014
Come to Exeter if you want to experience Oxford in a cosy, central
and compact college with the city's best view of the Radcliffe
Camera. Our outsized chapel is one of the most beautiful in Oxford,
and is a lovely oasis of calm for all. We're envied for being right in
the middle of the Turl Street cluster of colleges, putting us in the
middle of town.
Famous alumni include Tolkien, Roger Bannister, Phillip Pullman-
and for anyone who might be esoterically interested in 19th century
geology, Charles Lyell. A warm and collegial environment, coupled
with there being only 90 undergraduates in each batch, means that
you'll probably know almost everyone by the end of freshers' year (a
big plus if you're an international student!). We also throw really
happening parties. JOIN US.
Exeter
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4.5
Harris Manchester
Harris Manchester may be thought of as that college for 40 year
olds, but in truth, HMC is no place for geriatrics. Were a college of
mature students, but most of us are aged around 21 24. Most of
us are past the age where drinking and partying are the only topics
on our minds, and youll find a rather unique sense of serenity unlike
any other here. We take our academics seriously, but we strike a
fine balance between being intense and stimulating.
Ask any OUMSSA member, and theyll probably tell you that theyve
been to a HMC formal, because of both the quality of our hall food
and its excellent value for money. Rooms are reasonably sized and
nice, and some resemble hotel rooms. And our library is top notch -
our collection is not large but our two librarians will move heaven
and earth to find you the resources you need.
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5 (only 1st/3rd year)
Atmosphere: 3 (depends on whether you want to meet people)
Library: 5
College Guide 2014
Hertford has a bridge. Which is about all there is to this small and
painfully homogenous Oxford College, other than the crowds of
tourists that flock to the bridge like flies (offering great opportunities
for photobombing). Its central location next to the Bodleian Library
(the main University library) is great for those weekly Tesco runs, as
well as most trips youll make to lecture theatres, libraries and labor-
atories.
Hertford guarantees accommodation for undergraduates in college
for all the years of their degree. Former students include: William
Tyndale, John Donne, Thomas Hobbes, Jonathan Swift. We also
have a cat called Simpkins.
Hertford
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
Jesus
Jesus is a small but sweet college in the centre of Oxford. It is one
of the richest in Oxford by per capita. It provides grants and prizes
for undergraduates, such as charity prizes, holiday travel grants etc.
Jesus has a wonderful location: it takes only 2 minutes to walk from
my room to the supermarkets, stores and fast food restaurants.
Jesus is also rather academically-inclined, and is especially strong
in Theology and the sciences.
One downside of Jesus College is the fact that the campus is rather
small, since its located in the city centre, and hence students might
need to move out to other college-owned accommodations in Oxford
in their second year. However, the college-owned accommodations
are generally quite near Science, Mathematics, Engineering and
Law faculties.
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 5 (19.75 a night)
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 3
College Guide 2014
Red bricks are distinctive of Keble and its impact on the colleges
aesthetics is debated. Keble has nice accommodation, a gorgeous
chapel, a 24-hour library, an expansive Junior Common Room with
a big TV screen and a pool table, unlimited storage for international
students during the holidays, and probably the largest dining hall in
all of Oxford that was almost chosen as the dining hall for Hogwarts.
Keble is about ten minutes walk from the city centre, but it is close
to University Parks, the Natural History Museum and good eating
places along North Parade Avenue.
Lunches are so-so and priced about 3, while dinners which are
almost always bad are about 5. Every dinner is a formal except
on Saturdays, but the frequency erodes the novelty and formality.
Keble
Hall food: 2
Accommodation: 4; (16-20 a night)
Atmosphere: 3
Library: 4
Lady Margaret Hall
You may hear innocuous queries as to whether we need a visa to
enter our college or if we are situated in Scotland. While LMH is
located out of the city centre, there are many perks that come along
with that. LMH has extensive grounds, barbeque pits, a boathouse,
beautiful gardens, tennis courts, and accommodation for all 3 years.
The university parks are literally at our doorstep, making it easy to
partake in weekend Singaporean games of frisbee and football.
LMH is one of the larger colleges, so it is rather happening. If you
prefer a quiet environment, there is always a beautiful corner in the
gardens that can serve as your private hideaway for a while. If you
use the path through the university parks you can admire the wintry
landscape in Hilary, or the flowers in bloom during Trinity, making
the walk quite delightful.
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Lincoln
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
Magdalen
Magdalen is one of the most beautiful, and intellectual, colleges in
Oxford. It is less rowdy than some other colleges, but not at all dull.
It is large enough for everyone to find their own niche, but small
enough that it is still cosy. One might say that Magdalen has
achieved a balance that shines through in all aspects of college life,
in its typically understated elegance.
The resources for students are plentiful. The library is well-stocked,
and the college maintains plentiful funds that students can tap on for
a variety of needs. Magdalen ensures that students get sufficient
contact time with tutors. The community is welcoming and warm.
The college itself hosts a number of social events for first years,
including President's Dinner and Dean's Dinner. Magdalen's famous
chapel and choir offer services regularly, and the Chaplain is very
personable.
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 5 (20.75 a night)
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 5 (with a law library)
Lincoln is fairly small, which makes things cozy. People are quite
friendly! We have 2 college bops a term. Accommodation quality
varies; all main college rooms have ensuite, but not Lincoln House,
which is opposite college. However, it is being renovated so all
rooms will have ensuite. The college is compact but fairly pretty. The
best thing about Lincoln is that its right in the middle of town.
Everyone gets 50 free printing and a 40% of reimbursement of
textbook expenses (up to 80) yearly. Students get 165 of meal
credit a term. There are no cooking facilities, unfortunately, until 3rd
year. There are 2 sittings of dinner to choose from every evening,
the latter being the formal sitting with gowns and candlelight. The
Lincoln library is among the most beautiful in Oxford and is next to
the Lincoln bell-tower, whose peals oft sweeten the evening air.
College Guide 2014
Mansfield is rather small so everyone knows one another, and its
easy to make friends if youre part of the clubbing scene, do sports
or join the Christian Union. The college features nice architecture
and is slightly further away from the city centre and tourists. Hall
food is decent but a tad pricey, and varied - a different menu is
featured every day. The library is wonderful and cozy and open
24/7. Accommodation is one of the cheapest and there are ensuite
rooms. There is also a building with a well-stocked kitchen.
Mansfield is also close to the engineering, science and law faculties.
On the downside, no vacation residence is provided and students
have to move out after 1st year. Were also one of the poorer
colleges so students do not enjoy many welfare benefits (no free
meals/book allowances etc). Theres also a rather strong clubbing
culture, which may be hard to get used to.
Mansfield
Hall food: 2
Accommodation: 3
Atmosphere: 3.5
Library: 5
Merton
Probably the best combination of age and quiet in the city centre:
Merton combines one of the richest historical records with expansive
views of Christchurch Meadow, and lends its name to one of the
prettiest lanes in town, parallel to High Street. Theres nothing not to
love a hugely accepting (but not huge) College family, WiFi on the
amazing lawns, the worlds oldest academic library in continual use,
incredibly cheap meals (4 for both formal/informal, College
members/guests), and bops running till 2am every other week
except for the small storage room for international students. But
thats alright, because you get to leave stuff in your room during the
holidays! In addition to the full range of Oxford-wide societies,
Merton has its own debating, history, music, sports, literature, (and
drinking) societies, and Oxfords best mixed chapel choir. Come with
an open mind, and youll find a College with open arms (:
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 5
College Guide 2014
New is a relatively large college that prides itself on a good work life
balance - people generally have loads of fun and still do pretty well
(we rank very high on the Norrington Table- if you take this as a
good gauge). The college grounds are gorgeous - Harry Potter was
filmed in our cloisters! Were also the only college to still have the
city wall running through it along with other things like a mound that
squeaks back at you when you clap at specific spots near it. The
world-renowned all-male choir sings in the chapel four times a week
with the services being open to the general public.
Facilities and accommodation are generally great with most first
year rooms having ensuites and fridges. The hall is currently under
renovation though and the food really isnt great. Probably one of the
worst things about college and easily avoided by going to nearby
shops and restaurants instead.
New
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 5 (22.20 a night)
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 5
Oriel
Oriel is a quaint, middle-sized college in the heart of town High
Street. For those who seek a bit of peace and quiet amidst the
hustle and bustle of Oxford, it offers the best of both worlds. 5
minutes on foot takes you to Cornmarket; Oriel is close to most
lectures and 5 minutes away from the Examination Schools (you will
realise its merits when you wake up late and find yourself
scrambling to get to your exams!)
For the past 35 years, Oriel has dominated the Oxford rowing scene,
winning the Easter Bump all but twice and the summer bumps races
more than any college. The community is small but incredibly
friendly, which makes rigorous academic terms much more
bearable. Whether it is playing croquet on the lawns on a sunny
summer afternoon or waking up to a snow-covered quad, Oriel is
enchantingly beautiful.
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Pembroke is a fun and welcoming community which does not take
itself too seriously. Everyone turns up in force and has a good time
together, whether its celebrating sports team successes, the end of
term, or just an ordinary college bop. College friends are genuinely
interested in your life and are very supportive of everyones
academic or extra-curricular pursuits. Tutors are both professional
and supportive, academically and pastorally.
Food is consistently disappointing and relatively expensive. The
library looks like something from a primary school but is well stocked
for most purposes. Accommodation is very good, but expensive.
You can live on college property all 3 years. Most 1st years are en-
suite.
Pembroke
Hall food: 2
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 3
The Queen's College
The college isn't exactly famous for anything specifically. We claim
among our alumni luminaries such as Jeremy Bentham and Rowan
Atkinson. They just know how to have fun as well. Queens gives out
music scholarships to a few students each year, so the music
societies are especially strong, with numerous concerts throughout
the year in the lovely chapel. There are many sports teams to
choose from, and most welcome even the greenest of players who
are keen to pick it up.
Youll get accommodation for all 3 years, though only a lucky few get
to stay in the nice rooms within the college itself. However, the off-s-
ite buildings arent bad, especially the hall down St. Aldates, which is
the only one with a kitchen (and, conveniently, a Tescos
downstairs). Also, Queens is just exceptionally pretty :)
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Regents takes in about 30 undergraduates each year, so it's really
cosy and friendly. The college is small but pretty. 1st year rooms are
spacious, though not ensuite. Accommodation is provided only in
your 1st and 3rd years, so youll have to live out in your second
year. We are slightly north of town; Tesco and Sainburys are close.
My only gripe is the noise level, given how compact college is, but a
good pair of earplugs should do the trick if you really need to work.
Food is good and reasonably priced, although sadly, meals are not
provided over the weekend. The library mostly stocks Theology
books, but I have never had a problem with getting core textbooks
from it. The upside to being a small college is that you have few
course-mates that you need to share the same textbooks with.
Regent's Park
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
St Anne's
St Annes is great if you want to make a genuine home for yourself
in Oxford. It is relatively young and aesthetically incongruous with
other colleges but it has much to offer. With 140-150 freshers
entering each year, the student community is large enough to be
dynamic but small enough to be cosy. The food is one of the best
and cheapest, and the dining hall is lively and welcoming. There is a
24/7 accessible library (with overnight book purchases possible), our
very own coffeeshop and guaranteed college accommodation for all
years.
The university parks and Jericho, with all its little cafes and pubs,
are both just 2 minutes away. Modern, open, unassuming and
exuberantly friendly, you are part of a community you can belong to,
and there is space for reinvention and redefinition each year; you
get to make your Oxford experience what you want it to be.
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library:
College Guide 2014
St. Catherines College, also known as St. Catz, establishes the
modern and open concept of an Oxford college. Having a modern
architecture and being the youngest college allow us to have the
vibrant, uniquely Catz atmosphere.
In terms of academics, Catz fares decently and places equal
emphasis on arts and sciences. The library is also well stocked and
very modern. The location might be a bit further away from the city
centre than desirable, but it is close to the English and Law faculties.
Accommodation is provided for all 3 years. If you are looking for a
chill-out, well-rounded, and sporty college, St. Catz might just be the
one.
St Catherine's
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 3.5
Library: 4
St Edmund Hall
Teddy Hall is famous for its strong party culture and because it's
quite small you can hear and see pretty much everything. They've
even managed to have a snowball fight indoors on the fourth
(highest) floor of the building. Sports is also a pretty big thing around
here. Pretty much all of the clubs/societies we have here are sports-
related but there are a few music-related ones too.
Food is quite alright, but sometimes repetitive and rather expensive.
Formal hall is really good, though. Definitely the best one I've been
to so far and I've gotten good reviews from everyone I've invited
over. Everyone has to pay 350+ each term for meals so most come
for meals and it's a good opportunity to socialize and all. The library
is reasonably well-stocked but it isnt massive so places can be quite
hard to find. The rooms are really old and have bad lighting.
Hall food: 3
Accommodation: 3 (22.06 a night)
Atmosphere: 3
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Unlike most other colleges in Oxford, you may step on the grass in
St Hildas. In fact, students are often spotted on the lawns studying
or playing. St Hilda's students can also punt to their hearts content
with the free punts available in college during Trinity Term. Its
proximity to Cowley implies that one will spend many evenings
choosing flavours in G&Ds, the famous ice cream cafe that is
Oxfords own, as well as the panoply of mouth-watering eateries
along Cowley Road, such as Oxford Grill and Atomic Burger.
This does not mean academics are undervalued. On the contrary,
the librarys popularity as a hangout is unparalleled since the first
week of Michaelmas (perhaps only rivaled by the JCR Bar on the
last day of every term when students drink the bar dry).
St Hilda's
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
St Hugh's
The worst thing about St Hugh's is not its distance from town centre
(a 25min walk) but rather the over-exaggerated same old jokes about
it. Most of us here have a bicycle and cycle to town in 5 - 10 mins.
The college is a welcoming and homely place, with high student
satisfaction. Well-kept lawns and gardens surround the college
buildings, and students are welcomed to walk, study and play games
on the lawns. Accommodation is available for all years. Quality of
rooms varies, but older rooms are being renovated. Hall food is
relatively cheap (3 for a meal) and generally better than at other
colleges, but lacking sometimes. There are well-equipped kitchens
available so you can cook too. The library is 24/7, well-stocked, and
useful for studying. There is also a new China Centre Building within
our grounds that will reportedly have a teahouse available for use!
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
There are quite a few perks about being part of the richest college:
annual academic grant, vacation grant and subsidised hall food and
college accommodation. Being centrally located, getting around is
pretty convenient, especially if youre a scientist who likes grocery
shopping. Formals are value for money, and are pretty good, though
quality varies. Sunday formals are better and the choir will even sing
grace. All rooms have a fridge and, for B grade and above, a sink.
For 1st years, some A grade rooms even have a separate living
area from the bedroom.
The atmosphere is quite studious, so expect a lot of work There are
events such as garden parties, free pizzas, international students
dinner and such throughout the year, and people are generally nice.
The library is very well-stocked! If you need a particular book you
can ask the librarian to add it (or buy it with your grant).
St John's
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 4.5 (14.28 a night)
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 3.5
St Peter's
St Peter's College is located in the heart of central Oxford. It is
known as a small, but very friendly and diverse college. Students
from St Peter's College are known to be outgoing and we generally
do very well in the sports and arts scenes. The 1st year rooms are
large, but not ensuite. Accommodation is provided for 1st and 3rd
years. The social hub of the college is the Junior Common Room
and our Junior Common Room is known to be one of the nicest in
Oxford.
The person gracing the photo is Navjeev, who is very 'up-there' -
both literally (he's standing on the roof in St Peter's in this shot) and
figuratively.
Hall food: 3.5
Accommodation: 3.5 (18.15 a night)
Atmosphere: 4.5
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Somerville is one of the more laid-back colleges - being situated
slightly north of city centre means that we're away from the hustle
and bustle. As a relatively new college, we're less of a stickler for
tradition so you won't have to endure long Latin speeches before
Formal hall dinner. You're allowed to walk on the grass, so during
Trinity term you'll see students lying around on the quad, pretending
to study while soaking in the warm sun.
Food is pretty good. It is pretty varied - you get the odd curry night
and burger night sometime. Asian food and rice appear a few times
every week, which is more than for some other colleges. Only
brunch is served on Sunday. The desserts, when they do appear,
are excellent, and you might find yourself giving into temptation once
too often. Oh and one last thing - might we just add that Somerville
ranks 1st in terms of student satisfaction :)
Somerville
Hall food: 5
Accommodation: 4 (18-22 a night)
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
Trinity
Right in the heart of Oxford stands Trinity, one of the few gated
Colleges in Oxford which has an open feel to it, and, more
importantly, allows tourists and students from other colleges to gaze
in awe of its vast lawns and spacious grounds. The student body is
relatively small which ensures almost everybody knows each other
in a close-knit community.
The College library is open 24-hours which is an immense benefit,
especially when the horrific essay-crisis strikes! The food served in
hall is by far one of the best in Oxford and since formal hall occurs 5
times a week, you are almost guaranteed a day to invite that special
someone over for a good meal. College accommodation is one of
the best in Oxford with every room containing a fridge. To maximize
your experience in Oxford, apply to Trinity :)
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
University is rumored to be the oldest college in Oxford. It is not very
big, but it is comfortable and friendly. Some notable alumni from
Univ include Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton and Percy Shelley.
Food in Univ is definitely above average and there is considerable
variety. Breakfast is great traditional English, and on weekends nice
brunch is served. Food is also cheaper than average. The quality of
accomodation you may get in your 1st year depends on your luck.
You may be assigned to a small room with simple furnishing, or a
spacious room with more chairs, a larger desk and warm sunshine.
Although in 2nd year room choice still depends on chance (your
choice priority is based on a ballot), rooms are definitely nicer - lucky
ones can even get a studio room with double bed.
University
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 4
Wadham
Wadham is a liberal and relaxed college known for its support for
minority communities, especially the LBGTQ community. The
college does not have regular formal dinners, but only guest dinners
that occur a few times every year. Accommodation is guaranteed for
1st and 3rd years.
Bops are held every fortnight, with two special events that every
Wadham fresher should know about - Queerfest & Wadstock.
Queerfest is a special bop in celebration of the LBGTQ community
held in Michaelmas, while Wadstock is 12 hours of live music in the
gardens in Trinity to celebrate spring *ahem*, and both events are
open to the public.
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 4
College Guide 2014
Worcester
College Guide 2014
Snuggled just to the west of the city centre, Worcester is like a
nature reserve. There are awesome grounds, a serene atmosphere,
our own lake and numerous outdoor sports facilities including a
football field. There is a strong CCA culture here.
Accommodation is guaranteed for at least three years of your
course. Our college is big, and one of the prettiest in Oxford. With a
rusty old bike, my life in Worcester is perfect. Cycling makes
travelling around Oxford extremely convenient. When I am bored I
just walk out of my room and into the tranquil college grounds that is
paradise. Despite the higher than average rent, rooms are big. Most
have ensuite bathrooms and kitchen access. Sadly, all signs of
Emma Watson ever studying here seem to have vanished.
Worcester
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 5 (21 a night)
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 3
College Guide 2014
GTC is the youngest college in Oxford, but is known as one of the
most vibrant graduate colleges. Central to the character of GTC is
the pursuit of an independent intellectual agenda, concentrating on
human welfare. The College is supportive of student-led initiatives
and offers many options for students to get involved in College
activities.
GTC is a relatively small and close-knit community. Most students
live on-site, which is convenient. Off-site accommodation is on St
Margarets Road and Observatory Street, or at Rewley Abbey Court
(RAC) behind the Said Business School. Rent at GTC is based on
room size and is very reasonable. Lunches are 3-4 and formals are
every Wednesday and Thursday, for 12.
Green Templeton
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 3
Kellogg
Kellogg is a graduate college and is one of Oxfords largest and
most international colleges. The college staff are very friendly and
responsive to the needs of international students. It has a mixture of
full- and part-time students, so you will get to know interesting
people from all walks of life (and who dont necessarily live in or
study at Oxford all year round) randomly on the college premises or
during formals. Due to its proximity to the Education Department, the
college also has many students doing various courses in Education.
Kellogg is situated in North Oxford, a few minutes walk from
Jericho, which is a popular hang-out place for Kellogg students.
Food is superb and fancy and accommodation is newly renovated, if
a bit far north, which are huge pluses, but they are a tad expensive
compared to other colleges. The library has a small, but growing,
collection on the topics of sustainable cities, architecture and history.
Hall food: 5
Accommodation: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Library: 1
College Guide 2014
Linacre is a modern graduate college. The community is very tight-
knit (more so than other grad colleges or mixed colleges where
there tends to be a separation between undergrads and postgrads).
On-site accommodation is guaranteed, so you are always with the
graduates. Food is good and cheap, and formals are great! Our
library is small and cozy, but you'll always find a place and it's open
24/7, great for pulling those all-nighters.
Linacre is a great place for those studying disciplines such as
Environmental Management, as we have a focus on such issues
here. Linacre bops (college parties) have been regarded as one of
the best in Oxford, especially our 'Sexy Sub-Fusc' bop in
Michaelmas term. If you're not too big about ancient architecture,
'pretentious' formal dinners, and Oxford traditions, then come to
Linacre where you'll make really great friends for life.
Linacre
Hall food: 4
Accommodation: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Library: 4
Nuffield
Write-up coming soon.
Hall food:
Accommodation:
Atmosphere:
Library:
College Guide 2014
Write-up coming soon.
St Anthony's
Hall food:
Accommodation:
Atmosphere:
Library:
St Cross
St Cross college is a lot like Singapore. It was established in 1965,
the same year we separated from Malaysia. Although St Cross is a
small college relative to its earlier predecessors, it enjoys the many
benefits of having a close-knit community. Like Singapore, St Cross
has excellent food - definitely a notch better than what one would
find in other colleges.
Accommodation, guaranteed only for first years, is provided at
several locations in Oxford, most of which are close to the city
centre. Additionally, the college's west quad building extension, to
be completed in about a year's time, will increase its housing
capacity by 50 en-suite bedrooms.
Hall food:
Accommodation:
Atmosphere:
Library:
College Guide 2014
Write-up coming soon.
Wolfson
Hall food:
Accommodation:
Atmosphere:
Library:
Credits
Thanks very much to the following people for contributing their
beautiful photographs of Oxford and their colleges:
Chern Yuen, Ee Wei, Elaine, Howard, John, Marie, Navjeev,
Ruidi, Sarah, Tag, Torsten, Wanting, Wei Jian, Yifan, Yu-Jia,
and Theophilus.
Thank you to everybody who contributed to the college guide,
especially the previous committee for preparing most of it. We
hope you find it useful and informative. We apologise for not
including every college in this version of the guide.
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