How to choose an Oxford College

Oxford has many colleges, and all of them are different. Whilst they are multidisciplinary, not all colleges offer all courses. From history to size, acceptance rates and ranking, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your college. 

In fact, you might even opt not to choose, because Oxford allows you to apply to one specific college or apply through an open application. However, there’s a lot to consider with this option too.

So, this article runs through everything you need to know about Oxford’s colleges, as well as how to choose one and how the Oxford college application system works. It’s important that you have all the information to hand when making a decision that could affect your chances of getting an offer and shape your time at Oxford.

Wondering why you should listen to us? Well, The Profs have proven themselves to be Oxbridge experts. We have plenty of team members who are Oxbridge alumni and/or have sat on Oxbridge admissions committees. 

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Content:

• How many Oxford colleges are there?
• Oxford colleges list
• How the Oxford College system works
• What to consider when choosing an Oxford College
• What are the prettiest Oxford colleges?
• What is the oldest college at Oxford?
• Which is the richest college at Oxford?
• Can you visit Oxford’s colleges & when are they open to the public?
• What different colleges offer
• Oxford College’s rankings: Which are the best Oxford colleges?
• Acceptance rate: Which Oxford colleges are easiest and hardest to get into?
• Enlist support from an Oxford admissions expert
• FAQs

How many Oxford colleges are there?

Oxford has over 30 colleges. So, you’re certainly spoilt for choice. It’s a luxury to have so many options but it can also be overwhelming. You might be wondering how to choose the perfect college for you or what the most diplomatic option is. 

Well, we can help you with this process. Let’s whiz through all the factors you should consider to reach a decision. Oh, and if you want to fast-track the decision-making process and make it super easy – contact our expert Oxbridge admissions team. Harness the expertise of The Profs to excel in your studies with our dedicated Tutors for University of Oxford students, paving the way for unparalleled academic and career growth.

Firstly, check out the list of Oxford colleges below.

Oxford colleges list

Here’s a list of all the colleges at Oxford:

• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen’s College
• Regent’s Park College
• St Anne’s College
• St Catherine’s College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda’s College
• St Hugh’s College
• St John’s College
• St Peter’s College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Please note that college options can differ depending on whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student. Oxford has one college page for undergraduates and one for postgraduates.

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How the Oxford College system works

You can choose a specific college to apply to or, if you don’t have a preference, you can join the 40% of students who make open applications. 

However, making an open application does not mean that your application is sent to all colleges. Oxford will assign you one and your application will be processed through this college alone. Therefore, an open application will not offer you a greater chance of being admitted. 

In fact, showing clear knowledge of a college as well as a keen interest in joining their community might give you a better chance as this will show you have genuine enthusiasm rather than handing in a generalised application. Oxford could also assign you the most competitive college for your course, so it might be better to take the reins yourself. 

Although, choosing a college does not guarantee you will be assigned to it. You might be assigned a different college than the one you selected as part of your application.

Colleges vary; some are recognised as the most prestigious for particular disciplines and have tighter acceptance rates. Similarly, some have larger student bodies and therefore can accept more students.

Unlike Cambridge, all of Oxford’s colleges have signed up to a Common Framework for admissions. This means that the same application process for your course applies at every college. Hence, Oxford claims that no college is easier or harder to get into.

Please note: Oxford has a system called ‘pooling’. The admissions tutor may send your application to other colleges if they think you’re a strong candidate but the college has filled its places or already has sufficient numbers of applicants from your subject area. So, you could receive an offer from a college that is different to the one you applied for.

The pooling process happens in December, allowing Admissions Tutors and Directors of Studies to review all pooled applications. Colleges needing more applicants in specific subjects can offer places based on these reviews without conducting further interviews.

Insider tip: Due to pooling, once you’ve completed your college interview on the interview day you could be sent for more interviews for different colleges. This could happen whether you’ve submitted an open application or not. Possible reasons for this are:

• Your college thinks you’re an excellent candidate and wants to show you off.
• Your college thinks you’re a very good applicant and wants to give you ample opportunity with more colleges than just this one.
• Your selected college thinks you might be better suited to another college.
• Your college is concerned that they have too many applicants from your course or generally.

The different reasons are endless. There’s no reason to stress – it could be a good thing! Similarly, if you aren’t asked to attend any interviews with alternate colleges to your selected one, this is not necessarily a bad thing. There’s no set algorithm to determine whether callbacks are a positive or negative sign. 

So, remain calm and optimistic and do your best. If you are not asked to go to another interview, go home, unwind, recharge, and stay hopeful. If you are, try to approach this as a great opportunity.

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What to consider when choosing an Oxford College

It’s a good idea to research Oxford’s colleges and decide which individual college you are most suited to. When choosing a college, be aware of the subjects your college offers as well as what departments it specialises in. Is this college suited to your academic and personal interests? Can it facilitate your goals? 

Here are some important considerations:

• Academic reputation: Consider the academic reputation of the college, including its performance in your chosen subject area and any particular strengths or specialisations.
• Size and community: Think about the size of the college and the type of community you prefer. Some colleges are larger and more diverse, while others are smaller and more intimate.
• Location: Consider the location of the college within Oxford, including its proximity to departments, libraries, and other facilities you may need.
• Accommodation: Look into the accommodation options offered by the college, including availability, quality, and cost.
• Facilities: Consider the facilities available at the college, such as libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and social spaces.
• Tutorial system: Investigate the tutorial system at the college, including the frequency and format of tutorials, and how it aligns with your learning preferences.
• Extracurricular activities: Explore the extracurricular activities available at the college, such as sports teams, societies, and cultural events.
• History and tradition: Consider the history and tradition of the college, including its architecture, famous alumni, and cultural heritage.
• Financial support: Look into the financial support available at the college, including scholarships, grants, and bursaries.
• Gut feeling: Trust your instincts and choose a college where you feel comfortable and at home.
• Network: Look at the fellows and academics associated with your college. These people are likely to interview you or teach you when studying at Oxford so picking a college with faculty members that align with your interests is a plus.
• Acceptance rates: While looking at acceptance rates by subject and college can provide insight, you are unlikely to be able to win a place as a weaker candidate by picking a college where the odds are more ‘in your favour’.

You will be able to select a college preference as part of your application, so you shouldn’t waste this opportunity. It could also demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in Oxford, have researched it, and are thinking ahead. Need help? Harness your potential and propel your educational journey with Admissions Tutors from The Profs, where expertise meets opportunity, leading to unparalleled career growth and flexibility.

More information on Oxford’s colleges can be found here.

Below are some popular questions about Oxford’s colleges that clearly guide decisions.

What are the prettiest Oxford colleges?

Oxford has many beautiful colleges. Here are a few that are particularly renowned:

• Magdalen College: Magdalen has immaculately kept lawns, stunning architecture, and an iconic tower that offers panoramic views of Oxford. Literary giants like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once called this college home.
• Balliol College: Balliol offers ancient charm, peaceful grounds and impressive architecture. Notable alumni include UK Prime Ministers and renowned authors.
• Christ Church College: Arguably the most iconic college in Oxford, Christ Church is a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance. Its famous dining hall has been featured in the Harry Potter films, and its iconic Tom Tower was designed by Christopher Wren.
• Worcester College: Worcester College offers picturesque gardens, mediaeval cottages, and a tranquil lake.
• All Souls College: While gaining admission may be a challenge, visitors can explore its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
• New College: New College has cinematic charm with its grand architecture and lush gardens. Don’t miss the opulent interiors of the college chapel and the iconic town wall running through the grounds.

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What is the oldest college at Oxford?

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, so it’s home to some of the oldest colleges on the globe.

University College, Balliol, and Merton hold the distinction of being among the earliest, with their foundations dating back to the mid-13th century, around 1249 to 1264. While the precise chronology and commencement of instruction for each remain subjects of debate, their historical significance is unquestionable. 

Following closely behind are Exeter College, established in 1314, and Oriel College, founded in 1326, both contributing to the rich tapestry of Oxford’s academic heritage.

Contrastingly, Reuben College is a college made for graduate students in 2019. Hence, Oxford has a mix of colleges spanning from the 13th century all the way beyond the 19th century and 20th century to the present!

Oxford states: “Oxford, and its university, have witnessed plague, the violent destruction of centuries-old abbeys and monasteries by the crown, the public execution of bishops by fire, the cannonballs of civil war – and, much more recently, the creation of the modern motor industry, which changed both the city and the world forever.”

Which is the richest college at Oxford? 

All of Oxford’s colleges are affluent. Among them, St John’s College is the wealthiest, boasting assets exceeding £790 million as of 2022. This staggering wealth is largely down to lucrative nineteenth-century suburban land development within the city of Oxford, where St John’s holds sway as the ground landlord. 

Following closely behind are Christ Church, valued at £512.9 million, and All Souls College, valued at £429.8 million. The Queen’s College and New College also stand as formidable entities, equating to £329.0 million and £287.0 million.

Can you visit Oxford’s colleges & when are they open to the public?

All of Oxford’s colleges are available to visit. 

However, some have particular visiting hours and/or days they’re open e.g. Mon to Fri between 10 AM and 5 PM. Some require an appointment or recommend calling in advance (like Green Templeton). New College has very specific hours and days it’s open, with a period falling between Easter to October, and October to easter.

A select few are only open to prospective students (like Hertford College). 

Many of the colleges are free to visit, however, some have charges ranging from £2 to £9.50.

Once you know which colleges you’d like to visit, you can check Oxford’s visitor page for specific information.

An optimum way to work out the right college for you is to attend Oxford’s open days where you can view the college and get a feel of it in person. You could even talk to existing students there.

You can also try taking virtual tours.

What different colleges offer

Firstly, the colleges depend on whether you’re an undergraduate or a postgraduate.

Secondly, all colleges offer different facilities, accommodation and meals, social and cultural activities, academic support, courses and location. The University of Oxford is made up of 39 colleges and 6 Permanent Private Halls (PPHs), which are similar to colleges. 

Oxford writes: “Colleges are academic communities, where students usually have their tutorials. Each one has its own dining hall, bar, common room and library, and lots of college groups and societies.”

For instance, Green Templeton College, catering to graduates, boasts on-site amenities such as tennis and squash courts, a multi-purpose gym building, and an active boat club at Longbridges. 

Similarly, Magdalen College provides a range of well-stocked libraries, including the Longwall Library, Law Library, Daubeny Library, McFarlane Library for specialist history texts, and the Old Library for rare books and manuscripts.

Moreover, Nuffield College offers support for student parents with access to three sponsored nursery places, available for matriculated students with children at the University’s nurseries.  

Many undergraduate colleges feature their own unique facilities, including theatre/performance spaces, multi-faith prayer rooms, choirs, orchestras, chapel music rooms, and boathouses. 

However, just because colleges have facilities does not necessarily mean they have space for you! It’s crucial to consider the availability of these facilities when selecting a college, especially if certain amenities, such as prayer spaces or gym facilities, are essential to your preferences and needs.

You can also have a look at Oxford’s clubs and societies.

You might also choose to trial your college of interest through a course rather than a visitation day. Colleges like Merton College and Christ Church offer introductory level Summer Schools.

Making the right choice could make or break your experience at Oxford University; your decision could also weigh heavily on whether you get an offer or not. So, ensure that you make the right choice and put your best foot forward. Command your academic journey and position yourself for career success with The Profs’ Oxbridge Admissions Tutors; their tailored expertise is your key to unparalleled achievement.

Oxford College’s rankings: Which are the best Oxford colleges?

We used the latest Norrington scores to rank the top 15 Oxford colleges that accept undergraduate students. Norrington scores are based exclusively on how students perform on their final exams.

1. Merton
2. Lincoln
3. Harris Manchester
4. Queen’s
5. St Peter’s
6. St Catherine’s
7. Wadham
8. St John’s
9. Somerville
10. Pembroke
11. Keble
12. Magdalen
13. Mansfield
14. New College
15. Brasenose

However, for student satisfaction, Reuben College scored number one in 2021. 

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Acceptance rate: Which Oxford colleges are easiest and hardest to get into?

In 2020, Nuffield College had the lowest acceptance rate at 5.9%, with only 346 applicants competing for 20 places. Nuffield is a graduate-only college, known for its strong focus on Social Sciences, Economics, and Public Policy. Its small size and highly specialised academic programmes make it one of the most competitive colleges at Oxford.

On the other end of the spectrum, Harris Manchester College had the highest acceptance rate at 18.9%, with 336 applicants competing for 63 places. Harris Manchester is unique among Oxford’s colleges in that it admits only students aged 21 and over, and has a strong focus on mature students and those with non-traditional academic backgrounds. Its relatively high acceptance rate reflects its commitment to widening access and promoting diversity among its student body.

Take a look at Oxford’s colleges listed below, along with their acceptance rates and number of applicants (2020):

Acceptance rates can vary from year to year and by subject; these figures are just a general indication of the acceptance rates for each college at the University of Oxford. 

It’s worth noting that acceptance rates shouldn’t be the only factor to consider when choosing a college. Each college has its own unique culture, facilities, and resources, and it’s important to choose a college that feels like the right fit for you. Applicants should research the different colleges and their strengths, and consider factors such as location, accommodation, academic programmes, campus culture, and extracurricular activities when making their decision.

Enlist support from an Oxford admissions expert

Understand your options. Talk to one of our experts about Oxford’s different colleges. Our experienced Oxbridge admissions consultants have insider knowledge; they can shed light on what colleges are the best fit for your needs, skills and interests. 

The admissions process doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or stressful. It can be super simple with our tailored guidance.

Better yet, enlist support from one of our seasoned professionals to help you secure your offer! As everyone knows, Oxford is extremely competitive. Hence, getting an offer is never smooth sailing. Luckily for you, however, it’s our forte. 

55% of our students get Oxbridge offers, that’s 3x the national average!

If you need help nailing your A levels and meeting Oxford’s entry requirements, or doing your absolute best in the admissions process, The Profs are here to help. We can guide you through getting top grades, writing an excellent personal statement, and even delivering a fantastic interview. The Profs can help you stand out to the admissions committee as well as continue to support you academically once you become an Oxford student. Navigate your educational journey towards unparalleled success by partnering with expert Tutors from The Profs.

FAQs

Which Oxford colleges are female-only?

Some of the female-only colleges at Oxford University used to include Lady Margaret Hall, Somerville College, St. Hilda’s College, and St. Hugh’s College. However, all are now co-ed.

Originally, Oxford and Cambridge offered female-only colleges. Now, only Cambridge does.

Which Oxford colleges offer accommodation for three years?

Several Oxford colleges provide accommodation for the entire duration of an undergraduate degree, typically three years. Examples include Balliol College, Exeter College, Keble College, St. John’s College, and University College.

Which Oxford colleges offer my course?

Oxford University offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. To determine which colleges offer a specific course, applicants should consult the Oxford University website or contact the admissions office of the respective department for guidance.

Research what departments of the university have relationships with what colleges. Ensure you choose a college that offers your course and has a good relationship with your desired department.

Which Oxford colleges can you visit?

All Oxford colleges are open to visitors and/or prospective students during specified hours, allowing individuals to explore their historic buildings, gardens, and facilities. Popular colleges for visitors include Christ Church, Magdalen College, New College, and St. John’s College.

Is there a map of Oxford’s colleges?

Visitors to Oxford can find maps of the colleges online or obtain them from tourist information centres in the city. These maps typically highlight the locations of various colleges, landmarks, and points of interest, facilitating navigation and exploration of Oxford’s historic university precincts. Oxford also provides an online map here.

Can all Oxford students use the Bodleian libraries?

Yes. If you are enrolled as a student, employed as a staff member, or designated as an affiliated academic visitor at the University of Oxford, you will receive automatic access to the Bodleian Libraries upon joining the institution.