The Student Room Group

Keble College

Hey, I'm applying Oxford this year and wanted the low down on Keble. Not a lot tends to be said about it, as far as I can see. I know its very pro-state school students (which bodes well for me!). Some colleges have reputations for being ultra conservative (deserved or not) such as Oriel and ChCh, and other extremely liberal like Wadham. Where does Keble tend to lie in the spectrum?

I went on the Sutton Trust last year and absolutely loved Keble, very different from the older colleges, seemed very warm and welcoming but evidently a two hour dinner after all the students have gone home for summer is hardly indicative of a college's true character. I'm looking to do English, not that that makes any particular difference.

Any info would be much appreciated, especially if you actually go Keble.

Steve

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Reply 1
Keble's grrrrr8! go for it. everyone's really nice n friendly, its a really good college for getting to know ppl. If there're any specific questions let me know. all i cn really think t say about it at the mo is its just amazin!
Keble is indeed pro-state schools, and is quite liberal (maybe not as much as Wadham & other modern colleges). I have seen the English undergrads being involved in drama.
The accommodation is quite good- spacious rooms, often with en suite bathrooms. Not sure about heating though. Have some balls/bops- which they aren't particularly renowned for.
Reply 3
thank you!!! I loved Keble, it just looked so nice and different from the other colleges. Also when we went there we were taken a really long way round, so i perceived it to be quite out of the way, which of course it is not, just behind St. John's. It's funny that it only has, on average 3 applicants per place for English, would have thought it would have more.

Does it have any particular reputations, academic or otherwise? I heard it was quite esteemed for law?
There are short cuts to reach Keble quicker and the English department is a 5-10 min walk from the college. Particular reputations- 2 of the blues rugby team are from Keble, not sure of other sports; has quite a huge library. They have some famous Fellows (such as HoD of Engineering). You can get more info from: www.keble.ox.ac.uk
They aren't very generous with funding though :frown:
Btw, the chapel has a very famous masterpiece. :smile:
Reply 5
Yea i've been on their website, thought it was a bit crappy to be fair compared to some of the others. I would have thought with trying to attract state school students that they'd be very generous with funding. Anyways, thanks for your answers, appreciate them, pretty sure I'm selecting Keble.

Steve
I was talking about funding in general- I am sure there might be bursaries. I might be meeting some people from Keble tomorrow, so will definitely ask your questions!
Reply 7
I don't have to say anything beyond what has already been said, but I'll have more to say soon. I'm starting at Keble in October, reading Law. Any other Keble freshers out there?
Reply 8
Polemos
I don't have to say anything beyond what has already been said, but I'll have more to say soon. I'm starting at Keble in October, reading Law. Any other Keble freshers out there?


Who are your parents?
Reply 9
Polemos
Any other Keble freshers out there?

One here - hello! Maths & CS for me.
Reply 10
GoodNews
Who are your parents?


Naomi, a Biologist, and Daniel, a Lawyer... I emailed them but haven't heard back =/

I'm doing Law.
Are we meant to email our college parents. I havent emailed mine yet
Reply 12
_mad_moo_
Are we meant to email our college parents. I havent emailed mine yet


I don't think you have to, I emailed mine though as I didn't want them to feel left out and most people seemed to be emailing. They didn't mind either, in fact they were happy to have gotten them :smile: .
Reply 13
How far is Keble from the Bodley?
Reply 14
katebush
How far is Keble from the Bodley? I'll be living on the same road-ish...


Yes - if you are living in Lincoln's accomodation near the science area it sounds like you will be in one of the Museum Road places - I think that's all we've got up there?
Basically it's straight down the road to the Rad Cam - maybe 300m? although I'm not a good judge of distance. Probably takes me 5 mins to walk it. There is normal pavement all the way down until you get to the actual square which is cobbled, and you only have to cross one road I think (and there are traffic lights there).
Reply 15
katebush
How far is Keble from the Bodley? I'll be living on the same road-ish...


5 minutes to the Bodleian, 2 minutes to the RSL (the science equivalent of the Bodleian).
Does Keble give book grants, please?
Polemos
Naomi, a Biologist, and Daniel, a Lawyer... I emailed them but haven't heard back =/

I'm doing Law.


Ah, I know Daniel through the thespy scene. He's in a lot of plays. Dont know him very well or anything but he seems like a very nice guy.

Keble generally seems to be a very friendly place, very bubbly with something for everyone. And the freshers accomodation seems to really help with that, cos there are a bunch of staircases across one building housing around 20 freshers each, who all seem to know each other and get on very well - one staircase were even intending to have a t shirt printed for themselves!
LondonSteve181
thank you!!! I loved Keble, it just looked so nice and different from the other colleges. Also when we went there we were taken a really long way round, so i perceived it to be quite out of the way, which of course it is not, just behind St. John's. It's funny that it only has, on average 3 applicants per place for English, would have thought it would have more.

Does it have any particular reputations, academic or otherwise? I heard it was quite esteemed for law?


I think sciences are its main forte. Mainly cos its right next ot the science area so it attracts them. :wink: Mind you I would say that wouldn't I :rolleyes: . Its a really good college. Accomodation wise the old bit is ok (with the staircases) but I personally prefer the 70s Hayward quad. Much more spacious and you get your own full size fridge! The only slight problem is its one bathroom between 2 but I have never found it to be a problem. Oh yeah... and its cheaper than en-suite too :rolleyes: :smile:

Oh we also have the longest hall in Oxford (by about 6 inches :rolleyes: ). All in all Id highly recommend it to anyone :p: :biggrin:
Reply 19
How formal are the formal halls at Keble?

I know you have to wear your gown six times a week, but what about underneath? Do most people wear a suit/smart?