Harris Manchester College (Oxford) Students and Applicants

Can someone tell me why HMC is consistently ranked at the bottom of the Norrington table?

http://www.mattmayer.com/fun/norrington/

This isn't the most updated version but you get the idea.

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I am very curious! You would think given that the college is made up of mature students, the motivation level to succeed should be much higher....?

I wouldn't read too much into it. People are here because they choose to be here, not because university is just the automatic 'next step,' so people are pretty motivated, and don't see uni as just a place to mess around for 3-4 years as some fresh-out-of-school undergrads do.

The main reason I can think of is that the Norrington Table method skews toward colleges that have a large number of science students, since it's easier to get a First in sciences than it is in the humanities degrees. HMC is heavily weighted towards humanities degrees, with only a relatively tiny number of scientists. So we're put at a disadvantage in the Table immediately. The fact that we're also the smallest and poorest college may also have something to do with it.

But take the Norrington with a grain of salt. HMC's an excellent place to be, and going to a college that ranks low on the Table doesn't prevent you from getting a First. The amount of work you put in is more important.

Hi. Would someone mind letting me know... is all undergrad accommodation in "single rooms"? I had assumed it was, but looking on the HMC website, it talks (on the conference page) about some being "twin rooms". I don't particularly (IF I get a place!) wish to share a room!

Ta
mat

Could I just ask if the accommodation is very expensive at HMC? I've heard it's a lot more than other colleges.

It was approx. £4450 last year, so I am guessing it will be approx. the same this year. It is more expensive than at other colleges due to HMC being less wealthy... However, you do have your daily meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday-Friday, and brunch on Sundays) included in the price, so that's one thing less to worry about.

Thanks for replying so quickly. That is expensive but not too bad. Just one more question, I'm not sure if you'll be able to help but to anyone receiving the Oxford Opportunity Bursary could you tell me when it's paid-at the beginning of the academic year or later? Just for trying to work out budgets etc.

It tends to be paid towards the start of term: usually between the 2nd-4th week

Oh, that's good. Thanks

Thanks for replying so quickly. That is expensive but not too bad. Just one more question, I'm not sure if you'll be able to help but to anyone receiving the Oxford Opportunity Bursary could you tell me when it's paid-at the beginning of the academic year or later? Just for trying to work out budgets etc.

Does anyone know if it is common to have students in their mid-thirties at Harris Manchester?

Does anyone know if it is common to have students in their mid-thirties at Harris Manchester?