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Oxford college formals? (St Anne's)

Hey,
I've just received my IB results and am proud to say that I have achieved my Oxford offer!! I'm trying to work out what stuff I need to buy - namely formal wear and would like some help please...
So first of all what are the type of formal clothes and gowns and stuff needed for the matriculation and is that what is also worn for exams?
Secondly, how formal is formal hall? I realise this differs for each college and I'm going to be in St Anne's, where they seem to be less frequent compared to other colleges, so would they be quite formal? (but at the same time aren't they a more modern college??) My mother is all excited and has eagerly bought me quite a few long dresses (prom style in the sales) - is that too much or do people tend to wear shorter dresses??
I'm sorry this is quite a long post because really I have no clue what to expect, but any information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you all in advance,
Mel xxx
Original post by MelanieB
Hey,
I've just received my IB results and am proud to say that I have achieved my Oxford offer!! I'm trying to work out what stuff I need to buy - namely formal wear and would like some help please...
So first of all what are the type of formal clothes and gowns and stuff needed for the matriculation and is that what is also worn for exams?
Secondly, how formal is formal hall? I realise this differs for each college and I'm going to be in St Anne's, where they seem to be less frequent compared to other colleges, so would they be quite formal? (but at the same time aren't they a more modern college??) My mother is all excited and has eagerly bought me quite a few long dresses (prom style in the sales) - is that too much or do people tend to wear shorter dresses??
I'm sorry this is quite a long post because really I have no clue what to expect, but any information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you all in advance,
Mel xxx


For matriculation and exams you'll need to wear subfusc. The official regulations defining what this is can be found here. Most of that stuff you can easily get before coming to Oxford but the more 'specialist' items (gowns and caps/mortarboards) you can buy in Oxford when you get there. There's plenty of time to do that and that's what most people do. There are a couple of shops that sell these items to undergraduates which you'll be told about in the welcome emails closer to the time but one of them is Shephard and Woodward who sell all of the subfusc-specific things for a very decent price and you can just walk in some time before matriculation and get them (you'll have time).

Honestly formal isn't really my thing so I've not been to one in a while, however, whilst it's true that St. Anne's formal is less formal than most other colleges in that you don't have to wear a gown, people do still dress up and walking past hall it looks like they take it seriously. Honestly I can't really give any more helpful advice other than that but you'll be put in contact with your college parent/s near the end of August (probably) who will hopefully be able to give you some more useful advice! Also whilst formal hall is technically fortnightly there are quite a few charity formals from time to time so it's actually slightly more than that.

Anyway, sorry that I couldn't have been of more help but well done for getting your offer and welcome to St. Anne's! What subject are you doing?
(edited 7 years ago)
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MelanieB
OP
Ooh no that was very helpful thanks! I really want to go and buy the subfusc right now...
I'm going to be doing Materials Science - what are you reading and what year are you in??
Original post by MelanieB
Ooh no that was very helpful thanks! I really want to go and buy the subfusc right now...
I'm going to be doing Materials Science - what are you reading and what year are you in??


Earth Sciences, I'm in the year above you (going into my second year). Materials Science is a great choice, if I couldn't be doing Earth Sciences then I would have gone for Materials :smile:
Original post by MelanieB
Hey,
I've just received my IB results and am proud to say that I have achieved my Oxford offer!! I'm trying to work out what stuff I need to buy - namely formal wear and would like some help please...
So first of all what are the type of formal clothes and gowns and stuff needed for the matriculation and is that what is also worn for exams?
Secondly, how formal is formal hall? I realise this differs for each college and I'm going to be in St Anne's, where they seem to be less frequent compared to other colleges, so would they be quite formal? (but at the same time aren't they a more modern college??) My mother is all excited and has eagerly bought me quite a few long dresses (prom style in the sales) - is that too much or do people tend to wear shorter dresses??
I'm sorry this is quite a long post because really I have no clue what to expect, but any information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you all in advance,
Mel xxx


Congratulations on achieving your grades! IB students have to wait about six weeks until the main confirmation exercise takes place mid-August. St Anne's should send you a pre-arrival pack, including a welcome letter from current students. There should also be a St Anne's 2016 Freshers page on Facebook run by their JCR (Junior Common Room) to post queries. We would suggest hanging on a bit before buying lots of stuff - you'll still have about a month and a half to prepare.

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