Hi, I’m a current student at Oxford. I’m not at LMH or Queens, but will do my best to help.
To start, try not to worry too much about which college is “easier” to get into. I believe the University used to publish data online (I’m not sure if they still do) stating the % of applicants accepted into their first choice college per college. For the majority of colleges they fluctuate year-on-year, making it hard to predict which college will have fewer applicants in a given year. Even if you did predict correctly, it wouldn’t help you. If your college is oversubscribed but they believe you should still be offered a place, they will pool you to a different college. All colleges would rather accept a strong pooled applicant than a weaker applicant who applied to them directly.
In terms of student numbers, there are 6 people doing maths in my year at my college (St Hugh’s). I’d expect a similar size at LMH and Queens.
The college decision should come down to which one you like the most! Have a read here:
www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Oxford_College_Pros_and_ConsI completely recommend you come to the September open day if you can as it is the best way to decide which college you like the most. Sometimes the decision comes down to which one “feels” better.
Here’s my opinion:
- LMH is further from the city centre than most colleges, but it is not inconvenient at all! I say this as someone who lives even further away. It is far by Oxford standards, but still only a 20 min walk from the centre; even less to the maths faculty. I completely recommend investing in a bike, it makes the distance seem like nothing!
- LMH and Queens both offer you accommodation for the whole course - this is a huge advantage of both that cannot be understated! In LMH all of the rooms are on the main college site, in Queens some are in seperate buildings. These are still only a 5 min walk away though.
- LMH is slightly larger in terms of student population than Queens. Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends entirely on your preference. Personally I enjoy a larger college as there are more people to meet.
- Queens is your classic traditional Oxford college, with two quads (rectangular grass lawns), sandstone buildings and a prominent position on the High Street. LMH has brick buildings and large gardens + meadows.
- Queens is in a much more central position, making shopping etc more convienent. As said before though, the distance shouldn’t put you off LMH too much.
Hope this helps. Remember that you will be doing the same problem sheets, attending the same lectures and sitting the same exams as other people, regardless of college. Good luck with your application!