Oriel or Merton?

I will be applying to read Law at Oxford this October. After many visits, and advice from friends and teachers who have been to Oxford I have chosen two Colleges that I really like the look of, Oriel and Merton. I really prefer the feel of Merton, but have been told some odd things, whereas Oriel I have only heard good things about. My experience when visiting both was positive. I have a couple of friends who are going to Oriel, which is encouraging. Does anyone have any experience of the two colleges? Could you provide any insight or recommendations?

Reply 1

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

What odd things have you been told about Merton? (In case it's something we on TSR can mythbust/troubleshoot for you!)

If you really prefer the feel of Merton, then you should go for it - though just keep in mind that around a quarter of Oxford students end up at a college they didn't originally apply to :yes:

Reply 2

Stiffy Byng

19

Merton has beautiful buildings and good food. Oriel has beautiful buildings and a reputation, which may or may not be deserved, of having politically conservative students (hence "Toriel"). If you like Merton, apply to Merton, and don't listen to tittle tattle. If the concern is that Merton expects its undergraduates to work hard, that is true of every Oxford college. Colleges also encourage undergraduates to make the most of the many sporting and cultural opportunities available to them at Oxford.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Original post by raffie226

I will be applying to read Law at Oxford this October. After many visits, and advice from friends and teachers who have been to Oxford I have chosen two Colleges that I really like the look of, Oriel and Merton. I really prefer the feel of Merton, but have been told some odd things, whereas Oriel I have only heard good things about. My experience when visiting both was positive. I have a couple of friends who are going to Oriel, which is encouraging. Does anyone have any experience of the two colleges? Could you provide any insight or recommendations?

Go for Merton if you prefer the feel of it. It's the more beautiful of the two, and the reputation isn't true!

Reply 4

thegeek888

18

Original post by raffie226

I will be applying to read Law at Oxford this October. After many visits, and advice from friends and teachers who have been to Oxford I have chosen two Colleges that I really like the look of, Oriel and Merton. I really prefer the feel of Merton, but have been told some odd things, whereas Oriel I have only heard good things about. My experience when visiting both was positive. I have a couple of friends who are going to Oriel, which is encouraging. Does anyone have any experience of the two colleges? Could you provide any insight or recommendations?

Merton is much more academic and there is alot of pressure on you to perform to the highest standards in your exams.

I would choose Oriel or even St. John's. 🙂

Reply 5

Stiffy Byng

19

Original post by thegeek888

Merton is much more academic and there is alot of pressure on you to perform to the highest standards in your exams.
I would choose Oriel or even St. John's. 🙂

Merton is no more academic than any other Oxford college. Undergraduates at Merton have the same opportunities for work and for fun as undergraduates do across the university.

Oriel or Merton?

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