New College v Balliol College
Hello, I am applying to study Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford starting in 2025. I've been to the open day and the two colleges that I am stuck between are New College and Balliol College. Does anyone have an advice on how to pick between the two or any insider knowledge on the general social life, atmosphere, academic life, tutors at each college?
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
(edited 2 months ago)
Flip a coin. You are equally likely to be happy at either college, and approximately one in four offer holders is admitted by a college to which they did not apply.
Q1: Which is the best college in Oxford?
A1: The college from which you matriculate in the university.
Q2: Which is the worst college in Oxford?
A2: Every college which is not the college in A1.
Q1: Which is the best college in Oxford?
A1: The college from which you matriculate in the university.
Q2: Which is the worst college in Oxford?
A2: Every college which is not the college in A1.
(edited 2 months ago)
Whilst the above is somewhat true, it is also true that there is some significant financial disparity between colleges, and a bit of a difference in ‘vibe’. Both Balliol and New are older, wealthier colleges. New perhaps has a little of the cliquey private school social group, although this obviously changes with the yeargroup and might have gone away.
You can check the tutors for those subjects/the pages for this course on the college websites!
You can check the tutors for those subjects/the pages for this course on the college websites!
Original post by iive
Hello, I am applying to study Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford starting in 2025. I've been to the open day and the two colleges that I am stuck between are New College and Balliol College. Does anyone have an advice on how to pick between the two or any insider knowledge on the general social life, atmosphere, academic life, tutors at each college?
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
I would personally consult this first:
https://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/suggester/
Next, I would make a visit to Oxford and spend a short while at New, Balliol and any other colleges that may have matched your preferences and needs more than New and Balliol. Get a feel of what these colleges are like and what nearby amenities there are.
I personally would recommend giving St John’s some thought as it is very conveniently located, is incredibly rich and so has highly subsidised food and accommodation.
(edited 2 months ago)
Minor Oxford factoid: traditionally, New College is referred to as New College and not as New. New College is of course not the real name of the college.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Minor Oxford factoid: traditionally, New College is referred to as New College and not as New. New College is of course not the real name of the college.
True, it’s something like St Mary of Winchester’s college, if memory serves.
Because I can’t be asked to plonk the word “college” after it, I shall continue to be lazy and just call it “New” though.
Original post by iive
Hello, I am applying to study Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford starting in 2025. I've been to the open day and the two colleges that I am stuck between are New College and Balliol College. Does anyone have an advice on how to pick between the two or any insider knowledge on the general social life, atmosphere, academic life, tutors at each college?
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
Thank you for your help
Side Note: I would also be open to pitches for other colleges
(edited 2 months ago)
i'm worcester so my pitch is that worcester is the best college of all time (v pretty, everyone's very friendly, we have a whole lake, et cetera; we also have things like a fully funded opportunity to take up an instrument, which is super fun) but of balliol and new i'd lean balliol! everyone at balliol likes their college & it's a very fun place to be & they have a fun rivalry with trinity to boot! not that new is bad or anything, though, so honestly both are really lovely
I’m at New College (and study philosophy as part of PPE). There’s some truth to what elilast said about the cliquey private school element, though it’s certainly not overbearing or inescapable (so long as you don’t play rugby lol). In general, my experience has been very positive. I would say it’s a very fun, outgoing college but also very academic — definitely a work hard, play hard kind of vibe. One of the college’s biggest pluses (aside from it being absolutely gorgeous) is the accommodation, which is arguably of the overall highest standard of any college. The clear majority of rooms are en suite, and they’ve just built brand new third year accommodation, which means that you can now live in college for your entire degree.
New College is also a really strong college for philosophy, with great tutors (three philosophy fellows, which I reckon must be about the highest of any college). One of them is Volker Halbach, who’s the leading logician in the Oxford philosophy department, which might be of particular interest to a CS and phil student. My interests are more in moral philosophy, so I’ve been taught more by Stephen Mulhall, who’s also fantastic. The only thing to note in your specific case is that the college only admits CS and phil students sporadically, so it’s quite likely if you got in you’d be the only one — though there’d still of course be other computer science single honour students, and loads of others doing the other philosophy joint schools.
New College is also a really strong college for philosophy, with great tutors (three philosophy fellows, which I reckon must be about the highest of any college). One of them is Volker Halbach, who’s the leading logician in the Oxford philosophy department, which might be of particular interest to a CS and phil student. My interests are more in moral philosophy, so I’ve been taught more by Stephen Mulhall, who’s also fantastic. The only thing to note in your specific case is that the college only admits CS and phil students sporadically, so it’s quite likely if you got in you’d be the only one — though there’d still of course be other computer science single honour students, and loads of others doing the other philosophy joint schools.
Original post by TypicalNerd
I would personally consult this first:
https://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/suggester/
Next, I would make a visit to Oxford and spend a short while at New, Balliol and any other colleges that may have matched your preferences and needs more than New and Balliol. Get a feel of what these colleges are like and what nearby amenities there are.
I personally would recommend giving St John’s some thought as it is very conveniently located, is incredibly rich and so has highly subsidised food and accommodation.
https://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/suggester/
Next, I would make a visit to Oxford and spend a short while at New, Balliol and any other colleges that may have matched your preferences and needs more than New and Balliol. Get a feel of what these colleges are like and what nearby amenities there are.
I personally would recommend giving St John’s some thought as it is very conveniently located, is incredibly rich and so has highly subsidised food and accommodation.
St John's don't take Computer Science and Philosophy students unfortunately but thank you for the tips!
Original post by aaaaaaaaaa2006
i'm worcester so my pitch is that worcester is the best college of all time (v pretty, everyone's very friendly, we have a whole lake, et cetera; we also have things like a fully funded opportunity to take up an instrument, which is super fun) but of balliol and new i'd lean balliol! everyone at balliol likes their college & it's a very fun place to be & they have a fun rivalry with trinity to boot! not that new is bad or anything, though, so honestly both are really lovely
Worcester also doesn't do Computer Science and Philosophy but it does seem like a lovely college to live in from what I hear about it!
Original post by iive
St John's don't take Computer Science and Philosophy students unfortunately but thank you for the tips!
I see. Maybe the college suggester needs an update lol
Original post by sfp04
I’m at New College (and study philosophy as part of PPE). There’s some truth to what elilast said about the cliquey private school element, though it’s certainly not overbearing or inescapable (so long as you don’t play rugby lol). In general, my experience has been very positive. I would say it’s a very fun, outgoing college but also very academic — definitely a work hard, play hard kind of vibe. One of the college’s biggest pluses (aside from it being absolutely gorgeous) is the accommodation, which is arguably of the overall highest standard of any college. The clear majority of rooms are en suite, and they’ve just built brand new third year accommodation, which means that you can now live in college for your entire degree.
New College is also a really strong college for philosophy, with great tutors (three philosophy fellows, which I reckon must be about the highest of any college). One of them is Volker Halbach, who’s the leading logician in the Oxford philosophy department, which might be of particular interest to a CS and phil student. My interests are more in moral philosophy, so I’ve been taught more by Stephen Mulhall, who’s also fantastic. The only thing to note in your specific case is that the college only admits CS and phil students sporadically, so it’s quite likely if you got in you’d be the only one — though there’d still of course be other computer science single honour students, and loads of others doing the other philosophy joint schools.
New College is also a really strong college for philosophy, with great tutors (three philosophy fellows, which I reckon must be about the highest of any college). One of them is Volker Halbach, who’s the leading logician in the Oxford philosophy department, which might be of particular interest to a CS and phil student. My interests are more in moral philosophy, so I’ve been taught more by Stephen Mulhall, who’s also fantastic. The only thing to note in your specific case is that the college only admits CS and phil students sporadically, so it’s quite likely if you got in you’d be the only one — though there’d still of course be other computer science single honour students, and loads of others doing the other philosophy joint schools.
Yh, I saw that offer only 8 places between all the Computer Science and Maths Joint Schools and Single Honours and I did not really like those odds 😅. However other than that, I really do like the college and like you said the accommodation is great.
Side Note: Was Prof Volker Halbach the one who wrote an essay guide for Philosophy students? I used it as part of a philosophy competition that I entered, he seems like the type to challenge you a lot (productively-speaking)
Original post by TypicalNerd
I see. Maybe the college suggester needs an update lol
wait sorry nvm I just checked again on their website, weirdly enough they don't mention it under the Computer Science & Joint Schools page. It's just under the Philosophy one, I'll check the college out!
Original post by iive
Yh, I saw that offer only 8 places between all the Computer Science and Maths Joint Schools and Single Honours and I did not really like those odds 😅. However other than that, I really do like the college and like you said the accommodation is great.
Side Note: Was Prof Volker Halbach the one who wrote an essay guide for Philosophy students? I used it as part of a philosophy competition that I entered, he seems like the type to challenge you a lot (productively-speaking)
Side Note: Was Prof Volker Halbach the one who wrote an essay guide for Philosophy students? I used it as part of a philosophy competition that I entered, he seems like the type to challenge you a lot (productively-speaking)
Yes, he is! I’ve never been taught by Volker, but from what I’ve heard from others who have, that guide definitely reflects his overall style — he can be a bit intimidating at first, but, as you said, that kind of constructive challenging of opinions is what you want in a philosophy tutorial. Stephen is similar too, in his own way. But ultimately of course you’ll get great teaching at every college.
I went to NC but so long ago my opinion won’t matter. I’d agree with the others you will be happy at whichever college you end up at. The new Gradel Quad at New College does have the advantage that for 3rd years / returning 4th year Linguists etc they get a longer stay in college without being turfed out for conferences - something to think about when approaching Finals.
For the record I’m sure if I’d gone to Balliol I’d have loved that too.
With your choice of subject it seems you don’t have too many options anyway. Good luck with your application.
For the record I’m sure if I’d gone to Balliol I’d have loved that too.
With your choice of subject it seems you don’t have too many options anyway. Good luck with your application.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Oxford Colleges
- Balliol College 2022 applicants
- choosing oxford college for law?
- What Oxford college should I apply to for Chemistry?
- How to pick a college for the University of Oxford?
- Has anyone heard from new college oxford for history?
- Could you encumber my MBA offer on Balliol College on Fulbright Scholar Program
- oxford accomodation costs
- I'm still waiting for college placement (got offer in mid-Dec). Anyone else?
- which Oxford college is best for chemistry?
- Oxford Colleges
- Oxford College hurt/heal
- Balliol vs. St. Antony's
- Oxford University - Colleges by number of applicants
- Oxford college for PPE
- Law Interview at Oxford?
- Written Work Submission
- Chemistry at Oxford Uni
- Merton College- Is it really where fun goes to die?
- The Richest Colleges in Oxford University 2024 List
Latest
Trending
Last reply 10 hours ago
Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)Last reply 2 weeks ago
The fate of my Oxford applications is in the hands of my teacherLast reply 2 weeks ago
CMV: One should be allowed to apply to both Oxford and Camrbdige for undergrad
