Do master's students at Oxford care about colleges?
I know that colleges are important for undergraduates, but are they that important for master's students if you're not living in the college accommodations? I understand the facilities and so forth, but I’m more curious about whether it’s— for lack of a better term— restrictive. How do you meet people from different colleges? Is it hard? Are you able to go to events at other colleges (I know you can't attend formal dinners unless invited)? Can you attend other college events, or not?
Reply 1
You can socialise at other colleges and through your faculty. College life and university life are what you make of them.
Reply 2
Original post
by Stiffy ByngYou can socialise at other colleges and through your faculty. College life and university life are what you make of them.
Thank you! Yes, I thought that as well. I’m just curious because I’ve heard that making friends can be difficult and that life at Oxford is very college-based—at least from what my friend who went there for undergrad experienced. I was hoping to get some clarification on how it works for master’s students and how much college really matters
Reply 3
The college is important to undergraduates who are usually aged 18 or 19 when they start at Oxford and tend to bond on a college basis. As a graduate student you may be invited to cross-college seminars, and there are several university-wide clubs and activities. Some of the Faculties have common rooms for socialising. If you wish to participate more in the life of your college, you could volunteer as Sub-Dean (who deals with aspects of student discipline and welfare) or otherwise assist with student welfare.
Reply 4
I would say that while some Masters students socialise in their colleges, most find their social life is rooted in their department (or in extra curriculars, if you have a hobby or sport). College is not your academic centre as a graduate, and that makes a big difference. You can make college your focus by getting involved in your MCR, but it isn’t the default for graduates the way it is for undergraduates.
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