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Oxford College Suggestions!

Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)

Reply 1

Wadham (my college so biased) fits your criteria pretty well!! However it doesn't have ensuites for 1st years (unless you have a medical reason) and it is on the larger side.

BUT it does have weekly BOPs, very progressive, amazing library and a lovely community feel :smile:

Reply 2

Original post
by avaaaa2
Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)
Go for Wadham College, Oxford then. 😉

Reply 3

A bit late, but Christ Church has guaranteed en-suite bathrooms, a reputation for diversity (I’m not sure how true it is because I haven’t arrived yet, but I’ve defo seen a good few South Asians on GCs), and the college library should be open 8am-1am most days!

Reply 4

Original post
by avaaaa2
Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)


my only experience is based off an open day’s fading knowledge but I’ll give what i remembered about Lincoln (where im applying for)-it’s a small college, it’s had an award for being green iirc (which may align with you wanting a progressive perspective) the library’s not open 24/7 though-it’s from 6am to 11pm for 9 weeks than 6am to 2am. it’s a mix of en-suite and shared bathrooms too, but I believe you get guaranteed accommodation every year

Reply 5

Original post
by avaaaa2
Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)
St. John's, Jesus and Hertford might be worth considering perhaps? 🙂

Also, don't forget to check out: "The Oxford University Alternative Prospectus." 😉

College Suggester - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

Original post
by avaaaa2
Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)

I'm a Brasenose alumna - had a great time and would happily promote Brasenose to everyone.

I will say that while BNC ticks the boxes for 24/7 library, smaller size, good hall food (caveat that I attended quite some time ago so can't vouch for current standards) and chill/ friendly/ social, it has relatively few ensuites. If this is a priority for you, I suggest that you check the student union's alternative prospectus (https://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/compare/ensuites/biology/) and pick a different college (e.g. Worcester).

Reply 7

i’m applying to brasenose bio this year! would be interested to know if u have decided on brasenose too? :smile:

Reply 8

Original post
by avaaaa2
Hi There!
With the deadline coming up fast for Oxbridge applications, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing which college to apply for at Oxford. I am applying for biology, would prefer a 24/7 library, smaller size, ensuites available and good hall food, and less importantly than those previously mentioned a thriving bar/social area. I have done lots of research but keep seeing mixed reviews on every college i like the look of. Right now my top pick is Brasenose or Jesus. Also, I would love a less political culture (more chilled out) with a progressive view eg on feminism, LGBTQ etc.
Sorry I know this is a lot, and I apologise if I sound very picky and ignorant !
I would really appreciate any recommendations!
:smile:
(undergrad, currently in yr13)

Hiya Ava, i also struggled when I was making my application this year, attempting end of the day you may not be assigned to either of them so it's not too crazy.

From what I've seen and heard I'd apply to Jesus as it is more liberal in it's views than that of Brasenose (not saying brasenose isn't liberal) But I think brasenose is smaller than that of Jesus.

Best of luck!!!
I've applied to worcester btw

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