Choosing an Oxford College

In Catz' defence, the architecture is unique, not your standard characterless 60's concrete, and a lot of it is really quite pretty. Climbing plants and trees everywhere, a large fish pond, right on the river as said before, surrounded by meadows and a lovely walk through the marshes just to the north, away from tourists and very quiet... All this, and just a 5 min walk from the centre of town at most. It's central, but without the noise, smell, or cramped conditions. Even the bit of river our punts use is quieter and prettier (imho) than the bit the tourists frequent. Plus, it's about as non-posh as you could want. Catz was specifically founded to allow people who deserved it access to Oxford, regardless of background, and it keeps the reputation of being 'inclusive' even today. It's certainly as friendly and sociable as you could want

I'm afraid being an undergrad I don't know exactly what the postgrad accommodation is like, or the rent levels for you. We do have a high proportion of en suites though - even some first years get them - and I can't imagine you'd get one of the 'box' rooms without a sink. Rooms are airy, modern and bright, though I have to say sometimes too bright as the blinds don't shut out the morning light as effectively as I'd like... Food in hall is both good and cheap though, and the postgrads get a black tie dinner every week on a friday - we watch them with envy. If you don't mind mushrooms being in everything the cuisine is surprisingly varied, with a choice between informal and formal hall every day. (Formal hall isn't too formal - no need to dress up in gowns or anything). The chef has been known to experiment - the meal of kangaroo lasagne is legendary - but that's not always a bad thing. £3.50 for a 3 course meal is not to be sniffed at, under any circumstances.

As far as I can tell you with my one year's experience, Catz is a great choice. Far too many people go "modern buildings = not Oxford" and don't bother looking past the surface, but if it's a good environment you're looking for, Catz has it in spades.

Hi,
I'm an international applicant from Australia and have not had a chance to visit any of the colleges! (I vaguely remember driving through Oxford a few years ago on a trip to London haha, not very helpful, only recall stone buildings.) ANYWAY, I've somehow narrowed my list down to these:
Brasenose
Exeter
Magdalen
Merton
University
I'm not sure why but the last three seem to appeal a lot to me, and I don't know how to choose from this point in! If it helps I'm applying to study PPE.
If anyone has any suggestions/advice (not just for colleges!) please share! Thanks (:
Also, I've heard some colleges are more philosophy focused and such, is this true?! And if so, are any of mine? Wouldn't this sway the type of questions asked at interviews?! LOTS OF QUESTIONS, SORRY!

At the open day (at Merton) there was a guy who declared to me 'I am going to study PPE because that is what all Prime Ministers studied, obviously.' This guy also told me that Magdalen was obviously the best College besides Merton because it looks best and is most famous and is thus far superior - and anyone who pronounces Magdalen incorrectly must not be worthy of Oxford. Ahem from that anecdote you can probably tell which 2 colleges I'd rather not apply to now. Although I admire this guy's ambitions, of course.

Exeter and Brasenose were my favourites when I visited Oxford actually. They just seemed friendly, and the guy who showed me around at Brasenose was very lovely and helpful.

At the open day (at Merton) there was a guy who declared to me 'I am going to study PPE because that is what all Prime Ministers studied, obviously.' This guy also told me that Magdalen was obviously the best College besides Merton because it looks best and is most famous and is thus far superior - and anyone who pronounces Magdalen incorrectly must not be worthy of Oxford. Ahem from that anecdote you can probably tell which 2 colleges I'd rather not apply to now. Although I admire this guy's ambitions, of course.

Anyway I was rejected first time around so just wait for some actual students to reply next ^^;

I'm sorry I caused offence guys. That guy just really put me off when I was there, is all I was saying. I didn't like the atmosphere, compared to other Colleges. Obviously he doesn't represent Oxford or its Colleges and I am sure you have lovely people there.

For an American student applying to study Mathematics and Computer Science (fall 2012), which college might be best? I've sort of narrowed my choices to Merton, Worcester, or St. John's, but am open to any suggestions. Regarding CS, I am more interested in the math/theory side. Thanks.

For an American student applying to study Mathematics and Computer Science (fall 2012), which college might be best? I've sort of narrowed my choices to Merton, Worcester, or St. John's, but am open to any suggestions. Regarding CS, I am more interested in the math/theory side. Thanks.

Academically it doesn't make much/any difference at all

Just have to keep browsing the college websites to find things you like more about certain ones One thing you might be interested in, is that St John's is very close to the Computer Science department. However Merton is closer to the city centre. And Worcester is close to the train station. Although of course, this being Oxford, nothing is very far away!

Hi. I'm applying for physics and am going to have a look around a few tommorow.

Obviously I've done some research already but wondering if anyone could recommend me some which are good for physics? No preferences at this stage other than not being interested in the "super traditional" ones where people walk round in robes etc..

Hi,
I'm an international applicant from Australia and have not had a chance to visit any of the colleges! (I vaguely remember driving through Oxford a few years ago on a trip to London haha, not very helpful, only recall stone buildings.) ANYWAY, I've somehow narrowed my list down to these:
Brasenose
Exeter
Magdalen
Merton
University
I'm not sure why but the last three seem to appeal a lot to me, and I don't know how to choose from this point in! If it helps I'm applying to study PPE.
If anyone has any suggestions/advice (not just for colleges!) please share! Thanks (:
Also, I've heard some colleges are more philosophy focused and such, is this true?! And if so, are any of mine? Wouldn't this sway the type of questions asked at interviews?! LOTS OF QUESTIONS, SORRY!

"Robe" wearing won't really vary from college to college much. People wear gowns for specific reasons (i.e. formal hall or a couple academic things that don't happen very often), not for giggles.