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Choosing an Oxford College

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Reply 2540
Avatar for diddums
diddums
Im not at new, but I have a soft spot for it. It is really a very beautiful college and the people seem very down to earth. I do think it seems to take the best of both worlds.
I would say go for New
Reply 2541
Avatar for Elisir
Elisir
Hello there,
I need some help in choosing a college, so anyone out there who actually went to Oxford, please help!

I'm intending on studying Classics II.
I'd like an older college, with a lot of outdoor space, and I kind of really want my own bathroom...

Anyway, so far I'm gravitating towards Magdalen and Trinity, which is the best option? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
:smile:
try here: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=85158
Reply 2543
Avatar for Oglogski
Oglogski
Visit them. (as long as they offer the course you wish to study) It really doesn't matter and is purely personal opinion as they all have their "pros and cons" (see the page), and asking a question of this ilk on here will only give personal opinions.

As for Trinity and Magdalen, my limited knowledge says that they seem to be very pretty colleges, Magdalen quite big and Trinity more moderate. But I haven't been to Oxford and plan to do so this summer; with this most likely being the best advice anyone can give. If this is not possible check the websites/the college threads on here etc.



Good luck!
Original post by Elisir
Hello there,
I need some help in choosing a college, so anyone out there who actually went to Oxford, please help!

I'm intending on studying Classics II.
I'd like an older college, with a lot of outdoor space, and I kind of really want my own bathroom...

Anyway, so far I'm gravitating towards Magdalen and Trinity, which is the best option? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
:smile:


One thing you may find a problem is the fact you want an old college but also want a bathroom. I found that most of the old colleges don't have very good bathroom ratios, presumably because when they built the buildings centuries ago they weren't really that bothered about making sure every room had an ensuite. Most of the older colleges do have newer parts that have ensuites though, but the amount of newer accommodation is different at each college. To be honest, that's part of the reason I chose Worcester: it has a really nice and old main quad, but it also has a lot of modern accommodation so it has one of the highest ensuite bathroom and kitchen percentages.

If you haven't seen it already, it's probably worth having a read through the colleges section of the Alternative Prospectus, which you can find here: http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1w0fw/TheOxfordUniversityA/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffree.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F491671%2FThe-Oxford-University-Alternative-Prospectus-2012-2014%3Frefid%3D106862
Worcester sounds like it could fit the bill. Like others have said though, go and visit Magdalen and Trinity. You might just click with one of them :yes:
Do smaller colleges like Corpus Christi or Oriel truly feel that much cosier? Corpus Christi has like 300 undergrads whereas most colleges have something around 450, but 300 is still quite a large number and one-and-a-half times my entire 6th form - and I definitely do not know everyone in my grade.
Original post by Elisir
Hello there,
I need some help in choosing a college, so anyone out there who actually went to Oxford, please help!

I'm intending on studying Classics II.
I'd like an older college, with a lot of outdoor space, and I kind of really want my own bathroom...

Anyway, so far I'm gravitating towards Magdalen and Trinity, which is the best option? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
:smile:


I know that New has a lot of ensuites. One of the oldest colleges and is pretty huge. Most of the older colleges don't really have many ensuites though.
Original post by Aeonstorm
Do smaller colleges like Corpus Christi or Oriel truly feel that much cosier? Corpus Christi has like 300 undergrads whereas most colleges have something around 450, but 300 is still quite a large number and one-and-a-half times my entire 6th form - and I definitely do not know everyone in my grade.


I believe that Trinity has one of the smallest number of undergrads...

They only have 400 students overall - undergrads and grads inclusive.
Original post by Oxymoroner
I believe that Trinity has one of the smallest number of undergrads...

They only have 400 students overall - undergrads and grads inclusive.


Trinity has about 300 undergrads according to the official and alternative prospectives, but some colleges like Corpus Christi and Merton have fewer. I guess my question is whether the college atmosphere is significantly different between a large college like Christ Church with 450 undergrads and something like Merton with 270. Both of these appeal to me so size will probably play a factor in deciding which to apply to.
Nobody gets an ensuite in first year at Magdalen, if that'll affect your decision.
Good to know, I need to remember to check out ensuite options sometime.
Reply 2552
Avatar for Elisir
Elisir
Original post by discombobulator
Nobody gets an ensuite in first year at Magdalen, if that'll affect your decision.


Really????
Oh no. I really wanted to go there...what if i write them a really persuasive letter and make myself sound like I'm OCD.....
Original post by Elisir
Really????
Oh no. I really wanted to go there...what if i write them a really persuasive letter and make myself sound like I'm OCD.....

Yes. And, no, that won't work, since all of the non first year rooms have already been chosen. Sounds like another college might be for you if you can't bear the prospect of not having an ensuite (though may be possible in later years, and not having one really isn't an issue for most people).
Reply 2554
Avatar for Elisir
Elisir
Original post by discombobulator
Yes. And, no, that won't work, since all of the non first year rooms have already been chosen. Sounds like another college might be for you if you can't bear the prospect of not having an ensuite (though may be possible in later years, and not having one really isn't an issue for most people).


Well, you see, i'm not most people. And I cannot bear the thought of having to share anything, yet alone a bathroom.
So, do you have any suggestions for alternative colleges?????
Thanks
Reply 2555
Avatar for Rennit
Rennit
Original post by Elisir
Hello there,
I need some help in choosing a college, so anyone out there who actually went to Oxford, please help!

I'm intending on studying Classics II.
I'd like an older college, with a lot of outdoor space, and I kind of really want my own bathroom...

Anyway, so far I'm gravitating towards Magdalen and Trinity, which is the best option? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
:smile:


Corpus Christi is the best for classics, its more expensive rooms have en suite.
Original post by Elisir
Well, you see, i'm not most people. And I cannot bear the thought of having to share anything, yet alone a bathroom.
So, do you have any suggestions for alternative colleges?????
Thanks


Worcester has 72% ensuite with access to good kitchen facilities. That might be worth trying. It has big grounds like Magdalen and some old buildings :yes:
Reply 2557
Avatar for diddums
diddums
Original post by Elisir
Really????
Oh no. I really wanted to go there...what if i write them a really persuasive letter and make myself sound like I'm OCD.....



You will get use to it though, its not as bad as it seems after a while, so don't let that be such a major factor, very few colleges will give first year en suites.
For anybody that's completely unsure about which colleges to look at on open days/apply to, this might help make a quick shortlist of colleges that you can have a proper look up afterwards.

Edit: Also - as many people have probably stated, all the colleges tend to have more in common than differences. I would also recommend that you don't get too attached to a college, as you might be pooled and moved around, whether you're successful or not.
(edited 11 years ago)
Since the sticky college thread seems quite dead I will post my Q here:

Applying for 2013 GRADUATE entry
MPhil Economics / MSc Econ for Development

I looked at various descriptions of the colleges and tbh i find it all very confusing.
I am looking for a quiet and peaceful college, focused on studying rather than clubbing, preferrably where Muslims live and there's halal option. Preferrably mostly graduates, mature and intelligent students. College good for Economics. Good food and/or kitchens on site, ensuite rooms (preferrably also avaliable for couples).

Please don't judge me, just try to tell me which college would be best for me.

So far I found Merton, Trinity, St John's, Green Templ.

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