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Choosing an Oxford College

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Original post by fluteflute
So area in m2:

1.

Wolfson 110711

2.

Worcester 88723



Damn you, Wolfson :fuhrer:
Original post by manic_fuzz
Damn you, Wolfson :fuhrer:
Arguably having a large main site doesn't mean anything if you're not centrally located :tongue:
Original post by fluteflute
Arguably having a large main site doesn't mean anything if you're not centrally located :tongue:


Admittedly I have no idea where Wolfson even is (or half the colleges for that matter) so I'm just going to assume that it's a graduate college in far far away land :yep:
Original post by manic_fuzz
Admittedly I have no idea where Wolfson even is (or half the colleges for that matter) so I'm just going to assume that it's a graduate college in far far away land :yep:
Yep. Google Maps reckons it will take a whole half an hour to walk there, it's so far away that is might as well be in the other place...
Original post by fluteflute
Yep. Google Maps reckons it will take a whole half an hour to walk there, it's so far away that is might as well be in the other place...


Oh wow, it seems that LMH's long-distance reputation is undeserved :rofl:
It is actually possible to punt right into Wolfson though (like Hilda's really), so that redeems it a bit I think, in summer at least :yep:
Original post by Alex-Torres
Ok thanks, I would have thought there'd be no time for bars and stuff like that due to the heavy work load? I don't think I'd leave my room to be honest, concentrate on my work. I'm just looking for a small friendly college that looks historic... St peter's have an open day coming up so I'm going to that!


Unless you were working 100+ hours a week (which you really shouldn't be) there's always time for socialising.



Original post by fluteflute
For random interest, St Peter's site is larger than the main sites of Exeter, Nuffield, Kellogg, Brasenose, Harris Manchester, Corpus Christi, SEH, Lincoln, Hertford, Jesus, St Cross, Pembroke, Wycliffe Hall, Regents Park, Linacre, Blackfriars and St Benet's Hall.


Although some people seem to have too much free time! :tongue:
Original post by fluteflute
Well it's my own research, based on the size of the colleges as represented on OpenStreetMap.

So area in m2:

1.

Wolfson 110711

2.

Worcester 88723

3.

Magdalen 72118

4.

LMH 64463

5.

St Hugh's 56291

6.

St John's 54685

7.

Christ Church 50503

8.

St Catherine's 46937

9.

New College 38946

10.

Wadham 31033

11.

Merton 26828

12.

Trinity 25410

13.

St Anne's 23968

14.

Keble 20531

15.

St Hilda's 20367

16.

Somerville 18563

17.

University College 15449

18.

St Anthony's 15197

19.

Green Templeton 13205

20.

Balliol 13029

21.

Mansfield 12346

22.

Queen's 11907

23.

Oriel 10167

24.

All Soul's 9955

25.

St Peter's 8709

26.

Exeter 8376

27.

Nuffield 7792

28.

Kellogg 7788

29.

Brasenose 7691

30.

Harris Manchester 7494

31.

Corpus Christi 7462

32.

SEH 7241

33.

Lincoln 6027

34.

Hertford 5887

35.

Jesus 5475

36.

St Cross 4259

37.

Pembroke 4120

38.

Wycliffe Hall 4056

39.

Regents Park 3741

40.

Linacre 3723

41.

Blackfriars 3599

42.

St Benet's Hall 1300



Fascinating - Looking at OpenStreetMap, I note that the Somerville footprint wasn't quite right, since the Principal's house and Dorothy Hodgkin quad on the Woodstock Road side had been excluded, as had some of the stuff at the back which backs onto Walton Street. I've improved the Woodstock Road boundary. Don't know if this makes much of a difference to the footprint area - haven't worked out how to do that yet - doubt it will change our place in the list.
Original post by astro67
Fascinating - Looking at OpenStreetMap, I note that the Somerville footprint wasn't quite right, since the Principal's house and Dorothy Hodgkin quad on the Woodstock Road side had been excluded, as had some of the stuff at the back which backs onto Walton Street. I've improved the Woodstock Road boundary. Don't know if this makes much of a difference to the footprint area - haven't worked out how to do that yet - doubt it will change our place in the list.
It takes you up to 19834m2 which doesn't change the position :smile:

Welcome to OSM by the way!
Hi!

I'm an international student (from Sweden) looking into applying for PPE at Oxford this autumn. Right now I'm 22, but when/if I start attending Oxford I will be 24. I've lived on my own across the country from my parents since I was 20, studying psychology at Uppsala University.

So basically, which college do you think would suit me best?

I've heard that there's a college called Harris Manchester that's only for mature students (21 and up). Is it any good? Does "mature students only" mean and average age of 23 or 30? What are the downsides to Harris Manchester?

If I go to a different college, is it possible for me to stay with the master students, even though I study at an undergraduate level? Would I want to if I could?

Still, perhaps I shouldn't care at all about the age of the other people at my college, because there are other aspects that are much more important when it comes to choosing a college. If that's the case, please say so. =)

Lastly, since I'm an international student, it would also be preferable to go to a college where I could stay/live all three years of my studies, since this apparently isn't possible at all colleges.

Your opinions are much appreciated =)
(edited 10 years ago)
Soundbolt


Your situation is slightly complicated, but i'll do the best to answer from my experience.

Harris Manchester is a fine college and i believe most students are 21-30. However, its accommodation provision is unlikely to be able to accommodate your for all 3 years as i understand it. Is there any particular reason why you don't want to rent a house for a year?

I think as a mature student, most colleges would give you membership of the MCR/equivalent. This means that you are a member of the graduate body with an average age of about 26 rather than (or often as well as) the JCR which will be vast majority 18-21 year olds. As a 22y/o myself, i would find being back among the 18 year-old freshers pretty annoying, so its great that you get that option. I mean, if you enjoy going clubbing 5x per week and drinking irresponsibly, undergrads may be for you! I've been there done that personally though!

Being an MCR member may count against you too though, and this is a point i am unclear on: generally speaking, accommodation provision for undergrads is far better than that for grads. Many colleges guarantee 3 years accommodation for its undergrads, as you want, but can't even give first year rooms for its grads. Before you decide on any college, you might just want to confirm that the college plans to keep you in the undergraduate accommodation plan, and if it doesn't, be careful about what college you go for. Only a few college have good grad accommodation (off the top of my head, Merton and St Johns are the only ones i know of).
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by astro67
Fascinating - Looking at OpenStreetMap, I note that the Somerville footprint wasn't quite right, since the Principal's house and Dorothy Hodgkin quad on the Woodstock Road side had been excluded, as had some of the stuff at the back which backs onto Walton Street. I've improved the Woodstock Road boundary. Don't know if this makes much of a difference to the footprint area - haven't worked out how to do that yet - doubt it will change our place in the list.



Original post by fluteflute
It takes you up to 19834m2 which doesn't change the position :smile:

Welcome to OSM by the way!


I wonder about the footprint of many of the central colleges being understated. For example, above ground floor level, Univ extends along the High Street from the easternmost building of Quod (91 High Street), to the bus drivers' rest room (83 High Street). On the Merton Street frontage it extends from Logic Lane to the building on the corner where Merton Street turns north. It also has the north side of Kybald Street and the east side of Magpie Lane north to the Old Bank carpark.
(edited 10 years ago)
Gosh this is confusing. I wish I had known of this board before I applied.

I'm from The Bahamas, I'm an Intl student, 23, female, recently offered a place for the MSc in Anthro (VMMA). I'll be 24 when I come in Oct. I wanted a Graduate Only college, as even as an undergrad I wasn't too fond of them. I applied to St. Antony's as it offered my course and had decent food + internet options. I based everything I had on their website and Oxford's little blurbs on each college. I've recently satisfied all departmental requirements so im jsut waiting to hear from a college now. I have 2 questions.

1. Did I make a bad choice :frown:?

2. How do colleges notify you of an offer? Mail or email?

Any help is really appreciated.

<3

Ash
Original post by BWithBooks

1. Did I make a bad choice :frown:?

2. How do colleges notify you of an offer? Mail or email?


I don't know anyone from Anthony's and have never been there, but i don't see any reason to say you made a bad choice. Is there anything you are particularly worried about?

I'm fairly certain there will be an e-mail at some point. Colleges are well aware of the perils of international mail.
Original post by nexttime
Your situation is slightly complicated, but i'll do the best to answer from my experience.

Harris Manchester is a fine college and i believe most students are 21-30. However, its accommodation provision is unlikely to be able to accommodate your for all 3 years as i understand it. Is there any particular reason why you don't want to rent a house for a year?

I think as a mature student, most colleges would give you membership of the MCR/equivalent. This means that you are a member of the graduate body with an average age of about 26 rather than (or often as well as) the JCR which will be vast majority 18-21 year olds. As a 22y/o myself, i would find being back among the 18 year-old freshers pretty annoying, so its great that you get that option. I mean, if you enjoy going clubbing 5x per week and drinking irresponsibly, undergrads may be for you! I've been there done that personally though!

Being an MCR member may count against you too though, and this is a point i am unclear on: generally speaking, accommodation provision for undergrads is far better than that for grads. Many colleges guarantee 3 years accommodation for its undergrads, as you want, but can't even give first year rooms for its grads. Before you decide on any college, you might just want to confirm that the college plans to keep you in the undergraduate accommodation plan, and if it doesn't, be careful about what college you go for. Only a few college have good grad accommodation (off the top of my head, Merton and St Johns are the only ones i know of).


Okay, thanks for the answer!

The reason for wanting to stay at a college all three years isn't that well thought through actually. It's mainly since that I live abroad accommodation would be less of a hassle that way. I could just go to Oxford during the semesters and then go home during the breaks, not having to worry about finding a place to stay. But perhaps it's not that much of a hassle?

Also, is it possible to rent a house the same way you do a room in the colleges, that is you only pay for living there during the semesters, and go home during the breaks, or do you rent a house for the full year? And is there any difference in price between staying at a college and renting a house?

Lastly, just to confirm. If I'm a member of JCR I live with undergrads, and if I'm a member of MCR I live with the graduates, and usually colleges let mature undergraduate students be a member of both? So what I should ask the colleges is wether it's possible for me to be a member of MCR and live with the graduates, but be guaranteed housing as if I was only a member of JCR?

Also, what does JCR and MCR stand for?

Again, thanks for your help! =)
Original post by Soundbolt
Okay, thanks for the answer!

The reason for wanting to stay at a college all three years isn't that well thought through actually. It's mainly since that I live abroad accommodation would be less of a hassle that way. I could just go to Oxford during the semesters and then go home during the breaks, not having to worry about finding a place to stay. But perhaps it's not that much of a hassle?

Also, is it possible to rent a house the same way you do a room in the colleges, that is you only pay for living there during the semesters, and go home during the breaks, or do you rent a house for the full year? And is there any difference in price between staying at a college and renting a house?

Lastly, just to confirm. If I'm a member of JCR I live with undergrads, and if I'm a member of MCR I live with the graduates, and usually colleges let mature undergraduate students be a member of both? So what I should ask the colleges is wether it's possible for me to be a member of MCR and live with the graduates, but be guaranteed housing as if I was only a member of JCR?

Also, what does JCR and MCR stand for?

Again, thanks for your help! =)


As far as accommodation is concerned, it may be worth noting that Oxford doesn't have semesters - it has three terms of 8 weeks in duration each. If you live in College you are likely to be expected to go out of residence for at least some of each vacation whereas private rented accommodation contracts are usually for 12 months continuously. The plus side of being in College accommodation is that it is cheaper as you're only paying for ~25 weeks. The down side is that you may have to move in and out more often than would be ideal for you.

JCR = Junior Common Room
MCR = Middle Common Room
Original post by Soundbolt
Okay, thanks for the answer!

The reason for wanting to stay at a college all three years isn't that well thought through actually. It's mainly since that I live abroad accommodation would be less of a hassle that way. I could just go to Oxford during the semesters and then go home during the breaks, not having to worry about finding a place to stay. But perhaps it's not that much of a hassle?

Also, is it possible to rent a house the same way you do a room in the colleges, that is you only pay for living there during the semesters, and go home during the breaks, or do you rent a house for the full year? And is there any difference in price between staying at a college and renting a house?

Lastly, just to confirm. If I'm a member of JCR I live with undergrads, and if I'm a member of MCR I live with the graduates, and usually colleges let mature undergraduate students be a member of both? So what I should ask the colleges is wether it's possible for me to be a member of MCR and live with the graduates, but be guaranteed housing as if I was only a member of JCR?

Also, what does JCR and MCR stand for?

Again, thanks for your help! =)


JCR = Junior Common Room (essentially, undergrads in a college)
MCR = Middle Common Room (essentially, grads)

Generally, if you rent a house, you rent for the whole year. Undergrads can often rent college rooms just in term time, grad housing is often for the whole year. College housing can be cheaper because you don't pay for the non-term times, but private housing can be cheaper per week. However, college housing generally includes most bills (ie heating, water, internet), but private housing doesn't usually include any of that.
Reply 3117
Avatar for Kat Wood
Kat Wood
I know that the advice is always that college choice doesn't matter, but having been through the admissions process before, I know that it can have some bearing, however small.Which college would you say would be the best to apply to for Russian, and why?Thanks :smile:
Original post by Kat Wood
I know that the advice is always that college choice doesn't matter, but having been through the admissions process before, I know that it can have some bearing, however small.Which college would you say would be the best to apply to for Russian, and why?Thanks :smile:


I'm not going to do Russian, but on a more general level, check what colleges do your course, check the course content, read the pros and cons (on here) of the possible choices, get the prospectus' and then visit the colleges. It's all about vibe I think. Others may not agree. It's a simple but lengthy process.

Good luck.
Reply 3119
Avatar for Bax-man
Bax-man
2
Original post by isabellahellyes
I'm not going to do Russian, but on a more general level, check what colleges do your course, check the course content, read the pros and cons (on here) of the possible choices, get the prospectus' and then visit the colleges. It's all about vibe I think. Others may not agree. It's a simple but lengthy process.

Good luck.


This.

Also, even though you might prefer a college that, say, accommodates undergraduates for all three years, don't discount those that do not. I did and applied to Worcester, ended up at Exeter (which offers only one year of in-college accommodation) and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
(edited 10 years ago)

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