Choosing an Oxford College
Scroll to see replies
Original post by Ana12345
Hi i want to apply to baliol college for medicine but couldnt make the open day to check out the accomodation or library which i care most about in a college, has anyone seen these? Thanks!
Hello!
Applying for medicine too!
I've visited Balliol very quickly when I went for my sister's graduation. The accomodation varies, apparently there is a ballot at the end of every school year, so it's basically random (unless it's changed since my sister was last there). I don't know if it will be that way for first year though... The room I saw was quite simple, but nice: a bed, a desk facing the window (apparently it wasn't facing that way before but my sister had moved the furniture around, so if you aren't pleased, you could probably do the same haha), a closet and a washbasin. It was clean, but not the modern kind of room you see in newer colleges (I find that that is what gives it a certain charming atmosphere 
). I didn't get to see the library though, sorry! The dining hall, JCR, and quad are really nice though! There was even a small games room with arcade games, but maybe other colleges have that too, I didn't visit any others...
I hope I managed to help you out a bit! Best of luck on your application!!(it sure as hell is stressing me out....)
Original post by raph.
Oh good! I thought all colleges were pretty far from the medical centers, but smelling food on your way to class is horrible hahaha 
I hope JCR will be able to get it open all hours, because that is so useful, whether for late papers/research or just revision (I agree with you, it is so distracting to work in your room, there's just so much incentive to procrastinate compared to the library where everyone is working).
Yay for freshers' fair! I'm so scared of being all alone the first few days, so anything freshers related is music to my ears
What exactly do the porters do? We don't have them at my school, we just waltz in and out... Although the more nice people there are, the better!
It seems like an amazing location and hehehehehe Harry Potter tree, now that I like!! I didn't even know that! They should put that and the squeaking mound on the website, everyone would apply
Oh wow, it's great that there's so much enthusiasm for football, I abolutely love that sport. And after-tea footie? That sounds awesome (sorry for sounding american
) It also seems like there's a really good team spirit (Rio ball haha)
Yes, I have heard that everyone ends up loving their college anyway, it's just that these few really appealed to me and I wanted to know more about them I also don't really want to do an open application...
I hope JCR will be able to get it open all hours, because that is so useful, whether for late papers/research or just revision (I agree with you, it is so distracting to work in your room, there's just so much incentive to procrastinate compared to the library where everyone is working).
Yay for freshers' fair! I'm so scared of being all alone the first few days, so anything freshers related is music to my ears
What exactly do the porters do? We don't have them at my school, we just waltz in and out... Although the more nice people there are, the better! It seems like an amazing location and hehehehehe Harry Potter tree, now that I like!! I didn't even know that! They should put that and the squeaking mound on the website, everyone would apply
Oh wow, it's great that there's so much enthusiasm for football, I abolutely love that sport. And after-tea footie? That sounds awesome (sorry for sounding american
) It also seems like there's a really good team spirit (Rio ball haha)Yes, I have heard that everyone ends up loving their college anyway, it's just that these few really appealed to me and I wanted to know more about them
I also don't really want to do an open application...Well it's close to the science area and MSTC (as I said before), but like all colleges the JR is not that close (I don't know much - or anything - really about where teaching for Medicine happens... but they do definitely use the science area). It really is cruel, just like torture (although as a medic you may be far too busy to be walking by when the food smell is there - this was at 11am...).
It probably would be useful, but thanks to the amazingness that is WIFI and the internet you can get most papers online, so you could still work in your room - I have a few medic friends who have worked quite late before. (Although yes, procrastination is very tempting).
That is something that everyone will worry about - and I definitely did. Thankfully there is loads going on, and whatever college you go to should have plenty of freshers' activities to keep you busy.
The porters kind of do everything really - they are the fountain of college knowledge (I've gone up to them many times saying 'you wouldn't happen to know...?' and they always do). They are at the porter's lodge 24/7, which means that there is always someone there, and they are all really friendly that you can have a nice chat with them. One of the main reasons why lots of people will see them though is probably for forgetting their key and therefore being locked out of their room, so they give you a spare (my friend did once lock the spare in her room - the front doors close behind you - and she then had to go back to the porters, at which point they had to go with her to her room with the master key to open the door yet again). They also have the role of safely escorting baby ducklings which are born in college in the summer (we had a lot of ducks suddenly appearing) to the river
Ahh, the Harry Potter tree is what everyone likes! I was working in 'The Other Place' (i.e Cambridge) this summer and mentioned it to people there and even they admitted it was cool
Oh, I know what you mean, I had the exact same problem when I applied. I looked at all the colleges that offer EP online (and there are quite lot...), looking at their websites etc. because I like to be sure that I've properly looked into everything. I'm also really, really bad at decision making and usually end up changing my mind as soon as I set it on something...
Original post by raph.
Oh good! I thought all colleges were pretty far from the medical centers, but smelling food on your way to class is horrible hahaha
I hope JCR will be able to get it open all hours, because that is so useful, whether for late papers/research or just revision (I agree with you, it is so distracting to work in your room, there's just so much incentive to procrastinate compared to the library where everyone is working).
Yay for freshers' fair! I'm so scared of being all alone the first few days, so anything freshers related is music to my ears What exactly do the porters do? We don't have them at my school, we just waltz in and out... Although the more nice people there are, the better!
It seems like an amazing location and hehehehehe Harry Potter tree, now that I like!! I didn't even know that! They should put that and the squeaking mound on the website, everyone would apply
Oh wow, it's great that there's so much enthusiasm for football, I abolutely love that sport. And after-tea footie? That sounds awesome (sorry for sounding american ) It also seems like there's a really good team spirit (Rio ball haha)
Yes, I have heard that everyone ends up loving their college anyway, it's just that these few really appealed to me and I wanted to know more about them I also don't really want to do an open application...
I hope JCR will be able to get it open all hours, because that is so useful, whether for late papers/research or just revision (I agree with you, it is so distracting to work in your room, there's just so much incentive to procrastinate compared to the library where everyone is working).
Yay for freshers' fair! I'm so scared of being all alone the first few days, so anything freshers related is music to my ears
What exactly do the porters do? We don't have them at my school, we just waltz in and out... Although the more nice people there are, the better! It seems like an amazing location and hehehehehe Harry Potter tree, now that I like!! I didn't even know that! They should put that and the squeaking mound on the website, everyone would apply
Oh wow, it's great that there's so much enthusiasm for football, I abolutely love that sport. And after-tea footie? That sounds awesome (sorry for sounding american
) It also seems like there's a really good team spirit (Rio ball haha)Yes, I have heard that everyone ends up loving their college anyway, it's just that these few really appealed to me and I wanted to know more about them
I also don't really want to do an open application...Just to comment on medical teaching - for the first two years the vast majority is in the MSTC or physiology buildings, in the north west and north central parts of the science area respectively (you can google maps this). You will be down there most week days morning and afternoon so location is a decent criteria to value.
Third year is variable dependent on the project and subject you choose but generally it probably will be based somewhere in the sicence area.
4th year and beyond its complicated as some people go to London, some colleges only offer the first 3 years so you change, you're treated as a graduate which can be very different to undergraduate (e.g. very few colleges offer graduate accommodation for more than a year, if that) and frankly because you're now based in Headington about 4km up the hill people tend to rent a house up there and you have much less to do with college anyway.
This site provides a detailed breakdown of student feedback that will give you a bit more objective view. I suggest you filter it to undergraduate because graduate works differently for medics as mentioned.
If you want to know more about the course feel free to ask. Though perhaps on a different thread.
Original post by raph.
Hello!
Applying for medicine too! I've visited Balliol very quickly when I went for my sister's graduation. The accomodation varies, apparently there is a ballot at the end of every school year, so it's basically random (unless it's changed since my sister was last there). I don't know if it will be that way for first year though... The room I saw was quite simple, but nice: a bed, a desk facing the window (apparently it wasn't facing that way before but my sister had moved the furniture around, so if you aren't pleased, you could probably do the same haha), a closet and a washbasin. It was clean, but not the modern kind of room you see in newer colleges (I find that that is what gives it a certain charming atmosphere ).
I didn't get to see the library though, sorry! The dining hall, JCR, and quad are really nice though! There was even a small games room with arcade games, but maybe other colleges have that too, I didn't visit any others...
I hope I managed to help you out a bit! Best of luck on your application!!(it sure as hell is stressing me out....)
Applying for medicine too!
I've visited Balliol very quickly when I went for my sister's graduation. The accomodation varies, apparently there is a ballot at the end of every school year, so it's basically random (unless it's changed since my sister was last there). I don't know if it will be that way for first year though... The room I saw was quite simple, but nice: a bed, a desk facing the window (apparently it wasn't facing that way before but my sister had moved the furniture around, so if you aren't pleased, you could probably do the same haha), a closet and a washbasin. It was clean, but not the modern kind of room you see in newer colleges (I find that that is what gives it a certain charming atmosphere ). I didn't get to see the library though, sorry! The dining hall, JCR, and quad are really nice though! There was even a small games room with arcade games, but maybe other colleges have that too, I didn't visit any others...
I hope I managed to help you out a bit! Best of luck on your application!!(it sure as hell is stressing me out....)
Hi thanks for your reply! Yes i know what you mean, i found the hardest decision was to choose between oxford or cambridge, i chose oxford in the end because i thougt my ums were abit low for cambridge, why did you choose oxford?
Original post by nexttime
Just to comment on medical teaching - for the first two years the vast majority is in the MSTC or physiology buildings, in the north west and north central parts of the science area respectively (you can google maps this). You will be down there most week days morning and afternoon so location is a decent criteria to value.
Third year is variable dependent on the project and subject you choose but generally it probably will be based somewhere in the sicence area.
4th year and beyond its complicated as some people go to London, some colleges only offer the first 3 years so you change, you're treated as a graduate which can be very different to undergraduate (e.g. very few colleges offer graduate accommodation for more than a year, if that) and frankly because you're now based in Headington about 4km up the hill people tend to rent a house up there and you have much less to do with college anyway.
This site provides a detailed breakdown of student feedback that will give you a bit more objective view. I suggest you filter it to undergraduate because graduate works differently for medics as mentioned.
If you want to know more about the course feel free to ask. Though perhaps on a different thread.
Third year is variable dependent on the project and subject you choose but generally it probably will be based somewhere in the sicence area.
4th year and beyond its complicated as some people go to London, some colleges only offer the first 3 years so you change, you're treated as a graduate which can be very different to undergraduate (e.g. very few colleges offer graduate accommodation for more than a year, if that) and frankly because you're now based in Headington about 4km up the hill people tend to rent a house up there and you have much less to do with college anyway.
This site provides a detailed breakdown of student feedback that will give you a bit more objective view. I suggest you filter it to undergraduate because graduate works differently for medics as mentioned.
If you want to know more about the course feel free to ask. Though perhaps on a different thread.
Oh thank you! I'm going to check it out on a map
Hmm it's true that it is a lot more practical if it's within walking distance or not too far away if I have there class everyday.I still don't know where I'm going to go for fourth year; it would already be a dream come true to get accepted into Oxford! Graduate does seem slightly more complicated and less "in vogue" at Oxbridge than in London.
I'll check out the thread, thank you so much! Yes for everything medicine-related, I'll look up other threads. I've noticed there are some for everything on this website!
You've been a real help, thank you!!!
Original post by Ana12345
Hi thanks for your reply! Yes i know what you mean, i found the hardest decision was to choose between oxford or cambridge, i chose oxford in the end because i thougt my ums were abit low for cambridge, why did you choose oxford?
Oh god, that was also so hard for me. I only visited Cambridge and there was this one college, Pembroke, that I simply loved and I aimed to go there, but my math grades at the end of the year were not excellent, so I decided to try Oxford because they don't get my transcript. My sister also had an amazing time there, and by hearing her talk about it, the place grew on me and now I would prefer going there than to Cambrdge
Hi all, can anyone help me with choosing an oxford college? I am really stuck there. I am inclined towards Somverville as many reviews said its a really friendly and homely place (its slogan and prospectus look good also). But apparently it is listed as one of the bad reasons to choose a college in the wiki. So I really have no idea as to how to choose a college. someone enlighten me please! (I am planning to study science btw)
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Sky walker
Hi all, can anyone help me with choosing an oxford college? I am really stuck there. I am inclined towards Somverville as many reviews said its a really friendly and homely place (its slogan and prospectus look good also). But apparently it is listed as one of the bad reasons to choose a college in the wiki. So I really have no idea as to how to choose a college. someone enlighten me please! (I am planning to study science btw)
Two good next steps would be to go to next Oxford Open Day on Friday September 19th. I'm not sure if Somerville is open all day or whether you need to register - contacting their admissions team would be sensible. If you live a long distance away it is always worth asking about overnight accommodation. Second good move is to look closely at the academic staff profiles on the college website to see if their specialisms excite you. These are the people who may end up interviewing or teaching you and I think it helps if you feel there is a connection.
Original post by Sky walker
Hi all, can anyone help me with choosing an oxford college? I am really stuck there. I am inclined towards Somverville as many reviews said its a really friendly and homely place (its slogan and prospectus look good also). But apparently it is listed as one of the bad reasons to choose a college in the wiki. So I really have no idea as to how to choose a college. someone enlighten me please! (I am planning to study science btw)
College choice is mostly arbitrary, so that's a perfectly acceptable way to choose a college
Original post by admissionshost
Two good next steps would be to go to next Oxford Open Day on Friday September 19th. I'm not sure if Somerville is open all day or whether you need to register - contacting their admissions team would be sensible. If you live a long distance away it is always worth asking about overnight accommodation. Second good move is to look closely at the academic staff profiles on the college website to see if their specialisms excite you. These are the people who may end up interviewing or teaching you and I think it helps if you feel there is a connection.
Hi, really thanks for your suggestions. But unfortunately a visit to oxfor wouldn't be permissible for me
I intend to study physics&philosophy and have checked through their websites. Seems that new, balliol, oriel and Somerville are the only colleges dedicate a page for the course. So I presume these colleges have a tradition/put greater attention on the course. (If there is any other, do let me know) among these four, I find most tutors have speciality in my interest since I am particularly into the interpretation of quantum mechanics and special relativity and these are listed as core modules in the syllabus. I find out that balliol has the largest p&p depertment and new offers first year philosophy all in forms of tutorials but it seems they lack the kind of "homeliness" described on the Somerville website. But other reviews suggest that all colleges are just equally friendly. So I am kinda stuck there /.\ really hope you can help me with that. Btw should prestige be a factor of consideration? It seems that Somerville is quite new and buildings/facilities probably aren't as fantastic as balliol/new. It will be great if someone can tell me more about Somerville!Original post by fluteflute
College choice is mostly arbitrary, so that's a perfectly acceptable way to choose a college
Haha that's probably true! But I really don't know much about the differences among colleges. It seems that most people in the thread choose colleges with great prestige like chch, bnc etc. So I am wondering if it should be considered as a factor /.\ Somerville appears pretty new and I don't know much about the accommodations there (which seems to be a dominant factor for many people here as well). Personally I think its greatest attraction is the kind of liberal and friendly environment as mentioned in their website. But as said, it seems that most colleges are just equally good in that regard. So I am really stuck /.\
Original post by Sky walker
Haha that's probably true! But I really don't know much about the differences among colleges. It seems that most people in the thread choose colleges with great prestige like chch, bnc etc. So I am wondering if it should be considered as a factor /.\ Somerville appears pretty new and I don't know much about the accommodations there (which seems to be a dominant factor for many people here as well). Personally I think its greatest attraction is the kind of liberal and friendly environment as mentioned in their website. But as said, it seems that most colleges are just equally good in that regard. So I am really stuck /.\
I think Somerville has decent accommodation
I wouldn't pay attention to the 'prestige' factor, I've been here two years and couldn't tell you which colleges are more prestigious!
Original post by Sky walker
Hi, really thanks for your suggestions. But unfortunately a visit to oxfor wouldn't be permissible for me I intend to study physics&philosophy and have checked through their websites. Seems that new, balliol, oriel and Somerville are the only colleges dedicate a page for the course. So I presume these colleges have a tradition/put greater attention on the course. (If there is any other, do let me know) among these four, I find most tutors have speciality in my interest since I am particularly into the interpretation of quantum mechanics and special relativity and these are listed as core modules in the syllabus. I find out that balliol has the largest p&p depertment and new offers first year philosophy all in forms of tutorials but it seems they lack the kind of "homeliness" described on the Somerville website. But other reviews suggest that all colleges are just equally friendly. So I am kinda stuck there /.\ really hope you can help me with that. Btw should prestige be a factor of consideration? It seems that Somerville is quite new and buildings/facilities probably aren't as fantastic as balliol/new. It will be great if someone can tell me more about Somerville!
I intend to study physics&philosophy and have checked through their websites. Seems that new, balliol, oriel and Somerville are the only colleges dedicate a page for the course. So I presume these colleges have a tradition/put greater attention on the course. (If there is any other, do let me know) among these four, I find most tutors have speciality in my interest since I am particularly into the interpretation of quantum mechanics and special relativity and these are listed as core modules in the syllabus. I find out that balliol has the largest p&p depertment and new offers first year philosophy all in forms of tutorials but it seems they lack the kind of "homeliness" described on the Somerville website. But other reviews suggest that all colleges are just equally friendly. So I am kinda stuck there /.\ really hope you can help me with that. Btw should prestige be a factor of consideration? It seems that Somerville is quite new and buildings/facilities probably aren't as fantastic as balliol/new. It will be great if someone can tell me more about Somerville!Physics and Philosophy is usually described within the Physics web section since most colleges admit to P&P within their overall quota for Physics and the Physics Department also takes the lead on admissions coordination. The absence of a web section dedicated to P&P isn't a good indicator of a college's commitment to the course. By reputation, P&P is one of the toughest undergraduate courses and I think that's a fair comment - the selectors are looking for candidates who are especially strong at Physics and Maths. Its a shame you can't visit since first-hand experience is a much better way of gauging how relaxed you feel about a college than reading web material.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by admissionshost
Physics and Philosophy is usually described within the Physics web section since most colleges admit to P&P within their overall quota for Physics and the Physics Department also takes the lead on admissions coordination. The absence of a web section dedicated to P&P isn't a good indicator of a college's commitment to the course. By reputation, P&P is one of the toughest undergraduate courses and I think that's a fair comment - the selectors are looking for candidates who are especially strong at Physics and Maths. Its a shame you can't visit since first-hand experience is a much better way of gauging how relaxed you feel about a college than reading web material.
Exactly. Haiz.. Such a pity.. That's why I am trying my best to source for information online. Anyway, are the differences among colleges really that significant? Do you know anything about Somerville? What about Christ Church? I used to list it as one of my top choices but recently I found out it has taken down P&P from its prospectus and many said it is traditionally known for the kind of "rah" atmosphere. So I am not sure now..
Original post by fluteflute
I think Somerville has decent accommodation
I wouldn't pay attention to the 'prestige' factor, I've been here two years and couldn't tell you which colleges are more prestigious!
I wouldn't pay attention to the 'prestige' factor, I've been here two years and couldn't tell you which colleges are more prestigious!
Oh that would be good! But Somerville doesn't seem to have the typical oxford spires etc. and privately I like that a lot :P Would that significantly affece the college experience? Would you mind telling me more about Somerville? What is the college known for? Thanks a lot
Original post by Sky walker
Exactly. Haiz.. Such a pity.. That's why I am trying my best to source for information online. Anyway, are the differences among colleges really that significant? Do you know anything about Somerville? What about Christ Church? I used to list it as one of my top choices but recently I found out it has taken down P&P from its prospectus and many said it is traditionally known for the kind of "rah" atmosphere. So I am not sure now..
Have you considered Univ? This is a bit of shameless plugging but it's known for it's friendly environment
Here is their page about Physics and joint courses - http://www.univ.ox.ac.uk/content/physics-0
You also get to claim you go to the oldest college in Oxford if you go there :P
Original post by Lucilou101
Have you considered Univ? This is a bit of shameless plugging but it's known for it's friendly environment
Here is their page about Physics and joint courses - http://www.univ.ox.ac.uk/content/physics-0
You also get to claim you go to the oldest college in Oxford if you go there :P
Here is their page about Physics and joint courses - http://www.univ.ox.ac.uk/content/physics-0
You also get to claim you go to the oldest college in Oxford if you go there :P
That's why I am sort of caught up since all colleges seem to be friendly and nice :P probably you can tell me more on what's about univ?
Original post by Sky walker
Oh that would be good! But Somerville doesn't seem to have the typical oxford spires etc. and privately I like that a lot :P Would that significantly affece the college experience? Would you mind telling me more about Somerville? What is the college known for? Thanks a lot
Queen's has a dome rather than a spire and it doesn't seem to have done them much harm. Perhaps they are more rounded.
Somerville is probably most widely known for Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi.
Original post by Sky walker
That's why I am sort of caught up since all colleges seem to be friendly and nice :P probably you can tell me more on what's about univ?
What would you like to know?
What's the price of accommodation at university college? Currently im torn between st johns and univ- I can't visit so am looking very closely at the website and YouTube tours. I prefer the st John's buildings but univ seems to be more international and it takes more ppe students. But st John's is rich
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Open Applications at Oxford
- Help: Oxford or Cambridge for Law in this situation?
- Best Oxford colleges for geography?
- Oxford Colleges
- Lancaster University Colleges
- very clueless
- Oxford Colleges Annex?
- New College or Trinity College?
- UCAS Clearing 2023 FAQ and Help Megathread
- Got a Ucas or results related question? Ask a Clearing and Applications Advisor here
- History Course at Cambridge vs at Oxford
- Oxford is more financially viable, Cambridge more achievable - which do I go for?
- Uni of York: College choice!
- How to choose a college in Oxford
- Pembroke, Wadham or Balliol?
- Oxford College Basketball
- Oxford colleges for maths
- Choosing an Oxford college
- Oxford Demystified - Biomedical Sciences
- Durham or gap year
Trending
- Human Sciences Oxford applicants 2023-2024
- Oxford PPE Interviews for 2024 entry
- Oxford Chemistry interview questions
- Oxford materials science
- 2024 Oxford New College Interview Invites
- Oxford Interview Notification
- Fine Art at the Ruskin Oxford 2024
- Mat 2023
- Hat 2023
- Oxford Economics and Management Interview 2024
- Has anyone heard back from Oxford for Maths?
- Oxford 2024 Physics Entry
- Oxford Chemistry 2024 Entry
- Oxford language applicants - 2024 entry
- Oxford maths interview
- TSA Section 1 2023 / Oxford E&M (2024 entry) thread
- oxford interviews
- Extra MAT 2023
- Oxford Interviews 2024 History of Art
- Oxford University Law Interview Shortlisting
Latest
- Should I take a GMAT for LSE MSc Finance
- New Thread Experience Feedback - Official Thread
- Official: University of Leeds A100 2024 Entry
- Oxford Chemistry Interviews
- Global Creative and Cultural Industries MA SOAS
- Official: Keele University A100 2024 Entry Applicants
- Sky Software Developer Apprenticeship 2024, Osterley
- UCL pharmacy 2024 entry
- 2024 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
- New Thread Experience Testing Thread
- Accenture 2023-2024 grad scheme
- United Utilities Graduate Scheme
- Speeding offence
- Home Office - Asylum Decision Maker (EO)
- University Of Suffolk New Arrival
- NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2024 start
- The daily Wordle puzzle thread!
- University of Lincoln A10L (Nottingham at Lincoln) Applicant thread 2024
- DWP Work Coach Interview - how long to hear
- Frontline Social Work 2024
- Wanting to apply for Literature and History combined degree at Queen Mary
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- Official University College London Applicant Thread for 2024
- Suspended studies overpayment
- Philip Morris Evolv Graduate scheme 2024
- Airbus Graduate Programme 2024
- Skincare
- "Can't you hear me, S.O.S.?": TLG's PhD study blog!
- The Anime Society Thread 6
- Official: University of Leicester A199 (foundation year) 2024 entry applicants
- Studying at OU and applying at a Dutch university
- Did a completely wrong unit/module during the first term of my Second year, HELP!
- The Liverpool FC Thread XVII
- The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2024 Entry Thread
- Which is better, A-levels or Access to HE?
- Kpmg 2024/2025graduate application
- Hows UCL
- Second Degree in Social Work - is it possible to get student finance?
- Don’t want to go to uni but still want the social aspect
- Home Office EO Immigration Enforcement Caseworkers