Brasenose

Brasenose is a friendly and diverse community, with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The college welcomes students from all backgrounds wishing to enjoy the best of what Oxford has to offer. Situated in the beautiful setting of Radcliffe Square, lying at the heart of the University and city, the college takes its name from an 800-year-old brass door knocker in the shape of a nose, now hanging in the main Hall. The college is committed to admitting the best and brightest students, and also to creating an environment where individuals can flourish and realise their potential. It maintains a very high level of teaching provision, supported by excellent library and computing facilities, and (when needed) pastoral and financial assistance.

Brasenose College is situated in the heart of the ancient University. It is the only undergraduate college on Radcliffe Square, adjacent to the main University libraries and the High Street. The main college buildings were built in the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries and some newer rooms date from the 1960s. Brasenose also has accommodation at the Frewin Hall complex, a five-minute walk from the main site and also in the very centre of Oxford.

Brasenose is able to accommodate all undergraduates wanting college accommodation. First-years are housed together on the main site, second-year students normally live in the Frewin complex, and there is accommodation for later year students on both sites. There is a mixture of bed-sitting rooms and individual sets comprising a bedroom and study/living room, some of which are ensuite. The college has facilities for students with physical disabilities, and applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact the college to discuss their needs. Brasenose enjoys a well-deserved reputation for excellent food. A full meal service is provided in hall, there is a snack bar on the main site and shared kitchens are available in the Frewin complex.

The main college library has more than 60,000 books and periodicals. There are also separate college law and history libraries. The college aims to provide all the main books needed for undergraduate courses. The library also possesses a number of antiquarian books, some dating from the foundation of the college. All Brasenose libraries are open to members of the college 24 hours a day and the majority of their holdings are available on open shelves. The college also provides IT rooms, wireless internet access and fixed internet connections from all student rooms.

Brasenose has its own sports ground within a five-minute cycle ride, with rugby, football and cricket pitches, tennis courts and a well-equipped boathouse on the river nearby. The college has music practice rooms, a large student common room with newspapers and television, and a popular college bar.

The college supports a wide range of student clubs and societies. It has a strong tradition in drama and music and there is an annual week-long summer arts festival in the hall, chapel and on the New Quad lawn. The college has an excellent choir and a range of lively social, cultural and sporting activities. All levels of sport are catered for and the college has a history of success in the University sports competitions.

Brasenose is a place where students can participate in all that the University has to offer. It is a community where students get to know and support each other and make life-long friends.