Merton

Merton is one of the oldest colleges, and certainly one of the most beautiful. Its medieval and 17th century buildings form a compact group, with its fine garden protected by the city wall. Merton has a sizable postgraduate group which allows students to benefit from a strong sense of community as well as the resources of the larger college.

We are fortunate to have a large team of dedicated and supportive tutors ready to help students achieve their potential. Much tutorial teaching is done in the college, ensuring maximum continuity for students. The college welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage applications for combined courses and have a separate quota to ensure a fair chance of success.

Merton overlooks meadows stretching down to the River Thames, yet it is in a quiet cobbled street just off the High Street, close to the University libraries, lecture rooms and departments. The Holywell Street annex is within a few minutes of the Science Area.

Undergraduates can live in college-owned accommodation for the duration of their course, whether for three or four years. Those in their first year either live in houses on Merton Street or on the main College precinct, while second-years live in college owned houses in Holywell Street , just seven minutes from Merton Street and final-years generally live on the main site. Many rooms have a private shower or bath, and two rooms are designated as accessible for students with disabilities.

Merton’s hall food is among the tastiest and best value in the University, and there are student kitchens on the main site and in each of the properties on Holywell Street. We are happy to discuss any particular access or dietary requirements with potential students.

Students have a choice of workspace in the college – the well-stocked lending library which contains 80,000 volumes, and a separate reference library. The medieval Old Library houses a significant collection of early books and is the oldest library in Britain in daily use. The college provides computing facilities 24 hours a day; all accommodation has ethernet and wifi internet access.

There is also a generous provision of facilities to support student life, including a TV room, bar and laundry. The college gym is on the main site, while a boathouse and sports ground (with playing fields, pavilion, tennis and squash courts) are within easy reach. Regular services are held in the magnificent chapel – this is also used for concerts and plays. A music practice room and the state-of-the-art T.S. Eliot Lecture Theatre can also be booked by students.

There are plenty of opportunities for students to pursue their interests, including drama, debating and art as well as a wide range of sports. The chapel choir has a strong reputation, and a number of choral scholarships are available, while other choirs and bands cater for wider musical interests. For more information on student life at Merton, see the JCR website.