New College

Founded in 1379, New College is one of the largest, most famous and architecturally striking colleges, with beautiful large gardens, excellent facilities, and a variety of modern and old buildings. The college has a distinguished musical tradition: its choir is world-famous and its musical life (from 14th century choral music to 21st century jazz) is extraordinary. The atmosphere in college is relaxed, friendly and open, and we are proud of our actively engaged and diverse student body.

New College admits students for the majority of the subjects that are offered by the University of Oxford. We are committed to admitting students with the most academic potential, regardless of their social, ethnic, regional or educational background. Through our Access Initiative, we strive to encourage applications from students from the widest range of schools and social backgrounds.

New College site is both quiet and central, close to many faculties and departments, and libraries, as well as shops, cinemas, cafés and clubs.

New College can accommodate most, but not all, students for the whole of their course. Currently, New College is able to provide accommodation in or close to college for all undergraduate students in their first, second and fourth years, and a number of third-year undergraduates can also be accommodated. Our rooms are single study bedrooms, with internet access; most are ensuite, some with shared bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in hall during term. Some self-catering kitchens and kitchenettes are also available for student use. The college aims to accommodate students with disabilities, and applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact the college to discuss their needs.

• The college library is light and convenient with plenty of work space, up-to-date books for all courses with more than 100,000 volumes, 70% of them on open shelves. Open until midnight during term.

• There are excellent IT facilities with internet connections in all college accommodation. The JCR computer room has workstations with printers and scanners and there is wireless access in some areas within college.

• Several music practice rooms with pianos and a ‘band room’ with a drum kit, keyboard, amplifiers, microphones, decks and a PA system.

• New College has its own sports ground and pavilion close to the main college site, with pitches for rugby, football and hockey, two squash courts, and an all-weather court for netball and basketball. In the summer, there is a cricket pitch and grass and hard courts for tennis.

• Boathouse on the banks of the river Thames, along with a number of college punts.

New College fosters individuality in its students, but they are also encouraged to get together so that societies flourish. Several dramatic societies put on productions each year. Music is a college passion: there is a college orchestra, chamber groups, and there are choral groups of many sizes. Jazz and non-classical music are not neglected. We keep up high levels in sport, and field many teams and boats; our women athletes have been especially successful.