Somerville

Somerville was named after the eminent scientist and mathematician, Mary Somerville. Men have been admitted since 1994, although it was founded in 1879 as a women’s college, at a time when women were excluded from membership of the University. Its history of inclusiveness continues in Somerville’s progressive outlook and welcoming atmosphere, which today attracts high achieving students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds.

The college welcomes contact with all schools, including those that have little or no experience of entering candidates for Oxford. Visitors who cannot attend an open day are invited to arrange an individual tour of the college with the Academic Office (admissions@some.ox.ac.uk). We also welcome drop-in visitors, for whom we can often arrange a college tour on the day.

Somerville’s position on the Woodstock Road, just north of St Giles’, is convenient for almost everything in Oxford, including the many cafes, restaurants and boutiques of Jericho. It is easy to walk or cycle to anywhere else in the University. The college is next door to the new mathematics and humanities facilities that the University is building on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, and a five-minute walk from the science area.

In September 2011, Somerville opened two brand new accommodation buildings, which provide a further 68 en-suite rooms for students and thus enable nearly all undergraduates to live in college throughout their course. Three meals a day are served, and these are available at a very reasonable cost. Vacation residence grants are available for those who stay up for academic purposes outside term-time.

Somerville has one of the best undergraduate libraries in Oxford, containing more than 120,000 books and open 24 hours a day. Wifi is available throughout the college, including in student bedrooms, and there are well-equipped computer rooms. Facilities for music are excellent. Generous travel grants are offered to help students widen their experience by travelling abroad during vacations.

One of Somerville’s greatest assets is its students’ enthusiasm for their college and its friendly, supportive atmosphere. It is known for being one of the most outwardlooking colleges in the University. Its undergraduates tend to become very involved in University clubs and societies, and there is also a wide range of college clubs and societies.