Somerville

From its foundation in 1879, Somervillians have been changing the world. Our graduates include two prime ministers; the only British woman to win a Nobel prize for science; generations of distinguished novelists; and pioneers in countless other fields. Somerville continues to expect the best from its students, with comprehensive support to help them reach their full academic potential.

Somerville was named after the eminent scientist and mathematician, Mary Somerville (1780–1872). It has been mixed since 1994, although it was founded as a women’s college, at a time when women were excluded from membership of the University. Its founders also insisted that Somerville should be non-denominational, unlike most other Oxford colleges at the time. These ground-breaking origins inspired an ethos of openness and a willingness to question accepted orthodoxies which characterises Somerville today.

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

Accommodation in College is guaranteed for all first, third and fourth years and for the great majority of second years. Three meals a day are served 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 and there are well-equipped computer rooms. Sports facilities include an on-site fitness suite, as well as playing fields and boathouse, which are shared with other colleges. 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 college life. Somerville has an active music society and very successful choir, which has embarked on several national and European tours and recently released its first commercial CD. The College has a strong tradition of public service: in 2003, a Somerville student set up a charity to fund a free public library in Ghana, which students visit every year. Somerville Arts Week is a highlight: in 2012 it included a photography exhibition and a student-authored play. In addition to College activities, undergraduates are very involved in University clubs and societies, and sports teams are finding great success in various competitions, especially rowing.