St Catherine’s

St Catherine’s (or Catz) is Oxford’s youngest undergraduate college and one of the largest. We treasure the traditional values of Oxford college life, but pursue a distinctly modern agenda.

We offer a wide range of subjects, with a roughly even split between science and arts. Most of our Fellows have an international reputation, and ten Nobel Prize winners have been members. Fellows have been involved in ‘spin out’ companies to exploit scientific discoveries made at the University. St Catherine’s is also home to the Cameron Mackintosh Chair of Contemporary Theatre (past holders include Patrick Stewart and Kevin Spacey). All this makes for a stimulating intellectual environment, and the college is proud of its place at the forefront of innovation, research and contemporary culture.

At the same time its modern architecture (designed by the award-winning architects Arne Jacobsen and Stephen Hodder) and restful open spaces (both Grade I listed) give the college a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, in which everyone is quickly made to feel at home. We are a cosmopolitan society, with students drawn from more than 50 countries.

St Catherine’s is situated at the end of Manor Road, off St Cross Road – an ideal location close to the city centre, the Science Area, University faculties and libraries (the English and Law faculties, and Economics and Politics departments are next door), yet surrounded by meadows, parks and water. Many undergraduates appreciate the tranquillity of the extensive college grounds. This is a college at the heart of the University, barely ten minutes’ walk from the centre, but with a distinctly rural feel.

In most years we can house all students who ask for rooms. All first-years live in college, as do virtually all second- and third-years, and some fourth-years. All rooms have internet access; many have ensuite facilities. We have specially adapted rooms for students with disabilities (contact admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk for details). In 2011–12 a room cost £3,386 for three terms (197 days); this sum includes a small element for utilities which varies according to the market rate. Students pay as they eat in hall, at a cost of around £9.50 per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

As a ‘purpose-built’ college, St Catherine’s offers excellent undergraduate facilities, including one of the largest college libraries in Oxford, well-equipped computer rooms, and a spacious and comfortable Junior Common Room (JCR). Sport, music, art, and drama enjoy a high profile in the college; on site there are squash courts, a gymnasium, a punt house, a Music House for practice and performance, and theatres for both indoor and outdoor productions.

Clubs, societies and discussion groups are prominent in Catz undergraduate life: there are many different sports teams, a thriving law society, and a flourishing music society; one of the best of its kind.