St Hugh’s

Founded in 1886, St Hugh’s is now one of the largest colleges in Oxford. The college was established to offer an Oxford education to women, and it retains a strong sense of its radical tradition, and of the importance of opening Oxford up to all who would do well here. St Hugh’s now accepts men and women and welcomes students from every country and any kind of background.

St Hugh’s has a beautiful setting just to the north of the city centre, with Edwardian buildings and some of the largest college grounds. The college is known as the ‘island site’ because of its tranquil gardens, and it is a restful place to live and work.

The college awards Scholarships or Exhibitions (grants) to undergraduates on the basis of their performance in University examinations, or for other excellent work. All members of college are entitled to apply for grants to help with vacation travel connected to their course of study, and there are also some funds available for those who encounter unforeseen financial hardship.

St Hugh’s College is about ten minutes’ walk from the city centre; within easy reach, on foot or by bicycle, of all University departments and libraries.

Accommodation is available on the main college site for all undergraduates right through their course. Nearly half of rooms have their own bathroom. All rooms have free internet connection. Shared kitchens are available as an alternative to eating in the main hall. Meals in hall are paid for using a cashless card system.

St Hugh’s has one of the largest and best-stocked of all college libraries, housed in a beautiful art deco building, with 100,000 volumes, and 24-hour access. There are dedicated computer rooms, an impressively equipped gym and the college’s chapel is open to all college members, regardless of belief, as a place to reflect, pray, and be still.

There are academic societies in many subject areas, and the college has a very active musical and artistic life, including a chapel choir, and annual prizes for musical performance and creative writing. Sport within college is very popular: as well a having a brand new gym on site, the gardens are used for tennis, basketball, and croquet, and St Hugh’s has a share in a boathouse, squash courts, and a sports ground.