St Peter’s

St Peter’s is one of Oxford’s younger colleges, noted for its friendliness, flexibility and informality. Founded in 1929 expressly to widen access to the University, the college holds true to the ideals of Oxford, above all the pursuit of academic excellence. St Peter’s is an inclusive, tolerant and open community and we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply.

The undergraduate community is both tightly knit and notably active in University clubs and societies. The college is renowned for the excellent relations that exist between students and tutors. We have a strong welfare team for student support, and a student finance officer who is on hand to help students facing unforeseen financial difficulties.

The college occupies an attractive site in the heart of the city, close to many University departments and libraries, and to both bus and train stations. Oxford’s shops, cafés, theatres and cinemas are just minutes away, as is the recently developed Castle site.

We are able to house all undergraduates for at least two years. Our accommodation ranges from traditional study-bedrooms on the main college site to modern purpose-built residences (with ensuite facilities and small communal kitchens) a few minutes’ walk away. All rooms are singles and have internet points. A full meal service is provided in the dining hall.

The library is open 24 hours a day. It is fully automated and is well-stocked with both basic texts and some of the more specialised publications needed for undergraduate work. There is a separate law library and reading room in the college’s Law Centre. There are a number of computers in public areas including the library, providing internet access via the University network. The chapel is a place of worship with an open and inclusive ethos. It has one of the finest acoustics in Oxford and is a venue for many other activities within the college community such as concerts, lectures, plays and social events. We provide excellent music facilities including two grand pianos, an organ and a harpsichord, as well as ample practice space.

The college has access to shared sports facilities, including a boathouse on the Thames, and subsidised gym membership for students.

The JCR and student run college bar are used for events throughout the year. The JCR has TV, video and games facilities, and is a large comfortable social space.

From rowing to table football, all the major sports – and minor ones – are represented at St Peter’s, with many teams enjoying considerable success within the University. Artistic activities flourish and distinguished speakers are regularly invited to give talks. The college has a writer in residence. Music is a particular strength, with a strong instrumental, choral and jazz tradition. The music society puts on concerts regularly. The mixed chapel choir, made up of choral scholars and volunteers, sings regularly in chapel services and also tours both in the UK and Europe. There are opportunities to write for college publications, and the drama society organises productions every term and welcomes new actors, playwrights and stage-hands.