Oriel College

The tutors at Oriel take a keen interest in the academic development of their students, not only through their regular interactions in tutorials but also through encouraging students to relate their work to, and engage with, the rich programme of research active in college and the rest of the University. As crucial preparation for their future lives and careers, we work to help our undergraduates achieve the highest academic standards. Each term Oriel holds Joint Academic Forums to which all members of Oriel are invited to discuss research topics and questions from an interdisciplinary perspective. We are always keen to meet prospective students and their families – please stop by if you have any questions or would like a college tour.

Location

Oriel’s main entrance is on the beautiful Oriel Square, in the city centre just off the High Street. Shops, the Bodleian Library, University departments and the train/bus stations are only a short walk away.

Accommodation and meals

All students can live in college for the duration of their course; most undergraduates (and all first years) live on the main site. Rooms are graded for cost according to size and facilities. Many rooms on the main site have their own bathroom, or share it with one other room. All rooms have internet points and most rooms have telephones. Three cooked meals are served in the dining hall every weekday. Evening meals at Oriel are extremely popular and social occasions. There are also kitchens for students who want to cook for themselves.

Read more on the college website.

Facilities

Oriel has an impressive library of more than 100,000 volumes that is open 24 hours a day and has wifi. Undergraduates have their own common room, shop, TV room and an annexe for meetings or parties. Our popular college bar hosts regular discos, band gigs and karaoke nights. There is a music practice room and pianists may also use the grand piano in the library. Oriel has its own sports ground, gymnasium, squash court and boathouse, with facilities for all major sports.

Student societies

Oriel has a social and active student body. Our drama society’s annual highlight is a play staged outdoors in front quad. Oriel has a very good mixed chapel choir and an active music society. Other flourishing clubs include the film society and Raleigh (arts/literature) society.

The college’s sports teams include badminton, basketball, cricket, darts, football, modern pentathlon, netball, rowing, rugby, squash and water polo. The emphasis is on enthusiasm, giving the opportunity for everyone to take part.