College life

Oxford's colleges are at the heart of the student experience here and make our University a very special place to study and live. There are over 30 colleges and halls and all undergraduate students belong to one. If you come here, you are likely to spend much of your time in your college, particularly in your first year.

Each of these social and academic communities is made up of academic and support staff and students. All colleges and halls provide a safe, supportive environment, leaving you free to focus on your studies, enjoy time with friends and make the most of the wide range of opportunities available to you. Colleges run lots of their own clubs and societies and if you think something is missing, you can normally set up your own. Intercollege sport and drama can be a fun way to meet people from other colleges. Students mix freely across colleges and you are welcome to have friends over. You will also meet people from other colleges in your subject department and at university-wide events. 

Tutorial teaching typically takes place in your college with your academic tutor(s) who teach as well as do their own research. College tutors are responsible for assessing applicants in line with departmental criteria and conducting interviews. They decide who comes to their college and who they will teach. You can express a preference for a college on your UCAS application or, if you don't mind, you can make an 'open' application which simply means that when we receive your application a computer randomly assigns it to a college which has received fewer applications for your course in the year you are applying.