In a short, friendly video from the University of Oxford, I explain one of the questions that puzzles peopleOxford Colleges – what exactly are they? who haven’t been here: what on earth are Oxford colleges? They’re a central, everyday part of life at Oxford — and they’re a lot simpler than they look. Read on and I’ll walk you through what colleges are, what they do, how they differ, and why you don’t need to lose sleep over choosing one.
What is a college at Oxford?
A college is a small, self-contained academic community that sits alongside your university department. Your department (for example, maths or English) oversees your course and lectures. Your college is where much of your personal and academic life happens.
Every undergraduate at Oxford is a member of a college. That membership shapes where you’ll live, who you’ll eat with, where many of your tutorials take place, and the immediate circle of staff and students who support you day to day.
Where are the colleges and what are they like?
There are more than 30 colleges, scattered around the centre of Oxford. They range from very ancient to very new. Some date back centuries — long enough that you can imagine history unfurling around them — while others are modern additions to university life.
Colleges come in all shapes and sizes. Some sit beside the river or a park. Some include theatres. Some have actual deer casually roaming the grounds. One even has a graveyard, if that’s your thing. You’ll notice different architectural styles, colours, and layouts as you walk through the city.
What your college provides
Colleges are practical and social hubs as well as academic ones. Typical college provisions include:
- Tutorials and academic support — many of your small-group teaching sessions happen in college.
- Libraries with resources tailored to students in that college and subject areas.
- Dining halls and catering — you’ll often be able to have meals in college.
- Accommodation — you’ll usually live on site or very close by in your first year and often beyond.
- Common rooms, bars, and social spaces — places to study, relax, and meet people.
- Practical services like laundry, welfare advice, and pastoral support.
Colleges are where you’ll meet students from hundreds of different subjects, not just your own course. They host societies, clubs, sports teams, drama, music and a host of other activities.
How college life feels
Colleges are deliberately welcoming and safe communities. When you arrive you’ll be surrounded by other students who are also new to Oxford, and the whole college will help you settle in. You’re free to come and go, invite friends over, and find events to match your interests.
“It’ll be like Hogwarts, except without a weird trapdoor under the sink with a snake in it.”
The culture is relaxed but supportive — there’s a structure to college life, but not a strictness that makes you feel constrained. You’ll quickly find ways to get involved, whether that’s sport, drama, or even role-playing games.
Do you have to choose a college?
Short answer: no, not strictly. When you apply you can state a preferred college, or you can make an open application and let the university allocate one for you. Either approach is fine.
In fact, around a third of students are offered places at colleges they didn’t apply to — and many of them end up thinking their allocated college is the best. So while it’s nice to have a preference, it’s not something to overthink.
Why colleges matter — but why you shouldn’t worry
Colleges are a crucial and cherished part of Oxford life. They offer the academic support, social network, and practical facilities that make day-to-day university life work. But they’re not barriers: colleges are welcoming, flexible, and designed to help you thrive.
Whatever college you end up in, you’ll find it easy to make it your own and to meet people from across the university. Most students settle in quickly and soon think their college is the best — and for good reason.
Want to learn more?
For further details about Oxford colleges and how to apply, visit the University of Oxford’s undergraduate colleges page: https://www.ox.ac.uk/ugcolls
If you’re thinking about applying, don’t stress too much about the college name. Choose what feels right, keep an open mind, and get ready for a welcoming community that will be at the heart of your time at Oxford.