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Wadham College

UCAS campus code: Y

Wadham was founded by a woman, Dorothy Wadham, in the 17th century with a mission to create a college of academic excellence in the heart of Oxford. We have been pushing the boundaries of knowledge and inquiry ever since.

Contact details

Admissions Administrator: April Gilling
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1865 277545 or +44 (0) 1865 277900
Website: www.wadham.ox.ac.uk (including a full list of academic staff)

Three Wadham students sitting in the College quad.

About us

As one of the bigger colleges of the University, we offer one of the widest selections of courses. We welcome academic excellence, whatever your background, and are known for our inclusive and welcoming culture. Study with us and be taught by internationally renowned tutors and enjoy access to academic skills support and purpose-built study spaces. As well as a library that is open 24/7, Wadham boasts a newly built undergraduate centre for study in a relaxed, social environment.

Wadham offers college accommodation for each year of your undergraduate study, set within breath-taking gardens and outdoor spaces. This includes our recently completed Dorothy Wadham Building for second years, in the vibrant East Oxford area of the city on Iffley Road. See how central Wadham’s location is.

Food is served in our modern Refectory and in our centuries-old oak-panelled, vaulted-ceiling Hall. Though even when we go for grandeur, we’re relaxed about the dress-code! We also do our best to cater for individual dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten free.

Our professional and dedicated welfare team and disability support are also committed to helping you flourish while at Wadham. We are passionate about supporting your potential, encouraging applications to a range of grants and scholarships which cover:

  • books
  • language learning
  • travel
  • course-related expenses
  • as well as offering generous financial support to those who need it.

Our gardens are home to one of the best collections of trees in Oxfordshire, and stage our famous annual music festival: Wadstock. As a student, you can enjoy Tai-Chi, outdoor theatre, tutorials, picnics, or simply a good book, within their secluded walls.

The Holywell Music Room is another jewel within our grounds. The oldest purpose-built concert hall in Europe, the Holywell hosts musical events throughout the year, many with discounts for Wadham students. As a student, you can also enjoy high-profile talks with famous alumni/friends of the College in the Holywell.

If you’re excited to pursue a world-class education in a friendly Oxford College that blends the old and the new, we’d love to receive your application!

Read more on the college website.

Year founded: 1610
Student numbers: Undergraduate 443; Postgraduate 205

Wadham is...

'…the home of great debate, encouraging freedom of thought and expression.'
Rowan

'…being known for our work hard, play harder spirit!'
Karishma

'…always having someone to support you.'
Georgia

'…fantastic accommodation, particularly in second year - modern, well-equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms and comfy bedrooms.'
Tom

'…the most gorgeous library where you can curl up on a beanbag with a view of the gardens.
Linette

College living

Don't see your course listed?

Check out a full listing of which colleges offer each undergraduate course.

Which Oxford colleges offer my course?

Where you'll find us

Located in the city centre, Wadham has large, quiet grounds, with some of the most beautiful gardens and buildings in Oxford. The Bodleian Library is just across the road and the Science Area is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Wadham College, Oxford OX1 3PN

Virtual tour

Access Wadham

Our outreach events and programmes offer a chance for you to meet us and discover what studying here might be like. You will also learn about our admissions process and how to submit a strong application.

Oxford University Cloisters

Visit Oxford

Our 2026 undergraduate Open Days will be held on 1 and 2 July and 18 September.

Plan your visit

University-wide outreach

Visit the University's outreach event calendar to view upcoming outreach events. Please note that some events may require advance booking or have specific eligibility criteria.

Outreach event calendar

What else should you think about when choosing a college?

Students walking in an Oxford college

College overview

Our colleges are at the heart of Oxford's reputation as one of the best universities in the world and make it a very special place to study and live.

teacher and two students at a tutorial

College facilities

All Oxford colleges offer the same excellence in teaching, but they do vary in terms of their size, location and facilities.

Oxford City skyline

Do you choose a college?

Not exactly. You can put a college's campus code on your UCAS form to specify a preference but you might still be shortlisted and offered a place by another college.

Oxford skyline showing the Radcliffe Camera

College listing

Oxford University is made up of more than 30 different colleges or small academic communities with distinct characteristics but similar facilities. Undergraduate students are members of a college, their subject department and the University.  

Ready to find out more about applying?

Read our step-by-step application guide.

Guide for undergraduate applicants