College overview

Every student belongs to a college as well as being a member of their course department and the University. This means all Oxford students have the benefits of belonging to both a large, world-class university and to a small and friendly academic community.

Colleges provide a safe and supportive environment so you can focus on your studies, enjoy time with friends and make the most of all the opportunities on offer. Undergraduates live in college accommodation in their first and usually last year - some people live in for the duration of their course.

Students mix freely across colleges and you are welcome to have friends over or invite them to some college events. Inter-college sport and drama can be a fun way to meet people from other colleges. You will also meet other people not at your college in your course department and at University-wide events.

If you come here, you are likely to spend lots of time in your college, particularly in your first year.

Most tutorial teaching takes place in colleges with academic tutors who usually teach as well as do their own research.

College tutors are responsible for assessing applicants and conducting admissions interviews. They decide who comes to their college and who they will teach. Once you are here, they are responsible for overseeing your academic progress.

The other students in your college tutorials will normally be from your own year group, doing the same course as you and studying at your college.

Read more on personalised learning at Oxford.

Each college is unique, but generally their facilities are pretty similar. Whether large or small, each one will have the following essential facilities:

• Porter’s lodge (a staffed entrance and reception)
• Dining hall
• Lending library (often open 24/7 in term time)
• Student accommodation
• Tutors’ teaching rooms
• Music rooms
• Laundry
• Green spaces
• Common room (known as the JCR)

Visit the college pages to view the facilities at each, or check our comprehensive guide to colleges facilities. You can also read more about student accommodation in Oxford.

Much college socialising revolves around the Junior Common Room, or JCR. Every college has a JCR room where you can meet friends, play games, get a cup of coffee and watch TV.

Confusingly, JCR also collectively refers to all the undergraduate students in a college. Elected students form the ‘JCR’ committee which organises lots of events and campaigns on behalf of the students in their college.

College academic tutors support your academic development, but you can also ask their advice on other things. Lots of other college staff including welfare officers help students settle in and are available to offer help on practical or health matters. Participating in your college's clubs and societies is a great way to relax and spend time with friends.

Read more on support and welfare.

Read more about how colleges help to bring down the cost of studying here.

There is a map on every college page so you can see exactly where each one is. 

A few colleges are slightly further from the centre. Typically they are some of the largest and feel spacious. They often have beautiful and peaceful gardens, sometimes running alongside the river. All are within easy distance of the city centre and main University buildings such as the Bodleian Libraries. They may also be conveniently near privately rented student accommodation.

You can specify a college preference on your UCAS application but you can also make an open application. To help you decide, read our advice on choosing a college or making an open application.

Permanent Private Halls (PPHs) are very similar to colleges, though they tend to be smaller. A few other things set them apart from colleges:

• They are founded by particular Christian denominations
• There are two PPHs at Oxford admitting undergraduates
• They offer fewer courses than most colleges.

Students at PPHs are members of the University just like students at colleges, and have access to exactly the same University facilities and activities.