How to choose an Oxford college

When you apply to the University of Oxford as a graduate student, should you select a college or leave the choice to chance? While the University makes sure that students who opt for a random college allocation will still get a college place, there are compelling reasons why making an informed choice is beneficial. Here’s why choosing a college is an essential part of shaping your Oxford experience.

Your academic experience

Choosing a college allows you to tailor your academic experience to your specific needs. You can choose whether to opt for a graduate only college, or a college with both undergraduates and graduates. Colleges at Oxford vary widely in the resources they offer to graduate students, from specialised libraries and archives to dedicated study spaces. Some colleges focus on specific areas of research, while others have a broader remit.

For example, at St Antony’s College we are renowned for our focus on international relations, area studies, and global affairs. We serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, using insights and methods from social sciences and the humanities. The college is home to seven renowned regional study centres, which host regular seminars and talks featuring world-class speakers, offering an intellectually stimulating environment that complements your academic work.

By researching your options and finding out about the academic environment of each college, you can make an informed choice about the best option for you.

Your community

The college system is central to the Oxford experience, providing a smaller, close-knit community within the larger University. The college you choose will play a central role in shaping your sense of belonging at Oxford. Each college has its unique ethos, traditions, and social atmosphere, so your choice can directly influence your day-to-day experience.

Graduate colleges like St Antony’s are known for their vibrant international communities and commitment to inclusivity. They attract students from incredibly diverse backgrounds. They attract students from incredibly diverse backgrounds. In fact, St Antony’s is proud to be one of the most diverse colleges at Oxford.

Colleges also vary in their approach to tradition and hierarchy. Some colleges uphold long-running Oxford traditions, and maintain a formal structure. Others, like St Antony’s, wear tradition lightly. We provide elements of the traditional Oxford experience, but also live by an egalitarian ethos that ensures students, Fellows, researchers and staff work together as equals. For example, we do not have a high table that separates Fellows from students during meals, and everyone eats the same food. Everyone is also welcome to walk on the grass in our quad!

Choosing a college that aligns with your values and preferences ensures you’ll feel supported and at home during your time at Oxford.

Colleges also host a range of activities, from formal dinners to summer parties and cultural events. By selecting a college that fits your personality and interests, you can make the most of your time outside of your studies.

Your location and lifestyle

Oxford’s colleges are scattered throughout the city, each offering a distinct lifestyle based on its location. Some are nestled in the heart of the city, close to libraries, shops, and cultural landmarks, while others are in quieter areas, providing a more peaceful environment. Oxford is a small city – even if a college is in a suburb, it will still only be a short walk into the city centre.

Choosing a college that houses, or is close to, relevant teaching spaces and departmental resources can save you valuable time when travelling to classes. It’s good to consider whether you may need to access a particular library or department regularly and how far they might be from your college.

Colleges also differ in the types of accommodation they provide. If you have specific needs, such as family housing or accessibility features, researching colleges in advance ensures your living arrangements will meet your expectations. Some colleges have accommodation spread across Oxford, while others concentrate their accommodation on or very close to their campus, which is the case at St Antony’s.

How to choose your college

Your choice of college shapes not just where you’ll live, but the community and support system that will define your graduate journey. Take control of your Oxford story by choosing a college that’s right for you.