Category
Grounded Communities
Colleges with a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming sense of community.
25 colleges
Brasenose College
Regularly voted Oxford's happiest college and top for friendliness. Its prime location next to the Radcliffe Camera puts it at the heart of…
Founded 1509 · Medium · Very central
View
Corpus Christi College
Academically strong and regularly high on the Tompkins Table. Known for punching above its weight in sport, hosting an annual challenge agai…
Founded 1352 · Medium · Central
View
Corpus Christi College
One of Oxford's smallest colleges, offering a rare tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Three years of guaranteed accommoda…
Founded 1571 · Small · Central
View
Downing College
Founded specifically to teach Medicine and Law, both of which remain strong subjects alongside Natural Sciences. Excellent food and a sociab…
Founded 1800 · Large · Central
View
Emmanuel College
High on the Tompkins Table and fairly formal with gowns, Latin Grace and a high table. But also home to a lido — one of Cambridge's most dis…
Founded 1958 · Large · Central
View
Exeter College
Friendly and relaxed college adjoining the Bodleian Library, with a stunning chapel that appeared in the film Dr Strange. Wide range of cour…
Founded 1314 · Medium · Central
View
Fitzwilliam College
One of Cambridge's best colleges for state school students, with 70-75% from state backgrounds. All-year accommodation at affordable rents.…
Founded 1966 · Large · Central
View
Harris Manchester College
The only Oxford college exclusively for mature students (21+). Strong in Humanities with limited STEM courses; undergraduate Medicine not of…
Founded 1786 · Small · Central
View
Hertford College
Known for strong inclusivity and a high proportion of working-class students. Houses Oxford's famous Bridge of Sighs. Central location oppos…
Founded 1282 · Large · Very central
View
Jesus College
Known for accepting strong applicants in Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences and Economics. Unique in having all its sports fields on-site, maki…
Founded 1496 · Large · Central
View
Jesus College
Often cited as Oxford's friendliest college, with a strong Welsh heritage and inclusive culture that extends to sports. Teaches most Oxford…
Founded 1571 · Medium · Central
View
Lincoln College
Known for some of the best food in Oxford and a beloved underground bar. Accommodation guaranteed for all years. Warm community with active…
Founded 1472 · Medium · Central
View
Magdalene College
Famous for housing Samuel Pepys's library and papers. Known for iconic architecture and candlelit Formal Hall in a 16th-century setting for…
Founded 1885 · Medium · Central
View
Pembroke College
Known for its connections to Economics & Management and Modern Languages. Three years of accommodation. Free rowing club is a standout perk.…
Founded 1624 · Large · Central
View
Peterhouse
The oldest college in Cambridge, with a 13th-century dining hall and daily Formal Hall in Full Term. Strengths in History, Mathematics and E…
Founded 1284 · Small · Central
View
Regent's Park College
A Permanent Private Hall rather than a standard college, though fully integrated into Oxford. The cheapest pint in Oxford and voted best col…
Founded 1927 · Small · Central
View
Selwyn College
One of Cambridge's better academic performers on the Tompkins Table. Liberal and friendly atmosphere. All first-year rooms are en-suite. A g…
Founded 1882 · Large · Central
View
Sidney Sussex College
Strengths in History, Law and Engineering. One of the cheapest rents in Cambridge (~£130/week) and one of the cheapest bars. Welcoming and n…
Founded 1596 · Large · Central
View
St Anne's College
The first Oxford college to admit women, with inclusivity as a core identity. Teaches almost every undergraduate course. Award-winning food…
Founded 1879 · Large · Central
View
St Catharine's College
Known as a sporty college with an unusually wide range of activities including golf, skiing, water polo and climbing. Performs well on the T…
Founded 1473 · Large · Very central
View
St Edmund Hall
Claims to be the oldest academic society at Oxford, pre-dating the oldest colleges. Wide subject range. Famous for rugby with a fierce sport…
Founded 1236 · Large · Central
View
St Hugh's College
Offers the rare guarantee of fixed-price accommodation for all four years. One of the largest grounds at Oxford. Not centrally located (20 m…
Founded 1886 · Large · Out of centre
View
St Peter's College
Aims for strong diversity from all backgrounds, with over 30 undergraduate courses available. Voted best college bar. Good food with standou…
Founded 1929 · Medium · Central
View
Trinity Hall
One of Cambridge's oldest colleges with a beautiful library overlooking the river and stunning gardens. Covers all major undergraduate cours…
Founded 1350 · Medium · Central
View
Worcester College
Known for a tight-knit, friendly community on a first-name basis — very informal and apolitical. One of the largest campuses in Oxford. Guar…
Founded 1714 · Large · Central
View