Category
Unconventional or Quirky
Free-spirited colleges with a distinct personality and their own ways of doing things.
12 colleges
Clare College
Second oldest Cambridge college, known for its strong musical traditions and award-winning food. The bar in the church crypt is one of the b…
Founded 1326 · Large · Central
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Girton College
The first Cambridge college to admit women, shaping its inclusive values today. Accommodation guaranteed for all years. The best on-site spo…
Founded 1869 · Large · Out of centre
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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
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Keble College
One of Oxford's larger and more modern-feeling colleges, with Christian founding traditions including Grace before formals. More relaxed tha…
Founded 1870 · Large · Central
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King's College
Famous worldwide for its stunning Chapel and equally famous choir. Very liberal with active societies for LGBTQ+, environment, feminism and…
Founded 1441 · Large · Very central
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Lady Margaret Hall
Famous as Oxford's first women's college and the first to become fully co-educational. Now teaches most undergraduate courses. Known for exc…
Founded 1878 · Large · Central
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Mansfield College
The most representative Oxford college for state school students, matching the general population's ratio. Highly inclusive with minimal eli…
Founded 1886 · Small · Central
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Murray Edwards College
One of two women-only Cambridge colleges. Houses The Women's Art Collection — the second-largest collection of work by female artists in the…
Founded 1954 · Medium · Out of centre
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Newnham College
One of two women-only Cambridge colleges — very liberal and progressive. Excellent accessibility provisions for disabilities. Kitchen access…
Founded 1871 · Large · Central
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Somerville College
One of Oxford's most famous women's colleges, now co-educational. Known for its very relaxed and liberal atmosphere, civil rights ethos and…
Founded 1879 · Large · Central
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St Hilda's College
Cheapest bar in Oxford at £1 a pint. One of only five colleges with fellows across all three PPL subjects — ideal for Psychology, Philosophy…
Founded 1893 · Large · Central
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Wadham College
Oxford's most liberal and progressive college, first to fly the Pride flag. No traditional Formals — just guest nights. Half the menu is alw…
Founded 1610 · Large · Central
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