If you’re imagining a college filled with history, world-famous libraries, and one-on-one teaching with top professors, then Oxford University should be on your list! Known as the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford has helped shape many Nobel Prize winners, leaders, and important figures throughout the centuries. One thing that makes Oxford special is how it teaches its students. Instead of huge classes, Oxford uses small group or one-on-one lessons called tutorials. This gives students a chance to work closely with experts in their field and get a lot of personal attention.
Oxford is also home to students from all around the world. With nearly half of its undergraduate students coming from different countries, the university is a truly diverse place to learn. It has 39 different colleges, each with its teachers, dorms, and admissions process, giving students a strong sense of community within the larger university. If you want a world-class education, great professors, and a truly global experience, Oxford University and its Best Colleges at Oxford are amazing choices!
Exploring the Ageless Beauty of Oxford: How Old is the University of Oxford?
Stepping into Oxford is like stepping into a time capsule of learning, with roots reaching back to 1096. The echoes of centuries past resonate through the cobblestone streets and magnificent architecture that adorn the campus. Among these architectural marvels stand the venerable St Mary’s Church, a testament to medieval craftsmanship from the 13th century, and the Divinity School, a beacon of academic pursuit dating back to the 14th century.
Yet, Oxford is not merely frozen in time; it is a dynamic blend of antiquity and modernity. A typical day for an Oxford student might involve strolling past the ancient St George’s Tower, a structure that has watched over the city since 1020, before grabbing a cup of coffee at a café nestled within what was once a medieval inn along Cornmarket Street. Later, they might find themselves immersed in the sleek, futuristic design of the Blavatnik School of Government, a state-of-the-art building erected in 2016, before seeking solace in the hallowed halls of Queen’s College, where a magnificent 17th-century library invites them to delve into the wisdom of the ages.
In Oxford, the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, creating an atmosphere where each step is a journey through time, and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Top Colleges Ranked at Oxford
1) St. John’s College
Nestled in Oxford’s vibrant heart, St. John’s College prioritizes intimate faculty-student connections through small group and one-on-one classes. Established in 1555, its timeless setting includes a 16th-century chapel, a vast library, and serene gardens. St. John’s offers diverse majors and applicants undergo two twenty-minute interviews as part of the admissions process.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 14%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 1,548
2) Lincoln College
With a cozy undergraduate community of just over 300, Lincoln fosters a strong sense of belonging and boasts an exceptional library. Instruction spans large lectures, small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision. Emphasizing traditional subjects, Lincoln encourages extracurricular involvement, including the popular Turl Street Arts Festival.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 21.5%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 672
3) Brasenose College
Known for its amiable atmosphere, Brasenose College blends friendliness with academic rigor. Students choose from a wide array of majors and engage with accomplished scholars. Beyond academics, Brasenose hosts vibrant social events, from fancy-dress parties to cultural celebrations, fostering a dynamic community spirit.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 12.5%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 1,358
4) New College
Among Oxford’s largest colleges, New College prioritizes student well-being, offering extensive support services. Its facilities include an award-winning music practice building and the Gradel Quadrangles, providing versatile spaces for living, studying, and performance.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 22.8%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 954
5) St. Catherine’s College
A beacon of innovation and diversity, St. Catherine’s offers a modern campus environment. With students representing over 50 nations, it fosters a vibrant scholarly community. Engaging in various extracurricular activities, students delve into arts, sciences, and cultural pursuits.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 20.7%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 1,301
6) Worcester College
Renowned for its supportive community ethos, Worcester College provides a nurturing environment for its 400 undergraduates. Offering majors across humanities, arts, and sciences, it hosts numerous cultural events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among students.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 10.8%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 2,169
7) Balliol College
Founded in 1263, Balliol champions academic excellence and independent thinking. While acclaimed for its mathematics program, it offers diverse majors across STEM and humanities fields. With a small cohort of 70 undergraduates, Balliol fosters close-knit academic communities.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 16.5%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 1,242
8) Harris Manchester College
Dedicated to mature students aged 21 and above, Harris Manchester celebrates diversity and inclusivity. With no upper age limit, it welcomes individuals from varied backgrounds, including career changers and lifelong learners, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 12%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: Not listed
9) St. Anne’s College
With a student body of approximately 450, St. Anne’s College embraces values of opportunity, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Boasting Oxford’s largest library, it offers majors in both traditional subjects and broader subject families. In line with its commitment to career preparation, St. Anne’s provides numerous paid work and research internships for its students.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 27%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 967
- Founded in: 1879
10) The Queen’s College
Founded in 1341, The Queen’s College provides a picturesque setting for academic pursuits amid stunning neoclassical architecture. Renowned for its research opportunities, it houses a magnificent library spanning three centuries. Additionally, students can engage in interactive research talks through the Queen’s College Symposium.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 19%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 307
- Founded in: 1341
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11) Corpus Christi College
Founded during the Renaissance, Corpus Christi College maintains a steadfast dedication to fostering creativity and intellectual growth. Faculty members expect students to demonstrate commitment, maturity, and ambition. Beyond academics, students are encouraged to partake in daily tea times and utilize community spaces like the boathouse and Beer Cellar.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 19%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 526
- Founded in: 1517
12) University College
University College, with its diverse architectural heritage spanning from the 17th to the 21st centuries, stands as an eclectic testament to Oxford’s rich history. Students at Univ often describe their alma mater as “historic and unpretentious,” fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere that embraces all who pass through its gates. This lively, mid-size college pulsates with activity, offering a plethora of events every week, from comedy nights to choir performances and cultural dinners.
- Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 22.8%
- Average applications received per year 2020-22: 957
- Founded in: 1634
Best Colleges at Oxford – Conclusion
The colleges of Oxford University embody a rich tapestry of academic excellence, tradition, and community. From the venerable halls of St. John’s to the modern vibrancy of St. Catherine’s, each college offers a unique environment for students to thrive. As applicants navigate the admissions process, it’s crucial to consider not only the statistics like acceptance rates and application numbers but also the intangible aspects such as the college’s ethos, culture, and extracurricular opportunities. Whether one is drawn to the historic charm of Queen’s College or the dynamic atmosphere of University College, Oxford provides a home for diverse interests and aspirations.
Ultimately, the journey to Oxford is an exploration of self-discovery and intellectual growth. By finding the college that resonates with their values and ambitions, students can embark on a transformative educational experience within the esteemed walls of Oxford University.