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The Best Colleges at Oxford University

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world. It is also one of the largest, with more then 24,000 student. Admission to the University of Oxford is extremely competitive, with a mere 3,300 undergraduate spots available for more than 23,000 annual applications.

All undergrads and graduate students at the University of Oxford belong to a college. There are more than 30 colleges spread across the city of Oxford. The colleges vary in size, history, and character, but all play an important role in the unique Oxford experience.

One way to compare and contrast the colleges at Oxford is through the Norrington Table. This annual ranking ranks the colleges based on their academic performance. It is one of the most closely watched rankings in higher education, and provides valuable insight into which colleges are performing well academically.

So without further ado, here are the best colleges at Oxford according to the latest Norrington Table!

Lincoln College

Lincoln College is one of the most prestigious colleges at Oxford University. Approximately 90 undergraduate students are admitted to the college each year, and it has four divisions of study for graduate students encompassing the arts and sciences. Lincoln graduate students are the oldest of their kind in Oxford, making Lincoln a highly sought-after destination for those looking to further their education.

Lincoln College has a long and storied history dating back to the 13th century, when it was founded by King Henry III. Since then, the college has produced some of the world's most renowned scholars and thinkers, including several Nobel laureates. Today, Lincoln continues to be a leader in higher education, providing an exceptional educational experience for its students.

If you're considering applying to Lincoln College, be aware that competition is fierce. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll find that Lincoln offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow as an academic.

Oriel College

If you're looking for one of the best colleges at Oxford, look no further than Oriel College. This college boasts an impressive student body, with nearly 300 undergraduates and 250 postgraduates. Additionally, there are several dozen majors available, making it a great choice for students with varied interests.

One of the highlights of Oriel College is the graduate teaching assistant program. This program gives students the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience while also helping to offset the cost of their education. Furthermore, Oriel College fellows engage in research projects and often host presentations and other events that graduate students can attend.

Oriel College students live in the college for their entire undergraduate time at Oxford. First-year postgraduate students are provided with housing, but after that they are responsible for finding their own accommodations. There are various sports and clubs available at Oriel College, as well as a library that is open 24 hours. Additionally, there is a chapel present on campus.

St. John's College

If you're looking for a top-notch education, Oxford is the place to be. St. John's College is one of the best colleges at Oxford, offering undergraduate majors, master's and doctoral programs, student accommodation, dining options, sports teams, musical and dramatic groups, and a library and study centre.

The college has a long history dating back to 1209, when it was founded by Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely. Today, it is one of the largest colleges at Oxford with over 1,000 students enrolled. The campus is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from all the major attractions.

As an undergraduate student at St. John's College, you'll have access to some of the best teaching and resources in the world. The college has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and world-renowned scholars. You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of Oxford's many partner institutions.

The college offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and need. Whether you're looking for a single room or a shared flat, there's something for everyone. And if you get hungry while studying in the library, there are plenty of dining options on campus to keep you fuelled up.

St. John's College competes in a number of sports leagues against other colleges at Oxford. There are also many musical and dramatic groups that perform regularly on campus. If you're looking for a break from studying, there's always something going on at St. John's College!

Brasenose College

Brasenose College is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges at Oxford University. Founded in the 1500s, it wasn't until the 1970s that women were finally admitted as undergraduates.

Today, there are around 100 undergraduates studying at Brasenose annually. There are 17 different courses of study available, ranging from classics and English to law and economics.

There are two main graduate student buildings at Brasenose - Hulme Common Room and Smith Reading Room. Both are well-equipped with all the facilities and resources students need to succeed in their studies.

Each year, Brasenose hosts an Arts Festival on New Quad. This is a popular event which showcases the talent of both students and staff. There is also a bar called BarGerties which is a popular spot for students to socialise.

Overall, Brasenose College is one of the best colleges at Oxford University. If you're looking for a college with a rich history and tradition, then Brasenose is definitely worth considering!

Wadham College

Wadham College is one of the colleges at Oxford University. 450 undergraduate and 250 graduate students study at the institution founded in 1610. Some of the college buildings date back centuries, and the architecture features a mix of styles. Wadham College has one of the biggest halls in the university, which is used for different events and functions.

The Holywell Music Room, which opened in 1748, is thought to be the oldestpurpose-built music room in Europe. The college library is home to a plethora of historical documents and hard-to-find books. In 2012, Wadham opened the McCall MacBain Graduate Centre, which provides modern facilities for graduate students.

Wadham College has a long and proud history, and it continues to be one of the best colleges at Oxford University. If you’re looking for a college with beautiful architecture, plenty of amenities, and a rich academic tradition, then Wadham College is definitely worth considering!

Merton College

In 2014, Merton College - one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges at Oxford University - celebrated its 750th anniversary. Founded in 1264, the college has an annual intake of just 90 new undergraduates, making it one of the smaller colleges at Oxford.

Despite its size, Merton offers more than a dozen different subjects to study, and half of its student body is made up of graduate students. The college's quadrangle is the oldest at Oxford and was originally built in the 13th century.

In 2020, Merton College will celebrate the 40th anniversary of admitting its first female students. This makes it one of the later colleges at Oxford to start admitting women, but it is now firmly committed to promoting gender equality.

Merton College consistently ranks highly in various league tables for Oxford colleges, making it one of the best places to study at this world-renowned university.

St. Peter's College

St. Peter's College has a long and rich history dating back to 1929, when it first opened as a hall. Since it turned into a full-fledged college in 1961, over 400 undergrad and grad students have been studying here. The college has always been known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to diversity, which continues today with the E&D Forum. And now, with new affordable student housing set to open in 2023, St. Peter's is poised to become an even more attractive option for students looking to study at Oxford.

Queen's College

Queen's College is one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University, having been founded in 1341. The college is located on High Street in Oxford, and each year it enrolls between 90 and 100 undergraduate students, as well as around 75 graduate students.

The college's buildings are a mix of 18th-century structures and more modern additions. The primary structure of the college is made up of a few eighteenth-century buildings with a new library that opened in 2017 located in the Provost's Garden. In addition to the new library, Queen's College also has the 17th-century Upper Library and the 19th-century Lower Library.

Queen's College consistently ranks among the best colleges at Oxford University, thanks to its strong academic programs and excellent facilities. If you're looking for a top-notch college experience at one of the world's most prestigious universities, Queen's College is definitely worth considering!

St. Catherine's College

St. Catherine's College was founded in 1962 and is located along the River Cherwell. The college not only offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs, but also a theater program that employs a professional theater teacher.

The college is highly respected and ranked as one of the best colleges at Oxford. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is a popular choice for students from all over the world.

If you're looking for a college that will challenge you academically and provide you with an amazing education, St. Catherine's College is definitely worth considering!

Conclusion

If you're looking for an exceptional educational experience, the University of Oxford is definitely worth considering. With its world-renowned colleges and programs, you'll be sure to receive an education that will prepare you for success in whatever field you choose to pursue.

Eugen

Eugen

About the author
Got kids about to go to college, so making my own research and sharing here!
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