OXFORD UNIVERSITY COLLEGES
At Oxford University, there are more than 30 unique colleges that form vibrant academic communities. These colleges are places where students come together not only for tutorials but also to relax and socialize in spaces like the dining hall, bar, and common room. Each college creates a close-knit environment where learning and friendship grow side by side through many activities. Every college also has its own library, filled with resources to help students study and research. Besides academics, college groups and societies play an important role in student life, offering many chances to discover new interests and connect with others. From my experience, this mix of study and social life makes being part of Oxford’s colleges a truly special and rewarding experience.
Oxford Colleges Gallery
Oxford College Names
B
Balliol College
Founded
1263
Named After
John de Balliol
Notable Alumni
Adam Smith, Harold Macmillan, Boris Johnson
Specialty
Philosophy, Politics & Economics
Brasenose College
Founded
1509
Named After
Brazen nose door knocker
Notable Alumni
David Cameron, Michael Palin, Colin Cowdrey
Specialty
Law, History, English Literature
C
Christ Church
Founded
1546
Founded By
King Henry VIII
Notable Alumni
Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein (honorary), 13 British Prime Ministers
Famous For
Harry Potter filming location, Tom Tower
Corpus Christi College
Founded
1517
Founded By
Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester
Notable Alumni
Isaiah Berlin, Thomas Arnold, William Fulbright
Specialty
Classics, Philosophy, Modern Languages
E
Exeter College
Founded
1314
Founded By
Walter de Stapledon
Notable Alumni
J.R.R. Tolkien, Philip Pullman, Tariq Ali
Famous For
English Literature, Medieval Studies
H
Harris Manchester College
Founded
1786
Unique Feature
Only accepts mature students (21+)
Originally
Manchester Academy
Specialty
Theology, Philosophy, Adult Education
Hertford College
Founded
1874 (refounded)
Famous Feature
Bridge of Sighs
Notable Alumni
Evelyn Waugh, Jonathan Swift, Helen Fielding
Specialty
English Literature, History, Law
J
Jesus College
Founded
1571
Founded By
Queen Elizabeth I
Notable Alumni
T.E. Lawrence, Harold Wilson, Nigel Lawson
Welsh Connection
Strong Welsh heritage and traditions
K
Keble College
Founded
1870
Named After
John Keble
Architecture
Victorian Gothic Revival
Notable Alumni
Imran Khan, Ed Balls, Tony Abbott
L
Lady Margaret Hall
Founded
1878
Historic Significance
First women's college at Oxford
Notable Alumni
Benazir Bhutto, Ann Widdecombe, Nigella Lawson
Named After
Lady Margaret Beaufort
Lincoln College
Founded
1427
Founded By
Richard Fleming
Notable Alumni
John Wesley, Dr. Seuss (honorary), John le Carré
Famous For
Theology, Medieval History
M
Magdalen College
Founded
1458
Famous Feature
Magdalen Tower, Deer Park
Notable Alumni
Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Dudley Moore
Tradition
May Morning choir singing
Mansfield College
Founded
1886
Originally
Nonconformist theological college
Notable Alumni
Dennis Potter, Michael Heseltine
Specialty
Theology, Philosophy, Social Sciences
Merton College
Founded
1264
Claim to Fame
Oldest continuously existing college
Notable Alumni
T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, Kris Kristofferson
Famous Library
Oldest medieval library in continuous use
N
New College
Founded
1379
Founded By
William of Wykeham
Notable Alumni
Hugh Grant, Kate Beckinsale, Tony Benn
Famous For
Medieval architecture, Harry Potter filming
O
Oriel College
Founded
1326
Founded By
Adam de Brome
Notable Alumni
Cecil Rhodes, Walter Raleigh, Cardinal Newman
Famous For
Rhodes Scholarship connection
P
Pembroke College
Founded
1624
Founded By
King James I
Notable Alumni
Samuel Johnson, William Fulbright, J.R.R. Tolkien
Specialty
English Literature, Classics
Q
The Queen's College
Founded
1341
Founded By
Robert de Eglesfield
Notable Alumni
Edmund Halley, Tim Berners-Lee, Rowan Atkinson
Architecture
Baroque architecture by Hawksmoor
R
Regent's Park College
Founded
1810
Affiliation
Baptist theological college
Unique Feature
Permanent Private Hall status
Specialty
Theology, Religious Studies
S
St Anne's College
Founded
1879
Originally
Society of Oxford Home-Students
Notable Alumni
Helen Fielding, Tina Brown, Edwina Currie
Modern Focus
Progressive, diverse community
St Catherine's College
Founded
1963
Nickname
"Catz"
Architecture
Modern 1960s design by Arne Jacobsen
Notable Alumni
Stewart Lee, J.K. Rowling (honorary)
St Edmund Hall
Founded
1278
Nickname
"Teddy Hall"
Unique Status
Last surviving medieval hall
Notable Alumni
Robin Day, Stewart Lee, Terry Jones
St Hilda's College
Founded
1893
Historic Note
Last all-women college (until 2008)
Location
Riverside location on River Cherwell
Notable Alumni
Barbara Castle, Baroness Williams
St Hugh's College
Founded
1886
Founded By
Elizabeth Wordsworth
Notable Alumni
Aung San Suu Kyi, Theresa May, Rachel Maddow
Gardens
Famous for beautiful gardens
St John's College
Founded
1555
Founded By
Sir Thomas White
Notable Alumni
A.E. Housman, Philip Larkin, Tony Blair
Famous For
Beautiful gardens, Canterbury Quad
St Peter's College
Founded
1929
Originally
St Peter's Hall
Notable Alumni
Edward Akufo-Addo, Ken Loach
Character
Small, close-knit community
Somerville College
Founded
1879
Named After
Mary Somerville
Notable Alumni
Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Dorothy Sayers
Famous For
Strong tradition in sciences and politics
T
Trinity College
Founded
1555
Founded By
Sir Thomas Pope
Notable Alumni
John Henry Newman, William Pitt the Elder
Architecture
Beautiful Durham Quad
U
University College
Founded
1249
Nickname
"Univ"
Claim
Claims to be oldest Oxford college
Notable Alumni
Percy Bysshe Shelley, Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking
W
Wadham College
Founded
1610
Founded By
Dorothy Wadham
Notable Alumni
Christopher Wren, Rowan Williams, Rosamund Pike
Character
Progressive, liberal traditions
Worcester College
Founded
1714
Grounds
26 acres with lake and gardens
Notable Alumni
Richard Adams, Rupert Murdoch, Emma Watson
Famous For
Beautiful grounds, rowing
Wycliffe Hall
Founded
1877
Type
Permanent Private Hall
Focus
Evangelical Anglican theological training
Named After
John Wycliffe
Whether you’re dreaming of studying at Oxford University, comparing its many unique colleges, or simply curious about what makes this historic place so special—you’re in the right spot. Each college is more than just a building; it’s a vibrant academic community full of life, tradition, and opportunity. With inspiring tutors, lively common rooms, and a deep sense of belonging, Oxford offers something for every type of student. Take your time, explore your options, and find the college that feels like home.