When you apply to Oxbridge, you do not only apply to the university, but also to a specific college. Oxbridge are ‘collegiate’ universities, which means that they are formed of multiple separate colleges which make up the university. Each college has its own campus, including a dining hall and cafeteria, libraries, accommodation, and other facilities. Some will have larger campuses; some will have more money than others to invest in student activities. Each college offers a unique atmosphere, traditions, and community, making your choice of college an integral part of your Oxbridge experience.
Colleges do not contain faculties; each college will have students from a whole range of faculties across the university. For example, there could be 12 Physics, 6 English Literature, and 4 French language students all in the same college. This means that every student at Oxford is guaranteed to meet a whole range of people studying different subjects to their own.
When choosing a college, it is worth researching which ones your tutors are linked to. For example, University College hosts many Slavic and French language students because its tutors will specialise in those areas. You will usually share tutorials with students studying the same subject as you, led by your college’s dedicated tutor. Your decision of college might be made easier if you find a tutor who specialises in a branch of your subject which you are particularly interested in and find which college they are linked to. For example, a Physics tutor specialising in quantum physics might be based in Brasenose College.
Oxford has 36 colleges, and the three with the most students are St. Catherine's, St. John's, and Christ Church. These are also known as the richest colleges with the largest campuses in Oxford. Regarding facilities, there is a slight trend in the richer colleges having more rooms available to book out, private squash and tennis courts, and even theatres. If you want to get involved in music or drama, then St John’s, Keble, Worcester, and Balliol Colleges all have theatres or music spaces for rehearsals and performances. Similarly, rowing is a collegiate sport, and certain colleges will be known for better training and equipment, such as Oriel College. Yet what I would recommend highly is getting involved in university-wide activities such as sports like Dance, Rugby, and even Quidditch.
One aspect of the admissions process which you should be aware of is the infamous ‘pooling system’. It is a crucial part of the Oxbridge admissions process, designed to ensure that the most talented applicants are offered a place, regardless of the college they apply to. If a college receives more strong applications than it can accommodate, some candidates are placed in a system where other colleges can review their applications and redistribute the best students between colleges.
Colleges foster a strong sense of community from day one. Many students describe their college as a "home away from home," with dedicated staff and peers who support both academic and personal development. Take your time to look at what each college can offer you but remember that your college is just one piece of the puzzle. Regardless of where you end up, your student experience will be enriched by the university-wide opportunities, the friendships you form, and the knowledge you gain.
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