It is now assumed that you have chosen to apply to Oxford University, but this still leaves you with a choice to make - which of the 39 Undergraduate Colleges to apply to.
What is an Open Application?
When you apply to Oxford, you have the option either of applying to a particular college, which the majority of people do, or making an open application, through which you will be allocated to the college with the least applicants per place in your subject (i.e. the least over-subscribed one). An open application will not disadvantage your chances of success, and may even improve them - tutors understand that many candidates will not be able to form a strong preference for one college, so how you came to select their college will not be discussed at interview. However, no exceptions can be made, so if you have formed a strong preference for or aversion to a particular college, this option should not be used.
What is a College for?
A college forms the centre of the social and domestic life of the majority of Oxford students - they are small communities in which it is easy to make friends, and all the facilities you need are only a short walk from your room. Apart from Open Applications (see above), you will apply to one Oxford College and the tutors there will be the ones who examine your application and decide whether or not to offer you a place. There are 30 Undergraduate Colleges in Oxford, each with their own web pages, as well as 6 Permanent Private Halls (PPH's) concerned mainly with the study of Philosophy and Theology.
How do I choose?
The first thing to say is not to worry, if you ask nearly anyone in Oxford, they will say that their College is the best. They all offer similar services, such as a Hall with meals served three times a day, accommodation, a library, a Common Room and sports facilities. Whichever College you apply to, you are likely to have a fantastic time at Oxford.
However, there are some things you may want to bear in mind:
Course - Check to make sure which Colleges offer your course. Although different colleges do not have particular specialisations, some smaller subjects are not taught at every College. There is a full list of which courses are available at which Colleges here.
Location, Location, Location - You may want to have a look on the map where the Colleges are. Although Oxford is a small city, and all departments and Colleges are in walking or cycling distance, the convenience of having your Faculty and Library around the corner from your College might appeal to you. You may want to be at a College in the very centre, which always feels busy and active, or at one further out which feels more peaceful.
Accommodation - Some colleges offer accommodation for your whole course; in others you will have to live out in a house in Oxford with friends for one or two years of your course. Some college accommodation is off-site in college annexes. Which year or years of your course you are on the college site (rather than in annexes or houses) will vary from college to college: some people might want to be in the middle of it all in their first year, while others will prefer to have the convenience of being in college for their final year. Ultimately you should be well accommodated whichever college you are at, but if you are having trouble deciding, your preferences over the details of accommodation might help you to choose.
Size and Shape - All the Colleges have different numbers of Undergraduates, they are different sizes and range from 800 to 40 years old. They all have very different feelings within them: try not to put too much store in the stereotypes which very rarely exist, but come and judge for yourself.
Come and Visit! - There are a variety of ways to come and visit, most importantly the Open Days, which give you a chance to see lots of Colleges, to meet some of the students and tutors. You may also consider getting your school to visit Oxford, or just coming up for the day to look around. Please feel free to get in contact with and we will do our best to arrange for you to look round the College.
Why Magdalen?
The easiest way to choose your College is simply to come and visit Magdalen, and that should make up your mind. The College is one of the most beautiful and magical in Oxford, set in 100 acres of riverside grounds. Although it has a large student population, it remains a peaceful haven throughout terms as well as holidays because it is blessed with so much space.
If you want the real deal on Magdalen life, take a look at theAlternative Prospectus, written by the students! Or have a virtual tour with some gorgeous photos from around the college.
The sense of community at Magdalen is unrivalled, with a high proportion of tutors living on site, and the Bar open to all the College population. Even more so than elsewhere, a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship grows between tutors and students.
Accommodation is some of the best in Oxford - every student is guaranteed accommodation for their whole course, none of which is more than 200m from College, and all of which are charged on a flat-rate system that means you are able to choose the very best regardless of finances. In terms of Location, Magdalen strikes the perfect balance, maintaining its position close to the very heart of the City, but also within walking distance of the Cowley Road shops.
Academically Magdalen is pretty hot stuff, usually in the top 5 colleges in the University and with around one third of our students achieving first class degrees, but without huge pressure from Tutors, who listen carefully to the student-run teaching feedback system. A vast library with 24-hour access is available to all Magdalen students, with new books being bought immediately on request, as well as specialist Law and History libraries. All this saves you time hunting across Oxford for the reading list.
The Facilities we offer are outstanding, with squash courts, gym, football, hockey, rugby, cricket and croquet pitches all on site. Our musical reputation is international with an outstanding Choir that sings daily in the Chapel. We are blessed with an ultra-modern auditorium for drama, films, debates and concerts, as well as ample computer facilities, a darkroom, an art studio, 15 punts and an art collection that is hired out each year. If you fancy a Picasso in your room for £10 a year, this is the place for you. The Food is very good value in Hall, with a good range and medium quality. The Bar serves tasty pub food.
The JCR at Magdalen is one of the most active in the University, and has forged particularly close links to the tutorial body, through the Personal Tutor scheme to safeguard student welfare and through the continuing strong relationship over Admissions. JCR funds are constantly used to improve services, which range from bacon-tastic Sunday Brunch, to brand new wide-screen TVs, DVD players & free pool table for the two common rooms, to 5 parties a term in the Bar, which is one of the biggest and best in Oxford.
