The University of Oxford is over 900 years old making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university works on a collegiate system: Colleges are essentially independent bodies that organise students’ studies, accommodation, meals and welfare in Oxford, whilst the University organises the academic programmes and examinations. There are 36 Colleges and 9 Permanent Private Halls (which were founded by Christian denominations).

Staying in an Oxford college for your summer studies will give you the ‘Oxford’ experience and you will live, eat study and socialise within college. Students will be staying in one of the following sites:

St. Hilda’s College and Fulford House

Location: St Hilda’s is a large spacious college situated right on the banks of the river beside the University Botanical Gardens with a wonderful view of Christ Church Meadows. It is a beautiful place to live and study and the picnickers and punters that congregate along the river on a hot afternoon contribute to the atmosphere of this very special college. The College is a short walk from the heart of Oxford.

Facts: St Hilda’s college was, until recently, the only college just to admit female students. Established in 1893, it has six different buildings comprising both student teaching and accommodation separated by beautifully-maintained lawns. St. Hilda’s pride themselves on their outstanding academic record; routinely obtaining the highest number of first-class degrees in English within Oxford. The English television show ‘College Girls’ was filmed here in 2002. Many nationally acclaimed academics, politicians and poets have studied at Hilda’s and Jacqueline Du Pres is an honorary fellow. Students stay in single or twin rooms on staircases in the main college building or on corridors in Fulford House. The lawns are great for outdoor games and the main gate is monitored 24-7 by the porters, making it safe, secure and fun so perfect for our younger students.

For more information on St Hilda’s, see their website on www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk.

St. Stephen’s House

Location: St Stephen’s House is a small Christian hall founded in 1876, tucked just over Magdalen Bridge close to the University Sports Grounds and a short walk from Christ Church Meadows. The House is a short walk from the city centre.

Facts: It has a cosy home-from-home atmosphere with newly renovated bedrooms and bathrooms, a comfortable common room for relaxing and socialising, a small dining hall with great food and two large gardens ideal for BBQs and playing games in the sunshine. Famous alumni include many prominent members of the Church of England including former Archbishops of York and Wales. Many of the students and their families live on-site and there is a swipe-card access system which means St Stephen’s provides a safe and welcoming environment.

For more information on St Stephen’s, see their website on www.ssho.ox.ac.uk.

Wadham College

Location: Being centrally located which makes it ideal for getting to classes and exploring everything Oxford has to offer.

Facts: Wadham College was established in 1610 and is situated in 6 acres of beautiful grounds in the very centre of Oxford. It combines original and modern buildings, beautiful gardens, comfortable accommodation and one of the largest halls in Oxford. In addition to bed-sitting rooms, there are bedrooms with separate sitting rooms and about 20 "twin-bedded" rooms. All rooms have washing facilities and bathrooms are shared on a ratio of not less than one to every 4 bedrooms. In the Hall and New Refectory, breakfast and lunches are served in a style to suit the requirements of a ‘work-hard, play-hard’ day. Famous alumni include the famous conductor Thomas Beecham, the James Bond Actress Rosamund Pike, Architect Christopher Wren and the historian and novelist Melvyn Bragg among many others.

For more information on Wadham college, see www.wadham.ox.ac.uk.

St. Catherine’s College

Location: St Catherine’s is a relaxed and informal college located a short walk from the University Parks and close to the shops and cafes of central Oxford. It is located right on the banks of the river Cherwell and has some of the best college facilities in Oxford.

Facts: Affectionately known as ‘Catz’, its roots are in a small foundation started in 1868 to make education in Oxford available without the costs of college membership. Unlike more traditional Oxford Colleges, which have most buildings centred around ‘quads’ (grass quadrangulars), St. Catherine’s comprises hedge-lined walks around the many College facilities. More gardens than buildings, it has the biggest team of dedicated gardeners in Oxford and is consequently a true delight to study in during the summer. Students are accommodated in light and spacious rooms overlooking the gardens. Famous alumni include the American author of Catch-22 Joseph Heller, Actress Emily Woof and quadruple Olympic gold-medalist, Matthew Pinsent.

For more information on St Catherine’s, see their website on www.stcatz.ox.ac.uk.

Oriel College

Location: Oriel College is located right in the heart of Oxford in Oriel Square just off the High Street and is a short stroll through Christ Church Meadows to the river.

Facts: The College was founded by King Edward II in 1326, and because of the College’s royal connection their coat of arms bears the three gold lions of England on a red background. Their accommodation is large single or double-sets for two that all look over the main quads and lawns. The third quad lawn has the distinction of being one of the few in Oxford on which you can walk, sit and study on. Oriel has some of the friendliest Porters in Oxford who keep the college safe and secure and are also invaluable sources of local information. The television show ‘Inspector Morse’ and its sequel were filmed here in 2006. Famous alumni include two Nobel Prize-winners and the world-famous explorer; Sir Walter Raleigh.

To get more information on Oriel, check out their website on www.oriel.ox.ac.uk.

University Club

Location: Situated on Mansfield Road, opposite Mansfield and Harris Mancester Colleges, and just around the corner from New College, the University Club is just 5 minutes walk from the heart of the city.

Facts: Opened in 2004 by the Vice Chancellor of Oxford University to provide a social and sporting centre for all staff, post-graduates, alumni and retired staff of the university, the University Club offers superb en-suite rooms and excellent views across the Club field. Within the unique crescent-shaped building is a bar, café, plasma TV screens and a gym. Expect to see several games of cricket played on the pavilion!

To get more information on the University club, check out their website on www.club.ox.ac.uk.