Merton - In Depth

Founded: 1264; women undergraduates first admitted 1980.

Admission: By interview and conditional offer.

Largest fields of study: Chemistry, literae humaniores, mathematics, modern history, physics, PPE and law. Scholarships: Postmasterships and exhibitions awarded at end of first (and later) years for distinguished work.

Travel grants: Various travel grants to 'subsidise well-thought-out plans for vacation travel'.

Library & information services: Over 80,000 volumes in lending library and fine Old Library (medieval manuscripts, chained early books). College library and IT services converged. 30 open-access PCs, including 4 with links to national and international library services (ratio workstations to students 1:20); 300+ points with access to internet. IT facilities open 24 hours/day; IT support from computer officer and 1-2 juniors.

Eating arrangements: All meals available in hall. Gate/guest hours: Gate closes by midnight during term. Guests must leave college by midnight.

Other college facilities: Chapel, music room and organ; nearby playing fields, sports pavilion, boathouse.

Accommodation: All undergraduates offered college accommodation. 300 undergraduate places available at £115 per week full-board, term time (or longer if agreed with tutor). No first degree students live at home.

Term-time work: No regulations governing part time work but students expected to discuss it with tutor. Some vacation work in the library.

Financial help: £20,000 own funds, average award £200.

Special help: travel, book grants, hardship.