Oriel - Student View

Among the prettiest and oldest of Oxford colleges, located in the town centre, Oriel is renowned for its friendly, intimate atmosphere, arguably the strongest college identity in Oxford.

Accommodation for all three or four years, with a choice of single or double rooms, flats for 3 or house for 4. Security is good. College hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner (choice of formal or informal) reasonable standard and price; excellent termly guest and annual subject dinners. Excellent library (open 24 hours), though the bar is more a focal point for student activity: not only the venue for the termly bop but also contains a pool table, dartboard and video games, quiz and pinball machines. JCR shop sells cheap snack food & drink, etc. TV room, with Sky digital - sports and movie channels.

Good sporting reputation, especially for rowing (been head of the river more times than any other college in the past 20 years), strong rugby, football, cricket, netball and lacrosse teams.

Many college societies for all interests, with funding available from JCR, including philosophy, arts, literature, film. Drama society produces a play every summer which is presented in the college's First Quad.

The JCR works to maintain and improve student rights and facilities. Oriel provides an atmosphere where students can work and play, pursue their interests and generally enrich their lives.

Student make-up is cosmopolitan, and the atmosphere relaxed. Excellent support from fellow students and tutors, all of whom are always willing to listen and help with problems of any nature. Easy to change course in the first term. Good prospects for career and graduate/research work.