Queen's - Student View

Impressive Baroque buildings on the High Street -'the grandest piece of classical architecture in Oxford' - and with the motto 'Queen's will provide'. Queen's does indeed provide students with the opportunity to combine an Oxford degree with as much sport, music, drama and socialising as they can.

Unlike the impression given by its buildings it is the friendliest and least pretentious college of the lot. Originally the 'northern' college, it now attracts applicants from all over the country (and abroad!). Not too large, so that students fit in quickly and get to know most other people. Largely apolitical but those who do become active in student politics are regarded with a mixture of tolerance and amusement.

Accommodation provided for students for the full three years: off-site for first and second years; mixed-size rooms on the main college site in the final year. All rooms have ethernet links, some with internal phone lines. No self-catering facilities but college food (paid for on credit) is more than adequate for most, being cheap, available every day and often edible!

Main college library is well stocked and there is a specialist Egyptology library. The grandiose upper-floor of the library, with its ornate decoration, is definitely worth a visit.

The most cherished undergraduate memories will involve the legendary beer cellar in some light or another (probably a hazy one). It may be smallish and in a hole in the ground under Front Quad but has a traditional pub feel most nights of the week.

Even those who know little about Queen's are still likely to know that darts is one of their strongest sports (you may be unwise to refer to it as a 'pastime' on site!) and it is the popularity of the dartboards in the beer cellar that will show you why.

Numerous social events - don any random costume for fortnightly themed bops (original themes mean you will be able to link any costume into the theme and will not feel the least bit out of place); end-of-term events, sports' victory celebrations and an un-missable triennial ball.

The laid-back atmosphere means that in all aspects of life, the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Rugby, football, hockey and rowing teams all compete in the top divisions but there are also numerous successful second and third teams; inter-collegiate level sport is definitely favoured and successful at this level. Sports grounds and pavilion are on the banks of the Isis (not to be missed).

Many well-reviewed Eglesfield Players performances (Eglesfield is college founder); Eglesfield Music Society holds weekly lunchtime recitals and the chapel choir is regarded as the best mixed voice ensemble (regular public concerts in College chapel).

The variety of pursuits that fill the time of Queen's students makes them all very different individuals and the only characteristic they share is that they are all just genuinely nice, friendly people.