Somerville - Student View

Somerville became a mixed college in 1994, having been a women's college from 1879. It retains a pro-women environment, and has a friendly, relaxed and supportive atmosphere, with a roughly equal ratio of males to females and a good state/independent school ratio. It's well-known for outward-looking social and political activism.

Main quad is spacious, relaxed (one of the few in the university where students are allowed to walk on the grass) and much used in the summer. Buildings range from Victorian to the rather ugly 1960s (but if you live in them you don't have to look at them!).

Library is one of the best and most beautiful in Oxford, and accessible 24 hours a day - vital in inevitable essay crises. Facilities include various TVs (including Sky and a big screen TV in the bar), video and DVD player, photocopier, pool table, computer room (open 24 hours a day), music rooms, gym, darkroom and brand new college bar.

Student support is strong, with welfare services provided by tutors and by student peer-support scheme; college provides financial hardship assistance and JCR travel grants.

Accommodation is generally good, compulsory during your first year and guaranteed for your final year. Most students live out in their second year, but the university, JCR and college provide some (albeit limited) financial aid.

Food is reasonable and cheap but cooking facilities also available; formal hall every week (a great chance to dress up and get drunk!).

Academic pressure is generally high, depending on subject, but tutors and fellows usually supportive. It's a couple of minutes' walk from the centre of Oxford, in a fashionable area boasting some of the city's best restaurants and bars.

In-college entertainments are good (events popular with other colleges). Male undergraduates are beginning to make their mark in the male sports in the university, whilst the women's boat club is famous for dominating the river.