For many of us, studying at the University of Oxford was the ultimate goal — it was Oxford or nothing. But after getting into the university of our dreams, the fact that you’re at Oxford quickly becomes secondary to which college you go to. “Brookes or Uni of?” is replaced in the daytime by an eager glance at the crest on your puffer. This crest becomes not only a symbol of your college, but also indicates how lucky you got.
“I’m a Catz Student… Get Me Out of Here!”
Despite being a rather walkable and cycling-friendly town, location is one of the key factors that will subject your college to insult. Practical arguments against less central colleges include that one would have to wake up for lectures earlier (for the few that are inclined to go). More importantly, it is a trek back to the centre of town after a BOP at St Hugh’s College. However, there is also a sense that the true ‘Oxford experience’ becomes diluted the further away your college is from the city centre. This is exacerbated by the more modern design of many of these colleges — made even worse if your college is modern and simultaneously falling apart… That being said, modern colleges are sometimes sought out by students who are perhaps put off by the more traditional aspects of the Oxford experience.
College Wealth
The facilities offered by some colleges are undeniably inferior to the facilities offered by others. Some colleges have larger libraries, more green space, and more en-suite bathrooms. These are all factors that can enhance a student’s experience. Students will oftentimes choose the college they apply to based on these tangible advantages. The wealth of a college is sometimes less obvious to the naked eye. For example, Worcester College — despite having extensive sports grounds and a lake — has historically been considered a poorer college. It is college wealth that arguably has the most palpable impact on student life. Larger college endowments mean colleges can subsidise accommodation, food, and provide bursaries and spending grants. Lower battels and access to more money are surely conducive to a happier student experience. The richer colleges also tend to be better equipped to help disadvantaged students engage more fully with student life at Oxford.
The right college for you
Different colleges have distinct cultures, which are often influenced by their size and wealth. For example, smaller colleges often feel tight-knit, whereas larger colleges have a tendency to be cliquey. Some are known for being quite left-wing, while others are said to have a more right-leaning student body — exemplified by the nickname ‘tory-el’ for Oriel College. This cultural variation in colleges highlights the importance of picking one that feels right to you. A broad range of college cultures is necessary to accommodate a broad range of students. However, college culture is not as defining as the wealth or location of your college. You are condemned to pay a very high rent or trek arduously into the centre of town, but you are not obliged to surrender to the political views of your peers. While not feeling aligned with the broad culture of your college can be isolating at first, there is often enough disparity within colleges that such stereotypes are unlikely to determine one’s experience. It is more than likely that your college will come to feel like the right college for you.
There’s no place like home
Ultimately, there is something about the fact that you cannot change college that means you always come to love it. Some may liken this to Stockholm Syndrome; I would instead call it college pride. While you might have a smaller library, more expensive college bar, or be as far out as Oxford Brookes, your opinion of your college is determined by the experiences you have. As a student at Jesus College, I cannot defend this position through my own experience, as my college is wealthy, central, and in every way perfect. However, where some colleges may lack objective advantages, students are often loyal and forgiving of their college’s flaws. Living in college means you grow a soft spot for this place that you call home. Being a member of a college comes with an implicit duty to defend your college against slander. So, while some colleges are perhaps — on paper — better than others, your own college will more than likely feel perfect for you — in every way.