Which College to Select at Oxford

Question

Oxford ask applicants to select college while applying? I have no idea which one to select and what to look in that college? Could anyone shed some light?

hobbit · Answer

in contemporary oxford and cambridge, and for graduate studies (it is different for undergraduates), colleges are mainly an administrative body in that it will provide you with accomodation, deal with student welfare things and other such services... it should not affect your actual studies. it can give you TA work as studies of undergraduates are under the responsibility of the college. your college will also provide some (but not all, especially for graduates) of your social environment, through organized activities etc...

there is a history for each college and heritage and long history of "competition" between colleges.... so read each college's site to see which "college spirit" suits you. 

probably most important is that colleges do provide financial assistance independent from the univerisity/department. so look for that as well if it is important to you, there are "richer" and "poorer" colleges...

but again.... any college you choose should provide you basically the same "services" with slight differences and should not affect your actual studies.

hope it helps...

ps_dahiya · Answer

Thanks hobbit.

swgotz · Answer

You should investigate the Norrington Table. It was a system devised in 1962 to rank all of the Colleges under the Oxford umbrella. Though only tangentially related to your studies as an MBA student, it should serve as a jumping off point.

~Steve

lhotseface · Answer

That is mighty eccentric of Oxford. I hope they don't ask MBAs to wear a gown and show up for afternoon tea.

Rocky · Answer

Though not for tea, Oxford asks its students to wear Subfusc for writing the exams

As far as college selection is considered you should consider below factors, 1. No of grad and MBA students (you won't want to stay with kids) 2. Distance from SAID building (some colleges like templeton are far away) 3. Accomodation (flat, hostel room, shared rooms etc) 4. Recreation (library, sports, clubs etc) 5. Scholarships that these colleges provide... But don't worry too much about it. If you are applying for second round and after gettting an admit you feel that you have made a wrong selection, you can ask them for change before you accept the offer.

ps_dahiya · Answer

Steve,

Thanks a lot. Norrington Table gives a good idea of reputation of college but you were right, it's more relevent for undergrad.

Rocky,
The webpage that provides the info about the colleges doesn't mention anything about MBA candidates. Do you have any idea which college campus has the largest concentration of MBAs?

swgotz · Answer

Templeton is the college for students studying Management, so I would assume it has the highest concentration of MBA students. However I hear their accomodations are a bit far from campus.

Rocky · Answer

Thatz true swgotz, 
Many MBA students who likes cycling as well opt for templeton. But that really is far away. Nonetheless it has good activities such as rowing and parties and dinners.

Which College to Select at Oxford

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