The Most Beautiful College in Oxford, Ranked

Choose the college you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 25, 2024 06:20
Choosing a college in Oxford based on beauty is a subjective yet intriguing endeavor that varies widely from one individual to another. By ranking these historic institutions, it provides a collective snapshot that reflects a broader appreciation and cultural sentiment. Such rankings can aid prospective students and tourists in making informed decisions about which colleges to visit or consider for their studies. This dynamic ranking system relies on your input to capture the evolving opinions of a diverse audience. Every vote helps paint a clearer picture of public perception, giving a voice to your personal experience and aesthetic judgment. It's an opportunity to contribute to a community-driven guide that highlights the architectural grace and scenic splendor of Oxford's colleges.

What Is the Most Beautiful College in Oxford?

  1. 1
    19
    votes

    Trinity College

    Known for its stunning gardens and beautiful buildings, Trinity College is a sight to behold.
    • Founded: 1555
    • Notable Alumni: Richard Burton, Terence Rattigan
  2. 2
    18
    votes

    Magdalen College

    Known for its beautiful tower and extensive, picturesque grounds including a deer park.
    • Founded: 1458
    • Notable Alumni: Oscar Wilde, Thomas Wolsey
  3. 3
    14
    votes

    Balliol College

    One of the oldest and most prestigious colleges, known for its academic excellence and beautiful front quad.
    • Founded: 1263
    • Notable Alumni: Boris Johnson, Aldous Huxley
  4. 4
    13
    votes

    New College

    Renowned for its beautiful cloisters and gardens, as well as being one of the oldest colleges.
    • Founded: 1379
    • Notable Alumni: Hugh Grant, Vikram Seth
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Merton College

    Praised for its ancient library and historical significance, boasting a beautiful garden and meadow.
    • Founded: 1264
    • Notable Alumni: T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien
  6. 6
    7
    votes

    St. John's College

    Famous for its large and attractive gardens, St. John's College offers a serene environment.
    • Founded: 1555
    • Notable Alumni: Tony Blair, Aung San Suu Kyi
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Worcester College

    Boasts beautiful gardens and a picturesque lake, offering a tranquil study environment.
    • Founded: 1714
    • Notable Alumni: Rupert Murdoch, Emma Watson
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Keble College

    Notable for its distinctive red brick buildings and large dining hall, Keble College is a modern architectural marvel.
    • Founded: 1870
    • Notable Alumni: Imran Khan, Rowan Williams
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Christ Church

    Famous for its grand architecture and association with Harry Potter films.
    • Founded: 1546
    • Notable Alumni: Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Exeter College

    Known for its beautiful chapel and gardens, Exeter College is one of the oldest colleges with a rich history.
    • Founded: 1314
    • Notable Alumni: J.R.R. Tolkien, Philip Pullman

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful college in Oxford. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or college is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1458 views
  • 89 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each college once every 24 hours. The rank of each college is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Beautiful College in Oxford

Trinity College
Rank #1 for the most beautiful college in Oxford: Trinity College (Source)
Oxford, a city known for its prestigious university, houses many beautiful colleges. Each college has its own charm, history, and architecture. The most beautiful college often draws attention due to its stunning design and serene atmosphere.

The college's architecture blends Gothic, medieval, and modern elements. Tall spires reach for the sky, while intricate stone carvings adorn the buildings. Courtyards, cloisters, and gardens provide peaceful retreats for students and visitors alike. These green spaces, meticulously maintained, offer a quiet place to read or think.

Ancient libraries within the college hold countless books and manuscripts. These libraries, with their wooden shelves and large windows, create a perfect environment for study. The history of knowledge preserved in these rooms adds to the college's allure.

Dining halls in the college are grand and impressive. Long tables stretch across the room, and high ceilings give a sense of grandeur. Students and faculty gather here for meals, fostering a sense of community. The walls often display portraits of notable alumni and benefactors, reminding diners of the college's rich heritage.

Chapels within the college serve as places of worship and reflection. Their stained glass windows, often depicting biblical scenes, cast colorful light across the interior. The chapels also host concerts and recitals, making them cultural hubs as well as spiritual ones.

The college's location in Oxford adds to its beauty. Surrounded by historic buildings and cobblestone streets, it feels like stepping back in time. The River Thames flows nearby, offering scenic views and opportunities for rowing and punting.

Traditions play a significant role in the college's appeal. Ceremonies, formal dinners, and academic events connect the present to the past. These traditions, upheld for centuries, create a sense of continuity and belonging.

The college attracts students from around the world. This diverse community brings different perspectives and enriches the academic environment. The blend of cultures and ideas contributes to the college's vibrant atmosphere.

Alumni of the college often speak fondly of their time there. They remember the friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the beauty of the surroundings. Many return for reunions, eager to revisit the place that shaped their lives.

In conclusion, the most beautiful college in Oxford stands out for its architecture, green spaces, libraries, dining halls, chapels, location, traditions, and community. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and learning. This combination makes it a cherished place for those who study and work there.

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