The Most Popular Oxford College, Ranked

Choose the Oxford College you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 17, 2024 06:46
Choosing a college at Oxford can be a substantial decision for prospective students, often involving considerable research and consultation to find the best fit for their academic and social preferences. Popular opinion can serve as a guide, offering insights into the student life and academic reputation of each college. By participating in the ranking of Oxford's colleges, users contribute to a live, crowd-sourced evaluation that reflects the current preferences and opinions of a broad audience. This system not only provides future students with up-to-date information but also engages the Oxford community in a continuous dialogue about their experiences and perceptions.

What Is the Most Popular Oxford College?

  1. 1
    30
    votes

    University College Oxford

    William of Durham
    Founded in 1249, it is the oldest college in Oxford and has produced many notable alumni, including Bill Clinton and Stephen Hawking.
    University College Oxford, commonly known as Univ, is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1249 by William of Durham, making it one of the earliest academical foundations in Oxford and one of the oldest colleges in the English-speaking world.
    • Founding year: 1249
    • Location: High Street, Oxford
    • Motto: Dominus Illuminatio Mea (The Lord is my Light)
    • Collegiate system: Yes
    • Undergraduate intake: Approx. 400 per year
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Balliol College Oxford
    Toby Ord · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Balliol College Oxford

    John I de Balliol
    Established in 1263, it is one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious colleges, producing several prime ministers and Nobel laureates.
    Balliol College Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1263, it has a rich history of academic excellence and prominent alumni. The college is known for its beautiful architecture and serene gardens, providing a picturesque setting for students to study and live in.
    • Foundation Year: 1263
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Architectural Style: Gothic
    • Academic Ranking: Consistently in the top tier of UK universities
    • Student Capacity: Approximately 400 undergraduate and 190 graduate students
  3. 3
    38
    votes
    Known for its impressive architecture and dining hall, it is the largest college in Oxford and has produced many famous alumni, including Lewis Carroll and John Locke.
    Christ Church Oxford is one of the most popular colleges at the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. The college is situated in the heart of Oxford, England, and is known for its beautiful architecture, spacious grounds, and historical significance. It has been featured in various films, including the Harry Potter series, where the college's Great Hall served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall. Christ Church Oxford is also home to the Christ Church Cathedral, which adds to its grandeur and cultural importance.
    • Year Founded: 1546
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Architecture: Beautiful
    • Grounds: Spacious
    • Historical Significance: Prominent
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    Magdalen College Oxford

    William Waynflete
    Founded in 1458, it is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. It has produced several prime ministers and Nobel laureates.
    Magdalen College Oxford, officially known as The President and Scholars of the College of St Mary Magdalen in the University of Oxford, is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, it is renowned for its beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and academic excellence.
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Foundation Year: 1458
    • Student Capacity: Around 500
    • Main Entrance: Deer Park Gate
    • Famous Alumni: C. S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Wolsey
  5. 5
    13
    votes

    St. John's College Oxford

    Sir Thomas White
    Founded in 1555, it is known for its strong academic reputation and has produced several notable alumni, including Tony Blair and J.R.R. Tolkien.
    St. John's College Oxford is one of the most popular and prestigious colleges within the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, a wealthy London merchant. The college is known for its exceptional academic programs, stunning architecture, and rich historical heritage. It has a vibrant and diverse community of scholars and students from around the world. St. John's College Oxford is located in the heart of Oxford, providing students with access to the city's cultural and intellectual offerings.
    • Year Founded: 1555
    • University: University of Oxford
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Architecture Style: Mixed Gothic and Tudor
    • Number of Students: Approximately 400 undergraduate and 250 graduate students
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Pembroke College Oxford
    Djr xi · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Pembroke College Oxford

    King James I of England
    Founded in 1624, it is known for its strong academic reputation and has produced several notable alumni, including Samuel Johnson and J.A. Symonds.
    Pembroke College Oxford is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England. It was founded in 1624 by King James I of England. The college has a rich history and is known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant student community.
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Year Founded: 1624
    • Affiliation: University of Oxford
    • Academic Reputation: Strong
    • Student Community: Vibrant
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Hertford College Oxford

    Walter de Merton
    Established in 1282, it is known for its small size and intimate atmosphere. It has produced several notable alumni, including Evelyn Waugh and William Tyndale.
    Hertford College Oxford is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1282 by Walter de Merton, who also founded Merton College. The college is located in the heart of Oxford and spans Catte Street, new Bodleian Library quadrangle, Holywell Street, and Mansfield Road. Hertford College has a rich academic heritage and is known for its diverse community of students from various backgrounds.
    • Foundation Year: 1282
    • Location: Oxford, UK
    • Founder: Walter de Merton
    • Campus: Urban
    • Constituent College: University of Oxford
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    Brasenose College Oxford
    Godot13 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Brasenose College Oxford

    Sir Richard Sutton
    Founded in 1509, it is known for its strong academic reputation and has produced several notable alumni, including David Cameron and Michael Palin.
    Brasenose College Oxford is one of the most popular and prestigious colleges of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1509 by Sir Richard Sutton, a lawyer and landowner from Cheshire.
    • Location: Radcliffe Square, Oxford, England
    • Size: Medium-sized college
    • Foundation Year: 1509
    • Motto: Virtute et Fide (By virtue and faith)
    • Collegiate System: Yes
  9. 9
    6
    votes

    New College Oxford

    William of Wykeham
    Founded in 1379, it is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. It has produced several notable alumni, including Hugh Grant and Richard Dawkins.
    New College Oxford, founded in 1379, is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It is situated in the heart of the city, with a stunning historic campus and beautiful gardens. The college is renowned for its exceptional academic programs and rich academic traditions.
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Foundation Year: 1379
    • Affiliation: University of Oxford
    • Campus: Historic
    • Gardens: Beautiful
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Merton College Oxford
    Tom Murphy VII · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Merton College Oxford

    Walter de Merton
    Founded in 1264, it is known for its strong academic reputation and has produced several notable alumni, including T.S. Eliot and J.R. Ackerley.
    Merton College Oxford is one of the most popular colleges in the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England. It was founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, the Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry III. Merton College is renowned for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and academic excellence.
    • Founding Year: 1264
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Architecture: Beautiful
    • History: Rich
    • Academic Excellence: Renowned

Missing your favorite Oxford College?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular Oxford College

  1. Academic reputation and performance
    Consider the college's academic success, such as the number of accomplished scholars, professors, and alumni associated with it. Additionally, take note of any prestigious awards, rankings, or research contributions the college has made.
  2. Size and number of students
    A larger college may offer more opportunities for personal and professional growth, while a smaller one might provide a closer-knit community and personalized attention.
  3. Location and facilities
    The college's proximity to important university facilities, as well as the quality of its accommodations, libraries, and dining options, can impact your decision.
  4. Extracurricular activities and societies
    Research the college’s offerings in terms of clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular opportunities that suit your interests.
  5. Financial aid and scholarships
    Look into each college's financial aid and scholarship programs, as these can be significant factors in your college decision.
  6. College culture and community
    This includes the college's general atmosphere, level of inclusivity, and its commitment to student support and well-being.
  7. Admissions criteria and selectivity
    Consider the college's admission policies, entrance requirements, and competitiveness as a factor in your decision.
  8. Diversity
    A diverse student body can provide a richer academic and social experience. Look for information on the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  9. Alumni network and connections
    A strong alumni network can provide valuable career connections and advice.
  10. Postgraduate and employment opportunities
    Consider each college's success in placing graduates in high-quality jobs or postgraduate programs, as well as any unique resources or support available to students in these areas.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Oxford College. 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

  • 1825 views
  • 168 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.

Categories

More information on most popular oxford college

Oxford University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, and it is home to over 30 colleges. Each college has its own unique history, traditions, and architecture, making it difficult to determine which one is the most popular among students and visitors alike. However, through the use of data and insights from StrawPoll, we can gather information on which colleges are the most frequently mentioned and highly regarded in the Oxford community. Whether it's the academic prowess of Balliol College, the stunning grounds of Christ Church, or the intimate setting of St. Edmund Hall, there is something for everyone when it comes to choosing the most popular Oxford College. So, let's dive in and explore the results of our poll to see which college comes out on top!

Share this article