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Oriel in a nutshell

Setting

In the very centre of Oxford, tucked away in a cosy corner. In under 3 minutes you could get to: the Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church Meadow, the Examination Schools or the Covered Market.

Ethos

We value individuality and embrace difference. We’re ambitious and supportive, and we want to see all our students reach their full potential (not just academically).

Size

Described by our students as ‘the perfect size’, with around 600 students we’re slightly smaller than the average Oxford college.

Outlook

We’re proud of our almost 700-year history, but are always looking for ways to make Oriel even better for future generations.

Atmosphere

A close-knit community of people from a whole range of backgrounds. Students from all years live and socialise together, creating a family feel.

Accommodation

College accommodation is guaranteed for every year of your undergraduate course, and for all first year postgraduate students who are new to Oxford.

a community for everyone

MORE ABOUT OUR STUDENTS

336

undergraduates

274

postgraduates

55

nationalities

62 %

from state schools
A BROAD RANGE OF SUBJECTS AND THINKERS

Biochemistry
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Biochemistry course page for full details on entry requirements.

Chemistry
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Chemistry course page for full details on entry requirements.

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Classical Archaeology and Ancient History course page for full details on entry requirements.

Classics (Literae Humaniores)
Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. There are additionally 1 place for Classics and English and 1 (usually) for Classics and Modern Languages. Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT). Candidates will also be asked to submit two pieces of written work in English. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information can be found on the Classics Faculty website.

Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies course page for full details on entry requirements.

Classics and English
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Classics and English course page for full details on entry requirements.

Classics and Modern Languages
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Classics and Modern Languages course page for full details on entry requirements.

Computer Science
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Computer Science and Philosophy course page for full details on entry requirements.

Computer Science and Philosophy
Admission Criteria Candidates sit a written Mathematics test in schools before being shortlisted for interview. Conditional offers: usually A*AA at A-level (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Further Mathematics if taken, with the A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Computing/Computer Science.

Engineering Science
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Engineering Science course page for full details on entry requirements.

English and Modern Languages
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford English and Modern Languages course page for full details on entry requirements.

English Language and Literature
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford English Language and Literature course page for full details on entry requirements.

History
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford History course page for full details on entry requirements.

History (Ancient and Modern)
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford History (Ancient and Modern) course page for full details on entry requirements.

History and Economics
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford History and Economics course page for full details on entry requirements.

History and Modern Languages
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford History and Modern Languages course page for full details on entry requirements.

History and Politics
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford History and Politics course page for full details on entry requirements.

Law (Jurisprudence)
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Law (Jurisprudence) course page for full details on entry requirements.

Mathematics
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Mathematics course page for full details on entry requirements.

Mathematics and Computer Science
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Mathematics and Computer Science course page for full details on entry requirements.

Mathematics and Philosophy
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Mathematics and Philosophy course page for full details on entry requirements.

Medicine
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Medicine course page for full details on entry requirements.

Modern Languages (and Linguistics)
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Modern Languages course page for full details on entry requirements.

Music
Admission Criteria
Please refer to the University of Oxford Music course page for full details on entry requirements.

Philosophy and Modern Languages
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Philosophy and Modern Languages course page for full details on entry requirements.

Philosophy and Theology
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Philosophy and Theology course page for full details on entry requirements.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford PPE course page for full details on entry requirements.

Physics
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Physics course page for full details on entry requirements.

Physics and Philosophy
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Physics and Philosophy course page for full details on entry requirements.  

Theology and Religion
Admission Criteria Please refer to the University of Oxford Theology and Religion course page for full details on entry requirements.  

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

People gathered outside sitting on chairs to watch a performance
Oriel students are known for their love of performing arts: a play is performed in the quads each summer.
Image of a student newspaper called the Poor Print
Our student publication, the Poor Print, is one of the best in Oxford.
Photo of an historic dining hall with vaulted ceiliing and wooden panelling
Oriel offers Formal Hall 6 times per week (but it isn’t mandatory!)
Photograph of the inside of a piano
We have a Visiting Fellow in Music programme to enhance the musical life of Oriel.
A courtyard of colourful buildings with metal stairs and a lamppost
Our hidden-away Island Site is accessed via a ‘secret tunnel’ in Second Quad.
People in running clothes gathered on the steps of Oriel College with a flag depicting three lions
Oriel is well-known for rowing, but our students play all sorts of other sports and some play none at all!
A duck walking along the street with ducklings following behind
Although Oriel is landlocked, ducks nest in the quads every year and have to be escorted back to the river.
Oriel is the fifth oldest Oxford college, and the oldest Royal Foundation.