Wolfson College is a modern graduate college, with tailor-made facilities and a mature, forward-looking perspective. Fellows and students freely interact in a vibrant and informal academic atmosphere. The student experience contrasts with the more traditional, older colleges, and provides distinct advantages.

On this page, you can see what one of our students has to say about the College and find out about some of the things that set Wolfson apart from the other Oxford colleges for prospective graduate students.

A College for graduates

Graduates are far more important in Wolfson’s community than they might be in a mixed undergrad/postgrad college. Wolfson can therefore provide better for the needs of its graduate members. Unlike other Oxford colleges which require most of their graduates to live off-site, Wolfsonians live on-site and use the facilities throughout the year.

Wolfson’s College Library has over 36,000 books, including a number of specialist research collections, and is open 24 hours a day. The College specifically supports the academic, social and welfare needs of graduate students in a variety of other ways and aims to provide a high quality of personal service to all its members.

Diverse and inclusive

Students, fellows and other academics are equals in the eyes of the College, whether in meals, in clubs and societies, or on College committees (including the Governing Body). Partners are able to participate in all aspects of the College's social life by becoming Members of Common Room.

The majority of our student members are in their mid-twenties, but there is also good provision for students and research fellows with families, and for members with physical disabilities. Our members are drawn from over seventy-five countries, and it’s difficult to be here without making friends from all over the world!

Ideal surroundings and facilities

Wolfson’s large grounds are nestled amongst the elegant houses of North Oxford on the banks of the river Cherwell, beyond which is the College’s nature reserve. We are a little way out of the city centre, but our students think of the College's location as a tranquil refuge and intellectual retreat, not as an inconvenience.

We have a high standard of on-site accommodation, both in modern purpose-built rooms with stunning views and in nearby Victorian houses, and we aim to offer accommodation to all students in their first year.

An exceptionally good gym, squash, tennis and basketball courts, music rooms, a croquet lawn and allotments, can all be found on-site. Wolfson is also the only college in Oxford with its own punt harbour!

Active social and cultural scene

Frequent social events are hosted to suit all ages and tastes, including concerts, art exhibitions, seminars and talks, and the College supports its students in a huge variety of societies and sporting endeavours, from the excellent Boat Club to the Wine-tasting Society.

Resources are available for those who may wish to host their own events or start new societies. The cellar bar is a relaxed and welcoming environment for drinkers and non-drinkers alike, and its regular ‘bops’ are memorable occasions. There is no other college which puts such comprehensive and flexible resources at the disposal of its members.

Finding a college which caters to your interests is important. Have a look around our website and if you require more information, please rachael [dot] connelly [at] wolfson [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (contact us).