The University of Oxford is world famous for its reputation as a first-class university. The first college was founded in the mid 1200’s, and these beautiful buildings brimming with history, entice students from all over the world to come to study in the beating heart of the city of Oxford. There is no central campus, but rather the university is made up of more than 30 different colleges found under the umbrella of the University of Oxford. When a student joins a course at a particular college, they benefit from being part of a close-knit community within the college itself, but also, they become a member of the university as a whole. Each individual college has its own common room, dining hall, bar, library, plenty of societies and college groups and many other benefits besides. The college is essentially the students’ academic community where they will attend most of their tutorials and spend most of their time, whilst studying in Oxford. Below is a list of the colleges that Walters have been serving for many years, with a little history and background on each.

Lincoln College

Lincoln College was founded in 1427 by the Bishop of Lincoln, Richard Flemming. It is situated in the heart of Oxford on Turl Street, and is home to a relatively small, dynamic and thriving student body, supported by staff and fellows, whose passion for education and research is evident in this flourishing academic community. Lincoln College has one of the most beautiful libraries in Oxford, which houses some of the College’s oldest books and rare collections and is open long hours for the inquiring minds who are striving for academic success. This college can guarantee accommodation for all of its 300 students and many of the rooms have en-suite facilities, particularly for first year students. The college offers free membership to the university gym and has a sports field and a boat house. There are college teams in most sports, and various societies to join. Music and drama are very popular at Lincoln College, with the Turl Street Arts Festival providing an opportunity for student-led art events. It also has a reputation for some of the best food at the university and is heavily subsidised in order to make it more affordable for students. This excellent food can be enjoyed in the dining hall or the college bar and is a fabulous opportunity to meet other students and socialise. This wonderful college is rich in history and has educated thousands of students throughout the ages and is highly esteemed as a college for cutting- edge research.

Jesus College

Jesus College has always been known for its inclusivity and warmth, where students will feel at home and become part of the college family. All undergraduates can be accommodated for the duration of their degrees, meaning that they can fully embed themselves into the college community. Jesus College has a rich and fabulous history, being the only college in Oxford that was founded during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, in 1571. Fellows, Principles and students have passed through Jesus College, excelling in their chosen careers, and have risen to fame, attributing some of their success to studying here. These notable old members included heads of state, winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, and internationally renowned authors, scientists and many other professions besides. Jesus College offers a wide range of social activity to engage in, whether it be sports teams, of which there are many, or the arts, music, subject societies or faith groups, and pride themselves in being voted one of the best colleges for student satisfaction. This college is situated on Turl Street, in the heart of the city centre, just a few minutes’ walk from all the amenities its students require.

Green Templeton

Green Templeton College is two former colleges merged together to create a singular college of intellectual excellence. It is perhaps most famously known for the Radcliffe Observatory which is very prominent on the College’s 3-acre site. This iconic building was founded in 1773 and functioned as an astronomical observatory from its incarnation until 1934. It now houses the College’s dining hall, kitchens and common room. Green Templeton College is part of a university-wide strategy to become net zero by 2035, and as such, is striving to ensure that they embed their passion for sustainable living and thinking, through education. The facilities at Green Templeton college include tennis courts, squash courts, and a gym for those with a sporting passion; a music room and pianos for those up-and-coming musicians; a library and resource centre, and plenty of communal areas for socialising within the college community. Accommodation is available in various formats and can be enjoyed either on site in individual rooms in shared houses, or within walking distance in self-contained flats or houses. There is also accommodation suitable for couples and families. Green Templeton college is situated on Woodstock Road in the heart of Oxford and is the perfect location for walking or cycling to the shops, pubs, the river and fashionable Jericho.

Hertford College

Hertford College is situated on Catte Street opposite to the world-famous Bodleian Library. The college is small enough for a student to feel at home, welcomed by its inclusive ethos, but equally large enough to offer a diverse mix of students and tutors, whose passion for academia is at the forefront of daily life. The unique library is open 24/7, and students can borrow books for short periods. Accommodation can be utilised throughout the 3 or 4 years of study at Hertford College, in various locations in and around the college. The college prides itself in its efforts to pioneer access for the under-represented student groups and drive forward a scheme to help such students who may not have otherwise realised they had an opportunity to study at Hertford. The college has a vibrant and varied social scene, covering all bases, from those who are keen sportsmen / women of all abilities, who wish to join the sports teams, or those who wish to utilise the college gym, or off-site sports grounds, tennis courts, squash courts and boat house. Perhaps music is a passion? The college runs one of the largest music societies in the university, including an orchestra and choir, which is open to everyone. Hertford college is home to a lively bar and cafe which can be enjoyed by day for a coffee and lunch, or by night for quiz nights, music nights or live sports on the big screen.

Magdalen College

Magdalen College was founded in 1458 by the Bishop of Winchester, William Waynflete, who had big ambitions to make it the largest and grandest of its kind in Oxford. He succeeded in his objective, and Magdalen College, today, has some of the most beautiful buildings, both new and old, set in 100 acres of land, boasting its own deer park and riverside walk. The college comprises a lively, inclusive group of students, all of whom can be accommodated during their time of studies at Magdalen. Students at Magdalen can expect to be supported academically and also financially through their time at the college, with student support funds and also various grants and tutorial prizes for promising students being offered. Magdalen College outshines many colleges for its welfare provision, having its own on-site nurse, counsellor, and mentor. There is a huge range of activities available to students, and the sports provision is second to none, offering professionally maintained grounds for football, rugby, cricket, hockey, 9 tennis courts, and squash courts. The boat house is also amply equipped, and an all-weather pitch is maintained for student use. Magdalen has its own splendid chapel and bell tower, and many sights of architectural genius and beauty are to be found around the college.

At Walters we are proud to be the suppliers of all the clothing that a student needs for the duration of their studies at these iconic colleges. Walters is situated on Turl Street which is in the ‘thick of it’, in the heart of Oxford city centre and is within walking distance of the colleges. Our team of enthusiastic and expert staff have been serving students for years. Walters has been established since 1870, at the same time as some of the colleges were also founded, and we have been spanning the many changes in history, working alongside the colleges to supply clothing for decades! We can assist students with everything from sub fusc, to their gowns for matriculation or graduation, and everything else in between! Please come and see us in store, give us a call, or visit us online and we will be thrilled to travel your journey with you as you study at your college of choice, assisting you with all the attire you require.