University College, Oxford

Summary

• 17th century buildings
• 18th century buildings
• 19th century buildings
• 20th century buildings
• Breakfast included
• No car parking
• No smoking

Facilities

• Gardens
• Squash court

Drinking and dining

• Continental breakfast (included)

Nearby recreations

• Pub (walking distance)
• Museums (walking distance)
• Gardens
• Recommended restaurants (walking distance)
• Theatre (walking distance)

University College is the oldest of the thirty-six colleges of Oxford University. It is located at the centre of the city, minutes away from shops, restaurants, pubs, parks, museums, theatres and the river. The historic buildings have been modernised for 21st century needs and there are several peaceful courtyards and gardens.

The study rooms available, occupied in term time by our students, are equipped with bed linen, towels and a hospitality tray with tea and coffee
making facilities, refrigerator, card operated telephones (cards sold at the lodge) and will be serviced daily by the friendly scouts. All rooms are fitted with a hand basin and there are showers and toilets on each floor.

We regret that our rooms are unsuitable for those with mobility problems.

History to the present day

University College (in full, the Master and Fellows of the College of the Great Hall of the University of Oxford, colloquially referred as Univ)
owes its origins to William of Durham, who died in 1249. A legend grew up in the 1380’s that Univ was really founded even earlier, by King Alfred in 872. Nowadays, however, William of Durham is accepted as Univ’s true founder, but that still gives University College a claim to be the oldest college in Oxford or Cambridge.

As Univ slowly grew in size and wealth, work began in 1634 to replace its medieval buildings with a new Front Quad, paid for with gifts from many Old Members. Although half the new Quad was finished by 1640, it took almost thirty years to complete the remainder, because of the Civil War. The College was luckier with its other main quadrangle, Radcliffe Quad, built in only three years, 1716-1719, thanks to a bequest from one Old Member, John Radcliffe, whose statue can be seen there.

Univ is amongst the largest colleges in terms of population: 360 undergraduates and in excess of 200 graduates as well as The Master and the Fellows. Amongst our most known Alumini you’ll find: Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Beveridge, John Radcliffe, Clement Attlee, Prof. Stephen Hawking, Harold Wilson, Bob Hawke, Bill Clinton, C. S. Lewis and many many more.

Dining and drinking

The rates include continental breakfast taken in the oak-panelled Hall, which dates back to 1656. This is served between 08.00 and 09.00 weekdays and Saturdays and 09.00 and 10.00 on Sundays.

Grounds and gardens

Considering the central location, Univ’s quiet courtyards and gardens are perfect to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the weather when suitable.

Other facilities

Guests staying at the College are most welcome to visit the Shelley Memorial and the Chapel. 

The Shelley Memorial houses a statue by Edward Onslow Ford of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, a former member of the college, who was expelled for writing The Necessity of Atheism.  The Chapel was begun in 1640 and consecrated in 1666, with fine Van Linge's stained glass windows and Ante Chapel screen. In 1862 George Gilbert Scott designed a new roof in the Gothic style, a new East window and a stone reredos at the East End.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: University College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4BH

Check In: From 12 noon Check Out: By 10am

On arrival you need to report to the Porter’s Lodge located in the main entrance. If your arrival time is before noon you might leave your bags safely with the porters until the room becomes available. There is a porter on duty 24 hours a day.

University College is located on the south side of the High St, a few yards from the Queens Lane bus stops, and a 10-15 minute walk or a short taxi ride from the railway station.

We regret that parking is not available in college however Thornhill and Seacourt Park & Ride stop outside the college.

Guest are asked to respect college staff and property bearing in mind that students and tutors live and work on site.

More photos of University College, Oxford

University College from the High Street	Double bedroom in Helens Court	Courtyard in Helens Court	logic lane
single study bedroom	Shelley Memorial	Chapel Window	The Library
Radcliffe Quad	View of the Quad from a window	Main Quad	Quad

Customer feedback

We guarantee that all our feedback is genuine and can only be submitted by people who have booked through our websites.

David Lambert, August 2010: No ensuite facilities, but a very good standard otherwise

antony draper, July 2010: The Porter at University College provided us with a fantastic service and couldnt have been more helpful. He was particularly attentive to the needs of my disabled mother in providing easy access for our car and nearby parking.

Kirsten Nordentoft-Christensen, July 2010: We would like to thank the portners for all their help!:-)

Erwin Tak, April 2010: Very nice surroundings and lovely quiet room in the middle of town. Great service. One minor point was the lack of warm water in the (shared) shower.

Irene Cradick, March 2010: We were delighted with the whole experience at University College and have had no hesitation in recommending it to others.

Elizabeth Bettridge, October 2009: I had a wonderful stay. Thoroughly enjoyed the central location. Everyone I dealt with was truly delightful. Perfect. Breakfast was fabulous. I love Oxford

Kirsty Skidmore, August 2009: It was good - the fresh fruit for breakfast was great, although breakfast was a bit early on the Saturday (but I appreciate that is probably unavoidable because of staff contract hours etc).

Alison MacDonald, April 2009: The overal experience was better than expected. It was so good to be right in the centre of Oxford. The breakfast was more than Continental which was a pleasant suprise. I would use the service again.

Mr George Shirreff, April 2009: Internet connection didn't work. Other than that everything was great.

Dr JV Dugdale, April 2009: I was very happy indeed with my room, and found the college lovely and the staff I met extremely helpful two VERY small points - it didn't matter on the night in question, but it didn't seem to be possible to switch the radiators on although there was constant rumbling in the pipes - the welcoming brochure invites guests to enjoy the splendid gardens but on the map both are marked as private. I learnt from a porter that part of the Fellows' garden is available, but this isn't made clear - and nor is there any indication of which part