Excited to enrol in our Oxford summer school, but still unsure where you’ll stay? Many parents and participants ask this before enrolling, as it helps them plan confidently from the very start.

Our Oxford programmes are hosted within University of Oxford colleges, specifically Balliol College, Oriel College, and St Edmund Hall.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these colleges, their accommodation, locations, atmosphere, and what daily life looks like during our programmes. You’ll also understand how each setting shapes learning and wellbeing for participants clearly.

Let’s get right into it.

Oxford Colleges That Host Our Programmes

Our Oxford programmes are hosted across a small number of University of Oxford colleges. Each college offers a slightly different atmosphere while providing central locations, historic surroundings, and a supportive environment for living and learning.

With that said, here’s a closer look at the colleges that host our Oxford summer school and what makes each one a unique place to live and study.

1. Balliol College

Founded over 800 years ago, Balliol College is one of Oxford’s oldest and most academically respected colleges. Its reputation for rigorous thinking and leadership makes it an inspiring setting for our participants. 

While the college’s history spans centuries, our programmes shape daily life through modern accommodation, clear structure, and strong pastoral support.

  • Accommodation: Participants stay at Master’s Field, Balliol College’s modern graduate accommodation, set in a quieter area around ten to fifteen minutes’ walk from the main college.
  • Room Setup: All participants have single bedrooms with standard furnishings, including a bed, study desk, wardrobe, and storage.
  • Bathroom Facilities: Every room is ensuite, offering privacy and modern, well-maintained facilities.
  • Security and Supervision: The accommodation is secure, with controlled access, CCTV, and 24/7 Immerse staff supervision. Residential floors are organised by gender.
  • Facilities: Wi-Fi is available throughout, along with on-site laundry, common areas for socialising or studying, green outdoor spaces, and access to a sports complex.
  • Classrooms: Academic sessions are held at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, around a 15-minute walk from accommodation, using a mix of seminar rooms and larger teaching spaces.
  • Meals: All meals are served daily at Balliol’s historic main site on Broad Street, with buffet-style dining and full dietary support.
  • Age Groups: Balliol hosts participants aged 13-15 and 16-18.

2. Oriel College

Founded in 1326, Oriel College sits in the absolute heart of Oxford, directly overlooking Radcliffe Square. Step outside the gates and you’ll find yourself beside the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and some of Oxford’s most recognisable landmarks.

For our participants, Oriel offers a uniquely immersive experience, with accommodation, teaching, dining, and social spaces all within the same college grounds.

  • Accommodation: Participants stay within Oriel College, either at the main site or the nearby Island Site, connected via an underground walkway.
  • Room Setup: A mix of single and twin rooms with standard college furnishings.
  • Bathroom Facilities: Shared bathrooms on each floor. A limited number of ensuite rooms are available but cannot be guaranteed.
  • Security and Supervision: 24/7 porter’s lodge, secure entry systems, fob-controlled access, and gender-organised residential areas.
  • Facilities: College-wide Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, Junior Common Room, social spaces, lecture theatre, chapel, gardens, and multiple quads.
  • Classrooms: Teaching takes place entirely within the college, across over 15 dedicated spaces, including small seminar rooms for around 10 participants, larger classrooms for up to 25, tutorial rooms, and a full lecture theatre for presentations and events.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily in the dining hall, with full dietary support.
  • Age Groups: Oriel hosts participants aged 13–18.

3. St Edmund Hall

Founded around 1226, St Edmund Hall, or “Teddy Hall”, is Oxford’s last surviving medieval hall, known for its small, welcoming atmosphere.

Located on Queen’s Lane, it’s our smallest Oxford college with around 35 beds, creating a close-knit community often praised for strong friendships and its beautiful Front Quad.

  • Accommodation: Participants stay within St Edmund Hall’s college buildings, all located on a compact central site.
  • Room Setup: Single bedrooms for all participants, with standard college furnishings.
  • Bathroom Facilities: Shared bathrooms on each floor. No ensuite rooms are available.
  • Security and Supervision: 24/7 porter’s lodge, secure access systems, Wi-Fi throughout, on-site laundry, and residential areas organised by gender.
  • Facilities: Junior Common Room, chapel, multiple quads, and St Peter in the East, the former church and college library.
  • Classrooms: All teaching takes place within the college, using a mix of larger teaching rooms and converted spaces for smaller, discussion-led sessions.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner served daily in the dining hall, with full dietary support.
  • Age Groups: Primarily 16-18, with some 15-year-olds accepted by prior approval.

A Note on Logistics

We plan every aspect of our Oxford summer programmes to create a safe, supportive, and well-structured experience from day one.

Here are the key practical details on how our Oxford summer school runs, with day-to-day support and organisation built in.

  • Age Groups: Participants aged 13-15 and 16-18 are accommodated separately. This allows us to tailor academic sessions, social activities, and pastoral support to suit each age group, ensuring an appropriate and comfortable experience.
  • Accommodation and Facilities: Accommodation is provided within University of Oxford colleges or college-managed residences. Rooms are designed for student living, with secure access, shared or ensuite facilities depending on the college, and clear organisation to support comfort and wellbeing.
  • Mentor Support: Mentors are current or recent university students who support participants throughout the programme. They help manage daily schedules, provide pastoral care, and lead social activities, offering reassurance while encouraging independence.

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FAQs

Which college will I be placed in?

College placements vary each year and are confirmed before arrival, depending on age group, subject choice, and accommodation availability.

How close are the colleges to each other?

Oxford is compact, and all host colleges are within walking distance of each other and central teaching and dining locations.

Is there supervision in the evenings?

Yes. Mentors and staff are present in college accommodation each evening to support wellbeing and manage activities.

What support is available if someone feels unwell?

Our staff are trained to support wellbeing and can arrange medical care or contact families when needed.

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Conclusion

The experience you have is shaped by where you live, learn, and spend your time each day, not just by what’s taught in the classroom.

We hope this article has helped you picture where you’ll live, how your days will flow, and what makes each Oxford college distinct.

From quiet, close-knit halls to colleges at the very heart of the city, Oxford offers an experience that challenges, supports, and inspires in equal measure.

If you want to experience Oxford as it’s truly lived, explore our Oxford summer courses and take your first step into university-level learning.