Oxford’s smallest, youngest college, Harris Manchester, made its way to Oxford in 1889 via York and London and moved into its current home. The buildings are late Victorian Gothic (there are some lovely Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows in the chapel). It joined the collegiate ranks in 1996 and only admits mature students. As a result, the atmosphere can be slightly less boisterous than in the other colleges, but there is still fun to be had and the lack of raging hormones and beer-fest culture makes way for a friendly atmosphere with students supporting each other. Although, shuffling behind the other colleges, he wears his liberal, reformist heart on his sleeve and gets a fuzzy feeling from the tradition of providing higher education to those who might otherwise have gone without. Push was disappointed to learn that the College takes its name not from Rolf, Chopper or even Bomber, but from Lord Harris of Peckham.
| Sex ratio (M:F): 42:58 |
Founded: 1786 |
| Full-time u’grads: 81 |
Part-time: 0 |
| Postgrads: 117 |
Mature: 100% |
State:private school: 89:11
|
International: 43% |
| Academic ranking: 25 |
Disabled: 7% |
.
Ents: Small bar; film cluband ball every three years.
Library/computers: Three libraries (70,000 books); ten computers, 53 study spaces, 24 hour access , wifi in the main building and internet in all rooms. Newly renovated IT room and new gallery with extra study spaces.
Sports: No real sports facilities ‘cept ‘the Royle Yacht’ (the College punt) and a croquet lawn. Sporting ties with
Wadham College and free membership to the city gym and pool soften the (non-contact) blow.
Other: Cordial staff/student relations. Chapel and weekly choral recitals.
Accommodation: Most undergrads can live in on site (at a
steep £160 a week). All non-smoking and no married accommodation
(a bit rich since everyone’s mature). Excellent food,
decent veggie option and a weekly formal dinner alleviate the pain of no self-catering facilities for Jamie and Nigellas in waiting. Meals are included in the cost of accommodation. No accommodation options during holidays.
- Poor wheelchair access (being jazzed up), induction loops and one adapted bedroom.
- CCTV
- Doctor
- Women’s and LGBT Officers
- Academic prizes (£50-£100), hardship and travel funds, book grants (£30/year).
Text in italics is Push's opinion - take it or leave it
Last updated on: Monday, May 14, 2012