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I looked around Oriel when I was thinking of applying to Oxford and although the college really is beautiful I got the impression that it is more of a conservative college, which doesn't have the best track record for taking in state school students.

Study (3), Artiness (3), Sport (3), Music (3), Facilities (3), Accommodation (3), Smugness (3)

Review by Laura-Jane - Visitor on open day - add your impression

21 people liked this and 22 didn't. How about you?

While we have a bit of a reputation as being a slightly 'right wing' college, it is quite often exaggerated - our student union meetings actually have a healthy level of apathy/jokes.

The sports performance is very strong on the river, on the football, rugby and cricket pitches.

There's a bar under the hall (formals here take place much more than other colleges - all days except sat), where you can play fusball, darts, pool, arcade games. And we do legendary bops!

Study (3), Artiness (2), Sport (5), Music (3), Facilities (4), Accommodation (4), Smugness (5)

Review by Andrew - ex student (August 26, 2009) - add your impression

16 people liked this and 21 didn't. How about you?

Oriel gets a fairly bad press from some quarters but from my experience it really doesn't live up to past stereotypes of being particulary conservative. I have loved my time here so far.

Artiness: there's a fair amount of diversity amongst the student body but I wouldn't describe it as being particularly 'arty'.

Smugness: not exactly sure what this is supposed to mean, but people generally seem to be quite down to earth. Proud to be a member of Oriel but I know that most people end up loving their college, wherever they end up.

Study: tutors want you to do well and will support you in doing so and the current deans are keen to improve the college's academic standing within Oxford. However, the emphasis amongst majority of the students is very much on getting the work done so there's time for the myriad of other things that are going on, both in college and within Oxford as a whole.

Sport: lots of sports team for a wide variety of levels. Quite a small college in comparison to some, so everybody is encouraged to get involved in something. Sports teams compete in most inter-collegiate competitions i.e. recently won rugby 'cuppers' competition. Rowing is popular and competitive in university competitions, but not as obsessive as it used to be by any means.

Music: college choir, music society which puts on regular recitals at St. Mary's Church, music room on site open to all students for practising.

Facilities: fantastic library, with over 100'000 books and very well-funded for the purchase of new books. Open 24 hours a day, with term-long lending. College sports ground outside city centre (similar to most colleges), gym on-site (mainly weights and ergs for rowers) and close proximity to Christ Church meadows where lots of people go running. College generally very well located within the heart of Oxford, very close to the Bodleian and the exam schools for Arts subjects and an easy walk/short cycle to the science departments. Several kitchens scattered around the site and comparatively high standard of food in hall, particularly at formal hall (available every night apart from Saturdays). Most importantly: good bar and great 'bops'.

Accommodation: provided for the entirety of your course and generally of a high standard, particularly in the Island site (attached to the main site by tunnel under Oriel Street). Rooms graded and priced accordingly, with ensuites available in the first year to a large proportion of freshers.

Study (3), Artiness (3), Sport (4), Music (3), Facilities (4), Accommodation (4), Smugness (3)

Review by Undisclosed - Current undergraduate (September 1, 2009) - add your impression

16 people liked this and 22 didn't. How about you?

I didn't get chance to look round Oxford on an open day and I chose Oriel out of the prospectus. I got a place at another college. Oriel is pretty but seems to me to keep itself to itself

Study (3), Artiness (3), Sport (3), Music (3), Facilities (3), Accommodation (3), Smugness (3)

Review by Undisclosed - had interviews here (August 5, 2009) - add your impression

10 people liked this and 37 didn't. How about you?