Merton College
About the college
Merton is one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in Oxford with medieval and 17th-century buildings – including our 13th-century chapel – and glorious, extensive gardens protected by the city wall. Modern facilities include a lecture theatre, five music practice rooms and a multi-faith prayer room.
Ours is a close-knit community with a friendly and stimulating atmosphere, superb educational and welfare support, and a well-earned reputation for academic excellence and success. We have a strong ethos of widening participation and are keen to attract talented applicants, whatever their background.
View our short video to hear our students’ views about what it’s like to live and study at Merton. You can also find further insights into life at Merton in the Alternative Prospectus, and via the Merton JCR Access Instagram account.
Undergraduates can live in college-owned accommodation for their whole course. Many rooms are ensuite, and two are fully for students who are wheelchair users. Merton’s hall food is among the tastiest and best value in the University, charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. Student kitchens are also provided.
Numerous extra-curricular and subject opportunities are available for Merton students, including a wide range of societies, sports, music, and diverse reading groups.
Merton offers generous financial support including grants for buying books, language learning, academic prizes, course-related expenses and projects, and travel.
Notable alumni from Merton include the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, as well as famous writers such as T.S. Eliot and JRR Tolkien. Several Nobel laureates in the sciences are also alumni of Merton, including Anthony Leggett and Nikolaas Tinbergen.
Read more on the college website.
Merton is...
'…a pretty place, but it is made by the people – the thriving, friendly and supportive community is what sets us apart.'
Sarah
'…where I’ve found friends for life.'
Tang
'...such a friendly place…it is a really inclusive and welcoming community.'
Lucy
'…an inclusive community with the perfect balance of fun and academia.'
Dan
'…a wonderfully welcoming place, with a thriving LGBTQ+ community.'
Pax
'…such a mix of people from different backgrounds and who have different interests…you will find people who are like you.'
Oliver
'…full of amazing opportunities you didn’t even know you needed!'
Kaveeta
Location
From a quiet, cobbled lane off the High Street, Merton overlooks meadows stretching down to the River Thames. It is just a few minutes from University libraries and departments. Our Holywell Street annexe is close to the Science Area.
UCAS campus code: F
Oxford OX1 4JD
+44 (0) 1865 276310
www.merton.ox.ac.ukFounded
1264
Student numbers
Undergraduates: 312
Graduates: 211
Admissions contacts
+44 (0) 1865 286316
undergraduate.admissions@merton.ox.ac.uk
Academic staff
Visit the college website for the full list
Our 2025 undergraduate Open Days will be held on 2 and 3 July and 19 September.
Register to find out more about our upcoming Open Days.
