Hertford College (Oxford): Detailed Guide, General Information and Contacts

Hertford College is located on Catte Street in the centre of the Oxford city centre. The College comprises three quadrangles: Old Buildings quad, New Buildings quad, and Holywell. Old Buildings Quad is linked to the other two via the popular Bridge of Sighs which spans New College Lane.

Hertford College has a bursary scheme for undergraduate students. They also provide grants to students experiencing financial hardship and financial support for graduates too. The College offers all first-time undergraduates up to 12 free nights of accommodation per annum. There are a few travel funds available and summer research studentships too. If you choose to learn a new language, the college reimburses you 50% of the cost upon completion. More information can be found here for undergraduates and here for graduates.

There are many college societies, including musical societies like Jazz Band, Wind Band, Choir and more. There are many sports teams which compete in Rowing, Football, Rugby Union, Netball, Hockey, Darts, Cricket and more. There’s also a free on-site gym and the JCR and MCR puts on weekly activities such as yoga and Zumba. ‘Hartfest’ is the annual multi-disciplinary arts festival organised by the JCR. As well as these, there are over 300 university societies you can join.

The College provides over 500 rooms for their students located on site and around the city centre. Freshers are allocated rooms on the Catte Street site. First-years live in New Buildings Quad and Holywell Quad. Across both quads are bathrooms and kitchens that students share. In subsequent years, students live in the South Oxford Annexe at Folly Bridge or the North Oxford townhouse, or in one of the remaining rooms on the main site. Allocation is determined by random ballot. More information about undergraduate accommodation can be found here.

Graduate accommodation is located in North Oxford, but the College cannot guarantee accommodation for all graduates. Accommodation is not available for families or couples. Meals are on a pay as you go basis and paid termly.

More information can be found here.

Hertford College’s students can benefit from generous sports funding, meaning that there’s not normally a charge to attend training, matches, and social events. The College has its own sports ground a 15-minute walk away, in Marston where there are two full-sized pitches and a pavilion. There is an on-site 24/7 free gym. The boat club is one of the most socially active sports teams at Hertford, and the College boasts the most successful darts team at Oxford. There are many sports to be played and the College does very well in male and female sports competitions, but there are also opportunities available for students who are first time players so don’t let inexperience put you off!

The College Welfare Team is made up of the Dean, Chaplain, Registrar and Junior Deans. There are 5 junior deans who live in the accommodation areas and are easily accessible to provide support for students. The Welfare Team meets fortnightly to discuss student welfare issues and there are elected undergraduate and graduate Welfare Reps who attend these meetings to make sure student voices are heard and current issues are dealt with. More information can be found here.

• Hertford has the highest number of women’s crews across all of Oxford’s colleges.
• The College has its own bar, known as ‘Down The Bar’ and is open every night whilst transforming into an on-site café for coffee and sandwiches during the day. The bar is relatively large, and you’ll often find students celebrating or commiserating sporting losses or wins.
• Hertford JCR is the only one in Oxford with its very own ball pit.

John Donne

Evelyn Waugh

Jonathon Swift