Exeter is the friendliest college at Oxford! We are small, but thanks to that you know most people, and it really feels like a second home. We have a beautiful Chapel that you pass every day on your walk to lectures (I'm never getting tired of this view!), and the best spot to look at the Radcliffe camera!
The hall is amazing, in Harry Potter vibes. It's a amazing experience to eat meals there everyday. The food servings are generous and reasonably priced. However, the food sometimes could taste better (not a fan of British cuisine). Quite a lot of people eat at Hall, as it's a good value for money. We have Dacota Cafe at Cohen Quad, which serves breakfasts and lunches - they are really tasty and also cheap. We always have a meat and vegetarian option, and vegan (though you have to ask the caterers I think). We have Meat-free Mondays, Steak Tuesdays, Burger night Fridays. The formals are pretty formal (and quite expensive). The college organises subject themed formals once a year (STEM, humanities), and special occasion formals (Diwali, Christmas). We also have international formal once a year that is reimbursed from JCR international rep fund. It's an opportunity for students from abroad to meet and have a nice (international) meal. We organised one during the pandemic in MT20, the food was takeaway with some additional sweets and a drink.
First years live on the main site, which is amazing. You live close to your friends, and you're at the centre of Oxford, so everything is close too. More rooms have shared bathrooms, but it's usually around 3 people per shower, so my closest shower was taken just once when I wanted to use it. But the best thing are the surroundings - college is beautiful. Currently I live at Cohen Quad, which is less than 10 minutes away from the centre. It's much better in terms of living comfortably, the rooms are really well thought and everyone has a private bathroom.
Exeter’s student-run charity, ExVac, is a big part of the JCR’s identity. Organised by Exeter students for disadvantaged children living in Oxford, ExVac events are a highlight of college life. Exeter’s mixed-voice choir tours all over the world, and Exonian poets, actors, artists, and musicians showcase their skills at Turl Street Arts Festival every spring. The college’s annual ski trip is one of the biggest in Oxford. Sporting success in rowing, netball, cricket, football, and rugby highlight Exeter’s competitive spirit, but above all else, Exonians like to make friends and have fun.
Welfare teas normally happen once a week on Wednesdays, with lots of free food and students from across the years. We have Andrew the Chaplain and Helen the nurse who are main heads of welfare in our college. They are always happy to have a confidential chat and listen to whatever problems you may be facing. We also have a strong group of peer supporters, and 2 welfare reps. They are all trully amazing and do a great job. We still can have a virtual chat with all our welfare representatives, and they try to organise some online events. For example, we have an online library going on every day during term time.
Exeter’s bops (parties) are legendary – the combination of cheesy tunes, wacky costumes, and lurid ‘bop-juice’ ensures a night to remember! Bops take place in the college bar, which serves drinks and pizza. Exeter is one of the only colleges to have a black-tie ball every year; its brilliant value tickets make it the envy of many other colleges.
Exeter’s stunning quad and scenic garden has made it a charming place to live, but more importantly, the people I’ve met could not have been friendlier or more welcoming.
Exeter’s super central location puts it at the heart of Oxford life and all it has to offer.
Getting the chance to hear speakers throughout the year, including J. K. Rowling who spoke to celebrate college’s 700th anniversary, is a big reason why I love Exeter.
You might also want to take a look at the official college website.