Worcester College is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and its hugely active social life. The College's 26 acres of gorgeous grounds feature numerous gardens and green spaces, a lake which is home to many friendly ducks, an orchard, and the college sports fields. Despite the reasonably large number of students, there is a real community feel to it where everyone supports one another, and you really can't help but falling in love with the College once you're there!
Food at Worcester is renowned for being excellent, and very reasonably priced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the recently refurbished hall every day, as are four formal hall dinner a week. These delicious three-course meals are only about £5 at Worcester! Breakfast is charged per item (for example a croissant is 60p), and at lunch there is a salad bar and always a good selection (including vegetarian options) of hot meals. With payment on a pay-as-you-go basis via Bodcard, you'll only pay for what you actually eat. Lunch is ££4.25, dinner cost about £4.99 and formals are typically 3x a week at £13.08
In first year, students can request either grades 1-3 or 4-6, with 4-6 being more expensive and having access to en-suites. Grade 6 rooms have en-suites and kitchens. Accessibility arrangements including medical conditions are taken into consideration when accommodation is allocated so if you need an en-suite or kitchen you’ll have priority. In later years students can ballot with a group of friends to choose accommodation.
Worcester offers an extensive range of activities. Students have the opportunity to get involved in sport at any level, and the main sports offered include: Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Mixed Lacrosse, Squash, Darts, Pool, and Rowing. The College has the unique geographical advantage of having its sports pitches within its beautiful grounds, so they are easy to reach for practice sessions, or simply in order to cheer friends along in an afternoon match. There is also a gym and dance studio on site. In terms of drama, "Buskins", the drama society at Worcester, puts on productions throughout the year. There is always a popular garden production in the summer; recent productions include Coriolanus, Twelfth Night, and The Merchant of Venice. The student-run Worcester College Music Society arranges an active calendar of events throughout the academic year, consisting of choral concerts, a regular series of chamber music recitals, and orchestral concerts. There are also opportunities for students to participate in less formal choir and instrumental groups. Some of these concerts take place beside the College’s lake.
Student welfare is very important at Worcester and as such, the college has a number of avenues of support for College members with any kind of problem, and can help anyone experiencing difficulties to make contact with further sources of support in the wider University, if appropriate. In College, the Dean oversees everything welfare, and there is an active Dean Team, all members of which live on site and are available around the clock. There is a Student Welfare Officer, JCR Welfare Officers, a College Nurse, a Chaplain, and a network of fantastic Peer Supporters who are always on hand for anyone that needs advice, support or just a friendly chat. Every week, the student welfare team puts on "Tea at Three", and with lots and lots of free food and friendly company, this is a popular event among all students. In terms of accessibility to college facilities, Worcester has 9 fully accessible bedrooms (and, additionally, 3 fully accessible toilets), and is generally super supportive in accommodating for students' individual requirements. Unfortunately, there is no lift access to the JCR, the cellar bar, or the libraries, but the library staff are always more than happy to assist students who are unable to use the stairs.
At Worcester, you'll never get bored! There generally are three bops per term, which are epic. Two take place in the college bar, while the midterm bop usually takes place in a club. The college bar is a great hang-out place with a pool table, darts board, and a juke box. Worcester Ball is held every three years and is a very big event. It's white tie (so, really really fancy) and the amazing college grounds provide the perfect setting for such a special soirée. In addition, 'Worcester in the Park' is held each summer term, where Pimms is served and music is performed by members of the college. Other regular social events include themed evenings, comedy nights, and charity auctions, and of course both JCR and MCR common rooms are available for use at all times - regardless of whether you'd like some relaxation or entertainment.
“Worcester’s amazing facilities mean that all kinds of events – from football tournaments to musical theatre shows – can be held here.”
“My favourite thing about Worcester is how easy it is to escape from the high intensity of the city in Worcester’s beautiful grounds.”
“Worcester has such a lovely environment, the lake, the ducks, and the people!”
“Worcester is often known as the friendly college, and it really is true! We have a great community across year groups and everyone is so welcoming.”
You might also want to take a look at the Worcester alternative prospectus or the official college website.