St Peter’s is an example of an Oxford college that’s less old and traditional. St Peter’s (SPC or Peter’s for short) is instead right next to shops and libraries, has a bar that students from other colleges attempt to crash every weekend, and is both friendly and progressive. The welcoming atmosphere of Peter’s truly is a place for everyone regardless of background, ethnicity, sexuality, schooling, anything.
The pay as you go food in hall can range from around £2 to £5 and is always pretty yummy, with a permanent salad bar alongside the other 3 or so main options offered, which range from steaks to Mediterranean vegetables and tofu stacks. There are always vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options, with possible allergens highlighted clearly. A full cooked breakfast is served on Wednesdays, and as brunch at the weekends, which is always heavily attended and filled with stories from the week. Formal hall nights occur on Tuesday and Thursday with BYOB and a nice three course meal for around £10
Accommodation is guaranteed for first and third years. In first year, rent is the same for all rooms (£207 per week forFreshers, and £185-213 for higher years to £207-38), of which you have your own, can keep a kettle and a mini-fridge in, and decorate to your liking. You share a toilet with around three other people in your year on your corridor, and are able to use the common room kitchen at any point. In third year, most rooms are en-suite. The slightly fancier rooms can be inhabited through academic ballot, but cost a little more than the annexe buildings, which are situated just off site. The price of the third-year rooms currently varies from £185-213 per year. The College also offer, though does not guarantee, limited accommodation for undergrads in their second and fourth years.
College sport is fun, low commitment, and a good opportunity for social events and meeting people across all year groups. If sport isn’t your thing, you can contribute to the new St Peter’s arts magazine, MiSC (@misc_spc on Instagram) - which publishes student artwork, poetry, personal essays, and photography. The College Music Society (SPCMS) has weekly concerts every Thursday lunchtime, and SPC has one of the best mixed-voice choirs in Oxford, which sings Evensong on Thursdays and Sundays.
There are three elected student welfare officers, as well as several other welfare-trained positions, including reps for BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabilities. The College also has a Dean for Welfare, and two trained and on-duty graduate welfare officers. Welfare teas are organised regularly, with free food, tea and a chance to chat and destress. The JCR also has a stock of sexual health and menstrual products, and can reimburse payments you have made for these if necessary.
BOPs are hosted both in college and out of college, sometimes joint with other colleges. BOPs really solidify the sense of the college community, particularly the somewhat cult-like way in which they end, with everyone singing ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams.
The environment at Peter's is really inclusive, with a strong LGBTQ presence and superb welfare team. Not your typical Oxford vibe!
St Peter’s is a fantastic college because everyone is friendly and inclusive. There is so much to get involved with from film, to theatre, to sport.
Peter's bar is a focal point of the college. A place of startlingly cheap drinks, a friendly atmosphere and all the lovable charm that comes with being student-run!
My favourite thing about Peter's is that you can genuinely go and chat to anyone, everyone here is so friendly it's just overall great vibes.
My favourite thing about Peter's is definitely the people - having a small, friendly community is so reassuring when you're in a place that at first feels intimidating.
You might also want to take a look at the St Peter's alternative prospectus or the official college website.