Brasenose Radcliffe Square, OX1 4AJ www.bnc.ox.ac.uk 01865 277 830
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rasenose College, known to many simply as ‘BNC’, was officially founded in 1509 and sits right in the heart of Oxford in Radcliffe Square. The name comes from a brass (or ‘brazen’) door-knocker which now takes pride of place in the college hall, along with an impressively-endowed unicorn. Brasenose is relatively small in size, but its lively student population certainly punches above its weight! Brasenose members generally don’t hesitate to get involved with the wider University, whether as part of sports teams and societies or just through being sociable outside the college walls. Brasenose’s central location makes being involved in University life really easy. With the shops of the High Street on one side and the famous King’s Arms and Turf pubs only a stone’s throw from the college, there’s something for everyone right on the doorstep. One of the best things about Brasenose is the accommodation, as the college guarantees residence right in the centre of Oxford for the entire duration of your degree should you want it. First years live on the historic college site and second years live in the Frewin Annexe which is a five-minute walk away right in the commercial centre of the town. Third and fourth years can live in either site.
Undergraduates 360 Rent £900-1400 per term Library 24/7 Famous Alumni Michael Palin, David Cameron, William Golding
Brasenose is renowned for having a relaxed, homely atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. Almost the first thing that strikes everyone in Freshers’ Week is just how friendly the College is, and as a result there are wellattended bops (college parties), a lively bar and JCR, and active societies within the College. The bar and common room have also been completely refurbished recently as part of the College’s 500 year anniversary, making these facilities arguably the best in Oxford. Next door to the swanky new bar is undoubtedly one of Brasenose’s best kept secrets: Gertie’s, the out-of-hours servery. Gertie’s offers cooked breakfasts until 11.30am, and baguettes, paninis, salads and smoothies for a late lunch. It’s essentially like having your own café in college but for half the price. Brasenose’s quirkiness lies not only in the name, but in the fun traditions. The students celebrate Burns night with a traditional Scottish ceilidh and every year at ‘ale verses’ they write songs about the College and its people sung to the tune of popular music as a giant flagon of ale is passed up and down the benches. These, amongst many other things, make Brasenose truly unique.
Food
Breakfast and lunch weekdays only, but the weekend brunch is excellent. Reasonably priced formal hall three nights per week.
Facilities
Laundry and bicycle storage. No kitchens on main site, but there is a snack bar (Gertie’s).
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