Welcome to Balliol. Situated in the heart of Oxford, we are immensely proud of our tradition – in 2013 we celebrate our 750th anniversary – our world class academics, and the diversity and independent thinking of our students (currently we have students from a wide variety of UK backgrounds and from more than forty different nationalities).
The Balliol experience
Balliol is intellectually engaged, friendly, informal, supportive, and outward looking. Students and tutors share a strong sense of involvement with the College. Balliol's JCR (Junior Common Room) is the centre of undergraduate social life. It is one of the liveliest in Oxford. Balliol's graduates are based at Holywell Manor, just ten minutes' walk from the main site, where they organize active and diverse social and cultural events. We have a thriving choir and music society, enthusiastic sports players, and exciting prospects of success on the river. 'Doug's lunches', organised by the Dean, bring a steady stream of interesting speakers throughout the term.
Balliol alumni achievements
Currently students can study in almost all disciplines represented in the University, and past students have achieved success in all walks of life – as prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners in both Sciences and Social Sciences, ambassadors, judges, heads of multi-national corporations, vice-chancellors, researchers, film-makers, writers, musicians, teachers, church leaders – and as citizens and parents. Many work internationally – in NGOs, development agencies, and the United Nations. Institutions as diverse as the Workers Educational Trust, the National Trust, Amnesty International, Ashoka (the global association of leading social entrepreneurs), and Avaaz (now the largest online advocacy group in the world) were all established by Balliol people.
Balliol's commitment to diversity
Balliol is committed to attracting applicants regardless of gender or of social, cultural, educational, or national background and regardless of ability to pay. Balliol is a great place not only to study hard but also to enjoy life to the full.
Come and see us and judge for yourself. I look forward to meeting you.