Students dining in Hall (Photo: John Cairns)

Life at Merton: Food & Drink

Merton has a reputation for excellent food at low prices and eating together is a much-valued part of communal life. All meals are eaten in the College’s medieval dining hall and served by our friendly Hall staff.   

“There are too many great things about Merton to list but the food definitely comes on top. The quality is spectacular and our gorgeous hall brings the community together and allows you to catch up with friends.”  Melodi, 2nd Year History and Politics

Undergraduates can make use of shared kitchens on the main site if they wish to prepare their own food or meals with friends. All graduate accommodation and undergraduate houses have their own shared kitchens. 

The College holds a number of special dinners, guest nights and themed evenings each term (e.g. the Admission Dinners for new students,  Pride Formal, Diwali, Disability Formal).  

Eating at Merton

0th Week Meals

Days

Times

Breakfast (no need to book)

Monday to Saturday 

8.30 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. 

Lunch 

Monday to Saturday

12.15 p.m. - 1.45 p.m. 

Brunch

Sunday 11 October

11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 

Early Supper 

Monday to Saturday 05-10 October

Sunday, 11 October

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 7.00p.m.

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 6.30p.m.

First Formal Hall (priority for Freshers’)

Sunday, 11 October

7.30 p.m. 

Important:

Collections

Fri 09 and 10 October

Breakfast Lunch

8.15 a.m. – 8.45am 12.45 a.m. -1.45 p.m.

Monday, 05 October - JCR Freshers' Welcome Supper - ONLY!

Tuesday, 06 October - Undergraduates Admission Dinner

1st - 9th Week Meals

Day

Time

Breakfast  (no need to book)

Monday to Saturday 

8.15 a.m. - 9.15 a.m. 

Lunch 

Monday to Saturday

12.15 p.m. - 1.45 p.m. 

Brunch

Sunday

11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 

Early Supper

Week 1-7

Monday/Wednesday/ Saturday

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday Sunday

6.00 p.m. – 7.00p.m.

 6.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Formal Hall 

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 

7.15 p.m. 

Formal Hall 

Sunday 

7.30 p.m. 

Important:

Monday, 12 October - Graduates Admission Dinner

Sunday, 25 October - College Event – Postmaster Dinner

Saturday, 14 November - College Event – Merton Family Lunch

JCR/MCR Guest Nights, Black Tie Dinners

Friday, 13 October - Week 1 - JCR Guest Night

Friday, 23 October - Week 2 - MCR Guest Night

Friday, 30 October - Week 3 - JCR Guest Night

Friday, 06 November - Week 4 – MCR Guest Night

Friday, 13 November - Week 5 - Charity Formal

Friday, 20 November - Week 6 - JCR Black Tie Dinner

Friday, 27 November - Week 7 - MCR Black Tie Dinner

Friday,04 December - Week 8 Christmas dinners joint JCR/MCR

Week 8 Christmas Formals

Tuesday, 01 Dec- JCR – no guests

Wednesday, 02 Dec – Choir, JCR/MCR – no guests

Thursday, 03 Dec – MCR – no guests

Friday, 04 Dec - JCR/MCR – one guest allows

College BOPS

Saturday, 10 October 2026

Saturday, 14 November 2026

Friday, 04 December 2026

Themed Events

Thursday, 29 October - Diwali Formal

Saturday, 31 October - Halloween Supper

Tuesday, 10 November - Disability Formal

Wednesday, 25 November - Thanksgiving Supper