Student Life
Merton’s students are passionate about their studies and also make the most of the opportunities that come with being part of vibrant community.
The Junior Common Room (JCR) and the Middle Common Room (MCR) are:
- all undergraduates and all graduates of the College respectively
- physical Common Room spaces for undergraduates and for graduates [link to relevant sections of facilities page]
- Committees that represent the undergraduate and graduate student bodies and play a key role in co-ordinating events and activities.
The Common Rooms receive funding for the students’ benefit and each Committee has a President and Vice-President as well as roles focusing on entertainment, welfare, charities, food, access, and arts and culture. The JCR and MCR also elect representatives for community members from LGBTQ+, Black and Minority Ethnic, and international backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.
The best thing about the college system is the welcoming atmosphere it offers, especially at the start of your degree.
Eloise, History
Our fantastic JCR and MCR Committees organise a variety of events, from regular themed college parties (Bops) to board games, from pumpkin carving to cultural activities, and from fundraisers to crafts (sometimes led by Merton’s resident Fellow in the Creative Arts). New ideas are always welcome.
Student events and activities are frequently held in the Games Room or College Bar, which serves non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and offers a range of board games and a duke box. The Bar hosts regular quiz nights, live music, karaoke and themed evenings. Please go to our Facilities page for more information about the social spaces available at Merton.
Students enjoy use of the private College gardens [link to green spaces on facilities] for relaxation, social events, garden parties and an annual outdoor play produced by Merton’s Drama Society.
Click on the links below for examples of JCR and MCR activities.
Bar
The College Bar is a casual meeting place for students to socialise. Our friendly bar staff serve both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and the bar is well stocked with and board games and a duke box. A number of events are held throughout term, including quiz nights, live music, karaoke, and themed evenings.
Green Spaces
Merton’s main garden (Fellows’ Garden) is extensively used by its students and staff, particularly in the summer when it becomes the site for outdoor tutorials, independent study, relaxing with friends, our annual garden play, and a series of social events and garden parties. The Rose Lane Garden and Chestnut Lawn provide further garden spaces for use by Merton members, with one offering outdoor tables and chairs, and one a summer croquet pitch.
The College’s sports fields are a short walk from the main site and include wildflower meadows, walks by the river and wooded areas.
The College’s green spaces are cared for by the wonderful garden team who continually develop their practices to improve biodiversity and sustainability.
There is a Gardening Club as well as term-time wellbeing walks, which the Warden’s dog Eva regularly joins. The College benefits from its location being both in the heart of the city and bordering extensive meadows leading down to the river Thames.
Music
College Clubs and Societies
Sport
The College offers lots of opportunities to participate in sports of all types and at all levels. Whether you’re highly accomplished, or take part for fun or fitness, there’s plenty to get involved with.
Students currently take part in a wide range of college sports including, but not limited to, football, rugby, cricket, pool, tennis, squash, ultimate frisbee and croquet. Many activities take place at the College’s sports ground which is a 15-minute walk from the main site. Mobile floodlights allow for year-round training. For a number of sports, Merton students team up with students from Mansfield College.
Merton has a small gym on the main site which is free to use and maintains a boathouse offering free use of three punts, four kayaks and a canoe. In the summer, a croquet set is available to play croquet on Chestnut lawn.
Rowing: The Merton College Boatclub [add link] is our thriving rowing community and offers rowing and coxing for all levels of commitment and ability, including those who’ve never rowed before. It is based in a recently renovated boathouse on our local stretch of the river Thames, which features two bays containing the fleet as well as a lounge area with changing rooms and toilets. There is also a dedicated erg room at the College’s Sports Pavilion.
Members of Merton’s Boatclub take part in two intercollegiate competitions each year (known as bumps) as well as other events, including social activities.
Sports Grants: Students can apply for funding to contribute towards the costs of membership, facility fees and travel for those who play their sport at the University of higher levels. Grants can be made towards activities recognised as a sport by the Oxford University Sports Federation or by the International Olympic Committee. Funding is also available to enable participation in University and non-College sporting activities.
University Sport: Merton is a 15-minute walk from the University’s Iffley Road Sports Centre. Information about the sports available, facilities and membership can be found here.
