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Open Days
"...an inclusive community with the perfect balance of fun and academia."
Welcome to Merton! We hope you’ll find plenty of information on the college and university websites about studying and living here.
At our Open Days, held in June/July and September each year, you can join us to get a feel for the College, ask any questions you may have, and to meet our tutors and current undergraduate students.
"In terms of ‘feel’, it is true that there’s no better way to gauge it than visiting the colleges – but I can certainly confirm that the atmosphere at Merton felt incredibly friendly and inviting when I visited on an Open Day, and this has rung true all throughout my degree: the sense of community at Merton, between students, staff, tutors, is palpable and a real strength of the college." - Robert, 3rd Year, History
Programme & Timetable
Upcoming Open Days:
Our Open Days are usually in June/July and at the end of September, so keep an eye out for 2026 dates that will likely be published in the new year. Here, you’ll also find an updated version of our informal programme of events closer to the time.
Programme of Events
At Why Merton you can watch our ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about Merton’ video, and find Merton’s Alternative Prospectus (written by our students).
"I felt very welcomed from the moment I arrived until I left. I will definitely be applying to Merton." - Prospective Student
If you have any questions about the Merton College Open Day or applying here then please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing: undergraduate.admissions@merton.ox.ac.uk.
"I fell in love with Merton on the Open Day. The garden was huge and calming and felt like home, and everyone was so friendly. I liked the accommodation and how old the buildings were, and there’s so much financial provision to help you out. I can’t imagine studying anywhere else!" - Rebecca, 2nd Year, French and Linguistics
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is only available:
- to those travelling from outside a 70-mile radius of Oxford;
- to prospective students - we cannot provide accommodation for parents/guardians/friends;
- for the night before the Open Day you are attending;
- to those who also book to attend a subject meeting.
We can also offer you an evening meal if you arrive by 18:00, and breakfast the following morning. There is no charge for accommodation and meals. School groups may book a maximum of five students in for overnight accommodation, along with one accompanying member of staff.
The Accommodation request form for 2025 Open Days is now open. Please click on the link to complete: Open Day Accommodation Request Form 2025
If you have any questions regarding Open Days, please email undergraduate.admissions@merton.ox.ac.uk
Subject Meetings
Group meetings with Subject Tutors for prospective applicants. To book on to the relevant meeting please use this booking form.
Open Day Travel Funding
We have some funding available to assist prospective applicants who would otherwise be unable to attend the Merton College Open Day at Oxford. Please contact the Admissions Officer at undergraduate.admissions@merton.ox.ac.uk if you are in need of financial support for travel expenses.
To be eligible you must be a UK resident who attends or has attended a UK school or college, and who would find it difficult to pay for travel to visit Oxford for an Open Day. We can only provide support for travel which is within the UK and by public transport, and can only reimburse expenses into a UK bank account.
Please note that you must also book and attend one of our subject tutor meetings. Costs, up to the amount agreed in advance, will be reimbursed after attendance at the Merton College Open Day.
For further information about travelling to Oxford please see below.
Travelling to Merton
Information for those travelling to Oxford by car or public transport is available on the University website:
Please also see the University’s travel advice for open days. If travelling by car Redbridge Park & Ride is the best option to use, but coaches may drop off in St Aldates, between Thames Street and Speedwell Street, or on St Giles.
We look forward to seeing you at a forthcoming Open Day!
External Organisations
Please be aware: During your visit to Oxford you may see organisations handing out leaflets in the street, claiming to offer advice on the application process. Please be warned that these businesses are not affiliated with the University of Oxford, and they may charge for their services. We encourage you to take advantage of the many free opportunities that the University is offering to find out more.
Visiting Merton Outside of Open Days
Lovely college, beautiful grounds, friendly people, academically superb.
Open Days are the ideal opportunity to visit Oxford and gain a comprehensive insight into life here, however, if you are not able to visit on these dates: Individuals who are considering applying to Merton are very welcome to look around the College outside of Open Days, on a self-guided visit, between 9:00am and 5:30pm, Monday to Sunday. Please make yourself known to the Lodge Porters on arrival, indicating that you are a prospective applicant. If the reason you cannot attend an Open Day is that you will be travelling to Oxford from overseas and are therefore restricted by travel arrangements, please contact the Schools Liaison and Access Officer to make an appointment. If you require special arrangements (e.g. for accessibility) please also contact us in advance.
Merton College Open Day Video
Enough from us; let the students convince you why you should visit Merton at our next Open Day!
“I’m famously indecisive and was struggling to decide whether I should apply to Oxford, let alone which college. Merton wasn’t even on my radar at the Open Day, until we heard rumours of free ice cream and decided at the last minute to follow the Merton tote bags and purple balloons. We were welcomed by cheery and enthusiastic faces who were more than happy to squeeze in one last tour at the end of a long day! I loved Merton’s charm, with the cobbled street, beautiful buildings – big and yet somehow not intimidating – and especially the gardens! The promise of free food wooed me and has never disappointed since!”
Eleanor, 3rd Year, English and French
“I fell in love with Merton the moment I set foot in the college on the Open Day. It seemed like such a warm, friendly, inclusive atmosphere and I can honestly say those first impressions couldn’t be more accurate. For me Merton is perfect; it has a great location, excellent and affordable accommodation for your whole history degree and of course amazing food! The stunning architecture and surroundings mean even now, I really do have to pinch myself when I remember I call this beautiful, magical place my home!”
Grace, 2nd Year, History
“When I visited Oxford on an Open Day, I viewed a few of the colleges but something about Merton felt right to me. Everyone was so friendly, the buildings were old but welcoming, and the gardens were beautiful and relaxing. It is a smaller college, which means you get to know everyone in your year and plenty of people in the other years. You are never far from someone to chat and catch up with.”
Willow, 2nd Year, Biochemistry
“To be honest, Merton was the last college I visited, and I fell in love with it instantly for two main reasons! Firstly, they were offering free ice cream and secondly, they were playing my favourite song!”
Aaliyah, 1st Year, Spanish and Portuguese
“As soon as I walked around Merton, I loved its cosiness and remember thinking that everyone seemed so friendly. It’s hands down the prettiest college and has a beautiful garden that’s lovely in the summer. Accommodation and food are very cheap too!”