Name: University of Oxford, Oriel College
Location: Oxford, England
University size: 23,000 (Oriel: 600)
University founded: c. 1096 (Oriel: 1326)
 
Terms available: Academic year, only
Dates: early October to mid-June. 
Start and end dates noted are tentative and subject to change.
Program cap: 10 students/yr (across all four Oxford colleges). 
Because of the highly competitive nature of admission to Oxford, students should arrange to meet with Assistant Director Sue McCrory (contact info below) to discuss alternative, non-Oxford study abroad programs in the event that the student is denied admission. 
Academic strengths: Interdisciplinary Studies (e.g., Classics & Asian/Middle East Studies; Comp-Sci & Philosophy; History & Economics)
 
As with all Holy Cross study abroad programs, admission to Oxford-Oriel is a two-step process. HC students first apply to the Office of Study Abroad for approval to apply to Oxford. The minimum requirement for this first step is a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a minimum 3.75 in your major(s) at the time of your application.
All students who meet the minimum GPA requirements and wish to engage with the tutorial system at Oxford are encouraged to apply for approval, but it should be noted that admission to Oxford is highly competitive, and other factors beyond the GPA minimums at the time of the HC Study Abroad application are taken into consideration. Applicants are expected to achieve a 3.7 overall in their third semester (sophomore fall) as well. Grades below a 3.7 (e.g., "B+" or "B") in the third semester may have a negative impact on your candidacy. Note: the decision rendered by the HC Office of Study Abroad on whether or not to permit a student to apply to Oxford is final. 

After approved by HC Study Abroad, students take the second step: applying directly to Oriel College through its student portal, carefully following each admissions protocol. Please note that international students may need to provide Oxford with evidence of their proficiency in studying and writing English. Information about Oxford's requirements for English-language proficiency can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/english-language-requirements

Because of the highly competitive nature of admission to Oxford, students should arrange to meet with Assistant Director Sue McCrory (contact info below) to discuss an alternative, non-Oxford study abroad programs in the event that the student is denied approval to apply to Oxford, or is denied actual admission to Oxford. 
 
University website: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/
Visiting Student Website:  https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduates/visiting-students-programme/
Living at Oriel/Student Activities: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/life-at-oriel/living-at-oriel/
Calendar: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/dates-of-term?wssl=1 
ALL Holy Cross students MUST abide by Oxford's published exam schedule. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO REQUESTS for EARLIER EXAMS. 
Admissions Overview: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduates/applying-to-oriel/

For a comprehensive guide to this program, go to the HC Office of Study Abroad's Oxford COMPASS  

Visa fees: Approx. $1000 (the actual number will depend on current exchange rates)
Housing: Accommodations for Oriel are in the college (on-campus)

Course Registration info: Your term will normally be structured around taking a major course, which usually requires 8 tutorials per term (one per week) and a minor course will usually involve 4 tutorials per term (one on alternative weeks). Therefore an average 8-week term for a Visiting Student will involve a total of 12 one-hour tutorials. 
Catalog of Subjects:  https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/
Courses previously taken by Holy Cross students: https://sa.holycross.edu
Note: This is a new program for 2024-2025. Therefore, Therefore, there are no prior courses taken at Oriel College to report
Grade equivalency sheet: Available on the Holy Cross Registrar’s website: http://www.holycross.edu/support-and-resources/office-registrar/study-abroad-equivalencies

*Note: In the UK, classes are called “modules” and majors are called “courses.”
 
A note on academics at Oxford: At Oxford, the essential instrument of teaching is the tutorial system rather than lectures, classroom discussions, or seminars. The tutorial requires a great deal of self-motivation on the part of the student as well as considerable independent organization and research skills. At the tutorial, the student submits a prepared paper on a topic agreed upon with the tutor; the student's paper, attendant readings, and research are the basis of a further discussion of the area under study. Students also regularly attend University lectures and have access to lectures found in the Lecture Lists. Certain classes and seminars may also be available by special permission and arrangement.

All information listed above is subject to change. 

For more information, contact:
Sue McCrory, Assistant Director
Email: smccrory@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2755
Office:  Smith 217