Lady Margaret Hall is a late 19th-century redbrick college set in extensive riverside gardens. It began as strictly girls-only, but in 1979 – 100 years after its foundation – LMH invited the blokes in to play. Two iffy purpose-built five-floor residential blocks poo on the idyllic setting and handsome architecture, but they’re really popular with those inside. Being 1,200 metres from the city centre doesn’t put a dampener on University-level involvement. As Oxford goes, LMH-ers are among the most down-to earth.
| Sex ratio (M:F): 50:50 |
Founded: 1878 |
| Full-time u’grads: 440 |
Part-time: 0 |
| Postgrads: 182 |
Mature: 4% |
| State:private school: 50:50 |
International: 5% |
| Academic ranking: 22 |
Disabled: 4 |
Bar (cap. 200). Two libraries (one for Law, 70,000 books, 60 study bays); 35 computers, 24-hr access. Ecumenical chapel. Strong drama at the Beaufort Literary Society founded by actor Sam West. Sports facilities a mile away (multigym and squash on site); strong on netball, hockey and rowing. First years, finalists and most second years live in; dining hall with fixed payments for meals (whether eaten or not) or pay-as-you-eat. Better disabled access than most colleges. Doctor; nurse; First year, Welfare and Women’s Officers; free tampons and condoms.
FAMOUS ALUMNI
Benazir Bhutto (ex-President, Pakistan); Caryl Churchill (writer); Lady Antonia Fraser (historian); Eglantyne Jebb (founder, Save the Children); Nigella Lawson (domestic goddess); Barbara Mills (Director of Public Prosecutions); Diana Quick (actress); Matthew Taylor MP (Lib Dem); Lady Warnock (educationalist); Sam West (actor); Anne Widdecombe MP (Con).