Through an unassuming little door off the beautiful boulevard of St Giles’ is the unassuming little college of Regent’s Park, one of Oxford’s smallest. Regent's Park College has strong Christian/theological/baptist/anything-with-a-dog-collar connections, having begun its life as a London training institution for Baptist ministers and missionaries. Although it’s long since been absorbed into Oxford University and opened its door to different denominations - and has no faith requirements from the students, theology still cuts through Regent's Park College like a knife through jelly. It’s the national Centre for Baptist History and Heritage and grace is still said before each meal. It remains relatively unknown in the Oxbridge scheme of things, although involvement in the University SU is improving. While many other colleges struggle with the pressures of celebrity, snobbery and the old boys’ network, the small number of Arts & Humanities students based here (technoboffins beware) are happy simply to get on with things, while maintaining a high level of involvement with University-wide activities. Like a advert for Hovis bread, the quiet, homely atmosphere warms the cockles in a way other colleges can’t.
| Sex ratio (M:F): 45:55 |
Founded: 1810 |
| Full-time u’grads: 85 |
Part-time: 20 |
| Postgrads: 40 |
Mature: 30% |
State:private school: 60:40
|
International: 10% |
| Academic ranking: n/a |
Disabled: 4 |
Ents: Extremely cheap, tiny bar, but there is more room to manouevre a pint and pack of peanuts in the JCR. Strong social scene with karaoke and gameshow nights in the bar, two bops a term, annual ‘Final Fling’ mini ball, strawberries and Pimm’s summer outings, punting trips, London theatre trips and ad hoc events. Pretty active drama scene with at least one major production a year usually.
JCR is well involved in student affairs and keen on charity work. Its common room has newspapers, VCR/DVD and Sky.
Library: Two libraries (40,000 books, 50 study places). The main library is open 24/7 and has a number on non-British publications on theology that students from other Oxford colleges are keen to have a gander at too. Within the main lib. is the Angus Library, which contains more than 70,000 books and sources on the life and history of Baptists of early Baptist Documents – good for theology, philosophy and English. 4,000 volumes on Caribbean studies, political philosophy and theology at the David Nicholls Memorial Library. Ecumenical chapel.
Sports: Football, netball and rowing clubs doing well. Bar sports reign supreme with facilities for snooker, table football and table tennis table and no playing fields.
Accomodation: Nearly all students live in. Flats available for couples or single sex. No en-suite facilities. Tradition and high-quality meals still served by waiters every weekday, but kitchen facilities are good too. Laundry facilities but no parking. College gates close at 10pm but students can still get in with swipecard access. Killing the mood faster than telling your lusted "I may have crabs", overnight guests must be registered. CCTV and free attack alarms.
- Postgrad, Women’s, Men’s, LGBT, Harassment and Welfare Officers
- Doctor
- Disabled access needs improvement
- Various bursaries.
FAMOUS ALUMNI
Paul Fiddes, Henry Wheeler Robinson (theologians); the bloke who directed Spiceworld – his name can’t be given to protect his own safety.