Balliol College
Founded 1263 • Broad Street, Oxford
"Scientia Aeternum" (Knowledge Forever)
One of Oxford's oldest colleges, Balliol has been a center of academic excellence for over 750 years. Known for its intellectual rigor and progressive traditions, the college offers beautiful medieval architecture alongside modern facilities.
762+ Years
Of academic tradition
Central Location
Heart of Oxford
Humanities Focus
Philosophy & Politics
Summer Programs
Now Accepting Applications
The History of Balliol College
Founded in 1263, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges at the University of Oxford. Throughout its long history, it has maintained a reputation for academic excellence and intellectual openness, producing notable alumni including prime ministers, Nobel laureates, philosophers, and literary figures. The college complex combines beautiful medieval architecture with modern facilities, centered around a series of historic quadrangles. The oldest parts of the college date back to the 15th century, while newer additions provide modern amenities for today's students and scholars. Balliol is known for its vibrant academic community, progressive traditions, and commitment to intellectual debate. Its location on Broad Street, in the heart of Oxford, places it within easy reach of the Bodleian Library, other university facilities, and the city center.
Key Historical Milestones
1263
College founded by John I de Balliol as a penance imposed by the Bishop of Durham
1500s
Became a center for religious and political discussions during the Reformation
1800s
Underwent significant architectural expansion, including the construction of the current dining hall
1920s
Among the first Oxford colleges to admit women as full members
Present
Continues to be a center for academic excellence across numerous disciplines
Notable Alumni
Adam Smith
Economist and philosopher
Aldous Huxley
Author of 'Brave New World'
Herbert Asquith
Former British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson
Former British Prime Minister
Explore Balliol College
Take a visual journey through the historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and modern facilities that make Balliol College a unique place to study.
Historic Dining Hall
The magnificent dining hall dates back to the 19th century and features beautiful wooden paneling and portraits of notable alumni.
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
Accommodation Options
Experience authentic Oxford collegiate life with our comfortable on-site accommodation at Balliol College.
Standard Rooms
Our standard single rooms provide comfortable accommodation within the historic college buildings. Each room is furnished with a single bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and includes internet access.
- Single occupancy rooms
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Daily housekeeping service
- High-speed Wi-Fi
En-suite Rooms
A limited number of en-suite rooms are available, offering additional privacy and comfort. These rooms include all the amenities of standard rooms plus a private bathroom.
- Private bathroom with shower
- Premium bedding and towels
- Daily housekeeping service
- High-speed Wi-Fi
Accommodation Notes:
- • All rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon course enrollment.
- • En-suite rooms are limited and subject to availability with priority given to those with specific needs.
- • Bed linens and towels are provided and changed weekly.
- • Accommodations include full board with three meals daily served in the college dining hall.
- • Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
In the Heart of Oxford
Balliol College is ideally situated to experience all that Oxford University and the city have to offer.
Balliol College is ideally located in the heart of Oxford on Broad Street, just minutes from the Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre, and other university buildings. The college is easily accessible from the train station and Oxford city center.
Address:
Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BJ, United Kingdom
Nearby Attractions:
- Bodleian Library (5 minute walk)
- Ashmolean Museum (7 minute walk)
- Oxford City Center (3 minute walk)
- University Parks (15 minute walk)
- Oxford Botanic Garden (20 minute walk)
Residential Courses at Balliol College
Experience the academic excellence of Balliol College through our specialized residential programs. Courses available for Summer 2025.
Note: All courses include accommodation at Balliol College, meals, and access to college facilities.
View All Residential CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about studying and living at Balliol College.
Balliol provides single rooms for all residential program participants. Most rooms are standard singles with shared bathroom facilities, though a limited number of en-suite rooms may be available. All rooms come furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and internet access. Rooms are located either in the historic staircases around the quadrangles or in more modern buildings within the college grounds.
Yes, our residential programs include full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) served in Balliol's historic dining hall. Breakfast is typically continental style, lunch features a selection of hot and cold options, and dinner alternates between normal service and formal dinners (typically twice weekly). The college can accommodate common dietary requirements with advance notice.
Students have access to Balliol's library with its extensive collections, study rooms, computer facilities with printing services, and Wi-Fi throughout the college. Depending on your course, you may also have access to specialized collections or resources. Teaching takes place in college seminar rooms, lecture halls, and the historic tutorial rooms.
Balliol College is located directly in Oxford's city center on Broad Street. The main shopping areas, restaurants, and attractions are all within a 5-10 minute walk. The Bodleian Library is just across the street, and other university buildings are similarly close by.
Residential programs include organized activities such as welcome receptions, formal hall dinners, college tours, and cultural events. Students have access to the Junior Common Room (JCR) with recreational facilities, and the college's central location makes it easy to participate in Oxford's vibrant cultural life. The picturesque college gardens also provide space for relaxation and socializing.
Have more questions about studying at Balliol College? We're here to help.
Contact UsExperience Balliol College This Summer
Apply now for our 2025 residential programs and immerse yourself in the academic excellence and historic surroundings of one of Oxford's most distinguished colleges.