Christ Church
Founded 1546 • St Aldate's, Oxford
"Aedes Christi" (House of Christ)
Perhaps Oxford's grandest college, Christ Church combines stunning architecture with cultural significance. Its Great Hall inspired Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films, and its chapel serves as Oxford's cathedral.
479+ Years
Of academic tradition
Central Location
Heart of Oxford
Humanities Focus
Philosophy & Politics
Summer Programs
Now Accepting Applications
The History of Christ Church
Founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Christ Church is one of Oxford's largest and most prestigious colleges. Uniquely, it incorporates both a college of the University of Oxford and the Cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford, combining academic excellence with religious significance. The college's architecture is among the most impressive in Oxford, featuring Tom Quad (the largest quadrangle in Oxford), the iconic Tom Tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral. The stunning Great Hall, with its hammer-beam roof and Renaissance windows, served as inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Throughout its history, Christ Church has educated numerous notable alumni including 13 British Prime Ministers, King Edward VII, Lewis Carroll (who wrote "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" while a mathematics lecturer here), Albert Einstein, and many other influential figures in politics, science, and the arts.
Key Historical Milestones
1525
Cardinal Wolsey begins construction of 'Cardinal College'
1546
Re-founded as 'Christ Church' by King Henry VIII
1681-82
Christopher Wren designs and builds Tom Tower
1860s
Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) writes 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' while a mathematics lecturer at Christ Church
1980
The college begins admitting women students
2001
The Great Hall is featured as Hogwarts Hall in the first Harry Potter film
Notable Alumni
Lewis Carroll
Author of 'Alice in Wonderland'
William Gladstone
Four-time British Prime Minister
Albert Einstein
Visiting scholar & Nobel physicist
W.H. Auden
Celebrated poet
Explore Christ Church
Take a visual journey through the historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and modern facilities that make Christ Church a unique place to study.
The Great Hall
The magnificent dining hall that inspired Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films, featuring a hammer-beam roof and Renaissance windows.
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
Accommodation Options
Experience authentic Oxford collegiate life with our comfortable on-site accommodation at Christ Church.
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.
College Facilities
Christ Church offers excellent facilities to enhance your learning experience and ensure a comfortable stay during your residential course.
Accommodation
Single rooms with shared bathrooms or en-suite options, all within historic staircases or modern buildings. Rooms include bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and internet access.
Academic Resources
Access to the college library with its extensive collections, study rooms, and computer facilities. Wi-Fi available throughout the college.
Dining Facilities
Full board in the historic dining hall, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
Common Rooms
Access to the Junior Common Room (JCR) with comfortable seating, TV, newspapers, and games. Perfect for socializing and relaxing between classes.
Internet & Tech
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the college, computer room with printing facilities, and technical support available.
Support Services
24-hour porter service, college nurse, welfare support, and access to university counseling services as needed.
In the Heart of Oxford
Christ Church is ideally situated to experience all that Oxford University and the city have to offer.
Christ Church occupies a prime location in the heart of Oxford, bordering beautiful Christ Church Meadow. The college grounds stretch from St Aldate's to the River Thames, offering a unique combination of central accessibility and tranquil green spaces.
Address:
St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
Nearby Attractions:
- Covered Market (5 minute walk)
- Bodleian Library (7 minute walk)
- Modern Art Oxford (8 minute walk)
- University Parks (15 minute walk)
- Ashmolean Museum (10 minute walk)
Residential Courses at Christ Church
Experience the academic excellence of Christ Church through our specialized residential programs. Courses available for Summer 2025.
Note: All courses include accommodation at Christ Church, meals, and access to college facilities.
View All Residential CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about studying and living at Christ Church.
Christ Church holds a unique dual role as both an Oxford college and the Cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford. Its exceptional architecture includes the iconic Tom Tower, designed by Christopher Wren, and the Great Hall which inspired Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films. The college has exceptional cultural significance as the place where Lewis Carroll wrote 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and has educated numerous Prime Ministers and world leaders.
Summer residential students stay in single study bedrooms located throughout the historic college buildings. Most rooms have shared bathroom facilities, though a limited number of en-suite rooms may be available. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and internet access. Students experience authentic Oxford collegiate living, often in rooms that have housed students for centuries.
Yes! Residential programs include full board, with meals served in the magnificent Great Hall that was the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, with formal hall dinners (where academic gowns are worn) typically held twice weekly. The experience of dining beneath the hall's hammer-beam roof surrounded by portraits of distinguished alumni is truly special.
Students have access to study spaces throughout the college, computing facilities, the college library (which houses over 150,000 volumes), and WiFi throughout the college grounds. Teaching takes place in college seminar rooms, lecture theaters, and the historic tutorial rooms where Oxford's famous tutorial system has operated for centuries.
Christ Church offers exceptional recreational spaces including the peaceful Christ Church Meadow with walking paths along the Rivers Cherwell and Thames. Students also have access to the college's Picture Gallery housing important artworks, the Cathedral with its beautiful architecture and music, the Junior Common Room (JCR) for socializing, and various gardens and quadrangles throughout the college.
Have more questions about studying at Christ Church? We're here to help.
Contact UsExperience Christ Church 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.