Keble College
Founded 1870 • Parks Road, Oxford
"Plain living and high thinking" (Plain living and high thinking)
One of Oxford's more distinctive colleges, Keble is known for its striking Victorian Gothic architecture with its characteristic red and white brick design. Founded in memory of John Keble, the college combines tradition with a welcoming, progressive atmosphere.
155+ Years
Of academic tradition
Central Location
Heart of Oxford
Humanities Focus
Philosophy & Politics
Summer Programs
Now Accepting Applications
The History of Keble College
Founded in 1870, Keble College was established in memory of John Keble, a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, which sought to restore traditional Catholic thought and practice within the Church of England. The college was created with the aim of making an Oxford education more accessible to people of all backgrounds, a principle that continues to guide its ethos today. Keble's buildings are among the most visually striking in Oxford, designed in Victorian Gothic style by architect William Butterfield. The distinctive polychromatic brickwork with bold red, blue, and white patterns makes it instantly recognizable, standing in contrast to the more typical Oxford stone colleges. The college is home to some notable treasures, including the original Holman Hunt painting "The Light of the World" housed in the side chapel of the magnificent chapel. With a strong reputation for both academic achievement and sporting excellence, Keble combines traditional Oxford values with a friendly, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.
Key Historical Milestones
1870
Founded in memory of John Keble, a leader in the Oxford Movement, with the aim of making Oxford education more accessible
1876
Completion of the original college buildings, designed by William Butterfield in distinctive polychromatic brick
1878
The Holman Hunt painting 'The Light of the World' gifted to the college and installed in the chapel
1960s
Significant expansion of the college with the addition of new accommodation blocks
1979
Keble begins admitting women as full members
2002
Opening of the award-winning ARCO Building, housing the O'Reilly Theatre and conference facilities
Notable Alumni
Ed Balls
Former UK Cabinet Minister
Imran Khan
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan
Edwin Hubble
Astronomer who proved the expansion of the universe
Explore Keble College
Take a visual journey through the historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and modern facilities that make Keble College a unique place to study.
Keble Chapel
The magnificent Gothic chapel with stunning mosaics and home to Holman Hunt's painting 'The Light of the World'.
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
Accommodation Options
Experience authentic Oxford collegiate life with our comfortable on-site accommodation at Keble 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.
College Facilities
Keble College 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
Keble College is ideally situated to experience all that Oxford University and the city have to offer.
Keble College is ideally located on Parks Road, directly opposite the University Parks and adjacent to the Science Area. Within easy walking distance of the city center, Keble offers a perfect location that balances accessibility with a slightly quieter setting than the more centrally located colleges.
Address:
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PG, United Kingdom
Nearby Attractions:
- University Parks (1 minute walk)
- Pitt Rivers Museum (3 minute walk)
- Natural History Museum (3 minute walk)
- Radcliffe Science Library (5 minute walk)
- Bodleian Library (10 minute walk)
Residential Courses at Keble College
Experience the academic excellence of Keble College through our specialized residential programs. Courses available for Summer 2025.
Note: All courses include accommodation at Keble College, meals, and access to college facilities.
View All Residential CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about studying and living at Keble College.
Keble stands out for its striking Victorian Gothic architecture with distinctive red, white, and blue brickwork – quite different from the stone buildings of many older colleges. Founded in 1870, it's one of Oxford's younger colleges, established with a mission of educational access that continues today. The college houses the original Holman Hunt painting 'The Light of the World' in its magnificent chapel and has one of the largest dining halls in Oxford. Keble successfully combines historic architecture with modern facilities like the award-winning ARCO Building.
Keble offers a mix of traditional college rooms and more modern accommodation. Many rooms are located in the original Victorian buildings arranged around the quads, while others are in the newer areas of the college. Most residential students will have single rooms with shared bathroom facilities, though some en-suite rooms may be available. All rooms include a bed, desk, storage space, and internet access. The college offers daily housekeeping and weekly linen changes.
Meals are served in Keble's impressive dining hall – one of the largest in Oxford with its high vaulted ceiling and distinctive Victorian Gothic design. Residential programs include full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast typically includes continental and hot options, lunch features a selection of dishes, and dinner ranges from normal service to formal halls several times per week (where academic gowns are worn). The college can accommodate common dietary requirements with advance notice.
Students have access to Keble's well-resourced library with extensive collections and dedicated study spaces. The college offers computer facilities, WiFi throughout, and spaces for group discussions. Teaching takes place in seminar rooms, lecture theaters, and tutorial rooms. Keble's location opposite the University Parks and near the Science Area provides convenient access to university departments and facilities.
Keble is located on Parks Road, directly opposite the beautiful University Parks. It's slightly north of the city center in a quieter area but still within an easy 10-15 minute walk of central Oxford. The college is adjacent to the University Science Area and very close to the Pitt Rivers Museum and Natural History Museum. This location offers a good balance of accessibility to central Oxford while providing a slightly more peaceful setting than the most central colleges.
Have more questions about studying at Keble College? We're here to help.
Contact UsExperience Keble 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.