Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is LMH?

The college is situated just by the University Parks and a short walk across the parks leads to the Science Area. It takes about 15 minutes to walk into town (5 minutes by bike). Come and see us at one of our Open Days! See What do you look for in your students?

Our criteria at each stage of the application process follow those described in Courses and Entrance Requirements page.

No one from my school has ever gone to Oxford. Will this be a problem?

No. We take people from all schools, social backgrounds and regions. There is good mix in the college and most people make friends very quickly. Do contact the Tutor for Admissions if you want specific information. To find out more come to one of our Open Days.

How do I apply?

See 'How to Apply' page.

What is the Oxford application form for?

Most information we need is on the UCAS form. The Oxford application form is for you to add any comments particularly relating to your application here – for example why you want to do our course.

What deadlines do I need to meet for my application? When will I hear from you?

See Application calendar. We normally get your UCAS form from the central University admissions office towards the end of October and you should receive an acknowledgement soon after that. You must make sure you send your written work by the deadline. We are unlikely to contact you again until just before the interview period when we will tell you whether you have been selected for interview (this may not be until a week before the interviews start). Please do not contact us to enquire on the progress of your application unless it is urgent as we are very busy during that period.

Do I need to submit written work? If so what work should I submit?

See Courses and Entrance Requirements page.

Will I need to sit an exam before the interview time as part of the admissions process?

See details for each subject .

When will I be required for interview? Do I need to stay for the whole interview period?

The majority of candidates from the UK and EU are required to come for interview in Oxford. Candidates from other countries are not normally expected to come to Oxford (except for Medicine). See Information for International Applicants . The dates for interviews for different subjects are given in the University Prospectus. You are expected to stay over the whole period given for your subject and we offer accommodation for this time. This is to allow you to be seen by tutors at other colleges as well (for example if LMH has filled its places but other colleges still have space in your subject). You may disadvantage the likelihood of being taken by another college if you do not stay for the whole period.

Will I get a written test at interview? Can you tell me more about the tests?

For more information and specimen papers see Courses and Entrance Requirements page.

I am not taking A-levels. Can I still apply?

We take students who have followed a number of different courses in their final school year. These include the IB and EB, Scottish Highers and CSYS as well as appropriate qualifications in other educational systems such as SATs I and II and APTs. Click here to find out more. If you are a mature entrant then you should contact us to enquire about your qualifications. We will need evidence of recent high academic achievement.

What is your ratio of applicants to places?

We are around average in most subjects, with a ratio of about three to one. You can find the number of applicants in each subjects at the back of the University Prospectus.

Do you take a fixed number of students in each subject every year?

There is some small fluctuation from year to year, depending largely on the number and quality of applicants.

I don’t know if I want to apply for this year or the next. What do I do?

The UCAS form allows you a choice of years. We will accept applications for, for example, 2004/5. However we will want you to make a decision by December (i.e. when we interview) and, if we make you an offer, it will be for a specific year. If you change your mind later, we will help if we can, but whether we are able to depends on our numbers.

I want to take a Gap Year. Do you consider deferred entry?

We consider applications for deferred places alongside those for admission in all subjects, although in medicine it is very unusual for us to offer a deferred place. In mathematics tutors will want to see evidence that you are keeping in touch with the subject during your gap year.

Do you mind what I do in a gap year?

We don’t expect you to have a full plan for the year necessarily, but we do want you to have some idea of what you want to do. This may include travel, voluntary work, or be simply a time to earn money towards the cost of your University course. You should include a few comments in your application (in the personal statement).

What level of English do you expect for overseas applicants?

All teaching is carried out in English and tutors must be convinced that you have sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to cope with your course from the start. Therefore, all non-native English-speaking applicants (other than those who have been educated in the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study) must satisfy the requirements listed on the University's English Language Requirements page.

Will I have a Director of Studies?

Yes. Each student is assigned a tutor in their own subject who acts as a Director of Studies and is responsible for your general welfare.

How much of my teaching will be from tutors in LMH?

Normally the majority of your tutorials in the first year, will be given by tutors and other academic staff in LMH. As you move through the course you will have other tutors too depending on the options you choose. Lectures and, where relevant, practicals, are held in University Departments and lecture theatres, and are attended by people from all the colleges. Some of these may be given by tutors from LMH. The balance between tutorials and University based teaching depends on your subject. See our courses page

Can I stay in my college accommodation outside term time?

All undergraduates can stay in their room for up to a week before and after each term. Requests to be able to stay longer than this will probably be granted although there is a good chance you will have to move to a different room. You will have to pay for additional nights. Overseas undergraduate students can usually stay in college during Easter but not usually over the Christmas period itself when the college closes. Graduate students take their college room for a continuous 9, 10 or 11 month period and may remain throughout.

What are the rooms like?

The rooms vary as the college has buildings dating from various periods over the last 125 years. Nearly all have internet access and many have en-suite facilities. Many are large and some have lovely views over the gardens. You will have a room to yourself; you will not be asked to share.

Can I cook for myself?

Yes. However you will still be liable for the fixed kitchen charge unless there are medical reasons why you have to prepare your own food.