Joshua Askew, Unsecretary General for Business
As an almost 1000-year-old institution, Oxford University is home to a rich history of traditions. These customs, some dating back centuries, imbue the university with a unique character and provide a sense of continuity and community. Here’s a glimpse into some of my favourite Oxford traditions.
1 Matriculation
Matriculation is the formal process of enrolling as a student in the university. Students wear their sub-fusc (the formal academic dress which they also wear for exams) and walk to the Sheldonian Theatre. Much more exciting than the words of Latin spoken by the Vice-Chancellor is what follows; still in their fancy dress, the students enjoy a delicious brunch at colleges before taking LOTS of photos all around Oxford – especially in front of the Radcliffe Camera. Most then go punting on the river (and many do end up falling in, drenching their clothes!). It is a fun day and a nice formal introduction to Oxford that makes you feel part of something much bigger.
2 May Day
May 1st is May Day. Many students traditionally stay up all night and take part in the early morning festivities. At 6am, these sleep-deprived students and oxford residents gather at Magdalen Bridge to hear the Magdalen College Choir sing from the top of the college’s tower. This centuries-old tradition is followed by a series of festivities, including Morris dancing and singing by different college choirs across the University. It’s a vibrant celebration of spring, bringing together the entire Oxford community.
3 Summer Eights
This is a unique rowing competition held on the Isis river every summer. Throughout the week, college rowing teams compete and try to ‘bump’ each other. They are lined up nose-to-tail and attempt to bump the boat in front while avoiding being bumped from behind. Bumping a boat everyday secures ‘blades’ while being bumped everyday means you get ‘spoons’. On the final day, students and oxford residents line the riversides to cheer on their college teams. There are barbecues and all around positive vibes, which makes summer eights a great way to soak up the sun.
4 The Tortoise Race
Another sporting competition is the race between the college tortoises. Every year, Corpus Christi College hosts the Tortoise Fair, a renowned event with live music, food, drink, activities, and the much-acclaimed Tortoise Race. Several colleges own tortoises (including Trinity, St Peters, Christchurch, and Wadham) and enter them for competition each year, to varying degrees of success. This year saw the victory of Kale from Nuffield and marked the 50th anniversary of the Tortoise Fair.
5 Formals
Formals are dining experiences held in the grand dining halls of various colleges. Students and faculty dress in their academic gowns and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal. These dinners are more than just a chance to eat; they are a celebration of the college community, steeped in history. The formals held at each college vary, though I will contend that Trinity (my college) has by far the best food. There are weekly steak and brie nights and black-tie guest nights, with 4 courses of amazing food.
6 College Families
You may be surprised at hearing people referring to their ‘college wives’, ‘college husbands’, and ‘college children’ at Oxford. Rest assured that these are not young families, but rather an Oxford tradition designed to make the Oxford community as welcoming as possible. Incoming first-years are paired with ‘college siblings’ from the same year and ‘college parents’ from the second year to form ‘college families’. These are essentially pastoral roles and give you a point of contact with a student in the same subject to ask any questions or for help. Many college families have regular family dinners, and some have families that stretch back generations, such that some students are friends with their ‘college great-grandfather’.