University College
Founded through a bequest from William of Durham in 1249, University College is widely recognised as the oldest college in Oxford and Cambridge. Rich in history and architectural character, “Univ” combines centuries-old tradition with striking modern additions, creating a memorable setting in the heart of Oxford.
Among its most notable historic spaces is the Chapel, dating from 1636, renowned for its exquisite hand-painted glass windows by Abraham van Linge and the poignant war memorials housed within the Antechapel. The magnificent Hall, begun in the same year and completed in 1656, features gothic-style stained-glass windows displaying the coats of arms of many of the College’s benefactors.
The College is also home to the celebrated Shelley Memorial, one of Oxford’s most remarkable sculptures. The memorial commemorates the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who studied at Univ from 1810 until his expulsion the following year after publishing The Necessity of Atheism. Today, the sculpture remains both captivating and thought-provoking, reflecting the College’s long and fascinating intellectual heritage.
Set within beautiful historic surroundings and conveniently located in central Oxford, University College provides an exceptional venue for conferences, meetings, private dinners and receptions. A variety of flexible event spaces can accommodate everything from small board meetings and networking events to larger conferences and formal dining occasions.
Guests can enjoy the unique atmosphere of an Oxford college while benefiting from modern conference facilities, dedicated event support and high-quality catering. Whether hosting a prestigious gala dinner in the historic Hall, a drinks reception in the picturesque quads or a professional conference in one of the College’s meeting spaces, University College offers a distinctive and inspiring environment for every event.
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University College Oxford OX1 4BH
This venue offers...
Conference and Dining Spaces
Dining Hall
The Dining Hall at University College Oxford is one of the college’s most impressive and atmospheric spaces — a grand historic hall that combines centuries of Oxford tradition with everyday collegiate life. High vaulted ceilings, dark wood panelling, long oak tables, and portraits of distinguished alumni create a setting that feels unmistakably Oxford. Tall leaded windows fill the hall with natural light by day, while evening dinners bring a warmer glow from candlelit tables.Venue Capacity
- 120 Buffet
- 120 Dining
Alington Room
The Alington Room at University College Oxford is an elegant historic reception and meeting space that blends traditional Oxford character with a more intimate, conversational atmosphere than the college’s grand Dining Hall.Venue Capacity
- 55 U-shape
Butler Room
The Butler Room offers an elegant and intimate setting for private dinners, executive meetings, seminars, and receptions.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 33 Buffet
- 33 Dining
- 60 Drinks Reception
- 33 Theatre
Swire Seminar Room
The Swire Seminar Room is a bright and contemporary meeting space at University College, ideal for seminars, meetings, training sessions and small conferences. Combining modern facilities with the character and prestige of an Oxford college setting, the room provides a professional yet welcoming environment for a wide range of events.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 24 Classroom
- 50 Theatre
- 18 U-shape
10 Merton Street Lecture Room
10 Merton Street Lecture room offers a practical and well-equipped space for lectures, presentations, seminars and training sessions in the heart of Oxford. Located on main College site, the venue provides a professional environment suited to both academic and corporate events. The room is designed to accommodate larger group sessions while maintaining a comfortable and focused atmosphere for delegates with the benefit of the foyer for refreshments and networkingVenue Capacity
- 60 Theatre
Sykes Room I
Contemporary and informal multi-purpose seminar space designed for discussion groups, breakout sessions and informal academic gatherings.Venue Capacity
- 1 Breakout/refreshments
- 1 Casual
- 14 Other
Sykes Room II
With plenty of natural light, built-in equipment and easy accessibility this space is ideal for meetings- sits up to 14 peopleVenue Capacity
- 14 Boardroom
- 1 Boardroom (with surrounds)
Goodhart Seminar Room
The Goodhart Seminar Room at University College Oxford is a academic meeting space designed for seminars, tutorials, discussions, and small conferences. Practical and distinctly collegiate atmosphere.Venue Capacity
- 34 Classroom
- 50 Theatre
-
Dining Hall
The Dining Hall at University College Oxford is one of the college’s most impressive and atmospheric spaces — a grand historic hall that combines centuries of Oxford tradition with everyday collegiate life. High vaulted ceilings, dark wood panelling, long oak tables, and portraits of distinguished alumni create a setting that feels unmistakably Oxford. Tall leaded windows fill the hall with natural light by day, while evening dinners bring a warmer glow from candlelit tables.Venue Capacity
- 120 Buffet
- 120 Dining
-
Alington Room
The Alington Room at University College Oxford is an elegant historic reception and meeting space that blends traditional Oxford character with a more intimate, conversational atmosphere than the college’s grand Dining Hall.Venue Capacity
- 55 U-shape
-
Butler Room
The Butler Room offers an elegant and intimate setting for private dinners, executive meetings, seminars, and receptions.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 33 Buffet
- 33 Dining
- 60 Drinks Reception
- 33 Theatre
-
Swire Seminar Room
The Swire Seminar Room is a bright and contemporary meeting space at University College, ideal for seminars, meetings, training sessions and small conferences. Combining modern facilities with the character and prestige of an Oxford college setting, the room provides a professional yet welcoming environment for a wide range of events.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 24 Classroom
- 50 Theatre
- 18 U-shape
-
10 Merton Street Lecture Room
10 Merton Street Lecture room offers a practical and well-equipped space for lectures, presentations, seminars and training sessions in the heart of Oxford. Located on main College site, the venue provides a professional environment suited to both academic and corporate events. The room is designed to accommodate larger group sessions while maintaining a comfortable and focused atmosphere for delegates with the benefit of the foyer for refreshments and networkingVenue Capacity
- 60 Theatre
-
Sykes Room I
Contemporary and informal multi-purpose seminar space designed for discussion groups, breakout sessions and informal academic gatherings.Venue Capacity
- 1 Breakout/refreshments
- 1 Casual
- 14 Other
-
Sykes Room II
With plenty of natural light, built-in equipment and easy accessibility this space is ideal for meetings- sits up to 14 peopleVenue Capacity
- 14 Boardroom
- 1 Boardroom (with surrounds)
-
Goodhart Seminar Room
The Goodhart Seminar Room at University College Oxford is a academic meeting space designed for seminars, tutorials, discussions, and small conferences. Practical and distinctly collegiate atmosphere.Venue Capacity
- 34 Classroom
- 50 Theatre
