Worcester is the place to take your academic pursuits to the next level, but it’s also somewhere you’ll be able to develop your passions and interests – and even discover some new ones.
Get involved in all sorts of societies in College, whether it’s growing vegetables in our Edible Garden or playing with the in-house musical powerhouse that’s the Worchestra. We’re especially known for our sports, music and drama, but if you can’t find a society for you, why not create your own?
Life at Worcester is brilliant because there are so many great people and so much to get involved with, from sports and societies to having a drink in the bar or chilling with friends.
There are so many social things to do in College, from welfare events like alpaca petting, to karaoke at the College Bar.
I’m part of Worcester’s ultimate frisbee team, which is a sport I had never even heard of before coming to university, but it’s such a fun and relaxed way to exercise, and as a bonus everyone in the team is so lovely!
There are lots of societies and clubs you can take part in which is really nice – you can continue with things you’ve enjoyed in the past, and also try completely new things as well.
The College Boat Club was super welcoming and in one term I went from having never rowed to competing in Summer Eights (a huge inter-college race) which was incredible!
Life at Worcester is brilliant because there are so many great people and so much to get involved with, from sports and societies to having a drink in the bar or chilling with friends.
There are so many social things to do in College, from welfare events like alpaca petting, to karaoke at the College Bar.
I’m part of Worcester’s ultimate frisbee team, which is a sport I had never even heard of before coming to university, but it’s such a fun and relaxed way to exercise, and as a bonus everyone in the team is so lovely!
There are lots of societies and clubs you can take part in which is really nice – you can continue with things you’ve enjoyed in the past, and also try completely new things as well.
The College Boat Club was super welcoming and in one term I went from having never rowed to competing in Summer Eights (a huge inter-college race) which was incredible!
Find the sport for you
As the only College with sports pitches onsite, it would be a surprise if Worcester wasn’t home to some of the University’s best teams. Whatever your experience, everyone is welcome to take part in College sport, from a casual kick about to lifting a trophy in inter-collegiate competitions.
At Worcester you can join four football teams, as well as rowing, rugby, ultimate frisbee, basketball, netball, rounders, dance sport, lacrosse, badminton, hockey and darts. Most teams run weekly sessions, which are open to all skill levels and commitments, as well as regular matches and socials. We host events to support our teams, past and present, and also offer grants to students awarded an Oxford University Blue, the highest accolade granted to individual athletes.
We have unbeatable sporting facilities at Worcester: we’re the only college with our sports fields onsite and also have a gym, netball and tennis courts. This means that it’s super easy to get to practice, keep fit, and cheer on your friends. If you want to try your luck on the river, we also have an active rowing community with a boathouse on the River Thames. Or, if dance is more your thing, you’ll benefit from our purpose-built studio which hosts regular dance practice and yoga lessons.
Sporting greats
Make your curtain call
Join Oxford’s oldest dramatic society to take part in a tradition stretching back over a century or participate in the musical life which flourishes at Worcester. We have bags of musical and dramatic opportunities for you to explore or experience here.
If you fancy staging a garden play or treading the boards yourself, you can join the Buskins, Oxford’s oldest continuously-running dramatic society. The Buskins usually produce their own show in the College gardens each year. These garden plays hold a special place in the Worcester community – we’re still talking about that time Ariel ran across the surface of the lake in a 1940s production of The Tempest by OUDS.
As everything is led by students, you can get involved in all aspects of creating a show. Why not try your hand at stage design, sound, lighting, stage management, producing or directing – you don’t have to be centre stage. Many of our alumni started their prestigious film and theatre careers with the Buskins.
Our musical community
Worcester has a lively and active community of musicians. Whether you’re a singer, play an instrument, or just enjoy listening, there are multiple ways you can take part.
The Worcester College Music Society is a group of students who organise our ensembles and arrange a programme of regular events, from informal recitals to big concerts. Our orchestra – the Worchestra – is open to anyone who can play an instrument and meets weekly to practice for their termly concert. They’ve played classical greats as well as soundtrack music from the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings.
Our talented College Choir sings four services each week during term in the incredible surroundings of the Chapel. From medieval church music to contemporary work by living composers, the Choir perform wonderful music for everyone to enjoy.
We also offer dedicated rehearsal spaces which you can book for practice and performance, including rooms with grand pianos. Our instrumental awards are available to all undergraduates and graduates at Worcester – regardless of degree course – to support your continued musical endeavours.
Find out more about music at Worcester COLLEGE CHOIR & SCHOLARSHIPS
Student common rooms
As a Worcester student you’ll automatically become a member of our Junior Common Room (JCR) for undergraduates or Middle Common Room (MCR) for graduates.
These common rooms act both as the College’s own students’ unions, as well as being comfortable and social spaces to meet other students.
Elected reps on both committees represent important issues for students, from welfare, accommodation and sports, to charity, arts, and the environment. There are also reps to advocate for the interests of students from LGBTQ+, ethnic minority, and working-class backgrounds, alongside many others.
The JCR and MCR also host regular social events throughout term, from fancy dress parties to craft workshops. Informal gatherings around tea, brunch or drinks also take place every week and are a great place to meet new and old friends alike. And, of course, the Cellar Bar is open throughout term with fun events like quiz nights and karaoke.
