"Balliol is by far one of the friendliest atmospheres I have ever experienced. The atmosphere is informal and one in which individuality strives. Both academically and socially this college provides all of us with abundant opportunities. For me, one of the most important thing is the diversity of college life; whether you are interested in politics, acting, sports or debating, (to name a but a few), the college provides for it all. Balliol is a truly fantastic place to study. It is important to know though that there is life outside college! There really are an endless number of societies and clubs you can join on a university-wide level, which help you to meet people from other colleges. I would definitely recommend coming to see Balliol for yourself, even if you can’t make the open day, contact our admission reps – it really is a useful way of getting to know the general atmosphere of the college."

"Balliol is special because of the people here. It is probably one of the most diverse and vibrant communities anywhere. There are people from all types of background and all corners of the UK and the rest of the world. Coming to Balliol you will of course be challenged in your area of study, any Oxford college will provide this, but your views and perceptions will also be challenged by your interactions with your fellow students. The size and atmosphere of the college makes it the perfect environment to share ideas with those studying another discipline and to develop ideas which transcend your academic study. The people you meet in Balliol will be amongst the most interesting and fun anywhere. And Sainsbury’s Local is just across the road…"

"The first thing that struck me about Balliol when I came here on an open day was how friendly everybody was, and how they all really really wanted you to apply here! This kind of support is something that I have found invaluable in my first year, other people from your subject are always willing to help you out if you're finding something a little difficult. Balliol has an exceptional academic reputation, but the student-run pantry and bar means there is a wonderful social atmosphere as well. Being a medium sized college also means that, whilst at the end of your first term you'll probably know most of the people in your year, there's also a huge diversity amongst the students and you get to meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds."

"Being so fortunate to be allocated at Balliol though the open offer scheme (not to be mistaken with an open application) I soon wondered why I hadn’t applied in the first place. In addition to the horizontal integration within peer groups, there is vertical integration across the years, including the friendly tutors. The thriving Balliol College Medical Society is only one example of this; functioning as a catalytic platform for physiologists and medics to launch from. Being an ethnic ‘minority’ is no problem whatsoever because the college is so incredibly diverse and I just add to that! Furthermore the central location, Lindsay bar, pantry and free washing
facilities are just some of the bonuses which make Balliol truly special."

"I never had a clue about which college to apply to - knowing almost nothing about the university. The 'system' I employed to make the choice was to take the colleges that I'd heard of and then read the prospectus to see which seemed the most attractive. Balliol's blurb mentioned tortiose racing and I
liked that. We no longer have a tortoise but I was nevertheless lucky because Balliol is excellent. I was astoished that Balliol is academically competitive with all the top colleges - as it seemes significantly more relaxed than Merton. But the best thing is that one is genuinely part of a community in Balliol, which is not the case everywhere but is the most enjoyable thing about university."