Colleges are not just residences and dining halls, but vibrant cultural institutions. Amongst the many events that colleges host are formal dinners, ‘May balls’, subject dinners, symposia, conferences, and sporting events. There is far too much to cover here in any guide, but a quick look at the events calendar of any college, which can be found online, will unearth a plethora of events that cater to the most catholic of tastes.

Dinners

Formal dinners are colleges are simply marvellous: a time to enjoy the centuries-old tradition of good food, good wine, and good company. Attendees are formally dressed, with fellows and students in robes (also called gowns) of black over suits and ties. Dinner is served by white-gloved servers with at least three courses, sometimes more, and a post-dinner visit to the Senior Combination Room for more wine, fruit, and cheese. Dinners typically start at 7 with pre-dinner drinks and often continue past midnight (for those with enough fortitude).