Oxford Glossary

 Oxford is full of its own unique words, below should be some useful definitions for new students. 

  • B, C, D Block - New accommodation blocks for graduate students located around Master’s Field (see below). 

  • Battels - Your termly bill made up of your accommodation costs and any Bod card fees. It can be paid via this website.

  • Broad Street Site - The original part of Balliol College, before Holywell Manor and Master’s Field was added. It is situated at the far end of Broad street (hence the name) and contains the library, hall and the College office. See the Broad Street Site page for more information.  

  • Bodleian Library - The library in Oxford containing every book you will ever need; colloquially known as the Bod.

  • Bod Card - Your University card which you will need on hand almost always.

  • BOP - A college party that will always include some element of fancy dress.

  • Centre Wing - Part of Holywell Manor containing graduate accommodation.

  • Cockpit - A room in the basement of Holywell Manor, where music can be played until late in the evening. 

  • College - Oxford is a collegiate university and as such it is made up of about forty different colleges, Balliol just being one of them. As postgraduates, most of your teaching will come from your respective departments (see below) and Balliol will be more involved with the pastoral and social side of your time in Oxford. The word ‘College’ will also be used as a catch all phrase to encompass all the College fellows and staff who are here to support you. Although the people encompassed by the word ‘College’ might seem intimidating, the author of this page has found, without fail, that they are all lovely and eager to help.

  • College Mentor - A current MCR member that is here to help you settle into your time at Balliol, if you are unsure who your’s is, then contact MCR VP to find out. 

  • Department - At postgraduate level, all of your teaching will be organised through your department. It is a distinct entity from College (see above).  

  • Formal - Short for Formal Hall, it is a served dinner. Gowns are not required, however most people will make an effort to dress up, with men wearing suits and equivalent for women

  • JFY (James Fairfax Yard) - An extension to Holywell manor containing graduate student accommodation.  

  • Jowett Walk - An accommodation block for graduate students next to Master’s Field

  • Hall - Short for ‘dining hall’ it is where all meals, including formal halls are served. It is situated on the Broad Street Site (see above). More information about food at balliol can be found here. 

  • Hilary - The second term of an Oxford year, running from January - March. See also Michaelmas and Trinity. 

  • Holywell Manor - The building at which the graduate community at Balliol is based. Situated next to Master’s Field (see below) it contains accommodation for students, as well as social spaces such as the MCR and the MCR bar. See the Holywell Manor & Master’s Field page for more details.

  • Master - The head of Balliol College, currently Helen Ghosh. 

  • Master’s Field - A sports field around which student accommodation is located. It is just over the road from Holywell Manor. See the Holywell Manor & Master’s Field page for more details.

  • Matriculation - The ceremony in which formal admission to the university is granted. Sub fusc must be worn (see below). 

  • MCR - Stands for the ‘Middle Common Room’. It can either refer to the graduate community at Balliol or a social space located in Holywell Manor.

  • Megaron - The name for the MCR bar in Holywell Manor. The author of this glossary dislikes this name and will be campaigning to change it over the course of the year. 

  • Michaelmas - The first term of an Oxford year, running from October - December. See also Hilary and Trinity.

  • North Wing - Part of Holywell Manor containing graduate accommodation.  

  • Pidge - Colloquial for pigeon hole; your own mailbox located next to the Porter’s lodge in Holywell Manor.

  • Porter’s Lodge - The office in which the porters can be found. It is located at the entrance to Holywell manor. See the Holywell Manor & Master’s Field page for more details. 

  • South Wing -  Part of Holywell Manor containing graduate accommodation.  

  • Sub Fusc - Official academic dress used for public examinations and ceremonies such as matriculation. For men it traditionally includes a dark suit, a white shirt, a white or black bow tie or a regular black tie, dark shoes, a gown and a mortar board. For women it traditionally includes a white blouse, a black ribbon necktie, dark skirt or trousers, black tights, dark shoes, a gown and a mortar board. There is no gender requirement. 

  • Trinity - The third term of an Oxford year, running from the end of April - end of June.