To illustrate how a Collegiate University works, below there is a summary of the key functions of the University of Cambridge (through its faculties and departments) and the Colleges, that shows how they fit together:
determines course content
organises lectures, seminars, practicals and projects
sets and marks examinations
awards degrees
admit undergraduate students
organise small-group teaching (supervisions)
offer accommodation, places to eat and recreational facilities
provide pastoral and academic care
Source: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/why-cambridge/cambridge-explained (accessed on 6 June 2020)
At the University of Oxford there is no central campus but is made up of over 30 colleges and halls spread across the city centre and beyond. Every student belongs to a college as well as being a member of their course department and the University. This means all Oxford students have the benefits of belonging to both a large, world-class university and to a small and friendly academic community.
Colleges provide a safe and supportive environment so you can focus on your studies, enjoy time with friends and make the most of all the opportunities on offer. Everyone lives in college accommodation in their first and usually last year - some people live in for the duration of their course.
Students mix freely across colleges and you are welcome to have friends over or invite them to some college events. Inter-college sport and drama can be a fun way to meet people from other colleges. You will also meet other people not at your college in your course department and at University-wide events.
Source: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/what-are-oxford-colleges?wssl=1 (accessed on 6 June 2020)
College Life
Your home in Cambridge and Oxford: accommodation, support staff, Director of studies, pastoral tutor, etc
Educational support: library and computing, supervisions mostly take place in your college
Entertainment and other facilities: ents (entertainment), BOPS (college disco), JCR (Junior Common Room), sports facilities (swimming pools, football pitches, cricket pitches, rowing pavilions, etc) and music facilities.
Factors you might consider for choosing a college:
It’s about the right fit
Location (right in the city center? Close to the department? Further away and commute by bike?)
Size of the college (a lot of going on or knowing everyone?)
Facilities (example indoor swimming pool)
Accommodation? (it is usually guaranteed for the first 3 years – find out)
OR, Open application (at random) – if you are very flexible
Source: Choosing a College at Cambridge University
Open admission or choosing a college
At the University of Cambridge, you can either choose a particular College or, if you don’t have a preference, you can make an ‘open’ application and accept the allocation made by a computer program. For more information, please click on: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges/choosing-a-college
At The University of Oxford: You can put a college's campus code on your UCAS form to specify a preference but you might still be shortlisted and offered a place by another college. This 'reallocation' helps them ensure that the best candidates, regardless of which college they select, are offered places. If you can't decide on which college to apply to then you can make an open application. you are welcome to make an open application by choosing campus code 9 on your UCAS application. This will mean that your application will be assigned to a college or hall that has relatively fewer applications for your course in the year you apply. Tutors have no preference for direct or open applications: they are looking for the best applicants for their course. However, once your application has been allocated to a college, this is final. If there are any colleges you do not want to go to, you should name a college preference rather than submitting an open application. For more information please click on: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/do-you-choose-a-college?wssl=1
Sources:
Webinar "Cambridge Explained" (22 April 2020)
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/ (accessed on the 6 June 2020)
https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university (accessed on the 6 June 2020)