Popularity Contest! Which are the most popular colleges in Oxford University?

Hi all, seems I'm caught up in the Oxford University fever. I know there are many colleges there, but which are the most popular ones among students? Are there any specific reasons for their popularity like academics, culture, or something else? Anyone who can share more about this?

Oxford University consists of 39 colleges, each with its own distinct character, advantages, and offerings. Popularity can often be subjective, but I can share some colleges that often come up in discussions about Oxford:

1. Christ Church: Beyond academic excellence, it's often cited as popular due to its grand architecture, beautiful meadows, and history. It also attracts Harry Potter fans because some scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed there!

2. Magdalen College: Known for its beautiful grounds, including the famous Magdalen Tower and deer park. Its academic offerings are also top-notch.

3. Trinity College: It is renowned for its lavish annual Trinity Ball and is considered a spirited and academically rigorous college.

4. St. John's College: Known for its large endowment, ensuring well-maintained facilities and excellent financial aid opportunities for students.

5. Merton College: Considered one of the oldest colleges, it attracts many people with its fantastic academic reputation and traditions.

6. Pembroke College: Famed for its tight-knit and friendly community, as well as its beautiful gardens.

In terms of their popularity, these colleges offer academic prestige but also unique traditions, community spirit, famous alumni, or architectural beauty—all of which contributes to their appeal. That said, every college tends to excel in different aspects. For example, Imperial and Keble Colleges are famous for their futuristic architecture, while New College has a strong musical tradition with one of the city's top choirs.

It's a good idea to research individual colleges extensively before making decisions based on popularity. Factors such as the size of the college, the support services it offers, accommodation provisions, and subject faculty could influence your overall experience more than supposed popularity.