Traditions of Oxford University

University church and apple blossom

Taking exams in Sub Fusc.

Students take their final examinations wearing sub-fusc. This primarily involves a black gown, white shirt and black trousers. Students have to carry a mortar board (hard hat) but they are not allowed to wear it until successfully graduating. University exams

Carnations.

A white carnation is worn for first exam. A red carnation for last exam and a pink carnation for an exam in the middle.

Jumping off Magdalen Bridge on May morning.

A long tradition is for students to jump off Magdalen Bridge on May morning. However, the river is quite shallow and after a series of accidents with broken legs, the bridge has been closed off to prevent students jumping in.

May Morning Singing from Magdalen Tower.

On May morning May 1st, it is traditional for the Magdalen college choir to sing from the top of Magdalen Bridge to welcome the first dawn of summer. This usually occurs at around 5am.

Boat Race.

One of the oldest long running sporting fixtures. The boat race began in 1845 and has been held annually with exception of war interruptions.

Oxford Tutorial.

The oxford tutorial survives despite budget constraints. The basis of the Oxford tutorial is a one or two students to one tutor. A student will do preparatory reading and write an essay. The student will then discuss the essay with the tutor. A student may only have 1 or 2 tutorials per week. They will gain extra notes from attending lectures.