Somerville College, Oxford University college in St Giles district, England
Somerville College is a college of the University of Oxford in St Giles district, with several connected buildings arranged around courtyards filled with grass and trees. The library spans multiple floors and offers reading desks beside shelves holding books from all academic disciplines.
Founded in 1879 as one of the first women's colleges in Oxford, the institution only began admitting male students in 1994. From the start it followed a non-religious approach, which was unusual in Oxford at the time.
The name honors Scottish mathematician Mary Somerville, who never received formal education but became one of the 19th century's most important scientists. Today you see students crossing courtyards between lectures, reading on the lawns, or drinking coffee in the common rooms.
All undergraduate students receive accommodation on site throughout their entire degree program. The library remains open around the clock, so learners can find a quiet workspace at any time of day.
Both Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi studied here and later became heads of government in their countries. The modern art collection in the chapel displays works from the 20th century, which is unusual for an Oxford college chapel.
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