Welcome to the Regent's family!
From the Principal's Tea, welcoming new undergraduates at the beginning of their first year, to the Valedictory Service at the end of their studies, we hope that you feel proud to be associated with the College - and there are various ways for you to get involved.
Family Formal
In term time, like most Oxford colleges, we have weekly formal dinners (known as ‘Formal Hall’). Once a term in 5th week, we encourage students in different year groups to invite members of their families to dine with us: first-years in Michaelmas term, third-years in Hilary term, and second-years in Trinity term.
These special evenings include pre-dinner drinks hosted by the Principal and are attended by many of the College’s academic staff, followed by dinner and coffee. The dress code is formal (i.e. jacket and tie, no jeans or trainers), and students and staff also wear academic gowns.
Students should invite their families and sign guests into dinner in the usual way.
Valedictory Service
Regent’s may be unique amongst Oxford colleges in concluding every academic year with a formal Valedictory Service and Garden Party, where departing students are invited to sign the College’s Register, a list of our students dating back to the nineteenth century.
This event takes place on the Saturday of 8th week in Trinity term (the final Saturday of ‘full term’) at 3pm and includes readings, music, and a valedictory speech by the outgoing JCR President. It is followed by refreshments in the Quad – and we have usually been favoured with good weather!
Third-year students will be invited to book tickets by the College Office.
Regent’s Now
One of the highlights of the year is the publication of our alumni magazine, Regent’s Now, which includes features written by students, staff, friends and old members.
Students and alumni will receive their copy, but family members are welcome to request a copy by emailing the Development Office.
Previous editions of the magazine are available online.
Supporting Regent’s
We hope that all students find the College to be a safe, supportive, and challenging environment in which to study – and many of our students achieve great things during their time here.
In recent years, the support of alumni and friends has enabled us to begin renovating student facilities (with new kitchens and bathrooms, for instance) and to increase our range of scholarships and bursaries.
If you would like to hear more about the College’s vision for the future or to explore ways of supporting our life and work, we would love to hear from you; please contact us by emailing the Development Office.