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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Oxford quiz questions: How well do you know the University?

Quick, free Oxford University trivia quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: George CourtneyUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of Oxford University trivia quiz with mortarboard book quill and trophy on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you test your knowledge of Oxford University, from historic colleges and famous alumni to traditions and research. Answer quick questions, see your score at once, and learn a few facts along the way. When you are done, keep exploring with university trivia, try a British trivia quiz, or dive into college trivia.

In which century did teaching begin at the University of Oxford?
11th century
10th century
12th century
13th century
The University of Oxford traces its origins to teaching as early as 1096, placing its foundation in the 11th century. It is considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Continuous teaching developed rapidly from the late 11th century onward. More details can be found at .
What is the name of Oxfords principal public research library?
Radcliffe Camera
Bodleian Library
Sheldonian Theatre
Ashmolean Museum
The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It serves as the principal legal deposit library for England and Ireland. The Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre are iconic buildings but serve different functions. More information is available at .
Which river flows through the city of Oxford?
River Severn
River Cam
River Avon
River Thames
The River Thames, known locally as the Isis in Oxford, flows through the city and is central to its landscape and history. It supports traditional rowing events such as Eights Week and Torpids. Although the River Cam runs through Cambridge, it does not pass Oxford. Learn more at .
What is the Latin motto of the University of Oxford?
Dominus illuminatio mea
Carpe diem
Sapere aude
In lumine tuo videbimus
The University of Oxfords motto is Dominus illuminatio mea, which means The Lord is my light. This phrase is taken from Psalm 27:1 in the Bible and has been associated with Oxford since the 15th century. It appears on the university crest and official publications. More on the motto can be found at .
How many constituent colleges does the University of Oxford currently have?
30
39
36
42
The University of Oxford is composed of 39 constituent colleges, each with its own administration and endowment. These colleges provide housing, dining, and tutorial teaching to undergraduates. Permanent private halls and societies are separate entities but colleges form the core structure. For up-to-date figures, see .
Which of these authors studied at the University of Oxford?
Isaac Newton
C.S. Lewis
Agatha Christie
J.K. Rowling
C.S. Lewis studied at Oxford, completing his undergraduate degree at University College before becoming a Fellow and Tutor at Magdalen College. His experiences at Oxford influenced his writing and academic career. Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling did not attend Oxford, and Isaac Newton studied at Cambridge. More on C.S. Lewis at .
Which museum at Oxford is dedicated to art and archaeology and is one of the oldest museums in the world?
Ashmolean Museum
Museum of the History of Science
Pitt Rivers Museum
Natural History Museum
The Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, is the worlds first university museum and houses extensive art and archaeology collections. It was established following the donation of Elias Ashmoles collection. The Pitt Rivers Museum focuses on anthropology and archaeology, while the Natural History Museum and the Museum of the History of Science cover other disciplines. Visit for more information.
Which college was the first to admit women as full members of the University?
Somerville College
Lady Margaret Hall
St Hildas College
Nuffield College
Lady Margaret Hall was founded in 1878 as the first womens college at Oxford and began admitting women as full members from its inception. Somerville College followed in 1879. St Hildas was established later, in 1893, as a women-only hall. For a detailed history, see .
Which of these British prime ministers was not an alumnus of the University of Oxford?
Margaret Thatcher
Tony Blair
Harold Wilson
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill did not attend the University of Oxford; he was educated at Harrow and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In contrast, Margaret Thatcher studied chemistry at Somerville College, Tony Blair read law at St Johns College, and Harold Wilson read philosophy, politics, and economics at Jesus College. Churchills academic path differed significantly from these Oxford alumni. More about Churchills education at .
In what year were women first awarded degrees at Oxford?
1935
1919
1920
1908
Although Oxford admitted women to its examinations from 1884, it was not until 1920 that women were first formally awarded degrees. The historic vote took place on 7 October 1920. This change marked a significant milestone in the universitys history of gender equality. Further details are available at .
Approximately how many libraries are part of the Bodleian Libraries network at Oxford?
28
20
32
24
The Bodleian Libraries group comprises 28 libraries across the University of Oxford, making it one of the largest library systems in the UK. This network includes the main Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and many specialized research libraries. Together, they hold over 13 million printed items. Explore the Bodleian network at .
Which Oxford college is colloquially known as 'Bridge College' due to its proximity to the Bridge of Sighs?
Brasenose College
Hertford College
Balliol College
Magdalen College
Hertford Colleges New Building sits adjacent to the famous Hertford Bridge, commonly called the Bridge of Sighs, which links two parts of the college. This proximity has earned it the nickname Bridge College among students and locals. The bridge was inspired by Venices Bridge of Sighs and completed in 1914. More on the colleges history at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Oxford's Historical Milestones -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to recall major events and dates that shaped the University of Oxford's 900-year history.

  2. Identify Oxford Traditions -

    You will recognize key traditions and ceremonies unique to Oxford, from formal halls to matriculation rituals.

  3. Analyze Academic Achievements -

    You will evaluate Oxford's contributions to science, literature, and politics by connecting questions to landmark discoveries and publications.

  4. Explore Notable Alumni -

    You will associate famous alumni with their fields of study and accomplishments, deepening your understanding of their impact.

  5. Assess Your Oxford Knowledge -

    You will gauge your current level of expertise on Oxford trivia and pinpoint areas for further learning or review.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Founding and Early History -

    Teaching at the University of Oxford began around 1096, with King Henry II's 1167 decree solidifying its status after his scholars were expelled from Paris. Use the mnemonic "10 - 9 - 6 sparks" to lock in 1096 as the genesis of learning, then add "1 - 1 - 6 - 7 reign" to mark its royal endorsement. These dates, well-documented in the Bodleian Library archives, form the bedrock of any Oxford University Trivia Quiz.

  2. Unique College System -

    Oxford's 39 independent colleges and 6 Permanent Private Halls each govern their own admissions, academics, and traditions, making Oxford University Trivia Quiz rounds rich with insider facts. Remember "3 + 9 = 12" to recall 39 colleges quickly - think of dozen tutorials in each term. This collegiate structure, described on the University of Oxford website, underpins everything from tutorials to matriculation.

  3. Iconic Traditions and Ceremonies -

    From donning "sub fusc" gowns at matriculation to the jubilant May Morning choir atop Magdalen Tower, Oxford's rituals date back centuries and make great Oxford trivia questions fodder. Picture "Sub Fusc Splash" to remind yourself of the black-and-white gown and white bow tie - essential for formal halls. These customs are highlighted in official University ceremonies guides and often pop up in Oxford quiz online challenges.

  4. Landmarks and Libraries -

    The Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bodleian Library form Oxford's architectural triumvirate, each with unique history. Use "R-B-S = Books, Seats" to link Radcliffe, Bodleian, and Sheldonian to reading, study, and ceremonies respectively. Heritage listings on Historic England confirm their dates and designers, making them key points in any University of Oxford quiz.

  5. Notable Alumni and Achievements -

    Oxford has nurtured over 28 Nobel laureates and countless global leaders - from Oscar Wilde to Malala Yousafzai - offering endless questions for an Oxford trivia quiz online. Memorize "N-O-B-E-L 28" to recall the total laureates, with categories in Peace, Literature, and Sciences neatly covered. Profiles on Oxford's alumni portal provide the definitive list for "test your Oxford knowledge" moments.

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