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In exceptional circumstances, you are able to change (migrate) colleges. Typically, this is for serious welfare reasons or due to a course transfer (where your current college does not offer the course you are transferring onto). Generally, they would come into effect at the start of Michaelmas Term.

What is the Universities role in migration?

The central University of Oxford or Conference of Common Rooms are unable to intervene on matters of migration and therefore cannot force colleges to either release or accept you. It is viewed as a purely inter-collegiate matter.

There isn't one set process to follow for this, as when you are offered a place at the University it is to join a specific college, and you then have your contract with that particular college. Therefore, if you wish to change your college (once matriculated) you need permission of your current college to migrate, and another college to accept you as a migrating student.

Step One: Current College Approval

Firstly, you'd need to get your current college (typically, your Senior Tutor) to agree that migration is a good idea for you. They will want to understand what particular challenges that you are having in their environment, and discuss with you what adjustments or support can be put in place to help you to stay at your current college. However, if you all agree these would not be sufficient (or, if you are certain you wish to change courses and your current course is not offered) then they will generally agree to your migration request. Remember, they are under no obligation to do this, so its best to go into these conversations in a polite, respectful and collaborative way.

If you have any evidence as to why your current college is particularly harmful for your health and wellbeing, this can be helpful to share with them so that they can understand the seriousness of the situation.

Step Two: Find new College

Your college may agree they will help you to find a new college, or may ask for you to do this yourselves. It's generally better received if approaches come from your current college than you directly, so if you can get their help then we'd recommend accepting this. If you do need to approach colleges yourself, then consider highlighting the following in your approach:

  • - A strong argument from you as to why you need to be at that College in particular
  • - How you can be an asset to that College
  • - Evidence that you are in extremely good academic standing

Potential new colleges will then review whether they have space on your course for teaching(if needed), if they have appropriate accommodation to offer (if needed) and if they can meet your health/welfare needs. They may ask for your permission to see documentation from your current college (such as copies of your academic work to date) and may set specific conditions (such as results in prelims or college collections) before migration

Step Three: Proctors Notification

Once both your current college and proposed new college have agreed to the migration, the Proctors need to be formally notified

College Migration Form

My current college won't release me. WHat can I do?

Unfortunately there is nothing obligating your current college to release you. However, if you feel they have been unfair in their decision making process or you are seeking migration due to their failure to provide an appropriate service, you could consider making a complaint.

My preferred college won't accept me. WHat can I do?

Unfortunately there is nothing obligating any college to accept you, even if you have a good reason. In these situations we'd recommend revisiting the conversation with your Senior Tutor to see if there is anything further they are able to do to support your migration, or if there is any other support they can put in place for you to improve your current college experience. If you are unhappy with the support available at your current college, then you could consider making a complaint.

College Complaints

I need to migrate to accept a position as Junior Dean or to take up a scholarship. What do I need to do?

This is generally a much simpler process, whereby your current and new college agree to your migration and the paperwork is completed (as above).

If you have a question not answered by the above or would like your draft email/evidence checked over by a member of our team, then read our Advice Agreement and Contact Us and we'd be happy to help.