The Graduate Common Room (GCR) refers to both the community of graduates at Christ Church, and its rooms. These are found at the top of the staircase in Tom 7 (see the map at the back of this guide). Most colleges use the term Middle Common Room (MCR) instead of Graduate Common Room but, as with many things, Christ Church does things differently! And awesomely. Hence, GCR it is.

Membership of the GCR is automatically given to anyone who has completed an undergraduate degree and is studying at Christ Church towards another degree. Associate membership can be granted to other individuals who may then make use of some of the GCR facilities.

Partners of GCR Members are often made Associate Members, as are visiting graduates. Guests and visitors of GCR Members are also welcome to make use of the Common Room.

Most communication within the GCR is done by email. You will be automatically subscribed to the two GCR mailing lists when you arrive. The main list is used by the GCR Committee and College staff to announce social events, GCR meetings, and the like.

If you find that you haven’t been added to the list, or if you’d like to subscribe on another email address, please contact the Academic Office.

The social life of the GCR is always active, with plenty going on to maintain that important work-life balance. Social Secretaries are elected once a term and are in charge of organising events like bops, pub-crawls, garden parties, and social exchanges with other colleges, and again, bops.

We have regular welfare teas, food and drink tastings, movie nights, and board game nights throughout the year. These and many other events are organised for you by the GCR Committee.

GCR sports tend to be mainly on the informal side, although football cuppers against other colleges is pretty hard-fought - one year we suffered four broken legs in our first four games! On top of this, it is impossible to forget the more stereotypical of Oxford sports: Rowing.

There is an active music-making scene at Christ Church, in which many GCR Members are involved. The Christ Church orchestra gives concerts once a term, and there are numerous choirs, orchestras, and other music groups that one can join throughout the University.

The College Choir is highly recommended; open to all Members of the House, it is a great way to get involved with the College and Cathedral without having to commit a large amount of time.

Christ Church has a long history of both artists and art historians studying here and has many resources for those students and everyone interested in expanding their creative horizons. Christ Church is the only college with an Art Room, a space for students to create artwork and that has material such as easels, printing presses, and a digital media editing station.

The Christ Church Picture Gallery also serves as the college’s own art museum with a great collection of renaissance and baroque paintings, along with temporary exhibitions.

GCR Ordinary General Meetings (OGMs) are held once or twice a term. They provide an opportunity for you to express your opinions about how the GCR should be run, to vote in Associate GCR Members, and to make sure that your elected representatives on the GCR Committee are doing their jobs well.

Come along to these meetings and have your say on some important issues and vote on changes in the GCR. As an extra incentive, there usually are snacks and sometimes even more!

Elections to the GCR Committee are held towards the end of each term. The GCR Committee is there to make sure that the Common Room runs smoothly, and that members of the Common Room get the most out of its facilities.

Most committee positions are open for nomination at the end of each term and it can be good fun and fulfilling to get involved: you are strongly encouraged!