Univ North, Water Court East – West Elevation

Univ North prepares to open 

There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air as Univ North begins to take shape, with teams across the College coming together to prepare for the opening of our newest spaces.

We’ve just received the keys to the nursery, which will be run by Kids Planet, an experienced provider trusted by many at the University of Oxford. The nursery is set to open in January 2026 and will offer priority access for the children of Univ staff, academics, and students alongside the wider University. It’s a conversion of an existing building, thoughtfully designed with privacy and community in mind.

Univ North, Water Court West – Second Floor Study Bedroom

Our new accommodation, Water Courts East and West, and Woodstock Pavilion are set to open in Michaelmas term 2025. These beautiful, multifunctional buildings will provide high quality student accommodation, study spaces and mark a big step forward in the expansion of Univ’s functional estate. Designed by Níall McLaughlin Architects, the buildings blend modern comfort with familiar touches, like wooden handrails that echo the charm of the High Street site. Inside, warm wooden features create a welcoming feel.

As the student spaces near completion, teams are working hard behind the scenes to bring them to life. Shane Pledge, Accommodation and Housekeeping Manager, is overseeing the final touches, from beds and mattresses to desk chairs and kitchen fittings. We’re also preparing our scout teams (our vital cleaning and operational staff), ensuring they’re equipped and ready for the unique layout of the new spaces.

Univ North, Water Court West – corbelled ‘arrowhead’ brickwork detail to second floor bedrooms (detail)

One special feature is the kitchen tables, crafted by RAW Workshop, a local Oxford enterprise that supports people overcoming barriers to work. The kitchens have a flexible set of RAW tables big enough for every student on that floor to sit together, and we plan to include QR codes so that students can learn about the stories behind the furniture. It’s a small but powerful way to connect our community with something meaningful.

Another exciting addition will be the new Café, due to open in 2026, which promises to be a lively meeting spot for everyone on site. The Café will be an important gathering space, helping to bring our growing Univ North community together.

One of the people most looking forward to the new site is Angela (Angie) Carter, longtime Resident Caretaker/Porter at Staverton. Angie, whose family has a deep history with Univ, brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to her role. She’ll be instrumental in helping to shape the new Lodge operations and in supporting the team during the early stages.

Univ North, Woodstock Pavilion – completing the external facade

While parts of the site are still under development, students will start moving in from October. Pathways will guide them around as we move into the next phase: landscaping. Robbie Eason, Head of Grounds Maintenance, and Tom Bartlett, Head Gardener, are preparing to bring landscape architect Kim Wilkie’s designs to life. Although it will take time for the new trees and plants to flourish, the groundwork is already being laid for what promises to be a beautiful, green space complemented by gardens, orchards, lawns, and many mature and new trees.

Looking ahead, Univ North will initially house second-year undergraduates, but future plans include welcoming graduate students, early career Fellows, and Visiting Fellows. The new accommodation also includes accessible rooms designed to support students with additional needs.

Univ North represents a major step forward, not just in terms of space but in how we live, work, and connect as a College community. There’s a buzz of collaboration as we get ready, and while there’s still work to do, the energy and enthusiasm are unmistakable.

Frances Wright
Domestic Bursar at Univ since April 2025

You can read more about Univ North here.

This feature was adapted from one first published in Issue 17 of The Martlet; read the full magazine here or explore our back catalogue of Martlets below:

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