St Hilda's has the distinction of often producing a higher proportion of first English exams than any other university. It was founded as a women's institution in 1893 and only recently (2006) admitted men. It lies south-east of the central cluster of colleges, along the lovely River Cherwell, whose banks are sometimes broken by floodwaters. Many student rooms overlook the river on which the college has a sterling fleet. The site has grown steadily from Cowley House, with the acquisition of neighboring properties, along with various piecemeal extensions, followed more recently by new buildings commissioned. This organic development produced not quads, but a series of lawns and buildings that follow the bend of the river. Radical groups called for higher education for women The late 19th century saw many educated and powerful women, along with influential liberal men, calling for more organized and adequately funded educational opportunities for academic women. One of these women was the founder of St Hilda, Dorothea Beale, who had previously been involved in the founding of Cheltenham Ladies' College, of which she was principal. His inspiration was Saint Hilda of Whitby, a figure of ancient times (614-680), who had presided over an important educational house, Whitby Abbey. Three years after its foundation, St Hilda's was recognized as a hall, an application for full membership of the college. it was submitted in 1959 and granted in 1961. Etiquette The demands of the time meant that young women had to negotiate all sorts of perceived etiquette that was easy to fall into. The hats had to be worn in public after complaints were received that many students were brazenly walking around the city bareheaded. Students don't take... half the paper......powerful wooden supports, was designed by Peter and Alison Smithson and opened in 1971. The Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building opened in 1995 and offers students superb , purpose-built, rehearsal rooms and a large auditorium where concerts are held regularly – a glass foyer was later added. The Christina Barratt Building opened in 2001. All first- and final-year college students are typically offered rooms at the college, most of which have Internet connections. Accommodations for disabled students are available. The food in the hall is considered very pleasant. Sports and the arts are taken seriously, particularly rowing in which St Hilda's has an enviable track record. While the move to mixed classes has been widely welcomed, some have wondered whether the exuberant siege mentality associated with St Hilda's might be somewhat diluted by the arrival of male colleagues? Hmm... I don't think so!