Sports, Clubs and Societies
Merton has a diverse range of clubs and societies that cater to all students and their interests. The MCR often play a large part in them.
Merton College Boat Club
The Boat Club is one of the largest and most active societies at Merton. Whether you’ve never been in a boat before or are a shoe in for the next Olympics, .
Bodley Club
This is the speaker society of the College. Founded in 1894 as a forum for undergraduates to deliver and discuss papers on literature, the Club now encompasses all subject areas – inviting external speakers that it judges to be ‘fabulously interesting’. Boasting TS Eliot and John Heath-Stubbs among former members, the Club is a historic institution. In recent years, it has hosted Lobsang Sangay (Leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile), PD James, Rowan Williams, Chris Patten and Maryam Namazie.
Neave Society
Named after Mertonian and Parliamentarian Lt Col Airey Neave (the first British officer to escape successfully Colditz Castle in the Second World War and was later assassinated at the House of Commons by the INLA in 1979), the Neave Society is the College’s politics and current affairs society. It regularly hosts debates and speaker events, to which all Merton students are welcome.
Merton College Poetry Society
The Poetry Society meets for poetry readings, walks and other inspirations activities several times a term. As the Oxford home of TS Eliot, Merton has a proud poetic tradition and several Mertonians have gone on to publish volumes of their works and distinguish themselves with accolades such as the prestigious Newdigate Prize. All enthusiasts are welcome, whether you have much experience writing or not!
The Merton Floats
The Floats are responsible for looking after theatre and drama within the College. They often put on plays in the Chapel and run a Garden show most summers. Always keen for volunteers, they welcome interest from anyone eager to contribute on- or off-stage.
Sport
While students are able to take part in any sport organised at the university-level including access to the Oxford University Sport facilities, colleges often have their own teams for very popular sports and partake in intercollegiate competitions. Frequently, Merton joins forces with neighbouring Mansfield to create M&M teams (or even sometimes MMR with the addition of Regent’s Park) such as the 2019–20 rugby team pictured above.
Facilities include:
Rugby and Football Pitches
Yoga and Circuit Training
The College organises weekly yoga and circuit training lessons during term time – many of which have continued virtually.