Libraries and the JCR

Your places to study, chill, recharge, and feel at home

At Corpus, your spaces matter — where you work, where you hang out, where you relax after a long supervision. Here’s what makes our libraries and JCR such big parts of student life.

 

The Libraries

Corpus has two very different (but equally amazing) libraries — one perfect for everyday studying, and one that feels like stepping into history.

The Taylor Library

  • Built in 2008 with over 43,000 items
  • Open 24/7 during term
  • Fully WiFi‑enabled
  • Has almost everything you need for weekly essays or problem sheets
  • If it doesn’t? Just ask — the librarians will order the book for you

It’s modern, bright, and designed to make studying as stress‑free as possible.

The Parker Library

Home to some of the oldest surviving manuscripts in Britain, especially rare Anglo‑Saxon texts. Scholars travel from around the world to study here, and Corpus undergrads are welcome to come for tours and explore the collection.
It’s a must‑see part of the College — and one of the most famous research libraries anywhere.

 

 

The JCR: Your Student Living Room

When you need a break from essays, the Junior Combination Room (JCR) is the heart of student life.

What’s inside?

  • A big comfy common room
  • TV, table tennis, newspapers & magazines
  • Table football, pool tables, another TV, and plenty of spaces to unwind
  • The Pelican Bar is just next to the JCR

It’s where people hang out between lectures, after dinner, or before nights out — and it’s the venue for many college social events like slacks (student‑run parties).

 

 

The JCR as a Student Community

The JCR is also the name of the undergraduate student body.

Every year, students elect a JCR committee to:

  • Organise events (open mic nights, the College’s May Ball, parties)
  • Support student welfare
  • Represent student interests within the College

Corpus has a reputation for being especially friendly and welcoming, and the JCR plays a huge role in shaping that vibe.

 

 

Come See for Yourself

Want to know what student life really feels like? Check out our social media or visit us on an Open Day.