Four Weird Oxford University Exam Traditions You Won't Have Heard Of

A less fussy and non-obligatory tradition than sub fusc (which everyone nevertheless follows religiously) is the wearing of carnations for exams. For your first exam, you wear a white carnation (usually pinned to your gown), while pink carnations feature in interim exams, and the much-loved red carnation signals freedom when you proudly pin it to your lapel for the final exam.

These flowers are typically purchased from a quaint flower shop in the Oxford covered market, and are bought for the student undergoing exams by their college "children".

No, we're not saying Oxford students all have kids. Oxford "families" are an extensive and successful way of linking the years and providing support to new students. Each student gains two "parents" from the year above (and with this comes four grandparents in the year above that), and a sibling. You get "married" in first year and apply for children. Whilst you buy your kids their carnations in first year, they’re responsible for kitting you out when your finals come round. 

Finals are sat in Trinity term – or, to the rest of the population, the third (summer) term of the year. The other two terms are known as Michaelmas and, for reasons none of the students are quite sure of, the term between is called Hilary. This is at odds with Cambridge terms, which are known as Michaelmas, Lent and Easter.

The other type of exam every Oxford student is familiar with is called Collections – practice exams sat at the beginning of every single term. These are less formal, and don’t require sub fusc, carnations, or the final tradition: trashing.

Whilst the local council may not be so happy about it, Oxford students are big fans of a not-so-ancient tradition known as trashing. This concludes exams, and can include everything from glitter and prosecco, to custard and foam. The student who has finished their exams leaves the exam halls through a special back entrance (along with the rest of their cohort), running into the arms of their friends who promptly cover them (and remember they’re in Sub Fusc) in prosecco and various other substances by way of celebration.

You can tell which students have finished by the infamous red carnations. Whilst food-stuffs were banned several years ago, and there are authorities to check this is enforced, some do slip through the net.

Nevertheless, it’s a touching – if messy – tradition. Some students like to complete the tradition by subsequently jumping in the river (though this is also banned, and the uni are getting better at enforcing this one). It paints a lovely picture; some of Britain’s best young brains covered in foam, chugging alcohol and drenched in river sludge.  

Alexandra Jane is a writer and editor for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency. Check out their website to see which internships and graduate jobs are currently available, as well as their graduate jobs Manchester page for further opportunities.

(Lead image: Mike Knell (Flickr))