Which university did J.R.R. Tolkien attend for English language and literature?

J.R.R. Tolkien attended the University of Oxford, studying English language and literature. He entered Exeter College in 1911 and completed his degree after serving in the First World War.

Tolkien initially studied Classics, but he changed course to the English Language and Literature programme. His Oxford education gave him close contact with Old English, Middle English, medieval literature, and the historical development of languages.

He graduated with first-class honours in 1915. After the war, Tolkien began an academic career that eventually brought him back to Oxford as a professor. He taught at the university for much of his professional life and remained associated with several Oxford colleges.

Oxford was more than a workplace for Tolkien. The city and its academic communities influenced his friendships, teaching, writing, and participation in literary groups such as the Inklings. C.S. Lewis was among his close colleagues and friends there.