Studying In Oxford

Studying In Oxford in a unique experience in itself. This is probably why each year students from all walks of life fight to get a place at on of the UK’s most prestigious universities in the world to then live in one of England’s most glorious cities.

Oxford University

Oxford’s reputation for quality and excellence lays firmly in the global reputation of its university. Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. Oxford is a collegiate university, with 39 self-governing colleges related to the University in a type of federal system.  As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of its students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000.

Things to do in Oxford

The Bodleian Library, The Ashmolean Museum, The Botanic Gardens and Christ Church Cathedral are just a few of Oxford’s world famous attractions. Boat trips on the River Thames, entertaining guided walking tours and open-top bus tours take in the city’s architecture and introduce Oxford’s heritage. However, if you are considering studying in Oxford then let it be known that much of its activities and heritage are dominated by the university and its many colleges as well as the rivers, canals and Oxfords beautiful natural surroundings. This however, provides more then enough interest for both students and visitors alike.

University College of Christ Church
Of all the colleges that exist under the arm of Oxford University perhaps the most famous of all the colleges is the University College of Christ Church. Christ Church is the largest college in Oxford refounded in 1546 by King Henry VII and it is the only college in the world with a cathedral within its walls. Amongst a long list of famous members and students of the college was Lewis Carroll the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Visit the great hall, quadrangles, the cathedral and grand staircase to discover the inspiration for this famous children’s story. Most recently Christ Church was the setting for `Hogwarts' in the Harry Potter films which has become one of the largest selling film franchises of all time.

Oxford Punting At Cherwell Boathouse
It is a well know fact that is you have visit Oxford you should partake in a punt down the room. Cherwell boathouse has over 70 hand built punts plus rowing boats. In the summer students and visitors alike come to relax with a picnic on the river. This is a great day out and captures and quintessential English day out in the city.

Oxford Canal At British Waterways

If punting on the river appeals then why not extend this to Oxfords Canal. Here students can enjoy boating, cycling, canoeing, walking or angling. However, most realistically will be found relaxing at a waterside pub enjoying the picturesque canal side views.

Oxford Museums
If science and History are of a particular interest then why not take a look at the Museum of the History of Science and The Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Science houses an unrivalled collection of historic scientific instruments in the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean of Broad Street. Thanks both to the collection and the building, the Museum occupies a special position in the study of the history of science and in the development of western culture and collecting. There are over 10,000 objects here, covering almost all aspects of the history of science from antiquity to the early 20th century.
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History houses Oxford University's extensive collections of entomological, geological, mineralogical and zoological material of international importance. Current displays include the remains of Alice's dodo bird and a working observation beehive in a splendid Victorian-Gothic building.

Activities  In Oxford
If this is all a bit to academic for you and you prefer something a little more upbeat then you are in luck. Oxford beautiful country surroundings allow for numerous sporting activities. For the dare devil in you why not try a ride on the Vintage Tiger Moth Biplane at Delta Aviation. Don leather jacket and goggles to look down on Oxford from the open cockpit of a vintage Tiger Moth biplane. Delta Aviation recreate the golden age of flying on flights from oxford Airport at Kidlington. If that’s a little to much then why not take a trip to Cotsworld Wildlife Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife.

Socialising In Oxford.
Speaking of wild animals Oxford is also renowned for its strong sense of community which is reflected through its socialising. Oxford provides and array or cuisine from across the world to cater for most tastes. Its drinking and socialising culture is also catered for locals and students alike and manages to find a happy balance between the traditional English taverns through to the more up-beat wine bars and nightclubs. There is enough here to keep even the liveliest of student occupied!

Shopping in Oxford
Even the shopping in Oxford could be described as a quintessentially English experience. Whilst you will find all the main shops for everything you need from food to clothes you will also be able to pick up on the heritage and culture of this city. Take a visit for example of the High street to the market street where you will finds a colourful collection of small shops selling everything from hand-made hats and gifts to Oxford sausages or antiquarian books.

Oxford also offers endless browsing in second-hand and antiquarian bookshops which is quite handy for the student on a budget. The eight Blackwell’s Bookshops are perhaps the most famous in Oxford and where founded in 1879. Smaller streets of interest also include Little Clarendon Street, Turl Street, Golden Cross and Gloucester Green – all with a nice sprinkling of one-off gift shops, boutiques, silver specialists, jewellers or other independent shops of character. Gloucester Green also hosts an open-air market on Wednesdays, a bric-a-brac market on Thursdays and a Farmers’ Market on the first Thursday of each month. Golden Cross was the former courtyard of the medieval inn where the Shakespeare Players often performed en route from London to Stratford-upon-Avon.

For more information on studying In Oxford contact:
www.visitoxford.org 
www.oxford.ac.uk