Oxford Student Guide
The City of Dreaming Spires - home to the world's oldest English-speaking university
City Overview
Oxford is synonymous with academic excellence, having educated 28 British Prime Ministers, countless world leaders, and 72 Nobel Prize winners. This historic city seamlessly blends medieval architecture with cutting-edge research facilities, creating an atmosphere of intellectual pursuit that's unmatched anywhere in the world.
With a population of around 152,000, Oxford maintains a perfect balance between being a bustling university city and retaining its historic charm. The city's 38 colleges create distinct communities within the larger university, each with its own character, traditions, and stunning architecture.
Student Population
- • Total students: 33,000+
- • International students: 12,000+
- • Universities: 2 universities, 38 Oxford colleges
- • Student satisfaction rate: 91%
Universities and Colleges
University of Oxford
Founded in 1096, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Consistently ranked #1 globally, it operates a unique collegiate system where students belong to both the university and one of 39 colleges and 6 permanent private halls.
- • Famous colleges: Christ Church, All Souls, Balliol, Magdalen, New College
- • Strengths: PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics), Law, Medicine, Sciences, Humanities
- • Notable alumni: Stephen Hawking, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Malala Yousafzai
- • Tutorial system: Unique one-on-one or small group teaching
Oxford Brookes University
A modern university with an excellent reputation, particularly for architecture, business, and health sciences. Often called "the other Oxford university," it offers a different but equally valuable student experience.
- • Student numbers: 18,000+ students
- • Campuses: Headington, Wheatley, Harcourt Hill
- • Strengths: Architecture, Business, Nursing, Publishing, Hospitality
- • Notable features: Award-winning buildings, strong industry links
Other Institutions
- • Ruskin College: Adult education, social sciences
- • Oxford School of Drama: Professional actor training
- • SAE Institute Oxford: Creative media education
- • City of Oxford College: Further education provider
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| College accommodation | £500-£750 | £6,000-£9,000 |
| Private accommodation | £600-£900 | £7,200-£10,800 |
| Food & Groceries | £200-£300 | £2,400-£3,600 |
| Transport (Cycling/Bus) | £30-£60 | £360-£720 |
| Entertainment & Social | £100-£200 | £1,200-£2,400 |
| Books & Supplies | £40-£80 | £480-£960 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | £50-£100 | £600-£1,200 |
| Total | £920-£1,390 | £11,040-£16,680 |
Note: Oxford is expensive, comparable to London for accommodation. College accommodation often includes meals, which can reduce overall costs.
Student Accommodation Areas
College Accommodation (Oxford University)
- • Most undergraduates guaranteed college accommodation for at least first year
- • Historic rooms in college: £120-£180/week
- • Modern college annexes: £140-£200/week
- • Graduate accommodation: £150-£250/week
- • Often includes utilities, internet, and some meals
Popular Student Areas
- • East Oxford (Cowley Road): Multicultural, affordable, £450-£650/month
- • Jericho: Trendy area, close to centre, £550-£750/month
- • Headington: Near Brookes, hospitals, £425-£625/month
- • Summertown: Upmarket suburb, £500-£700/month
- • Iffley: Quiet, riverside location, £475-£675/month
Further Out
- • Botley: West Oxford, good value, £400-£550/month
- • Marston: Northeast, family area, £425-£575/month
- • Rose Hill: South Oxford, affordable, £375-£500/month
- • Wolvercote: Village feel, peaceful, £450-£600/month
Accommodation Tips
- • Start looking early - competition is fierce
- • Consider cycling distance - Oxford is a cycling city
- • Check if utilities and internet are included
- • Many landlords require UK guarantors
- • College accommodation often best value for Oxford students
Transport Links and Getting Around
Getting Around Oxford
- • Cycling: The primary mode of transport - bike theft is common so invest in good locks
- • Walking: City centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly
- • Buses: Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach, student discounts available
- • Park & Ride: Five sites around the city, useful for visitors
- • No cars: Parking is extremely limited and expensive
Student Travel Discounts
- • Oxford Bus Company Key Card: Student discount on bus travel
- • 16-25 Railcard: 1/3 off train fares
- • TOTUM Card: Various local discounts
- • Bike hire schemes: OxonBike and others
Connections
- • London: 1 hour by train, frequent services
- • Birmingham: 1 hour by train
- • Bath: 1 hour by train (change at Didcot)
- • Cambridge: 2.5 hours (via London)
- • Airports: London Heathrow (1 hour by bus), Birmingham (1.5 hours)
Student Life and Nightlife
Oxford University Traditions
- • Formal Hall: Traditional dinners in college dining halls
- • May Morning: Choir singing from Magdalen Tower at 6am
- • Matriculation: Formal admission ceremony in sub fusc
- • College balls: Black-tie events, tickets £100-£300
- • Rowing: College competitions, Summer Eights
Nightlife & Entertainment
- • Bridge: Main student nightclub
- • Plush: Popular club night venue
- • The Bullingdon: Live music venue
- • O2 Academy Oxford: Bigger touring acts
- • College bars: Each college has its own bar
- • Pubs: Eagle & Child (Tolkien's haunt), Turf Tavern, King's Arms
Cultural Activities
- • Oxford Union: World-famous debating society
- • Drama: Burton Taylor Studio, Playhouse
- • Music: Sheldonian Theatre, Holywell Music Room
- • Student journalism: Cherwell, Oxford Student
- • Societies: Over 400 clubs and societies
Sports & Recreation
- • University Parks: 70 acres for sports and relaxation
- • Iffley Road track: Where Roger Bannister broke 4-minute mile
- • College sports: Inter-college competitions (cuppers)
- • Blues sports: University teams vs Cambridge
- • Port Meadow: Ancient common land for walks
Part-time Work Opportunities
Common Student Jobs
- • College work: £10-15/hour for bar, library, porter duties
- • Tutoring: £25-50/hour for A-level/GCSE tutoring
- • Tour guiding: £12-20/hour for walking tours
- • Research assistant: £11-15/hour in departments
- • Retail/hospitality: £9-12/hour in shops and restaurants
Work Considerations
- • Oxford University has strict rules on term-time work
- • Maximum 8 hours/week during term for Oxford students
- • Vacation work more flexible
- • Many opportunities in university departments
- • High demand for academic support roles
Career Prospects
- • Exceptional graduate employment rates
- • Strong alumni network globally
- • Regular employer events and careers fairs
- • Many students enter consulting, finance, law
- • Growing tech and start-up scene
Safety Information
General Safety
- • Oxford is generally very safe with low crime rates
- • Well-lit city centre with CCTV coverage
- • College porters provide 24/7 security
- • Thames Valley Police have dedicated university officers
- • Safe cycling infrastructure throughout city
Common Issues
- • Bike theft is very common - use D-locks
- • Occasional confrontations between students and locals
- • Pickpocketing in tourist areas
- • Take care cycling - busy roads and tourists
- • River and canal paths can be isolated after dark
Emergency Contacts
- • Emergency: 999 or 112
- • Thames Valley Police: 101 (non-emergency)
- • NHS non-emergency: 111
- • Oxford University Security: 01865 289999
- • Nightline: Student support service
Weather and Climate
Oxford has a temperate climate typical of southern England. The city is relatively dry compared to western UK cities, though rain is still common. Winters are mild but damp, while summers can be pleasantly warm.
Spring
10-16°C
March - May
Summer
17-23°C
June - August
Autumn
11-16°C
Sept - November
Winter
3-8°C
Dec - February
Tip: Invest in waterproof cycling gear and layers. Sub fusc (academic dress) can be hot in summer and cold in winter!
Cultural Attractions and Things to Do
Museums & Galleries
- • Ashmolean Museum: World's first university museum (free)
- • Bodleian Library: One of Europe's oldest libraries, tours available
- • Museum of Natural History: Famous for dinosaurs and dodo (free)
- • Pitt Rivers Museum: Anthropological collections (free)
- • History of Science Museum: Scientific instruments (free)
- • Modern Art Oxford: Contemporary exhibitions (free)
Historic Attractions
- • College tours: Christ Church (Harry Potter dining hall), New College
- • Radcliffe Camera: Iconic library building
- • Carfax Tower: Climb for city views
- • Oxford Castle: 1,000-year history
- • Covered Market: Historic market since 1774
- • Bridge of Sighs: Hertford Bridge photo spot
Outdoor Activities
- • Punting: Traditional river activity (Cherwell or Thames)
- • Christ Church Meadow: Riverside walks
- • University Parks: 70 acres of parkland
- • Shotover Country Park: Woods and views
- • Thames Path: Riverside walking route
- • Botanical Garden: Oldest in Britain (student discount)
Quick Facts
- Population
- 152,000
- Students
- 33,000+
- Oxford Colleges
- 39 colleges
- Average Rent
- £550-£800/month
- Founded
- 1096 AD
- Nobel Laureates
- 72
- Emergency
- 999 or 112
Monthly Budget Calculator
Estimated Total: £900-£1,550/month