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    Study in Oxford

    City guide

    Honey-coloured colleges, idyllic waterways, and quaint pubs galore – welcome to the best-known student city in the world.

    Oxford is beautiful. The architecture is so elegant, and there are many historic buildings, parks, and famous museums to visit. Westgate shopping centre is huge, and has all the big brands. Everything in Oxford is walking distance, very flat and perfect for cycling. (Oxford Brookes University student)

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    • Adrianna

      Bangor University
      Marine Biology
      Hi, I'm Adrianna. I'm from North West England. I decided I wanted to do marine biology, when someone did an online talk at my college all about the marine environment and biology. My main hobbies include sewing; gaming; watching films and series; and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite games are Animal Crossing; Slime Rancher; and Stardew Valley. Some of my favorite movies/series are: How to Train Your Dragon; Vampire Diaries; Grey's Anatomy; and Disney movies.

    • Abigail

      City St George's, University of London
      Politics BSc (Hons)
      Hi, my name is Abigail and I am a 2nd year Politics undergraduate, who wants to become a lawyer in common law. I am happy to answer questions regarding university, a career in law, etc! ❤️

    • Aditi

      University College Birmingham
      Finance and Accounting
      I am Aditi Ghevade, from the city of Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Accounting, I find immense joy in delving into the intricacies of financial systems and exploring the world of numbers. Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and even French, my multicultural and multilingual background has equipped me with a versatile skill set.

    • Abby

      Swansea University
      Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
      I am a keen swimmer and am part of the University Swim team and have competed in the BUSL swim league as well as Welsh Varsity representing the university. The swim team is comprised of a range of abilities. I love what I study and am passionate about Sport Psychology and hope to pursue it as a Masters when I graduate. I am in my second year of the degree course and am loving it so far, so any questions about my course or the swim team are more than welcome.

    • Adrianna

      University of the Arts London
      Public Relations
      ✨Public Relations student passionate about creative storytelling & making an impact through strategic marketing. 📈Obsessed with digital analytics, media research 🔍, and fostering real connections within the media world! 🤝 👩‍🎓Active as a Peer Mentor, Senior Student Ambassador, and Media School Rep – always here to help and share my journey! 🌟 💡 Let’s chat all things PR, media, and beyond!

    • Adam

      Coventry University
      Sports Coaching BSc
      Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Aaliyah

      University of Hertfordshire
      Animation, film, games and creative media
      Hi, I'm Aaliyah! I am a final-year Games Art student and want to work hard to hone my skills and improve as a character artist! I am also a producer so if you want to talk about that specialism within Games and VFX then feel free to ask. You might be feeling a bit worried or uneasy about what there is and what the course entails but I am here to answer all your questions. No matter how big the question or how small :) Whilst I'm not in the other animation pathways (3D/VFX, 2D animation, Comic & Concept Art) I can always give my knowledge in those areas too. Just pop a message over! Very excited to talk about the courses with you :D

    • Abbie

      Leeds Trinity University
      Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS BA (Hons)
      Hi I’m Abbie 🫶🏻. I am a primary education student here at Leeds trinity completing my first year currently. I live at home and commute in for my lectures. I am a course representative so look very closely into student feedback. I am also the mental health officer for Leeds trinity and look forward to building campaigns to help those at trinity! I was very nervous joining university but realised very quickly it’s like family where everyone is supportive and tries to help at any opportunity. The campus is beautiful and I love to study in lots of different spaces to change up the scenery every now and again! I have a dog walking business to satisfy my love of animals and am also a student ambassador for university. I work part time in a pub not far from the university and love to go running in my spare time to clear my mind! I came from sixth form to university and knew what course I wanted to do. I’m here to answer all of your questions about life at university hoping to give an insight on the student life and what to expect!

    • Adeola Priscillia

      Coventry University
      MSc International Business Management
      I am currently studying International Business Management and have a background in education. Although I’ve recently started as a student ambassador, I bring previous customer service experience, which has strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in global business, combining my interests in education and international management.

    • Abdullah

      Liverpool John Moores University
      Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
      Currently in my second year, I’m focused on making the most of my degree and building a strong foundation in my field. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan is to pursue a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. I’m passionate about using AI to tackle real-world challenges, and eventually, I’d love to work in a tech company that’s leading the way in innovation. My vision is to be part of projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve—I’m excited about what the future holds!

    • Abigail

      University of Essex
      Criminology
      Hello! My name is Abi, and I'm currently in my third year doing Criminology with Counselling Skills. I aspire to go into the police force to be a detective! I love helping others and cooking. Alongside my degree, I am doing some content creation and photography as a fun hobby as I also have a passion for both of those things.

    • Abdul

      University of Lincoln
      Architecture - BA (Hons)
      “Hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about the courses here in Lincoln and also about the city itself. I am more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.”

    • Abbey

      Leeds Trinity University
      Criminology with Police Studies BA Combined (Hons)
      I am looking at going into the police after university and doing their graduate detective program. I enjoy watching all sorts of true crime documentaries.

    • Advika

      University of Glasgow
      Common Law [LLB]
      Hey there ! I am Advika from India🇮🇳 and I am a third year Common Law student. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, studies, student life, or anything else. Please feel free to chat 😊

    • Abdul Rashid

      University of Aberdeen
      Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bio-business MSc
      My current career plan is to delve deep into the core of bioinformatics and try as much as possible to make it easy for future prospects in that field of study.

    • Aayan

      City St George's, University of London
      Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
      I did my Foundation year from INTO City, University of London. Currently doing BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science. I plan to work in Data / AI Field, I have strong interest in Trading and Content Creation 😊.

    • Abigail

      University of Lincoln
      Dance - BA (Hons)
      Hi, I'm Abi and I'm a third-year BA (Hons) Dance Student. I'm from Suffolk. I started dancing from the age of 3 in Ballet, Modern and Tap and then also started training in Contemporary, Irish and Ballroom & Latin dance before completing both GCSE & A-level Dance. I'm now continuing my passion here at UOL and hope to continue this into a professional career!

    • Accalia

      University of Sussex
      Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
      I would love to be engaged in various sectors specifically Media, Law and International Business, My end goal is to be an international consultant for Caribbean small businesses.

    • Aditya

      University of Glasgow
      Medicine [MBChB]
      Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)

    What Oxford's famous for...

    Punting

    For a quintessentially Oxford experience, jump in a boat and drift downstream.

    Punting

    Oxford nightlife, according to students

    The pubs are legendary, and all of them have a story. The Turf Tavern [is] a favourite student spot hidden away through an alleyway, [and] was frequented by [future] presidents and famous writers. Oxford's nightlife is compact but fun. (Second year student, University of Oxford)

    Academia

    Home to 38 colleges and one of the oldest university's in the world.

    Pages of a university prospectus fanned out

    Oxford nightlife, according to students

    The most popular clubs in Oxford can be found at Park End Street, Atik, and Bridge. Many Oxford Brookes students find a night out in Cowley to be the best option. You can start off with drinks at the one of the pubs, like The City Arms, then gradually work your way down Cowley Road to a bar, and finally end up at the O2 Academy for a club night. The O2 is popular on Wednesday nights for 'Fishies', where the sports teams gather. (Third year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    Dreaming spires

    The city's famous stunning, academic architecture has inspired poets for centuries.

    Oxford rooftops

    Student life in Oxford

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Treat yourself

    It's easy to spend money in Westgate, the new shopping centre. It has a great roof terrace, with a selection of restaurants. A favourite of mine is Indian restaurant, Mowglis. (Third year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    Friday feeling

    Students usually head to Fever in the centre of town. If clubbing isn’t your thing, there’s always a cheap play at Burton Taylor Studio or Oxford Playhouse. (Second year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    Sunday chilling

    Port Meadow, University Parks, and Christ Church Meadow are all wonderful for a peaceful walk or cycle. In the case of Port Meadow, you've also got lovely (if a bit expensive) pubs waiting on the other side. (Third year student, University of Oxford)

    When family visit

    My parents love walking round the colleges and gardens, or taking in the big sights like the Bodleian and Radcliffe Square. The Pitt Rivers museum is full of hidden gems. (Second year student, University of Oxford)

    Catch up with mates

    Thirsty Meeples is a great board game cafe. Cafe Orient in Cowley does the best East Asian cuisine in Oxford. The Gardener's Arms is a vegetarian pub with wonderful Sunday night pub quizzes. (Third year student, University of Oxford)

    Feeling cultural

    Loads of culture – it’s Oxford. Can’t swing a stick for jazz nights and college plays. (Second year student, University of Oxford)

    Low on cash

    There are so many free museums in Oxford, including the Ashmolean which is massive and has a lovely rooftop restaurant – perfect for summer cocktails! (Third year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    Grab a bite

    G&Ds is iconic in Oxford for its delicious ice cream. They have three branches, and the flavours change every day, so you’ll never get bored. (Third year student, University of Oxford)

    Oxford in pictures

    Christchurch Meadows

    View across the lovely Christchurch Meadows in the centre of Oxford, looking towards Christchurch College. A place of escape. (Beth, Oxford Brookes University)

    View across the Christchurch Meadows, Oxford

    Living in Oxford, according to students

    Cowley is a great place to live as it is full of students, however it is expensive. It is also close to [Oxford Brookes] uni, although you have to walk up a hill to get to it. There are lots of supermarkets, including a Tesco, two Sainsburys, and an Aldi to choose from. I would definitely live here again as all my friends live here, and there are lots of good pubs, including The City Arms. (Second year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    City centre

    This is the beautiful centre of Oxford, as seen from the top of the New College turret. (Maddy McInerney, University of Oxford student)

    Oxford city centre

    View from The Varsity Club Roof Terrace

    (Second year student, University of Oxford)

    View from The varsity Club roof terrace

    Living in Oxford, according to students

    Headington is close to [Oxford Brookes] uni, and you don’t have to walk uphill to get there. You can walk to uni or get a bus easily. There are small supermarkets, and lots of cafes and charity shops. You can easily get [a bus] into the city centre, which only takes about 15 minutes. It is further away from the nightlife, but is a much quieter place to live. It feels safe. I would live here again. (Third year student, Oxford Brookes University)

    Radcliffe Camera

    'The Rad Cam' in the summer. I get up early, so on a sunny morning I love to wander around central Oxford before the tourists arrive. It's magical. (Ed Jones, second year student at University of Oxford)

    Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

    Living in Oxford

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

    Where you'll find students

    • Cowley
    • Headington

    Local transport

    • £18 a week
    • Smartzone
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    The Gloucester Green markets are great to try food of all different cultures, and makes a fun lunch out with friends. There is also a veg market there twice a week, which can be brilliant for bulk-buying. (Third year student, Oxford University)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Oxford with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.
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