University of Oxford guide
The oldest university in the English-speaking world (and the second oldest surviving in the world after the University of Bologna), the University of Oxford can trace its roots back to at least the 11th century. Throughout the centuries the university has seen some of the world's greatest writers, thinkers, politicians and scientists study or teach at its colleges.
Courses and teaching
One of the most popular courses at Oxford is PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), a programme which is only offered at a handful of institutions across the UK. Newer combinations such as Economics and Management have also proved popular in recent times, but the university does offer a full spectrum of traditional academic courses from Classics to Maths.
Costs
From September 2017, the cost of an undergraduate degree at Oxford is £9,250 for Home and EU students.
Student life
The 38 individual colleges are a huge source of nightlife activity for Oxford's students, as each one has its own bar. There are also a number of clubs and pubs within walking distance, but Oxford benefits most of all from being a historical city full to the brim with local attractions. Students can visit Blenheim Palace by day and enjoy the bars and restaurants by night set against the backdrop of one of England's oldest cities.
Facilities
The colleges make up much of Oxford's city centre but also extend around the city, including a deer park with Magdalen College's grounds.
Accommodation
Students at Oxford usually reside in their college for at least the first year of study, which costs generally costs between £4,844 and £5,569 per annum. Many colleges ask students to vacate and clear their bedrooms over the Christmas, Easter and summer breaks. Privately renting a shared house in Oxford usually costs between £970-£1,433 per month, with streets off the Cowley Road being the most popular among students.
Education
Aside from the university's famous historical libraries and teaching sites including the Sheldonian and the Bodleian, a £38 million Earth Sciences Building opened in 2011, and the Andrew Wiles Building for the Mathematical Institute opened in 2013.
Sport
While Oxford is famed for its rowing and rugby prowess, there are many more opportunities for students to get involved with sports at the university. Most colleges have their own facilities, from gyms to squash courts, and there are three main sporting sites on Iffley Road, University Parks and Marston Road where those interested in more competitive sports can practise.
Other
26 British prime ministers have been Oxford alumni, including David Cameron.
Colleges
All Souls College | Balliol College | Blackfriars | Brasenose College| Campion Hall | Christ Church | Corpus Christi College | Exeter College | Green Templeton College | Harris Manchester College |Hertford College | Jesus College | Keble College | Kellogg College |Lady Margaret Hall | Linacre College | Lincoln College | Magdalen College | Mansfield College | Merton College | New College |Nuffield College | Oriel College | Pembroke College | The Queen's College | Regent's Park College | St Anne's College | St Antony's College | St Benet's Hall | St Catherine's College | St Cross College |St Edmund Hall | St Hilda's College | St Hugh's College | St John's College | St Peter's College | St Stephen's House | Somerville College | Trinity College | University College | Wadham College |Wolfson College | Worcester College | Wycliffe Hall
Transport
Cycling is probably the main form of transport for most students, aided by the compact and flat nature of the city centre, but if that doesn't appeal there are other options.
Bus
Oxford Bus Company has details of local services.
Train
Trains from London Paddington arrive approximately every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the evening. See National Rail for more details.
Air
Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are the closest two to Oxford and both run many services to and from the rest of the world and are easy to reach by public transport.
Coach
National Express and Stagecoach run services from Oxford and the Oxford Tube is a popular service to London Victoria that runs every 10 minutes throughout the day and night and offers a student discount.
Contact information
Website: www.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: 01865 288000
Address: Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD
