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For parents and families

When it comes to deciding what to do after school, everyone benefits from the support of the family and friends who know them best. Having said that, it's not always easy to know how to help, so we want to make sure you have to hand the information you might need.

Visitors to an open day with a student ambassador

Visitors on an open day with a student ambassador. Copyright © OUImages / UAO

Supporting your young person to make informed choices

Here we offer an insight into student life at Oxford for applicants' families, plus our top tips on the admissions process so you can help your child make an informed choice about university study. We explain why we believe university might be the right next step for your child and why Oxford might be a good fit. There's advice on how students should set about choosing what to study, preparing for university and how to put in a strong application.

We want you to know that students are in safe hands at Oxford and how seriously we take their wellbeing, so there's information on the support we offer. We also understand that you need to be clear on how costs will be covered, and to be reassured that our financial support for UK students is some of the most generous offered by any university. 

More detailed information about undergraduate life at Oxford and our admissions process can be found throughout our website and on the UCAS website, so please do explore further.

You are also warmly invited to accompany your child to one of our Open Days, where there are specific events for parents and carers, as well as other opportunities open to all.

Guidance for parents and families

The floating stack at Weston Library

Why go to university?

At the end of their time at Oxford, we hope students will have developed the skills they need to do whatever they choose with their life.

Visitors at the Divinity Schools

Why come to Oxford?

Why should they think about Oxford? Well, if you are going to university, why not go to one of the best?

Visitors on an open day

How can they prepare?

We know that children are born with curiosity about their world, and this is how they learn. So, how can you help feed the hungry brains in your family?

Students at an Oxford college

What is living in Oxford like?

During their studies, students belong to one of our colleges. All our students are given a college room for their first year. This is arranged by the college, so they don’t need to sort it out themselves.

Students in a lecture room

What is learning at Oxford like?

Oxford offers an exceptional education shaped by world-leading research and teaching, helping students think independently, build confidence and reach their potential through small-group teaching and expert guidance.

Students at a graduation

Does Oxford help with future careers?

An Oxford degree can provide a great start to a successful career and provide lots of opportunities to develop the types of skills employers are looking for. In addition there are many opportunities to further develop a wide variety of skills by actively taking part in student clubs, societies, teams and activities at Oxford.

Open day visitors

Still have questions?

As part of our commitment to widening access, the University, along with its departments and colleges, offers a range of events to help your young person explore their options. Together, you can speak with tutors and students, gain insight into what studying here is like, and learn how to prepare a strong application. However you choose to engage with us, these opportunities are designed to help applicants feel more confident and well-informed when making their university decisions.

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