Living in Oxford

Safe, green and fun

The nightlife is a lot better than I expected. I mean the pubs, clubs and even venues where bands perform [...] I really enjoy the funk & soul and 80s nights.

Mili

Oxford is a small city, easily explored on foot or by bike or bus.

Importantly, it is also well known as a safe city. The Complete University Guide ranks Oxford in its top twenty safest student cities.

Green spaces abound, ranging from the huge expanses of Port Meadow and Shotover Hill, the University Parks, Christ Church Meadow, South Park (location for many a festival), to miles of tranquil waterside walks and many other peaceful corners.

If it's entertainment you're looking for, then Oxford offers everything from student club nights to stand up comedy. The city has classical concerts, plays and musicals, cinemas and an abundance of live-music venues.

The independent Daily Info newsletter lists everything going on in the city and is a great way to find things to do.

Your home in Oxford

All first year undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation in their college, and many continue to live in college accommodation for the whole of their degree.

Living in college

As a first year undergraduate student, you will be offered college accommodation either on the main site of your college or in a nearby college annexe. This means that your neighbours will also be ‘freshers’ and new to life at Oxford. This accommodation is guaranteed, so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to live after accepting a place here. All this is organised for you before you arrive.

All colleges offer at least one further year of accommodation for undergraduates and some offer this for the entire duration of your degree.

You may choose to take up any option to live in your college for the whole of your time at Oxford, or you might decide to arrange your own accommodation after your first year - perhaps because you want to live with a spouse, or with friends from other colleges.

Living out

If you choose to ‘live out’, Oxford has a large selection of privately-rented houses and flats available. Living out does tend to be more expensive as houses are normally rented for the whole year rather than just for term time. However, this does mean that you would have somewhere to stay if you wanted to study out of term or take a holiday job in Oxford.

Students who live out still have use of all their college’s facilities including meals and washing machines. The Oxford University Students Union (Oxford SU) provides guidance on living out and can help you if you have questions or concerns about accommodation.

My best Oxford memory so far is receiving a G&D’s ice cream cake for my birthday.

Charith

Can I commute?

All undergraduates are required to live within six miles of central Oxford, or 25 miles if living with your parents or guardians.

There are some exceptions to this but overall Oxford believes that this adds to the strong community feel within every college.

Please visit the University's residency requirements for more information.