Know Your Oxford: guided audio tour for new and prospective students
If you’ve just started studying at Oxford University or you’re thinking about applying, Know Your Oxford will help you to find your feet in the city.
Using a free app on your smartphone, or by using your computer at home, you’ll get an insider’s view to student life in central Oxford, with 3D elements and augmented reality that bring Oxford to life. You'll hear first-hand from those who know what it’s like to be a student here, helping you to settle in.
Take the tour in Oxford using your smartphone
For the best experience, take the tour when you are in Oxford using your smartphone. For full instructions, follow the links below (you will be redirected to the VoiceMap website).
There are two versions of the tour - one with augmented reality elements, and one without. For the augmented reality version, you will need a device that is compatible with ARKit or ARCore.
Take the tour - with augmented reality
Take the tour - without augmented reality
Take the tour from where you are
If you are not in Oxford, you can still take the tour on your device wherever in the world you are. Just go to the VoiceMap website to view the transcript, hear the audio and browse the map.
About the tour
Your guide for Know your Oxford is Alex Beukers, who is a current student at the University. Alex opens the door to studying at Oxford: outlining the role of the colleges and departments; giving the inside view on Oxford’s academic dress and ceremonies; and pointing out the museums, libraries and other attractions.
The tour also includes practical advice on being a student, with information about the students’ union and University services; and where to find shops, supermarkets, and places to eat and drink. You can also interact with 3D artefacts at the Ashmolean museum and Bodleian Libraries, experience the bustling May Morning celebrations at Magdalen Bridge, take a selfie with a virtual mortar board, and more
Winding through the historic heart of Oxford, the tour passes by iconic buildings including the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre, revealing snippets of the city’s long history as it goes.
Students and staff from across the University help to bring the tour to life, with presidents of the African and Caribbean Society and the Dramatic Society; a librarian at the Bodleian; and college porters all helping to tell the Oxford students’ story.
If you want to get to grips with life at the University, and really know your Oxford, this tour is a must.
Please note, some references such as current retail names may have changed.
Know Your Oxford was made possible thanks to the Oxford University Innovation Challenges. For further information, see the IT Services website.
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