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Oxford University

Information 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.

 

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

students talking in a park

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.

a student and his parents

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?

two students working in a library

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 walking between lectures

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.

two students studying

What is learning at Oxford like?

Some students want to study their favourite school subject at university, others want to learn about something new. Some may find it hard to choose and opt for a joint course.