What is living in Oxford like?

Colleges are the centre of Oxford life, and most students feel that this is their home from home. A college is where students can eat, live, spend time with friends and do their washing.

College tutors support students’ learning, and normally teach students in their colleges. Colleges have entrance lodges which are usually staffed 24/7.

Your child will also meet people from other colleges in their subject department and at University-wide events. Lot of events are organised across colleges and students often have friends over.

Discover more about college life.
 

Each college has its own character, but life in them is pretty similar. Some are very old, others are much newer. Some are fairly big and others are quite small.

Whichever college they belong to, your child’s degree course will be taught in the same way.

You can read more about the facilities available at each college.

When they apply, your child can either choose a particular college or submit an ‘open application’, which is like saying “I don’t mind.”

We hope people won’t worry too much about choosing a college. Most students think their college is best, regardless of where they end up - choosing the right course to study is far more important.

All our students are given a college room for their first year. This is arranged by the college, so your child won’t need to sort it out themselves.

All colleges offer rooms for at least one other year, and some offer them for the whole course. Living in private accommodation can be more expensive as contracts normally cover a full year, including the holidays.

Students who don’t live in their college still can use all the facilities, and many really enjoy living with friends and the experience of living independently for the first time.

These rooms might be in main college buildings or somewhere nearby. Rooms can vary in size, but they are good quality and are furnished - and your child will never have to share a bedroom. Some college rooms have their own shower or bathroom.

Many students sometimes choose to study in their room and desks are provided.

New students are normally given rooms near each other so it’s easy to get to know others who have just arrived.

All students can eat subsidised hot meals in their college dining hall. They may also have access to kitchen facilities where they can make their own food, if they’d like. 

If self-catering is important to your child, check with individual colleges what facilities they can offer, particularly to first year students. 

Undergraduates must live within six miles of central Oxford, or within 25 miles if they live in their family home. There are some exceptions to this, but we think it helps students to get the most out of their time at Oxford.

Oxford takes the wellbeing of all of its students very seriously. There are plenty of ways your child can find support if times get tough.

College tutors support your child’s studies but they can also ask their advice on other things. Lots of other college staff, including welfare officers, help students settle in and are around to give advice on practical or health matters.

Read more about wellbeing and community at Oxford. 

Most students have access to a college nurse, as well as a local GP surgery. The John Radcliffe hospital has an A&E department and is 15 minutes’ drive away.

Read more about wellbeing and community at Oxford. 

Our Disability Advisory Service is there to make sure all of our students (with either seen or unseen disabilities) can make the most of their time at Oxford.

Read more about applying as a disabled student. 

• The University has a free counselling service which offers one-on-one and group sessions with trained counsellors, as well as workshops and self-help materials.
• Volunteer peer supporters are trained by the counselling service, so students can talk to other students if they prefer. There are specific programmes for LGBTQ+ students and students of colour.
• Oxford’s Student Union (Oxford SU) runs a general advice service where students can open up in confidence about their worries.
• Run for and by students, Oxford Nightline gives students the opportunity to chat to someone about anything and everything between 8pm- 8am every night during term time.

Oxford has an enormous range of activities for students to get involved in when they are not studying. These are not only lots of fun and a great way to make friends, but also offer the chance to build useful skills for the future.

Clubs and societies 

From music, sports, politics or drama, to religious faiths, national and cultural groups there is something for everyone.

Sport

Oxford has 80 sports clubs and there are lots of different ways to take part. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or training as an international athlete.

Music and drama

There are a huge range of bands, choirs and orchestras to join as well as some amazing opportunities on stage and on screen for actors, directors and writers.

Our staff and students come from all kinds of backgrounds. Your child is likely to find people like them and not like them. We think this is one of the most enjoyable and exciting things about student life here.

Joining one or more of the hundreds of groups, clubs, societies or campaigns at Oxford is definitely one of the easiest ways for your child to meet friends and find their people.

As Oxford is ranked as one of the safest student cities in the UK, your child can enjoy themselves without you having to worry too much!

The city is home to two universities (the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University) and has one of the largest student populations in the UK. It is a fun and vibrant place to live.

Safe Lodge scheme

Any Oxford student can ask for help from any college lodge participating in the University’s Safe Lodge scheme. If something has happened, or someone simply feels unsafe or uncomfortable, the host lodge will provides students with a friendly welcome. Their home college lodge will then be contacted to arrange safe return, with further support services made available if needed.