Our editors give you the guide on places to visit, from landmarks to the best coffee spots in town
Demystifying the pomp and grandeur of the university customs, one event at a time.
the sooner they can help.
Imposter syndrome can be especially difficult to overcome and may lead you to feel embarrassed if you are struggling, but understand that the Oxford courses are designed to challenge you in a way that you have not previously been. Combine this with how many different backgrounds and education systems people have been through before arriving, and then it is not a surprise that some may find the transition to university study easier than others.
Congratulations! Coming to university is a huge milestone in your life and it’s not difficult to imagine the huge mix of feelings you may have in the leadup to starting your course. We’ve all been there (some more recently than others). For most, this is the first time living independently, which is both scary and exciting. This guide should contain all the information you will need to hit the ground running in your first few weeks in Oxford.
On a more personal note, I’d like to give a huge shout out to Welsh freshers, to workingclass freshers and to anyone who feels that they have come to Oxford with an “unconventional” background. You’ll quickly find that most people in Oxford feel this way! So much of the Oxford reputation is a myth these days; you are all here because you deserve to be.
That said, You may feel that you need support quite soon after starting your course, and I
would encourage anyone in that position not to feel ashamed of this. We all have unique contexts and challenges that we face in life, and some take longer to overcome than others. Some only surface upon reaching Oxford, with its mix of newness and high-pressure environment. It’s okay, and the best thing you can do if you find yourself in this position is to ask for help, first from your tutor and also from your college’s welfare provision. The sooner they know,
In many ways, the first year is a way to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has a good knowledge base before starting content for finals.
With all this in mind, best of luck and a huge congratulations to you for making it to Oxford. There is a wealth of opportunity here, and it really is what you make it! Have fun and enjoy freshers’ week to your heart’s content.
Emily Hudson
is ‘Oxford life’.
Freshers’ week for me last year was undeniably daunting but I also met some of my best friends through it, as well as signing up to the publication I’m now co-editing! For some freshers’ week allows you to stumble upon people and societies you will spend the rest of your degree attached to, but it isn’t like that for everyone so don’t stress about having the perfect freshers’ experience.
Read more on page 3
I can remember exactly how I felt on the first day moving to Oxford. I was somewhat excited but mostly terrified, and it was only through other students sharing their experiences with me that I was able to come to terms with the mammoth that
Still, this guide is meant to at least make things enjoyable for you by giving you insight into the many niggling unknowns when you start your first year. Our team have worked incredibly hard on putting it together and we hope that the information to be found in the next pages is useful for you. No matter what degree you’re doing, no matter what societies you’re interested in, it’s perfectly understandable (and normal) to be worried about coming to a city and university with such a massive reputation. Don’t worry though - Oxford is full of normal people like you or I, excluding the occasional Union hack (more on those later!). From all of us at The Oxford Student, have a great freshers!
Charlie BowdenFreshers’ week is a staple of university life but it can make for a hectic start to the academic year at Oxford. There will be a lot of events to keep track of within your college and the wider university, so it’s important to stay on top of things.
Freshers’ week takes place in 0th week of Michaelmas term. It’s when most freshers move into their college accommodation and begin to get used to life at university. What each college offers their freshers will differ but there will be some broad similarities. For older years, freshers’ week is an opportunity to meet the newcomers to their college and subject, particularly for those who signed up to be college parents. Student societies will also be in overdrive promoting themselves on social media and at inperson events. There is a lot going on
throughout freshers’ week and it can feel overwhelming, but remember that you only need to participate in a few compulsory events and then you can decide what you want to do beyond that. It’s recommended to go to freshers’ fair and attend your subject social, but you don’t have to do every little thing on the timetable if you don’t want to. It is there for a reason though, so if you’re up for it, go ahead and get involved! If you have any trouble during freshers’ week or want some advice, speak to your college JCR freshers’ representatives.
Many colleges require their freshers to arrive and check into their accommodation by the Tuesday of freshers’ week to make sure they don’t miss the introductory events. You will typically be provided with a freshers’ timetable with all of the events your college has planned for the week. Some will be compulsory, some won’t be.
Freshers’ events are organ-
ised both by college authorities (often for the compulsory events) and the JCR freshers’ representatives (often for the non-compulsory events). Compulsory college-wide events often include an official welcome from the head of the college, a formal dinner on the first night, and introductions from important college officers like the dean, the welfare officer, and the accommodation team.
JCR freshers’ reps can organise all manner of events, but they often include a subject social, where everyone studying your subject at your college goes out to a bar; an introductory meeting with your college parents; and an introduction to the people living in your accommodation block. Less formal events like bar parties, BOPs, and arts and crafts sessions will likely be on offer too. Your college will almost certainly hold its own smaller freshers’ fair ahead of the main university one. Depending on the preferences of the organisers, it might only contain college-specific societies or it might include some rep-
resentatives from universitywide ones too. Either way, it’s an ideal place to see what you can get involved in. Signing up for something at a freshers’ fair does not mean you have to commit to it, so don’t feel afraid to put your name down even if you haven’t done something before.
Most freshers’ events are left to individual colleges to organise, but it’s likely that your subject will organise something to introduce new students to their buildings and styles of study. This might be in the form of an introductory lecture by the director of undergraduate studies for your subject. The main university-wide event, of course, is the freshers’ fair, which will be held in Examination Schools on the High Street on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 October from 9am-5pm. You can attend at any time on either day, but to minimise traffic and maintain a safe and comfortable environment, each college has a
time slot to visit. It will probably say what your time slot is on your college freshers’ timetable. If it doesn’t, check the OUSU website.
The freshers’ fair hosts hundreds of Oxford student societies for you to learn about and potentially sign up to. Take your time when going through the stalls and grab any freebies you can. The Oxford SU will give you a free tote bag when you walk in which you can fill up with goodies as you go. Societies will be grouped together, so if you’re looking to join up to some sports societies, they will all be in one place. Even if you don’t go into freshers’ fair with any societies in mind, you should try and sign up to at least a few mailing lists. You never know what might pique your interest down the line. University-wide societies are a great way of getting to know people from other colleges who share your interests, so getting involved in at least one is a good idea.
Each college has a JCR. It stands for Junior Common Room and represents the undergraduate student body at each college. JCR refers both to a body to represent undergraduates, and a physical space for undergraduates to relax in.
JCRs will vary in their size and facilities. Some will include a bar, whilst in other
colleges there will be a bar separate to the JCR space. They may also have pool tables, darts, games consoles, and lots of other things to take your mind off work!
Each JCR will have its own committee, to run JCR events and represent undergraduates to the college. Again, the
positions offered at each JCR will vary from college to college, but there are some key standout ones which are very common.
Executive Committee: This normally includes a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Liberation or Equality Officers: These include Wom-
en’s, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, BME and Trans Officers. They will host events for the group that they represent and support the interests of their respective group within the college community.
‘Entz’: Responsible for holding social events such as BOPs (Big Organised Parties).
Welfare: Responsible for
college welfare, with the highlight being Welfare Week, which is held across the university in week 5 of every term.
‘Freps’: Freshers’ Reps, responsible for organising freshers’ week. Alongside the Welfare Reps, they may also be responsible for organising college families, who are older years that act as mentors for freshers.
Sports Reps: Organise college sports teams and enter them for inter-college competitions.
Charities Officers : Run fundraising events across the college.
Arts Rep: Organise Arts projects around the college. This may include arts publications, welfare sessions, or theatrical productions.
Music Rep: Help to put on live music events in college spaces.
Appointment to these positions is generally voted on by the college’s undergraduate student body, with officers typically serving for either a year or just one term.
As a first year, you are almost guaranteed to be living in college. College accommodation is great for many reasons: it’s usually very conveniently located, you’re living with lots of other first years, and you’re also not far from amenities like the hall and your college bar. The way your accommodation works from there is very much dependent on your own preferences and what the college is able to provide. Most colleges ask that their students move out of their rooms at the end of every term, with some storage provided for international students.This can be inconvenient - but on the flipside, if you do choose to live in college, you’ll be able to live with your friends much more easily, and have until the room choosing (usually in Trinity term) to decide what room you would like and whom you would like to live with. You also generally will only have to pay for accommodation during term time.
College accommodation itself can also vary, with some colleges providing student houses and others having halls-style buildings outside of the college main site. College accommodation can be just as varied as private accommodation, with different colleges arranging and allocating
Emily Hudson Editor-In-Chieftheir student accommodation according to their own rules. Colleges are responsible for maintaining student accommodation and accommodation is usually one of the biggest points of contention between students and also between JCRs and college bodies. It is the job of JCRs to negotiate with colleges the rent prices the following year, as the prices of rooms, like everything else, increases ever y year.
From second year onwards, you may have to ‘live out’, that is to say, rent privately. Oxford has a large stock of HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy, in which you rent a room) precisely for this purpose. Houses will usually get released from October onwards for rent the following academic year, so you have to be quite fast if you want the best choice of houses at the most competitive prices. There are some advantages to living out, if you like your privacy and want to come and go as you please during vacations. The purpose of this article is not to weigh up which is better, but simply make you aware of your options, and now you are! Happy residence!
Charlie Bowden Editor-in-ChiefOne of the more glamorous parts of the Oxford experience is the opportunity to dine in college halls. Each will offer a different experience, and whether you’re a food lover or just looking for some cheap lunch, it’s important that you familiarise yourself with your college’s hall arrangements.
Each hall will differ in the timing of their meals but most will have at least three servings during term time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most colleges require that you book ahead of time if you plan to eat in hall so they can gauge portions more easily. If you plan to eat there regularly you can usually block book during term time so you don’t have to do it every day.
Eating in hall is not compulsory, excluding perhaps a few nights during freshers’ week, where the food will probably be free of charge anyway. However, as some colleges do not offer kitchens as part of their first-year accommodation, hall is one of the only ways to get cheap and nutritious food.
Most college halls offer a formal dining option at least a few times a week. This is where you dress smartly and have your food served to you, making it a bit more costly than other dinner options. Some formal dinners require that you wear sub fusc, whereas others just require smart dress. For those who just want food without the extra bells and whistles, informal dinner is typically offered every
day during term time. This is more canteen-style where you get the food yourself and pay for whatever you picked at the till. Most hall tills will have you scan your bod card so all your food charges throughout term are paid at once through battels, but you can use your card to pay in some as well.
It’s common for the hall to host special formal dinners throughout term. Guest dinners are fairly frequent, where members of the college can invite people to accompany them to dinner. These nights are quite popular so if you want to go it’s important to book early.
Other nights include alumni dinners, society dinners, and dinners for certain members of the college community such as BAME dinners or women’s dinners. It’s common to have a subject dinner at some point during the year, where everyone studying your subject at your college will have a formal dinner with your tutors.
Prices for hall food vary based on a multitude of factors and can change throughout the year. However, it will probably be cheaper than any restaurant food and be healthier than ordering fast food. Still, costs can stack up, especially if you eat there multiple times a day. If you pay for your hall food through battels, you might not notice how much you’ve spent throughout the term, but you can usually keep track of this using their booking platform
The quality of hall food can vary quite significantly, so it’s understandable if you want to eat something else for a change of pace. If you have a kitchen in your accommodation, it’s easy to make something for yourself. Even if you don’t, you can buy food that you don’t have to cook from a supermarket and keep it in your accommodation. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants and fast food establishments throughout Oxford too. Colleges often make it seem that hall is the only option for food, but it really isn’t. As long as you make sure you’re spending and eating responsibly, hall isn’t a necessity if you don’t want it to be.
If you prefer to self-cater, you might find the following packing list useful:
• Knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons (1-2 of each will do)
• Plate (1-2)
• Bowl (1-2)
• Mugs (2)
• Glass (1-2)
• Sharp knife - a good idea to bring a serratededge and non-serrated knife if possible
• Tea towels and other washing up supplies
• Chopping board
• Frying pan
• Saucepan with lid
• Peeler
• Colander
• Scissors
• Tupperwares (1-2)
• Bottle opener
• Oven gloves
• Kitchen tongs
• Big spoon/ladle
• Measuring jug
• Can opener
• Cheese grater
• Whisk
• Baking tray
Each college has its own porter’s lodge, usually situated at the front entrance to the main site. Often shortened to “plodge”, these spaces are designed to help you with any and all issues that might arise. This is where you will collect and return your keys at the start and end of each term - directions, timings, and parking information for this will likely be sent to you by your college.
You can get 24/7 support from most lodges, should you need it. They will be your first port of call, so any issues - whether you’ve locked yourself out of your room, you want to check in a visitor, or you’re needing to file a noise complaint - should be reported to the lodge in the first instance. There may be other contacts within your
college such as junior deans or counsellors who can support you with your queries as well.
There are other things you may be able to do at your lodge, depending on your college, such as book out rooms, hire punts, purchase souvenirs, borrow keys, and so on. The welcome information you receive from your college will detail all of this, but if you’re ever unsure, just pop by the lodge and ask one of the porters on duty.
Most lodges are part of the Safe Lodge scheme, which aims to provide safety and sanctuary for any students in distress and create a line of communication between all lodges in the university. Participating lodges can be identified by a green circle symbol in the lodge window. You can enter a Safe Lodge at any time to use the telephone and get support should you feel
College bars are often the social centres of Oxford life during term time. They might close earlier than any nightclub, but most night outs will include at least one stop-off at a college bar. They have lots to offer beyond just subsidised alcohol.
Every undergraduate college and most graduate colleges at Oxford have a bar. Though you’re likely to become the most familiar with your own college bar, any student is welcome at any college bar and you’re likely to visit a few with friends from other colleges.
College bars each run on their own schedules. Some are only open a few nights a
week due to staff limitations, whereas others double as cafes during daytime and are open more often. However, most will close at around 11pm to allow those who want to party longer to migrate to nightclubs. Whether you’re looking for some cheap and cheerful alcoholic options or a more sophisticated drinking experience, the variety of offerings at Oxford’s college bars will have you covered.
As the name suggests, college bars primarily serve alcoholic drinks. Each drinks menu will vary but pretty much all of them will have the basics. Of course, you can get alcohol-free drinks too, whether it be specially made mocktails or a simple mixer by itself. Each college has their own signature drinks which are often cheaper than
unsafe whilst out and about, and the porters will be able to contact your home college and arrange a safe return to your accommodation if need be.
As of Michaelmas 2023, six colleges are also participating in a new eco delivery scheme, involving the use of cargo bicycles to deliver packages rather than by van. This may affect your delivery address for online orders - your college should notify you with any updates.
There will likely be regular fire alarm call point tests organised by the lodge, which should happen at a similar time each week. Typically a full fire drill will also be conducted at the start of each term - be prepared with some slippers and a jacket by your door so you’re not caught out!
Next to, or even inside of, your lodge, you will find your
college’s mailroom, where you can pick up packages and find your pigeon-hole. You are expected to collect packages in a timely manner, so you might receive an email from the porters prompting you to swing by. Parcels should be ordered to your college’s main site mailroom unless you have been directed otherwise.
Your pigeon-hole, more commonly abbreviated to your “pidge”, is where you can find any smaller parcels and mail you have received. Your JCR welfare reps may organise pidge schemes for events such as Valentine’s Day or finals season throughout the year, and they can also discreetly pidge you welfare supplies such as condoms or pregnancy tests if you have requested them. You should make an effort to check your pidge regularly, so you don’t get a build-up of letters and pamphlets.
Conveniently, the mailroom or lodge is likely also where you can find the next copy of The Oxford Student in print! Drop in on a Friday every other week to collect the latest edition and have a read. There will likely be printed leaflets, advertisements, and newsletters which you can also get your hands on, from society term cards to student plays.
Finally, be kind to your porters! They are there to make your life easier, whether that is by sorting through your mail, replacing the batteries in your door, or offering directions or a quick chat whenever you need it. They are an absolutely essential part of college life and will do their best to help you however they can, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
other cocktails. In general prices at college bars are lower than other establishments, but the cost can still stack up if you’re having multiple drinks throughout the night.
Some colleges serve food, some don’t. The larger ones will typically have something available to eat, especially if they operate as a cafe during the day. As with the food in hall, though, the quality of food on offer can vary by quite a bit.
College bars are a key social hub so there will be plenty of events going on throughout term. It’s common for college bars to host pub quizzes, karaoke nights, and music nights on a regular basis, typically organised by the JCR social secretaries. Societies might also host a drinks event at a particular college bar, and it’s common for celebrations from a formal dinner to carry over into the bar. Bar crawls are common as well.
Each bar will be decked out with its own unique facilities to make the experience extra special. Some have a TV, a jukebox, and a room with UV lighting among other quirks. Many also have pub staples like table football, a dartboard, and speakers for musical performances.
Each college will have unique events and traditions, but many colleges will have events of similar kinds. Do not be surprised if your college commemorates Oxmas (25 November) with a Christmas-style dinner in Hall. Pancake day (otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday) is also celebrated in some colleges with races around quads or similar. Other events may be more esoteric: college feast days, Candlemas dinner and other such holidays can be harked back to the old Christian tradition followed by most colleges until relatively recently in their history. Other dinners are more student-focused, such as Freshers’ Dinner and Halfway Hall, the latter being in the second term of second year, which is halfway through a 3-year degree. In recent years, students have also made concerted efforts to host multicultural formal dinners, where traditional dress and food from around the world is celebrated.
As you can see, many college events revolve around din-
ners of some kind. That does not mean all of them! A highlight in your calendar during the course of your degree should be the college ball. Some colleges have balls every year; others every 3 years. Either way, you should be able to attend your college’s ball at least once whilst you are in Oxford. College balls are long, extravagant events where the college grounds are transformed, promising a night full of wonder, food and live entertainment. These events come with a hefty price tag (usually between £150 and £250 per person, depending on the college) but in recent years “access tickets” have been made available for disadvantaged students so that finances should not prevent you attending. Balls tend to be student-organised, so being on a ball committee is a great way to get some leadership experience on your CV.
Besides these large one-off or annual events, JCRs will organise events throughout term, such as “welfare week” in week 5 and BOPs (big organised parties) happening a few times each term, organised by “entz” (entertainment) officers.
Matriculation is the ceremony where you officially become an Oxford student, and sub fusc is the academic dress code at Oxford. This is one of many Oxford traditions, and as they can get a bit confusing for freshers, this section is here to give you all the information you need!
Matriculation is held only once a year, so it is a very momentous occasion. Anyone that is starting their first degree at Oxford - both undergraduate and postgraduate - is required to attend, and everyone wears a special formal outfit known as sub fusc.
Matriculation is usually held in the Sheldonian Theatre on the Saturday of 1st Week (13 October this year). The Sheldonian is a beautiful theatre often used to hold concerts, and on matriculation day it becomes a place of memo-
ries and celebration as you officially become an Oxford student. Typically, your college will arrange some other events for the day, such as a formal lunch and a photograph session, but the ceremony itself involves listening to a speech in Latin (and a lot of queueing!). This is nothing to stress about, and nothing is required of you except your attendance.
The main feature of sub fusc is a gown: the commoner’s gown is worn by most undergraduate students, and the scholar’s gown is worn by people on scholarships or who perform exceptionally well in their first year. It’s worth checking which gown you should be wearing, but for the vast majority, you will need to buy a commoner’s gown.
Underneath your gown, you ear standard formal attire: a plain white blouse/shirt with sleeves, smart dark trousers or a dark skirt with black
tights, dark socks, and black shoes. For sub fusc, “dark” means dark grey, dark blue or black, but most people will usually go for black. Your ankles, legs and feet must be fully covered, and you may wear a dark jacket underneath your gown if you want to. You shouldn’t wear your cap indoors, and traditionally it isn’t worn until graduation, but you still need to carry it with you. You are also very welcome to wear a headscarf for religious reasons, but it must be plain black. Sub fusc can be purchased at specialty shops in Oxford like Shepherd and Woodward. The dress code also requires headwear (a mortar board or soft cap) and neckwear (a black ribbon, a black or white bow tie, or a black full-length tie). You can buy a set of a gown, headwear and neckwear for around £40 at Shepherd and Woodward. Alternatively, if you’re on an Oxford bursary or the Crank-
start scholarship, you sign up to get a set of sub fusc for free from the Student Union! Do note that this is on a firstcome first-serve basis, so look into this as soon as you can if you qualify.
Here’s a quick sub-fusc checklist to summarise the information above:
Required:
plain white shirt/blouse
dark trousers OR dark skirt
dark socks OR black tights
black shoes
black ribbon OR black or white bow tie OR black fulllength tie
academic gown
Optional:
dark jacket
plain black headscarf
Most colleges will have teams for most major sports. This includes rugby, football, netball, basketball and rowing. In some cases, colleges may join together for sports teams, especially in women’s football. Since college communities are small, college sports is an informal, lowstress way to get involved in sport and get to know students from other year groups. Intercollegiate competitions are called “cuppers” and will take place over the course of the year, with some such as punting or croquet (I know) happening exclusively in summer (Trinity) term.
Oxford has a rich arts scene covering all aspects of art through university societies and general public events. This section will go into detail about some different aspects of art, and how you can get involved!
MUSIC
Oxford is well-known for its many prestigious orchestras and ensembles who put on concerts throughout the year. These groups range from the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra to student bands like the Garfunkels, to acapella groups like The Oxford Gargoyles and Out Of The Blue who go on tours across the country.
The Oxford University Music Society (OUMS) is the centre of music-making at Oxford. OUMS consists of many ensembles, including a string orchestra, brass band and a newly formed non-auditioned choir. OUMS holds one set of auditions each year in Michaelmas for all their ensembles, and most other groups will host their auditions around a similar time, so do your research and get yourself signed up if you’re interested. Each college will also have their own ensembles, such as the chapel choirs at Magdalen and Merton. College choirs will often be open to all members of the university, but there are also some non-auditioned choirs out there, such as Catz Choir,
for those who want a more relaxed environment.
Oxford has many societies dedicated to the simple appreciation of music, such as the Oxford Jazz Society, Rock Society and Taylor Swift Society. These types of societies will hold social gatherings where you can meet people with similar interests, as well as fun themed club nights and gigs. You can search for societies on social media or find their Freshers Fair stalls for more information.
Outside of the university itself, Oxford has its own very rich music scene. Gigs are held regularly at pubs and bars around the city, such as The Mad Hatter and The Bullingdon. Some of these gigs are fronted by famous bands, and others are open-mic-style and student-based. There are also many beautiful venues where prestigious musical concerts are regularly held, such as the Holywell Music Room, the Jacqueline du Pre building at St Hilda’s College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Church of St John the Evangelist, and many more. You can take a look at individual venue websites to find out what’s going on, or do a simple “Oxford concerts” search on Google. These events usually have a good student discount due to the large population of students here.
Follow ‘Musicians @Oxford University’ on Facebook to stay updated on music around Oxford.
There are many student-ran production companies who put on plays and musicals throughout the year, as well as public theatres like the Oxford Playhouse where you can watch your favourite shows live.
The Oxford University Drama Society oversees all registered production companies at the university, and has lots of information on their website whether you’re interested in seeing a show, auditioning for one, or even putting on your own. Many colleges will also have dedicated Arts Reps who will distribute funding for students pursuing arts at their college, so it’s worth checking whether you have access to this.
Last year, a wide breadth of shows were put on, such as The Marriage of Figaro, The Addams Family, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This year, there are many more exciting shows to look forward to, such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Amadeus, Toad of Toad Hall and original student-written plays. Productions require a large team of directors, producers, crew members, costume and design, musicians and the actors themselves, so there are many opportunities to find a role that works for you.
Many societies are dedicated to providing space to engage with fine art and get your own work published. There are many zines, magazines and student newspapers (like OxStu!) who will put out applications for editors, graphic design teams and contributors. These teams require many different skill sets to work, and their platforms act as a showcase of student talent outside of academia. They can also make great additions to a CV, and allow you to gain valuable experience in fields you might be interested in. Facebook pages for content calls can be a great place to find opportunities to be a one-off or regular contributor.
There are many more “miscellaneous” groups out there, such as The Oxford Imps improvised comedy group and Oxide Radio. These societies put on very entertaining live shows and provide an opportunity to engage with something you may never have thought of trying. The wide range of societies at Oxford are all very welcoming, and it’s a great chance to find yourself and try new hobbies.
Rowing at Oxford is mostly one on the college level, and it is not uncommon for colleges to enter multiple boats into the Hilary and Trinity races, known as Torpids and Summer Eights. These events have large turnout as students will flock to boathouse island to support their college teams. Rowing can have higher commitment than other college sports, but you would be well supported by your college boat club if you chose to join.
Other sports, such as athletics, swimming or table tennis are mainly played on a university-wide level. This doesn’t mean that they are more competitive, or harder to get involved in – just that there are comparatively fewer students playing these sports in each college.
Sports at university level e wide-ranging and offer teams or individuals the opportunity to participate in inter-university sport. Most famous of these are the annual ‘varsity’ matches against Cambridge, but this is not where the fun sstops! University leagues are popular for all manner of sports, beyond the mainstream.
If you achieve the level required to represent the university in a sport, you are awarded a “Blue”. For this reason, first teams in university sport at Oxford are called “Blues” teams. This is also why there is the saying that “you leave Oxford with either a First, a Blue or a Spouse”.
Opening times: Most library opening times can be found on the Bodleian’s website, or, if the one you want isn’t listed, these libraries will usually have their own sites. It’s good to check timings before you go as libraries can have different open hours depending on the day.
College library:
This library will usually be the closest and most convenient for you to get to, and probably the first library you’ll use! A great space to study amongst soon-tobe-familiar faces.
College study rooms:
In most colleges, there will be rooms available to book at the porter’s lodge for studying with a group in a more chill environment.
All Souls Library:
Where: Radcliffe Square
You can’t just turn up to All Souls library, but luckily it’s easy enough to apply! It’s worth doing if you can get access as it is a beautiful space that’s a bit of a secret.
Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library:
Where: St. John Street
I highly recommend going to
this library with a friend to grab one of the available study rooms! It has a lot of floors, so it’s a great library to head to if the rest are full, as libraries tend to busy up as the day goes on.
Bodleian Old Library (AKA the Bod):
Where: Catte Street, also an entrance opposite the Rad Cam in Radcliffe Square
Technically, all uni-wide libraries are ‘the Bodleian Libraries’, but the Bodleian Old Library is a specific building. To make it even more confusing, it is usually referred to by its nickname, ‘the Bod’. It is divided into the Upper and Lower Reading Rooms and has lots of space with some great views of Oxford.
Duke Humfrey’s Library:
Where: In the Bodleian
The Duke Humfrey’s library has quite strict rules (for a reasonthe books are very old!), but so long as you follow the guidance, you get access to a truly magical study space.
English Faculty Library (AKA the EFL):
Where: St Cross Building
Considering the degree revolves around books, the English faculty really went all out in creating a… load of rectangles
As you can probably imagine, Oxford has its fair share of academic assessments. But they’re really nothing to worry about: once you know what’s coming, it will all seem less daunting.
Collections
These are assessments which are taken at the beginning of an Oxford term, testing the content that was studied in the previous term. Think of them like end of topic tests in school: you’ll do some past
paper questions, under exam conditions. Collections will not count in any way towards your final grade and are only used to help monitor your progress.
They will be sat in your college. Colleges will vary on the clothing requirements for collections. Some may require you to wear full sub fusc as you would in Prelims or Finals (more on that later), others may not.
You will only have collections if there is content from the previous term for you to be tested on. As a fresher in your first term you will not have studied at Oxford at all yet, so there
on top of each other. Ok, it may not be the prettiest, but it is spacious and practical. Bonus points for the coffee shop so you can always get your caffeine fix!
The Gladstone Link (AKA the Glink):
Where: Accessible via the Bodleian library or the Radcliffe Camera, down the stairs. The decor is rather… dystopian bunker, but it’s a decent study space with no distractions. And, if the Glink wasn’t appealing enough, there’s even a Lower Glink! The Lower Glink especially has lots of books that other libraries may not have, although they usually can’t be taken out.
Law Library:
Where: St Cross Building
In case you hadn’t had enough of the EFL’s modern interiors, the Law Library is its next-door neighbour! Although they look pretty similar, the Law Library is much bigger than the EFL, with lots of different study areas, so another good one to head to if everywhere else is full up.
Oxford Union Library:
Where: Frewin Court
This one is only accessible via an Oxford Union membership, but worth a visit if you get the chance, or even becoming a
definitely won’t be collections! Beyond this, certain subject tutors will use their discretion, and may choose not to set collections if they do not judge them to be necessary.
In addition to Collections, you will also sit formal exams at Oxford. These will be either prelims or finals exams.
Prelims: These are typically sat in Trinity term (the third term) of your first year, testing all of the content you have studied at Oxford so far. In some subjects (notably Law and Classics) they are sat at
member (although maybe don’t spend hundreds of pounds just to see its Pre-Raphaelite ceiling, pretty as it may be).
Radcliffe Camera (AKA the Rad Cam):
Where: Centre of Radcliffe Square
Located in the middle of Oxford, this beautiful and iconic Oxford library is a favourite of many. It’s a must to check out, if only to look around in awe.
The Taylor Institute Library (AKA the Taylorian):
Where: St Giles Street
Get up early if you want good seats! This library gets crowded quickly. Although the Taylorian’s specifically for Modern European languages and literatures, people from all subjects love this
pretty study area with its cosy armchairs and gorgeous decor.
Vere Harmsworth Library:
Where: South Parks Road
The Vere Harmsworth Library has lots of seating, including cosy cubbies on the top floor if you want your own private study area (although some of them are reserved seating so make sure to check!).
Weston Library:
Where: Broad Street
There are three reading rooms in the Weston Library, and it (like Duke Humfrey’s) has pretty strict rules, so read up on the Bodleian website before visiting. The Weston also hosts special collections materials available for readers, if you apply for access.
other points in your degree. In Law this is at the end of Hilary term (the second term), and Classics in your second year.
You will need to pass these exams to move into the next stage of your undergraduate degree. The pass mark is generally low, and there is also the opportunity to re-sit in September if you don’t pass the first time around. Most importantly, your Prelims grade does not count towards your overall degree classification: you only need to pass them. They use a different scale to Finals, being graded as Fail, Pass, or Distinction.
Finals: These will count towards your overall degree classification. They are sat after you’ve passed your Prelims, and typically take place during Trinity. However, their timing varies a lot more. STEM students will often have Finals at the end of both the 2nd and 3rd years of their undergraduate degree, whilst some Humanities students may only have them at the end of their 3rd year. Finals can also be in the form of take-home papers, which students may sit over a
period of days or weeks.
If you are sitting Prelims or Finals in person, then you will be required to wear your full sub fusc. It’s important that you wear all the correct clothing, but if you accidentally forget something then there will be spare clothes to hand for you to borrow before you enter the exam hall. The clothes are tradition for entering the exam, but once you are in the exam hall the invigilators will allow you to take off your gown, bow tie etc. to get comfortable for the exam itself.
People also generally wear a carnation pinned to their gown when entering these exams. They are coloured white if it is your first exam, red if it is your last exam, and pink if you are in between.
Exams will typically be held in Examination Schools, which is located on Oxford High Street, just opposite and slightly down from Queen’s College. For certain subjects exams may also be sat in other buildings around the city, such as those belonging to your department.
As well as lots of libraries, Oxford is also home to a multitude of museums and galleries. The museums of Oxford are great for learning about the history of the city, as well as world history, and how these have come to intersect. Here’s a list of Oxford’s best museums and galleries, as well as some highlights in each of their collections.
The Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s Museum of Art and Archaeology, and was originally constructed to house Elias Ashmole’s collections. Since opening in 1845, the collection has expanded to include objects from civilizations and cultures across the world. Some highlights include the Shrine of Taharqa which is the largest ancient Egyptian structure in the UK, the cast gallery, which is full of replicas of Greek and Roman statues, and the Alfred Jewel. The Ashmolean is located on Beaumont Street and has free
entry. Entry to seasonal exhibitions is free for students, though online booking may still be necessary.
Set in a stunning neo-Gothic building, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is home to a vast collection of specimens from the natural world, including an extensive collection of animals, fossils, and minerals.
Highlights of the museum’s collection include the bones and soft tissue of a dodo, the skeleton parade, and the 4.5 billion year old Nantan meteorite.
The Museum of Natural History is located on Parks Road and has free entry.
The Pitt Rivers Museum
Containing the collections of General Augustus Pitt Rivers, The Pitt Rivers Museum is the university’s museum of archaeology and anthropology.
Spanning three floors, the Pitt Rivers is the only museum in Oxford to be arranged
Though Oxford has its history of being a rather elitist and exclusive environment, there is most certainly change happening constantly to help nurture the diversity in our community. This section will give you some information about religious spaces in Oxford as well as some advice on inclusivity and accessibility, whether you identify as religious or not!
The multitude of societies at Oxford means that there are many dedicated to religions:
Islamic Society
Hindu Society
Jewish Society
Sikh Society
Christian Union
… and many, many more!
Most societies are very inclusive, so you are welcome to attend their events regardless of your faith. Societies will often hold socials and talks from prominent figures to help provide a sense of community for religious students. For example, a Sikh
typologically. This means that all objects of a certain type (such as tools, weapons, toys, or ceramics) are displayed together, allowing visitors to compare and contrast similar items from different cultures.
Highlights of the Pitt Rivers Museum include a gold Scottish torc bracelet, the robe of the Blackfoot tribesman Many Shots, and the Haida totem pole.
The Pitt Rivers Museum is accessible through the Museum of Natural History and has free entry.
The Museum of the History of Science
The Museum of the History of Science was built in 1683, and is the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum and holds a leading collection of scientific instruments.
Collection highlights include a 16th century Italian armillary sphere, a marble version of John Dee’s Holy Table, and a blackboard used by Albert Einstein.
The Museum of the History of Science is located on Broad
Street and entry is free.
Christ Church Picture Gallery
Christ Church contains a collection of around 300 paintings by Old Masters, including Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese, and almost 2,000 drawings, including some by Raphael and Michelangelo.
The picture gallery’s collection was started by a bequest of 184 paintings and around 2000 drawings from General John Guise, a former Christ Church student.
Christ Church Picture Gallery has free entry for stu-
dents, but tickets cost £6 for non-students.
Modern Art Oxford
Modern Art Oxford is a must visit if you like contemporary and experimental art.
Founded in 1965, the gallery has a constantly changing selection of artwork, which has included paintings, drawings, sculptures, and performances.
Modern Art Oxford is located on Pembroke Street, and entry is free except for occasional paid exhibitions that cost between £6-£12. Image Credit: Blane Aitchison
Langar was held last year in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, and the Oxford Islamic Centre often holds talks from Islamic scholars which you can find on their website. There are also many social events held by cultural societies, such as Bollywood Night, which can be a really nice way to meet people of a similar background.
A perk of studying at Oxford is the wealth of resources available to you, so if there isn’t a society for your faith, there are many platforms for you to start your own! If you’d like to find people at your college who share your faith, we recommend posting on your college’s JCR Facebook or getting in touch with a JCR committee member who might be able to help.
The Oxford Student itself has a dedicated Identity section where we welcome articles on any aspect of identity, including religion! We often receive articles on people’s experience as an Oxford student of faith, which can act as a way for people to feel validated, celebrated and heard.
Prayer Spaces
A large number of Oxford
colleges have chapels which hold services on significant Christian calendar dates. College choirs will sing carol services at Christmas and have formal dinners dedicated to the occasion. College chapels are also often open to visitors, so you are welcome to enter these spaces during your own time.
The Islamic Society also has a dedicated Muslim prayer room in the Robert Hooke Building (OX1 3PP). It is open 24 hours a day, and you can email contact@ouisoc.org to request the prayer room access code. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OX3 OEE) also holds regular congregational prayers, the times of which can be found on this page.
Some colleges also have multi faith and quiet rooms, such as St Hugh’s and Worcester. We recommend you get in touch with your college to check what is available to you, and to check whether you may be allowed to use multi faith rooms in other colleges. Alternatively, you may want to find one of the many open green spaces in Oxford to use to engage with your own spirituality and wellbeing.
Oxford has many other
prayer spaces that are a bit further out from the city centre, such as a Gurdwara in Headington (OX3 9HL).
If you’re interested in using public spaces like this, you may want to consider getting a bicycle to make transport a bit easier as Headington is about a 15 minute cycle from the city centre!
Contacts and Facilities
Each college has a dedicated Chaplain, who acts as a representative of all faiths for the students at their college. To find the Chaplain for your college, take a look at this link!
The JCR committee at each college will have student representatives for welfare,
equality and BAME. Unfortunately, some JCR committees may not have a dedicated representative for religion and faith, but equality representatives are still a good contact to note down (especially since speaking to a fellow student can be a bit less scary!).
Some colleges can offer rooms with en suites or sinks for religious reasons, so please inquire if this would be something you need. Oxford is determined to become a much more inclusive space, so we hope that your college will be happy to help you find the facilities you need to practice your faith while you study here.
Image Credit: John Salmon
Oxford is home to hundreds of eateries, many of which are famous for their dishes, occupants, or design. No matter what you’re in the mood for - a quick spot of lunch in between classes, a cosy place to grab coffee with a friend, or a fancier restaurant for special occasionsyou’ll find countless options to explore in your time here.
The city centre
Right off the bat, Cornmarket Street is a great and convenient spot you’ll quickly become familiar with. Packed with all your favourite chain stores, and frequented by tourists and buskers, you’ll find lots of easy options for eating. Some top picks would be LEON (tasty and nutritious food with decent discounts and rewards points to take advantage of), Tortilla (their burrito bowls are fantastic), and the colloquially known ‘Tudor Pret’ on the corner of Ship Street - get there early if you want a seat.
Close by, George Street is a hub of brunch food and Italian cuisine. From ASK Italian to Bella Italia, this is a great place to grab dinner if you’re in the area. George Street Social is a popular brunch spot, with books, board games, and a weekly evening quiz. At the far end of the road, Banana Tree is a fantastic Pan-Asian restaurant to check out for amazing
flavours and lots of vegan options.
The Westgate shopping centre is another central location with lots to offer. My recommendations on the rooftop level would be Mowgli and Pizza Pilgrims - and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even really like pizza. Comptoir Libanais at the ground floor main entrance is a lovely Lebanese restaurant with great mezze platters and koftas. There are also a number of seasonal stands that pop up throughout the year in the open grassy area of the shopping centre, including churros and Bratwursts. Finally, their ‘Social Street Food’ area has ample seating if you’re hunting for somewhere to sit.
Of course, there are many locations further afield to be enjoyed. Cowley is known for its lively local music and food scene, and Jericho has a rich history of eateries and the iconic Little Clarendon Street. Explore as little or as much as you’d like - there is certainly no shortage of fantastic spots to eat in the city centre, but there are just as many hidden gems on the outskirts.
Coffee shops and cafés are not hard to find in Oxford. Again, there are plenty of popular names to choose from; and with a whopping three Pret A Mangers to choose from, you’re truly spoiled for
choice. Starbucks, Caffé Nero, and Costa can also all be found within close proximity, and as an added bonus, they have Too Good to Go bags that you can collect for some sweet sweet discounts on leftover stock.
Fear not, there are plenty of independent cafés too. Both Queen’s Lane Coffee House and The Grand Café claim to be the oldest coffee houses in England - why not try both and determine which has the better latte, if nothing else. Society Café and The Handle Bar on St Michael’s Street are personal favourites, and perfect for prospective Union hacks. Vaults & Garden is a staple of the city that will shortly be closing down, so do visit before it’s too late.
Knoops on Turl Street sells an assortment of chocolate drinks, ideal for autumn if you’re looking to curl up with a hot chocolate this season. And if you’re more of a bubble tea person, be sure to hit up Yi Fang, Mooboo, or Fantastea for some first-class boba.
The Covered Market is home to dozens of beautiful shops, with everything from sports equipment to designer hats. But there are plenty of places to grab a bite. My favourites include Donburi Inn, which has fast service and delicious fusion food; Sofi de France, with an assortment of samosas, pastries, and sandwiches; and Gulp Fiction, where you can sit and browse their bookshelves whilst enjoying your coffee. There are often discounts to be found in the Covered Market during fresher’s week - make
the most of these, as you can walk away with free swag or sizable price reductions to help you get settled into Oxford. The Gloucester Green market is open Wednesday-Sunday and has been running since the 18th century. It takes place every week in, predictably, Gloucester Green Square, with everything from fresh fruit and flowers to gyozas and curries. And if nothing in the stalls takes your fancy, there are several permanent spots in the square itself - Thirsty Meeples, for example, is a popular board games cafe with an impressive array of tea, snacks, and games
If you’re running between lectures and tutorials and you want a quick bite to eat, there are a variety of sandwich shops to choose from. Najar’s Place is arguably the most popular, serving fresh and quality lunches - their falafel wraps are a must-try. The Alternative Tuck Shop is another top pick, in very close proximity to the English Faculty and Social Science library, and with a delicious menu and speedy service. And on Broad Street, you can find Café Creme and ItaliAmo. Be aware that these shops will often have a minimum cash spend, so either carry some cash or be prepared to purchase enough to surpass the limit.
For a proper sit-down lunch or dinner, there are lots of topnotch restaurants to choose
from. Edamame on Holywell Street is open at lunchtime for a friendly and authentic Japanese eatery. Kokoro on St Aldate’s also has delicious Japanese food, from chicken katsu curry to sushi boxes. Tse Noodle on Ship Street is a somewhat tucked away but popular spot for Chinese food, although it’s cash only. And Turtle Bay is a delicious Caribbean restaurant famed for its spicy dishes and bottomless brunch.
For some old-fashioned classic pub food, Turf Tavern is your best bet - it’s at the upper end of the price range so perhaps get your parents to take you when they drop you off. The White Rabbit has arguably some of the best pizza in the city (again, coming from me!). And there’s always Wetherspoons for something cheap and cheerful - choose from either The Four Candles on George Street, or The Swan and Castle near the Westgate. For a fancier meal, some of the best central restaurants to visit are Browns, La Cucina, Sichuan Grand, and Quod, although there are plenty of others found outside of the city centre. Be sure to book in advance, particularly on busy nights.
Finally, rest assured - after a night out, there are plenty of food trucks to satisfy your latenight cravings. From Hassan’s to Ahmed’s to McCoy’s, there’s enough cheese and chips in this city to last a thousand club nights. And if all else fails, McDonald’s is open until 3am.
Turf Tavern
A real Oxford landmark, this pub hidden away off of New College Lane near the Bridge of Sighs dates back to 1831. The place is valued not just for its food and drink but its famous history, being the site where Bill Clinton smoked “but did not inhale” marijuana. Stephen Hawking, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair are also known to have dined here!
King’s Arms
Another traditional pub right next to the Radcliffe Camera makes this the perfect spot to celebrate a successful library session. As the oldest pub in Oxford, it’s been a local landmark since 1607. For the proper tourist experience, be sure to visit and look out for its rumoured ghost!
The Chequers
Locted on the High Street, this pub has a unique secluded vibe. Enjoy its outside area in the summer or enjoy its historic tavern interior in winter, or on the right night run into the OxStu
team on a social!
The Victoria Further out from central Oxford you can experience the hipster suburb of Jericho, and its best pub - The Victoria! With a glorious garden decorated with globe lights and two storeys of indoor sofa seating, its warmth and community radiates throughout.
Wetherspoons
Of course the pragmatic student will find themselves in a Wetherspoons more than any of Oxford’s finer establishments. Luckily Oxford is blessed with two: The Four Candles and The Swan and Castle. The former keeps Oxford’s traditional vibe with a slightly chaotic two-storey balcony structure, while the latter is a more modern spot with some very friendly security guards.
ATIK (aka Park End)
With a maze-like structure I still don’t understand to this day, ATIK is an Oxford student’s Wednesday night favourite. Its
cheese floor provides the perfect combination of claustrophobic anxiety and classic tunes, while its main floor provides all the funky remixes no one asked for. Try not to be the one person in the group who begs to go to the Curve room, you will get shut down every time.
Bridge
If you’re feeling particularly hyped after a Union debate night, be sure to hit up Bridge for its Thursday night glory. You’ll have to make a 50/50 bet on whether it will be dead empty or brimming with people, but either way you’ll end up like everyone else: lounging on the smoking area sofas rather than braving the corridor-like dancefloors.
Plush
As Oxford’s favourite LGBTQ+ club, Plush takes the Tuesday night slot in a student’s timetable. Its underground structure makes it a real challenge to get everyone on the one dancefloor at a time, especially as everyone tries to avoid the weirdly wet walls. Still, its photobooth is a great chance to capture some
memories you’re likely to forget!
O2 Academy
If you think going out is as much about the music as the social aspect, then the O2 Academy is the place for you! Its renowned Indie Fridays make the trek out to Cowley road worth it, alongside fun events like a silent disco to save your ears the usual nightclub damage.
The Bullindgon
Despite its name being an unfortunate link to a certain private all-male dining club, The Bullingdon is a breath of fresh air in the Oxford club scene. Its theme nights capture the best bits from past decades, plus the infamous Fluorescent Adolescent for everyone’s favourite indie hits.
Varsity Club
Enjoy the glorious Oxford skyline with The Varsity Club’s location in the heart of the city. Its trendy decorations and gorgeous rooftop terrace
Daisy Outram Head of Newsmake it a favourite for University events, alongside providing balance between a lounge and club floor.
Hanks Bar
In your Oxford career you’re bound to go to a Hanks Bar event, so make sure you make the most of its brilliant cocktail menu. The late-night bar is a mix of booths and bar stools, making it perfect for catching up with friends.
The Mad Hatter
In a secluded spot on Iffley Road, The Mad Hatter is Oxford’s most whimsical bar. With its speakeasy vibe, it provides fantastic cocktails alongside the chance to flex your karaoke skills. Be sure to attend any student society nights there, as the themed cocktails and songs to sing your heart out to make for a night out like no other.
If you ever get bored of your essays, there are always lots of opportunities for shopping in Oxford! Here are some of my favourite places to browse for books, clothes, and more!
The Westgate Centre is a shopping centre with over 100 shops and 20 restaurants. If you’re fashion-forward, you’ll love the Zara, Urban Outfitters, Primark, and Superdry, but if you’re more concerned with buying any essentials you might have forgotten, then Next, John Lewis and TK Maxx are perfect for this.
Blackwell’s
Blackwell’s opened its doors on 1 January 1879, and has been selling books ever since.
The shop is a veritable rabbit’s warren, and because its Norrington Room was once the single largest room in the world that sells books, there are always some interesting titles there, whether you’re reading non-fiction for your degree or reading fiction to try to escape from it.
Blackwell’s sometimes holds events like talks and book signings, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Blackwell’s Bookstore is located on Broad Street, across the road from the Sheldonian Theatre, but there’s also a Blackwell’s Art and Poster Shop on the other side of Broad Street, which is perfect if you want to decorate your room.
Oxford’s Covered Market has been around since the 1770s and contains dozens of independent retailers selling almost everything, including food, clothes, books, flowers, and jewellery.
The best part is that lots of the shops in the market are family run businesses, so you can feel good about supporting independent high street retailers.
The Covered Market can be found on Oxford’s High Street.
Oxfam
Did you know that the very first Oxfam was opened on Broad Street in Oxford, and was the UK’s first charity shop when it opened in 1947?
The Oxfam on Broad Street has a selection of knickknacks and clothes, and a sometimes-open basement that’s full of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl.
As well as their flagship store, there are also Oxfam bookshops on Turl Street and St Giles’, both packed with dozens of books on every subject imaginable.
If you’re willing to trek, the Oxfam in Cowley has clothes, books, bric-a-brac, and more, so it’s well worth a visit if you have the time.
Broad Canvas is an art supplies shop situated opposite Balliol college, and is a great shop if you’re an art or architecure student, or if you like to unwid by being creative
On the corner of Broad Street and Cornmarket Street is a Waterstones book shop with three floors and a basement. Not only does it have almost every book you could want, but they also sell stationery, gifts and they even have a cafe! Be sure to get a free Waterstones Student Card to collect points for every purchase and get discounts!
Unlike the Covered Market, the Gloucester Green Market is open-air, but it still
has a great variety of stalls, especially authentic cuisine stands, but also including stalls that sell jewellery, vintage clothing, and vintage prints.
The Gloucester Green Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, and can be found on Gloucester Green, which is just off George Street.
If you need an outfit for a special occasion, or if you just love vintage clothes, then Ballroom Emporium is the place to go!
Located just over Magdalen Bridge, there’s an amazng selection of dresses for formals or balls, as well as loads of
suits and blazers perfect for black tie events!
Probably the most niche shop in Oxford, Alice’s Shop sells a multitude of Alice in Wonderland themed things in celebration of the works of Lewis Carroll, the pen name of a tutor of mathematics at Christ Church in the 19th century.
This is the perfect shop if you love classic literature or if you feel like doing something touristy.
Alice’s Shop is located on St Aldate’s, opposite the site where the girl who inspired the character of Alice lived.
Miscellaneous
Many of the chain stores found around Oxford will offer student discounts, so it’s worth checking ahead of time! Additionally, Oxford is home to a wide variety of charity shops, and these especially get larger as you go further afield. Charity shops are a great way to pick up high-quality clothing and items in a way that’s easy on your wallet and easy on the envrionment too.
Furthermore, although Oxford is a bubble, you can leave the town! Not far from Oxford is the popular shopping outlet of Bicester Village, accessible by train. If you’re after something specific, London is also not far away.
Keep an eye out for markets & fairs that happen throughout the year. At Christmas, Broad Street is transformed into a Christmas market, and the Town Hall often hosts arts markets too.
Oxford is home to many green spaces, so even in the city centre you will never feel far from nature. It is also a small city, and for many centuries the university has made efforts to conserve and protect native wildlife. Even in the centre you will be able to see red kites soaring among the spires, which in many areas have been an endangered species.
The main green spaces in the city centre are Christ Church Meadow, University Parks, and Port Meadow a little further out. These all have one feature in common: water. Oxford, being located in wetlands, is home to a network of tributaries which all eventually flow into the Thames (known here as the Isis). In summer term you can punt up the Cherwell from whichever boathouse
your college uses (characteristically either Magdalen or the helpfully named Cherwell boathouse) and find yourself cruising through the Meadows or University Parks. In
summer, students may be tempted to swim in these rivers, but this is not generally recommended. That said, Hinksey lake (10 minute cycle from the centre) is a popular
The Oxford SU is the representative organisation for both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Oxford.
An important thing to note, which often is confusing, is that the SU is a completely different thing to the Oxford Union. Despite having very similar sounding names, the Oxford Union is a debating society that you pay to be a member of, whilst the Student Union is the student-led organisation branch of the University, which aims to im-
prove the experience for current and future students of the university.
It is also a separate body to your college JCR or MCR, as it is university-wide, but works with JCRs and MCRs on various events and policies.
Where is it?
The SU has a physical space, where officers work, and which many societies use for meeting rooms throughout the year. It is located on Worcester Street (4 Worcester St, Oxford OX1 2BX), near Gloucester Green and round the corner from the Four Candles (Spoons)! Students can enter the SU using their Bodleian card (the same one
used for library access). It is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet on the ground floor, and all toilets in the SU are gender neutral.
What does it do?
The SU runs various campaigns to help students, which there is more detailed information on later in the guide! They also provide information, such as with the marking and assessment boycott this summer, and are a link between the university and students. This includes student council meetings and academic representation. If you’re interested in getting involved with this more info can be found on the OUSU
wild swimming spot, though in recent years the safety of waterways around the UK has declined, so always check before you go into these waters.
The meadows and uni parks
have well-marked footpaths which make both these areas popular with runners. Port Meadow is more naturaland far quieter. Outside of the centre, there is South Park, located a few minutes into Cowley. South Park is home to an annual firework display and boasts magnificent views of the city. Alongside these popular hangout spots, Oxford is also home to a variety of nature reserves, the details of which can be found on the county council website. It is quickly clear that you needn’t travel far to feel as if you are in the countryside.
Furthermore, each college will have some sports ground, located generally towards the outskirts of the city centre. Some colleges will share sports grounds, much like they often collaborate on sports teams. These are large green spaces, with well-tended lawns.
Danial Hussain
Mia Clement
Kennedy Aliu
Nick Harris
Jenni Lynam
Rosalie Chapman Find
The Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) is made up of student sabbatical officers and nonstudent employees who work to support students at Oxford. The sabbatical officers, since they are elected, are the public-facing leaders of the SU and the ones students are most likely to go if they have an issue. It’s important to know what each of these officers is responsible for - they work for you, after all.
There are currently six SU sabbatical officers - the President and five VPs each with a different remit. As the name suggests, these are Oxford students who have taken a sabbatical from their studies to work at the SU full-time for a year-long term.
The President of the SU is the organisation’s key representative to the wider student body and elections for the role can get quite competitive. They don’t have a specific remit, but they ensure that all sabbatical officers are supporting students effectively.
The five VPs each look after a particular aspect of the Oxford student experience: activities and community; liberation and equality; postgraduate education and access; undergraduate education and access; and welfare. Each VP has their own SU email address so you can get in contact with them if you have an issue relating to their remit. If you’re not sure which VP to go to, you can email the President instead who can direct you to the relevant sabbatical officer.
Women*s Campaign: supports intersectional feminism in Oxford by -
In addition to the sabbatical officers, the SU’s day-to-day operations are looked after by a dedicated staff team. You are less likely to interact with them directly, but the work of the sabbatical officers and the SU’s campaigns and projects are all facilitated by them. They help to ensure continuity within the SU so that things keep running smoothly when the sabbatical officers change every year.
Beyond the sabbatical officers, there are many other ways to get involved in the work of the Oxford SU. One of the most popular is by becoming a representative of your JCR, division, or SU campaign in Student Council, which is effectively a parliament of the Oxford student body. It is led by a steering committee who decides the agenda for each meeting. Any
student can attend Student Council and file motions and amendments but only the delegates can vote on them. Speak to your JCR President if you would like to get involved as a delegate.
Undergraduate and postgraduate representatives for the five academic divisions at Oxford are able to vote in Student Council. Beyond them, each department and subject will have their own elected representatives to speak for the views of the student body to academics and department staff. These are typically elected early in Michaelmas term for a year-long tenure. Each department will have their own systems of representation, but the SU refers to each of these individuals, totalling more than 600 academic representatives, as course reps.
Oxford‘s Student Union has eight campaigns run by students for students, representing issues of certain groups and raising their profile via events and publicity. You can get involved by joining ones that apply to you, attending their meetings, and applying to be a part of their committees when positions open up.
Class Act: this campaign focuses on supporting and representing students -
• from working class or low income backgrounds
• are the first-generation to attend university in their family
• went to a state comprehensive school
• are care leavers or estranged
Their mission is to make access not just about getting into university but also providing support while studying. In order to achieve this, they host speakers and social events. Throughout the term they bring attention to financial and educational concerns that might disadvantage underprivileged students at Oxford. For advice, follow @oxfordclassact on Instagram where they have already posted information about student bank accounts!
• supporting women and non-binary students
• organising protests and discussion groups
• sharing informative content online
Bringing together a diverse range of social identities, the women*s campaign aims to recognise the experience of marginalised groups in this umbrella to share, discuss, and tackle issues. They want to create a space for all working-class women, women of colour, disabled women, trans women, and queer women. From hosting panels to lobbying the university, the campaign works hard to improve inclusivity for women*. Follow them @oxfordwomcam on Instagram for more information.
LGBTQ+ Campaign: advocating for LGBTQ+ staff and students via -
• social events, often collaborating with the OULGBTQ+ Society
• conducting research
• advising colleges and tabling motions at Student Council
They are committed to fighting homophobia, transphobia, and any other form of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Its team looks to change University and College policies and systems
with this aim, including handbooks guiding inclusivity training for Freshers. Keep up with this work by following @lgbtqoxford on Instagram.
It Happens Here: an antisexual violence campaign with the following values -
• inclusive and intersectional
• confidential
• non-directive
• survivor-centred
• feminist
• collaborative and accepting
This campaign’s mission is to “Prevent. Protect. Empower”. It provides free consent training for all students and pushes for relevant policy changes, such as calling for a ban on relationships between students and the staff which was put in place in 2023. See @ithappenshereoxford on Instagram to stay up to date with their work and events.
Campaign for Racial Awareness and Equality: dedicated to BAME students aiming to -
• build community
• celebrate racial diversity
• inspire change
They work with experts and equality organisations to influence Oxford institutions to be positive environments for racial diversity. Its committee is seeking to create a strong presence across colleges and cultural societies.
Safety, mental health, and complaints procedures are also priorities. Follow @oxfordcrae for updates!
International Students Campaign: support all international students by -
• solving their relevant problems
• building an international student community
raising awareness of the group
Via contests, mixers, lectures, and socials the campaign uses socialising to bring the community together. It has an “open door” policy in governance to bring suggestions from members into its work. Join its mailing list and follow @oxfordsuisc for information.
Disabilities Campaign : supporting those with disabilities aiming to -
• create a better understanding and treatment of disabilities.
• advocating for disabled students
• uniting disabled students for social events and solidarity
Including physical, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities alongside chronic illnesses, they provide an allencompassing place for support. It provides disabilities training alongside a Facebook group with a variety of support groups for specific
conditions.
See @oxfordsu_disabilities for guidance, such as applying to the university’s service. Suspended Students Campaign: help those who have suspended their studies by -
• lobbying the University for positive policy changes
• supporting campaigns for colleges to aid the suspension process
Also importantly, they provide a supportive social network for suspended students while they may be separated from general University life. Its Instagram page is @oxfordsu_suscam.
Oneof the complexities of studying at Oxford is the sheer degree of strange words that are used by academics and students. Hopefully, this introductory breakdown of those words by category keeps you clued up in your first weeks at the University. Don’t worrythese will become familiar to you quickly as you settle into Oxford life.
Bod card: a card held by every undergraduate at the University of Oxford given to you as a fresher. It allows access to all of the University’s libraries (of which there are many!)
Collections: termly exams that assess how you’ve progressed over the last term Director of Studies: senior academic in college responsible for academics
Don: a professor, lecturer, tutor, fellow, or academic
Exam Schools: the building where students sit most written exams
Exhibition: an award given by college to students who performed well in exams, but didn’t do well enough to merit a scholarship or other special recognition
Fellow: senior members of College who, with the College Head, make up the governing body of a College
Finals: exams sat at the end of a degree
FHS (Final Honours School): the part of a degree that follows your first year; examined by finals
Glink: short for ‘Gladstone Link’, which is an underground library that connects the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera
Mods: short for ‘moderations” which are examinations sat at the end of Hilary Term in first year
Norrington Table: a league table of colleges by degree classification
Paper: a module of your degree
Prelims: exams sat at the end of first-year that determine whether you advance to second-year
Rustication: withdrawal of right of access to the land, buildings and facilities of the University, including teaching, exams and related academic services. Can happen as a result of a disciplinary offence, but can also be an important tool for students who may be struggling with specific challenges that cannot be addressed while a fully enrolled student at the University
Scholarship: awarded for achieving a First or Distinction in Mods or Prelims. Allows the wearing of a special gown
SOLO: the online catalogue of Oxford’s libraries
Tutorial: a usually hourlong discussion with a tutor and typically between 1-3 other students. Normally, students prepare a c. 1500 word academic essay (humanities) or problem sheet (STEM) that is commented on and used as the basis for that tutorial’s content
COLLEGE JARGON
Battels: termly payments made to college
Bop: stands for ‘Big Open Party’. It is a college party, defined by its usually cheap drinks and themed or fancy dress
Bursar: college’s chief financial officer
Dean: a fellow or postgraduate responsible for behaviour
Formal: a traditional meal with three courses served in a College. Occurrence depends on College, and it usually requires smart dress or a suit
JCR: Junior Common Room, which is the undergraduate student body of a College
MCR: Middle Common Room, which is the graduate student body of a College
Porters: members of college staff who act as both receptionists and security staff; found in the Porters Lodge
Quad: the large square
space in the middle of college
Rustication: withdrawal of right of access to the land, buildings and facilities of the University, including teaching, exams and related academic services. Can happen as a result of a disciplinary offence, but can also be an important tool for students who may be struggling with specific challenges that cannot be addressed while a fully enrolled student at the University
SCR: Senior Common Room, which is a body of tutors, fellows and lecturers that govern a college
UNIVERSITY JARGON
Ashmolean: the University’s museum of art and technology
Blue (or half-blue): an award for outstanding sporting achievement, awarded to certain sports in the yearly match against Cambridge
Cherwell: depending on who you ask, a part of the Thames running through Oxford, or a (obviously inferior to The Oxford Student) independent student newspaper
Crewdate: a meeting of two societies, typically sports ones, with an emphasis on drinking alcohol and socialising
Hack: a term used to describe students involved in student politics or journalism
Hilary: the second of three Oxford terms
The Isis: depending on who you ask, a river that runs through Oxford, or a University liberal arts publication
Michaelmas: the first of three Oxford terms
Ninth Week: the week after a Full term concludes; some exams are held in this period
Noughth week: the week before the beginning of the Full Term
Oxford Union: a memberonly debating society that hosts a range of events, including weekly debates with public figures and students, speaker events, and
competitive debating practice. Not to be confused with the OUSU (Oxford University Student Union)
Proctors: they serve on the University’s main committees, and “shall generally ensure that the statutes, regulations, customs, and privileges of the University are observed”
Sconce: similar to neverhave-I-ever that targets embarrassing acts
Sheldonian Theatre: a ceremonial hall used by the University for ceremonies such as the Encaenia, Matriculation and degree ceremonies
Student Union (SU): the student Union of the University, which almost every student is a member of
Sub fusc: dark formal wear that you have to take to exams, comprising of a dark suit, dark skirt, or dark trousers, black shoes, white collared shirt, and a bowtie
Trinity: the third term of the Oxford Academic Year
Vac: an abbreviation of ‘vacation’, referring to the period between terms
Varsity: a competition in any field between Oxford and Cambridge
Charlie Bowden
Emily Hudson
Tara Earley
Martin Alfonsin Larsen
Jack Arrowsmith
Daisy Outram
Blane Aitchison
Sami Jalil
Etienne Baker
Jennifer Robinson
with thanks to
Milo Dennison and
Rose Henderson