Oxford
176 Reviews by Students #66 out of 172 University locations
Oxford has the best nights out and so many places to eat and shop! Oxford feels safe and clean to live it too. Oxford offer so many places to choose from, you’ll never get bored of restaurants to eat out. Public transport is busy at times just like anywhere else. The staff on the Oxford buses are always so friendly and polite to customers boarding and the train station in Oxford is a service I use often to get between my home and University and they are just a pleasant.
By member1188042 On 24th June 2023
Study in Oxford
The University of Oxford is arguably the most famous university in the English-speaking world. Combined with the more recent addition of Oxford Brookes University, the city quite rightly takes a lot of pride in its academic excellence.
Image Credit
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the second oldest university in the world, dating back to 1096 and is renowned for being one of the top research institutions, globally. The university is situated around central Oxford, featuring stunning architecture and alluring surroundings. There are 24,500 students enrolled at the university and it has a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Image Credit
Oxford Brookes University
Founded in 1865, Oxford Brookes University is made up of four campuses, three of which are based in the historic city of Oxford and the other in Swindon. The 17,000 students are divided into four major faculties: the business school, the faculty of health and life sciences, the faculty of humanities and social sciences and the faculty of technology, design and environment. They were awarded with a Silver rating in the TEF.
Study in Oxford? Review your location
Oxford Student Life
Almost a quarter of the Oxford population are students, resulting in a buzzing student community. A lot is going on for students especially the traditions and events that you won’t get in any other city, so make sure you get involved!
Cost of Living
Rent is very expensive…
Great city. But rent is very expensive.
An expensive city…
Oxford is an expensive city to live in
Cost of living is relatively high…
Cost of living is relatively high. Public transport is really good, especially if you are a Brookes student, you can benefit from U busses.
Quite expensive in general…
Quite expensive in general. Most shopping can be done in the city centre but some key areas missing, e.g. no large sports shop (such as sports direct).
Nights Out
Image Credit
For a quick round of crazy golf and cocktails, head fo Junkyard Golf - the perfect place to take a group of friends or meet up with a society. With a range of round lengths to choose from, you decide how long you want to take part for.
Image Credit
The Bullingdon, in the student area of Cowley, is Oxford’s best independent live music venue that has been going for over 20 years. It is the perfect place to go for a more casual night and to listen to some great music from local, national and international acts.
Image Credit
The Bridge Club is one of the classier clubs in Oxford even boasting bookable booths and a VIP lounge. Monday Night Bridge (MNB) is the popular student night that you don’t want to miss out on and has drinks promotions running all night.
Image Credit
Public Transport
It is best to get around Oxford by foot, bike or bus. You won’t need a car, especially as there’s not a lot of parking. The city bus service is very efficient, and there’s also the BROOKESbus. This goes between the halls at Oxford Brookes, the train station, and the city centre.
Oxford is incredibly well connected to the rest of the UK. To get to London there is the Oxford London Tube, which is a coach service that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is a budget-friendly way to get to the capital. Oxford has great rail connections to London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Manchester, Edinburgh, and many other places.
Eating Out
Image Credit
Oli’s Thai is a student favourite, based in Cowley, and has had a lot of hype around it thanks to its delicious short, daily menu. You can even do a lunch or dinner for under a tenner. Due to its popularity, it is advised to book well in advance!
Image Credit
If you are after a much-needed caffeine fix make sure you head to The Missing Bean, which is rated as the best coffee in Oxford. They have two cafes, one in the city centre and the other in Cowley. It will be your go-to whether it’s for a coffee catch up or a much-needed hangover breakfast.
Image Credit
Gees is the place to go for a treat or when the parents are visiting (and paying!). It’s famous for its location in a grade II listed Victorian conservatory and is certainly the most beautiful restaurant in Oxford. They offer Mediterranean style food for weekend brunch, express lunch, dishes for sharing and Sunday roasts.
Image Credit
Shopping
The Covered Market, in the city centre, is a favourite among locals and tourists. It is a historic market with permanent stalls of local traders selling groceries, cheese, meat, clothing, flowers, jewellery and much more. Make sure to take a break from shopping and try one of the mouth-watering restaurants, cafes or bars.
You will find all the high-street chain stores concentrated around Cornmarket and Queen Street, as well as Westgate Shopping Centre, which puts on student discount nights.
Top 5 Historical Pubs
Image Credit
You’ll find this pub tucked behind the medieval city wall, and down a narrow winding alleyway. With its foundations dating back to the 1300s, it’s an iconic pub steeped in history and today can be found bustling with students. Enjoy their wide range of guest ales and beer garden.
Image Credit
The Bear Inn is one of Oxford’s oldest surviving pubs. Known for its historic significance, this traditional English pub is known for its unexpected yet impressive collection of old ties. Sports teams, colleges and university clubs, and global visitors have dropped by and contributed a snippet of their tie, since the 1950s, resulting in over 4,500 ties!
Image Credit
In trendy and historic Jericho, you’ll find this 19th Century family-run pub. It is on a quiet small street away from the bustling Walton Street and is known for its good ale and good food. What more can you ask for?!
Image Credit
Found opposite the Bodleian Library, The Kings Arms proudly claim that they have the highest IQ per square foot of any pub in the world! It is also the oldest pub in Oxford, built-in 1607 and is a popular student hang out with hearty pub food and you guessed it, great real ale.
Image Credit
Apparently frequented by Shakespeare and his acting troupe on their journeys to London, The Crown is a central spot for a pint, hidden away down an alley next to McDonalds on Cornmarket Street.
Top 10 Oxford Accommodation
Read Oxford Reviews
It's expensive bu...
It's expensive but quite fun but mostly people socialise at University read more
Very expensive ci...
Very expensive city to live in but lots going on to do! read more
"Oxford Universit...
"Oxford University is an epitome of academic excellence and intellectual rigor. From its distinguished faculty to its state-of-the-art facilities, Oxford fosters an environment where curiosity thrives and knowledge flourishes. As a proud alum, I can attest to the transformative power of an Oxford education, which not only equips students with invaluable skills but also instills a lifelong passion for learning. With its rich history and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, Oxford University continues to set the standard for higher education worldwide." read more
Public transport...
Public transport is very bad but to be honest not needed read more
Oxford is a great...
Oxford is a great place for student, close to London and has many libraries. It’s would be the best for study in both culture and academic. read more
Oxford has a lot...
Oxford has a lot of opportunities. There are many places for nights out and to eat around the city centre or a short bus from the campus. There are shopping centres in the Oxford mall and a row of shops not far from the main campus. Cost of living in Oxford is quite high as it is a city, but student accommodation is fairly priced. read more
Oxford is expensi...
Oxford is expensive but Brooke’s give you a shuttle bus and it is good for students. read more
Transport is a pr...
Transport is a problem at times. And there should be more shopping choices read more
The public transp...
The public transport it's ok but hope it would come more often read more
oxford is a nice...
oxford is a nice city and i would recommend studying here read more
Nice and historic...
Nice and historic place to live in. read more
not bad, but too...
not bad, but too expensive. I like leaving in the center and be close to the main events in the city read more
Nice place to liv...
Nice place to live depending on where in the city. Town centre is nice. read more
Very beautiful pl...
Very beautiful place to live great surrounding read more
Good place to sta...
Good place to stay, good place to study read more
There are a lot o...
There are a lot of restaurants from many countries. I like trying cultural food read more
Oxford is small b...
Oxford is small but has some nice things to offer. Public transport and affordability aren’t ideal but are manageable read more
Expensive but nic...
Expensive but nice place to live read more
Public transport...
Public transport really good. The city needs better food options for all dietary requirements. read more
Cost of living is...
Cost of living is too high for students it’s ridiculous read more
Oxford is a littl...
Oxford is a little bit expensive but it is a great place to live and there are lots of exciting things to do here read more
Oxford has the be...
Oxford has the best nights out and so many places to eat and shop! Oxford feels safe and clean to live it too. Oxford offer so many places to choose from, you’ll never get bored of restaurants to eat out. Public transport is busy at times just like anywhere else. The staff on the Oxford buses are always so friendly and polite to customers boarding and the train station in Oxford is a service I use often to get between my home and University and they are just a pleasant. read more
It’s a wonderful...
It’s a wonderful scenic place to reside yet an expensive place. read more
The bus is so eas...
The bus is so easy around Oxford and love the nightlife read more
Definitely a grea...
Definitely a great place to live and study. People here are so lovely. Love the relaxing atmosphere here! read more
Free bus all Uni...
Free bus all Uni is amazing for students read more
Great cafes, rest...
Great cafes, restaurants only main complain is how inconsistent the buses are and the train station read more
Very good city ve...
Very good city very good very good read more
Nice city, many t...
Nice city, many tourists, many (good) food. read more
A nice city, can...
A nice city, can be expensive at times and not loads to do read more
Perfect city for...
Perfect city for students to live in. read more
Lovely city no co...
Lovely city no complaints so far read more
Overpriced, drear...
Overpriced, dreary, but beautiful buildings read more
Very expensive wi...
Very expensive with adequate night out options. Despite a picturesque aesthetic. read more
It is a nice, coz...
It is a nice, cozy city to live in with many students around. read more
Lovely city and l...
Lovely city and lots of culture. Almost impossible to finance as one of the most expensive cities in the country. read more
Nice place to liv...
Nice place to live, although living costs are very high. read more
One of the best p...
One of the best places for student life: read more
Small and expensi...
Small and expensive, but charming and very international read more
Public transport...
Public transport is a bit expensive for student and especially the rent also. read more
Nice place for st...
Nice place for studying and living read more
Oxford offers eve...
Oxford offers everything I need read more
Good place to liv...
Good place to live, everything's available but a bit expensive read more
Very expensive ci...
Very expensive city, but beautiful and nice people read more
Brookes have a bu...
Brookes have a bus service (U1 and U5) that can get you to some of the good spots in oxford read more
Excellent facilit...
Excellent facilities available at proximity read more
I love Oxford cit...
I love Oxford city, yet it’s a bit expensive. It has beautiful places to visit and plenty of cafes read more
Oxford is an expe...
Oxford is an expensive place, there's no getting away from that. However, I have chosen to stay here after my course as I have completely fallen in love with the city. It has everything a big city needs but still remains small enough to walk to places. The Cowley Road is one of my favourite places - the restaurants are so varied and there is always something going on. The town centre is beautiful, of course. I sometimes can't believe I actually live in Oxford! read more
Expensive compare...
Expensive compared to other cities in the UK read more
Living here as a...
Living here as a student is pretty expensive. I do wish more companies would give us more discount on eating out and food shopping. Lots of places to eat out in and always a bus about read more
Oxford is great,...
Oxford is great, has everything one needs read more
Great city with e...
Great city with easy access to everything read more
Very nice area an...
Very nice area and very well suited for the location very convenient read more
Cost of living is...
Cost of living is expensive! Good transport facilities and opportunities to bike everywhere too! Lovely cafes and galleries and little book shops read more
Good transport fa...
Good transport facilities and opportunities. People are welcoming. read more
Oxford city is pe...
Oxford city is perfect place for students to explore and enjoy. read more
Very respectful c...
Very respectful city and one of the finest in uk read more
Oxford is expensi...
Oxford is expensive place to live, but the jobs are also easy to find. City centre has everything, which makes life easier. read more
Its a nice place...
Its a nice place to study and I love the surroundings. read more
its a nice area b...
its a nice area but it is expensive read more
A Wonderful City...
A Wonderful City with beautiful green spaces ! I wish i discovered it sooner :) read more
Not a lot to do i...
Not a lot to do in Oxford. Very expensive, busses aren’t always on time but are usually pretty clean. Shopping center is nice but a bit boring. Some good restaurants but mostly overpriced. read more
Expensive city! E...
Expensive city! Everything so much more expensive than expected read more
Oxford is nice, b...
Oxford is nice, but is greatly exaggerated. read more
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx read more
amazing town and...
amazing town and a nice difference to someone coming from a big city however some more bame night clubs would be appreciated read more
Oxford is a beaut...
Oxford is a beautiful city with architectural buildings to visit read more
Eughhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Eughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh read more
Great public tran...
Great public transport links but no parking unless you are rich read more
Although the actu...
Although the actual Oxford nightlife is expensive and not great, as a student club events and sports nights were amazing and I loved them. read more
Oxford is good if...
Oxford is good if you cycle but not if you drive as hard to find parking spaces but being on a bike is easy. read more
I love oxford and...
I love oxford and live in Oxford its the best place read more
What can I say ab...
What can I say about Oxford? It has now become one of my favorite cities in the world, and though small in size in comparison to London, it has its own flair that one can keep coming back to, and always booming with tourists and visitors alike. read more
quite expensive,...
quite expensive, but has a few decent nights out and the good thing is no matter where you go you’re guaranteed to run into a few students read more
Fun city, limited...
Fun city, limited by COVID19 with many things not open read more
Oxford is beautif...
Oxford is beautiful, it’s a nice stepping stone between a town and a larger city because it feels like a large town. There aren’t many places to go out and dance but you can definitely make your own fun in pubs and bars etc. Overall I’d recommend living in Oxford if you’d like a quiet city life experience. read more
Very nice city to...
Very nice city to live in. Student friendly (most people are between 20 and 30) read more
Oxford is a nice...
Oxford is a nice place. Not really the sort of place for night life as only a couple of spots and it is very expensive to live here especially when organisations like Brookes are sniffing around your financial pockets like they do read more
Slightly expensiv...
Slightly expensive than my home town but all in all I would still recommend Oxford read more
Oxford has had ev...
Oxford has had everything I could ever ask for, with shopping and the nights out being spot on read more
Oxford are very s...
Oxford are very student like city with a great nightlife and culture read more
Expensive, but al...
Expensive, but alot to do in town in terms of clubs and places to eat etc. read more
Nice place, crazy...
Nice place, crazy expensive but it is what it is, great transport links to London but getting around Oxford can be frustrating with regular late and missing buses. Only a few nice places out, but does the job, great shopping in the centre, and down in Cowley too. read more
Oxford is a lovel...
Oxford is a lovely, pretty city and has lots of culture and individuality. There are plenty of places to go on nice walks or go for a day out. There are many shops, although in the centre of oxford a lot of the shops are locals, there are some bigger supermarkets not too far away read more
Oxford is a beaut...
Oxford is a beautiful city, with a lot to offer. However, it is very expensive to live in read more
Oxford is amazing...
Oxford is amazing place to study. Lots to do and plenty of places to explore read more
Expensive place t...
Expensive place to live as a student, house prices rather steep. Pay for what you get however as it is a really nice city to go to uni. read more
Super expensive c...
Super expensive city to live in, but absolutely wonderful. read more
It's a very nice...
It's a very nice experience living in Oxford read more
Town centre is ea...
Town centre is easily accessible due to the brookes bus service read more
Oxford is a great...
Oxford is a great city, bustling with so many different characters! Very accessible due to the frequent buses and so many things to experience! read more
Amazing transport...
Amazing transport and clubs, very expensive for eating and cosy of living so make sure you have savings to fall back on read more
Oxford is a nice...
Oxford is a nice middle class area read more
A really expensiv...
A really expensive city - especially since the university provides very little financial assistance. read more
East Oxford (whe...
East Oxford (where Brookes is) is impoverished with a crime rate through the roof. Not like central or north oxford at all. read more
Town centre is ni...
Town centre is nice, particularly since the new westgate centre opened. read more
So expensive to l...
So expensive to live but also love living here so does have its perks- good vibes all round really minus the extortionate rent read more
I love the city,...
I love the city, although it is very expensive. read more
u1 and u5 bus goe...
u1 and u5 bus goes to mast places through oxford so would recommend getting the £8 ticket that lasts the year read more
Oxford is a nice...
Oxford is a nice city. Lots of homeless people though. read more
London is the ci...
London is the city that everyone knows read more
I love Oxford. It...
I love Oxford. Its not great for clubbing but for everything else its wonderful. read more
Great city, very...
Great city, very overpriced but that is expected so it is not a surprise. read more
Great city. But r...
Great city. But rent is very expensive. read more
Great place to li...
Great place to live and stay. Crowded enough to have fun but quite enough to study and stay a relaxable life read more
Oxford is an expe...
Oxford is an expensive city to live in read more
Cost of living is...
Cost of living is relatively high. Public transport is really good, especially if you are a Brookes student, you can benefit from U busses. read more
Very expensive bu...
Very expensive but lots of things to do, U1 is free but irregular timings and nights out can be quite fun. read more
Oxford is a charm...
Oxford is a charming place to live but very expensive. Good luck finding parking. read more
A magnificent cit...
A magnificent city with everything you need read more
I was enrolled at...
I was enrolled at MSc Quantity surveying online degree. I started my program 2 weeks late as they had some IT issues, couldn't catch up with my studies. I had questions posted on the student forum, the professor replied after 4 weeks after I complained to my student advisor. They just take your money and offer 0 support. I had to quit after 4 months. I strongly recommend avoiding Oxford Brookes. read more
Quite expensive i...
Quite expensive in general. Most shopping can be done in the city centre but some key areas missing, e.g. no large sports shop (such as sports direct). Night life and social aspects are good read more
Very expensive an...
Very expensive and little parking! read more
A good social sce...
A good social scene with a large number of students in the city. read more
Lots of busses an...
Lots of busses and public transport and always a club to go to even after you get thrown out of one read more
Oxford is an expe...
Oxford is an expensive place to live and there is a lack of shops in the city centre. On the other hand it is beautiful with lots to do with friends, such as restaurants, tourist attractions and clubbing. read more
There are a lot o...
There are a lot of buses in oxford but there needs to be more uni buses available! read more
Very good public...
Very good public transport due to free brookes busses for students. Shopping is poor but I am aware this will be improved. Cost of living is very high and house prices for next year are very expensive. Restaurants and clubs are very good although I have experienced better. read more
Oxford is beautif...
Oxford is beautiful! So much to do! read more
Oxford is a wonde...
Oxford is a wonderful city and I will really miss it when I leave read more
In order to do th...
In order to do the majority of the list above, you must take the bus into Oxford. And unfortunately it being Oxford the cost of living here is very expensive, which is why I prefer living in Halls, as it is all inclusive! read more
Oxford tube is ve...
Oxford tube is very good, and free bus between campuses, halls and city centre helps. Although U5 is rather unreliable on the Cowley road - so I would recommend downloading the Oxford bus app. Shopping is rather limited - but Reading, London and Biceter Village are close. read more
OXFORD is a perfe...
OXFORD is a perfect student city with a plethora of clubs, bars, shops and restaurants :) only let down is the lack of massive supermarkets available to those who don't have good transport links... read more