As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the demand for student accommodation at Oxford is high. This is why finding the perfect place to live can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the various options for student accommodation in Oxford, including on-campus dormitories, private student housing, and shared flats. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as tips for finding the best student accommodation that suits your needs and budget.
Oxford Student Accommodation: How Does it Work?
Oxford, the famous university city located in the heart of England, attracts students from all over the world who come to pursue their academic dreams. The University of Oxford colleges provide accommodation to all undergraduate students during their first year and for at least an additional one of their course. Several colleges can also accommodate graduate students. But how does this whole thing work, exactly? And can you expect if you’ve just gotten into Oxford?
Oxford Accommodation for Undergraduate Students
If you are a first-year student at Oxford, you will be offered accommodation either on the main college site or in a nearby annexe. All colleges cover at least one year of accommodation, and some will give you a place to live for the entirety of your course duration.
There are different options when it comes to student accommodation as an undergraduate. For example, you can choose to take up the option to live in your college, or you can arrange your accommodation after your first year (for example, because you want to move in with friends or a partner).
Oxford, in fact, has a large selection of privately-rented houses and flats. The prices are competitive, so you won’t spend more staying there compared to renting something entirely on your own. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many of these places are available for term time, not the entire year. So, you’d need to arrange somewhere else to stay if you’re in Oxford during the holidays.
If you need guidance, I suggest you contact the Oxford University Students Union (Oxford SU) to learn more about student accommodation.
Oxford Accommodation for Graduate Students
Different colleges provide different options for accommodation, so if you’re a graduate student, you will have to see what these are. In most cases, Oxford colleges can provide accommodation for some students but not all (and some have dedicated blocks for graduates).
If your college is not able to house you, there are many options offered by the University to full-time graduate students. This includes accommodation for couples and families.
If you want to learn more about these options, check the Graduate Accommodation Office website.
Finding Your Own Accommodation in Oxford
If you want to rent your own place or find housemates, there are several sites that have listings in Oxford. The most popular ones are:
- Rightmove: This portal has thousands of houses, flats, and house-sharing options for people coming to Oxford.
- Spare Room: This site focuses exclusively on flat and house shares, and has plenty of options for students.
- Gumtree: Gumtree’s Property section has spaces to rent or share in and around Oxford.
