This is part one of the Official Guide for anyone interested in undergraduate study
at Oxford – where we'll give you an insight into student life.
Across the world, Oxford is known as a leading centre of learning and research.
Groundbreaking work done here helps to solve real world problems. We're very
proud that Oxford has been ranked number one in the world for four years running–
and one of the reasons is our teaching. Learning at Oxford is rigorous, demanding,
and potentially life-changing. You'll have personal access to world-class
academic experts. This may be in tutorials, lectures, classes, or laboratory
work, but you'll also learn to study independently. Tutorials are at the heart
of teaching at Oxford and normally take place in your college. These regular
discussions with an academic tutor and fellow students provide individual
feedback on your work; they teach you to think deeply to think for yourself and
to express your thoughts. You'll have the opportunity to study in Oxford's
Bodleian libraries – some of the most famous libraries in the world. There you'll have
access to over 13 million printed items. You might well find you can complete
your degree without buying a single book. You'll also have our four world-famous museums
on your doorstep – filled with over 8.5 million rare and intriguing objects!
But Oxford isn't just about studying: there are over 400 clubs
and societies where you can enjoy time with friends sharing and developing your
other interests, and building skills for the future: from over 80 sports clubs to
theatre productions, live music, newspapers and magazines, debates and
discussions, to volunteering and fundraising groups. Oxford has a lot
going on, but if you think something's missing there's also support to start
your own group. You'll also have plenty of time to explore the lively city: all
the cafes, bars, music venues, cinemas, clubs, shops, and everything else
Oxford has to offer.
As an Oxford student you'll belong to a college – so you'll be part of a
world-class university, but also a small and friendly community. Colleges are safe
and welcoming places where you can make friends and find support.
Just like at home, you can have friends over and students mix freely across colleges.
You'll also meet people from other colleges in your department or at
university-wide events and societies. Oxford takes the well-being of its
students very seriously. We want to make sure you feel you belong and that you
can be yourself. We're there for you if times get tough or if you find yourself
running out of steam. You'll also have lots of opportunities to join groups
celebrating diversity and promoting change. There'll be so many ways for you
to build a support network and spend time with people who share your
interests or who you can learn from.
We know that going to university is expensive, but we aim to ensure that
everyone who is offered a place is able to study here. Very few of the costs are
paid upfront, and there's lots of financial support available for those
from the UK – not just from government but also generous funding from Oxford.
The two main costs you'll need to think about are living costs, which includes
food, accommodation, and your social activities; and course fees, which is what
you pay for teaching and facilities. Did you know that an Oxford degree costs the
same as most UK universities? If you're a UK student you can apply for government
funding and are expected to pay back any loans after graduating if you earn above
a set amount. The government offers two types of support: firstly a loan for the
full cost of your course fees; and secondly support towards your living costs, with a
greater level of funding available for those from lower-income households.
This support is paid to you at the start of each term. Did you know that one in four
UK undergraduates at Oxford is currently given an annual bursary, which you don't
pay back depending on household income? These can be worth up to
£5,000 per year, and if you're studying without the support of your family or
are care experienced additional, non repayable support of up to
£3,000 per year is available. Finally, there are many ways in which
studying at Oxford can help you money go further: colleges have subsidised food
and entertainment, many university and college sport facilities are free or
subsidised, and college accommodation means you only pay rent in term time, and many
colleges also offer funding for things like travel research and equipment.
Many Oxford graduates go on to have extraordinary careers as scientists,
writers, world leaders, Nobel Prize winners, actors and comedians, artists and musicians,
Olympic medal winners, and more. Everyone who comes to Oxford has the
chance to build an exciting future. You'll gain the essential skills
looked for by employers, and have access to lifelong advice from our expert career
service: they can help you find internships and work experience as well
as advise you on how to be a strong contender for the job you want.
Hundreds of exclusive paid internships are given to Oxford students each year,
both in the UK and abroad: this means you can explore different areas and work for
world-leading companies and institutions even before you've finished your degree.
If you're thinking of setting up your own social enterprise we can help get
you started, or you might be one of the third of Oxford students who go on to
take another degree. There is no blueprint for the ideal Oxford student,
our students come from all over the world, and from all kinds of backgrounds
and this helps make Oxford one of the most exciting places to learn. What our
students do have in common, though, is a love for their subject and a talent for studying.
These are qualities our students think will help :
We're looking for academic ability and commitment and we want to make sure our learning style
works for you. We know some groups are still underrepresented but this is
changing, and we're determined to increase the pace of this change.
We'd like you to be a part of it we want everyone to feel welcomed, valued, and
respected at Oxford. Go to our website, where you'll find
other essential information and guidance.