As
the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a historic
institution.
There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford
in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II
banned English students from attending the University of Paris.
In 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas
student, set in motion the University's tradition of international
scholarly links
|
Typical
College Courtyard |
In
the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students)
hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These
were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval
'halls of residence'.
University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, which were established between
1249 and 1264, are the oldest.
Today thirty-eight Colleges, independent and self-governing form the
core of the University, to which they are related in a federal system.
There are over 20,000 students at Oxford, including around 11,000
undergraduates and 8,000 postgraduates.
Over 50 per cent of undergraduates are studying for degrees in the
humanities and social sciences, the rest in the medical, mathematical,
physical and life sciences.
No college is tied to any subject. The student resides and studies
at his/her own college. The tutorial is at the core of undergraduate
teaching. Students meet regularly with their college tutor, either
on a one-to-one basis or with one or two other students. On average,
an hour-long tutorial happens every week requiring a considerable
number of hours’ preparatory work for each tutorial, including
background reading, essay-writing and problem-solving. This may be
supplemented by lectures within the University.
The academic year at Oxford University runs from October to June.
The year is divided into three eight week terms, Michaelmas (autumn),
Hilary (spring), and Trinity (summer). |
Visiting
Colleges
Most of the colleges are happy to admit visitors who wish to look
around. However, most are only open in the afternoon for a few hours
and many charge a small fee.
Christ Church
the largest college is the most organised in this respect. The most
interesting and oldest colleges are in the heart of the city.
Official guides are able to take small groups into colleges at times
when the general public cannot enter.
|
|
| The
official walking
tours of Oxford start from the Tourist Centre and are recommended
to make sense of what you are seeing in front of your eyes and providing
an insight to Oxford University everyday life. |
| Oxford
City Centre Visitor Map |
 |
|
| Main
Attractions |
Colleges |
| 1-
Tourist Office |
A-
Christ Church |
N-
Exeter
|
| 2-
History of Science Museum |
B-
Pembroke |
O- Lincoln |
| 3-
Blackwells Bookshop |
C-
Corpus Christi |
|
| 4-
Sheldonian Theatre |
D-
Oriel |
|
| 5-
Bodleian Library |
E-
Merton |
|
| 6-
Bridge Of Sighs |
F-
Magdalen |
|
| 7-
Radliffe Camera |
G-
The Queen's |
|
| 8-
St Mary The Virgin |
H-
New College |
|
| 9-
Covered Market |
I-
All Souls |
|
| 10-
Carfax Tower |
J-
Hertford |
|
| 11-
Christ Church Cathedral |
K-
Trinity |
|
| 12-
Examination Schools |
L-
Balliol |
|
| 13-
Botanic Gardens |
M-
Jesus |
|
|
