Visiting Oxford University

What To Expect When Coming To Oxford To See The Colleges

Typical Oxford College Courtyard
Typical Oxford College Courtyard

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.

Oxford University History

In 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University's tradition of international scholarly links.

Oxford Overview
Oxford University
Christ Church Oxford
Oxford City Centre
Blenheim Palace
 
Oxford Walking Tours
Hop On Hop Off Bus
Getting To Oxford
Public Transport
Day Tours From London
Within An Hour
Stratford Upon Avon
Cotswolds
Windsor
Stonehenge

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 Oxford 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 Map Showing Main Places of Interest
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 Collegen
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