Studying in the prestigious university town of Oxford is a real adventure. The city is home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world, and its rich historical heritage is reflected in the grand architecture of its buildings. It’s also a thriving modern-day cultural hub, with music, theatre, film and sports scenes to keep any student busy outside of lectures.
Which neighbourhoods are Oxford students choosing to call home – and where should you live as an Oxford student?
East Oxford
Iffley Road and Cowley Road are both major streets in the East Oxford area, with varied accommodation and easy transport to nearby campuses (especially Oxford University’s Magdalen and Merton Colleges). The Cowley area is home to a much-loved indie cinema called The Ultimate Picture Palace, as well as music hotspots and eclectic vintage shops students will enjoy
- Point of interest: You’ll find plenty of colourful street art in this neighbourhood – a great opportunity to light up that Instagram feed.
- Headington
- North Oxford
- Jericho
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Headington is also east of the city and has a bohemian, artistic feel to it. In years gone by, it was home to literary greats like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This is a quiet suburban area with a good bus route to the city centre, and quick access to Oxford Brookes.
Point of interest: The Headington Shark is a 25-foot rooftop sculpture that has become an iconic part of Oxford.
Summertown is a neighbourhood north of the city centre. A bustling region with restaurants, shops and supermarkets, it’s also known for being slightly more affordable than the heart of the city – a factor that attracts plenty of students. Summertown is a quick distance from most of the Oxford University buildings.
Point of interest: The Oxford Wine Café is a boutique-style spot where you can enjoy a nice glass of red after a long day.
The city centre is one of the most vibrant areas for Oxford students to live, but it’s also one of the priciest, as well as being further from the universities. Jericho, on the other hand, is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre. It’s a historic industrial area that now attracts an eclectic, artistic crowd of residents. It’s closer to the university buildings and slightly more affordable than the central city.
Point of interest: The Natural Bread Company is an artisan bakery known for its tasty pastries and a social hotspot for local students.
If you’re still deciding where to live in Oxford as a student, contact Fresh to find out more about our affordable accommodation options in key areas of the city.