The top student activities to do at Oxford
1) Visit the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
One of the most beautiful places in Oxford, the Botanical Gardens are home to a plethora of exotic plants, flowers, trees and all of the amazing smells that accompany them. One of the greenhouse roofs even inspired John Tenniel’s illustration of Alice in Wonderland.
Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ
2) Visit Radcliffe Square
This beautiful square is a must visit and sits between the gothic University Church on one side and the Bodleian Library at the other. This is a must visit, especially when your family come to visit.
Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 3BB
3) Visit the 38 colleges of Oxford University.
The colleges of Oxford are a global icon and revered across the world with truly magical architecture on display. You will likely recognise some of these places as they were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter Movies!
Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
4) Go punting at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
We’ve all seen it in Venice but did you know punting was big activity in Oxford? Visit the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and hire traditional punts, rowing boats or pedalos for a day out on the river. You can even hire chauffeured punts if you’re feeling lazy or extra romantic.
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU
5) Attend the Theatre
Oxford has plenty of theatricals on offer, with well known theatre companies such as the New Theatre, the Oxford Playhouse and the Universities own student drama productions putting on shows throughout the year. We highly recommend checking what’s on and attending a few.
New Theatre – 24-26 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG
Oxford Playhouse – 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW
6) Explore the city
Oxford attracts visitors from around the globe largely due to the impressive display of architecture concentrated around the Universities. However there are plenty more hidden gems to be found simply by getting out on foot and exploring the city, check out the Cowley Road Murals near Stockmore Street.
Best ways to make friends at University in Oxford
1) Join your Freshers groups!
An active community of fresher students can be found prior to arriving at University through these online student chat groups available on our website. Discussions range from university courses and student societies to welcome week queries and Oxford freshers nightlife plans.
2) Join a student society.
Keep an eye out at your freshers fair for society recruitment, or alternatively contact them via the student union website. There is usually a society for every imaginable interest and if there isn’t one for what you’re after, you can even pitch to create one!