Study in Oxford

Oxford sits around 56 miles northwest of London, at the point where the River Thames and River Cherwell meet. It’s home to the University of Oxford, founded in the 11th or 12th century, and the relationship between the university and the city is closer and older here than almost anywhere else in the UK. StudyUKToday works with two real universities in Oxford.

What Oxford Is Actually Like

Oxford earned its nickname, “the city of dreaming spires,” from a skyline shaped by centuries of college architecture, spanning nearly every period of English building style, and landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Radcliffe Camera are as much a part of the city’s identity as any single tourist attraction. The historic Covered Market and the mix of museums, galleries and theatres give the centre a genuinely lived-in feel alongside its academic reputation, and punting on the Thames and Cherwell remains a popular way for students to spend an afternoon.

Beyond the university, Oxford has a growing technology and research sector, so the city isn’t purely historic: modern research institutions and startups sit alongside centuries-old college buildings. Getting around is straightforward, with strong rail links to London and the rest of the country, an extensive bus network including one of the UK’s largest park and ride systems, and notably high rates of cycling among residents and students alike.

Studying in Oxford

Oxford is home to two real universities StudyUKToday works with here: the University of Oxford itself, and Oxford Brookes University, a separate, modern institution with its own courses and admissions process. These are genuinely distinct universities with different entry requirements, so it’s worth being clear early on which one, and which course, you’re actually applying to.

Oxford’s cost of living is higher than many UK cities outside London, reflecting strong demand for accommodation in a relatively compact, historic centre, so it’s worth checking current figures directly with your chosen university.

How StudyUKToday Helps

Whichever Oxford university and course you’re aiming for, our services stay the same: course selection, university matching, document review, application support, and offer acceptance guidance, working toward the same UK university application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University the same thing?

No. They’re two separate, independent universities in the same city, with different admissions processes, courses and entry requirements. StudyUKToday can help with an application to either.

Is Oxford expensive to live in?

Generally more expensive than many UK cities outside London, largely due to strong demand for a relatively small, historic centre. Check current figures directly with your university’s accommodation office.

What is Oxford known for?

Being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, its distinctive “dreaming spires” skyline of college architecture, and a close, centuries-old relationship between the university and the city itself.

Do I need exceptional grades to study in Oxford?

Entry requirements vary significantly between the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, and between individual courses. Check the specific requirements for your course directly with the university, rather than assuming one standard applies to the whole city.