Tips for Oxford
Cultural “to-dos”
If all roads lead to Rome, everything important started in Oxford. From the Ashmolean to the Science Museum, Oxford houses an array of world famous pieces of art and science. Take advantage of all Oxford has to offer and add a dose of culture to your academic studies.
Museums
| Ashmolean Museum | Admission: free |
| Museum of Natural History | Admission: free |
| Botanic Gardens | Admission: free |
Food
Have you eaten a kebab? A student favorite of Oxford, the kebab vans come out in the evening and offer cheap and great Indian food (and the only thing open late). Equivalent to a Taco King or Donut Man run!
Pick up the Oxford lingo:
- You will probably refer to the Bodleian library by its full name on your first day. After that, you will fondly remember it as “the Bod,” as well as the “Rad Cam,” instead of the Radcliffe Camera.
- If you are fortunate enough to be inducted into New College, you will learn that it is simply called “New.”
- Everything in Oxford revolves around your college; if you live within the college walls, you live “in college.” You eat “in hall” and you head “to college.” The library, however, will always be the library.
Colleges to Visit
You might not believe this once you are inducted into your college, but there are other colleges worth a visit. Each Oxford College has its own unique reputation and history. Some are simply quaint and peaceful; others are monuments of architecture and art.
Christ Church College: Visit the only Cathedral in Oxford and the impressive dining hall.
Magdalen College: (pronounced MAHdlen) College chapel contains a full-size replica of da Vinci’s Last Supper. With 100 acres of landscape and grounds, Magdalen College has its own deer!
St. Johns College: If they’re famous, most likely they graduated from St. Johns, including Britain’s Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
New College: The old city wall (c. 12th century) runs right through the middle of New College. The college chapel and cloisters are world famous and worth exploring. During term, take the opportunity to hear the New College choir during their Evensong service.
Best Bird’s Eye View
| St. Mary’s Church tower | Admission: £1.50 |
| Carfax Tower (St. Martin’s Church) | Admission: not known |
City of Oxford “to-do's”
Oxford is known for its oddities, quirky traditions and unique student population. While in Oxford, you have the opportunity to take part in several of these activities and see what it is like to be an Oxford student (when you visit Cambridge, you will understand).
University Parks
Port Meadow: Horses running free in your own backyard! Only a few minutes walk from your flat, Port Meadow is a great place to exercise or just clear your head from tutorials.
Punting: Why punt on the Cam when you can punt on the Thames? Popular during fair weather, punting is a favorite pastime of students. Just watch out for rowing eights who just might use you as target practice!
Attend a Debate: If you have the opportunity to attend a debate in the Oxford Union as a guest of a member, do it! Debates are known for their age old traditions and famous participants. Lectures are also available and are usually free admission.
Evensong: Evensong services are offered nearly every night either at New College or Christ Church College. For Christ Church, the Sunday service is usually more popular. If you have a free evening, attend New’s before formal hall. Both colleges have renowned choirs.
High Tea: There are a number of nice, small cafes or restaurants to have tea. A favorite is the garden behind St. Mary’s University Church. If there are any habits you will pick up from Oxford, a new love for tea will probably be one of them.
Oxford Playhouse: Although London is only an hour and a half away by bus, Oxford offers its own quality theater culture.
Student Tip:
Once you become familiar with the city, start taking the side roads; small cobblestone
alleyways are often the coolest parts of Oxford. I was once shown the back entrance
to my college, by far the best walk ever.
Best Resource for events, jobs, restaurant reviews, items for sale, etc:
Oxford Daily Info – www.dailyinfo.co.uk
Extracurricular “to-dos”
You will discover that the Tutorial system affords quite a bit of free time on your hands. The best way to get to know the culture you live in is to get involved. There are a variety of opportunities in Oxford; you will have no trouble finding something that interests you, maybe even try something new!
College Intramurals
Because of the college system, “intramural” sports are usually played college against college. One of the more popular sports is rowing (or crew), with the opportunity to participate in the annual end of term races. Other sports APU students have participated in have been rugby, volleyball, netball, and football (or soccer).
The Arts
Past APU Oxford students have participated in their college choirs or auditioned for a play. If you enjoy music, the Jericho Tavern has a weekly jazz night that is worth attending.
Christian Union
Most colleges have a Christian Union (similar to InterVarsity Fellowship).
Other Opportunities
Take dance lessons, attend a hip hop class, volunteer for one of the many charities, try fencing, or join a club!
Favorites
Student Favorites
The King’s Arms: a tourist favorite as well, it is in close proximity to the Bodleian and your college. The King’s Arms has a great selection of food; try their pizza!
Old Bookbinders: throw peanuts on the floor and play scrabble in this small and cozy pub near your flat in Jericho. A favorite of students, it’s away from the tourist-frequented areas.
The Turf: You will probably have to ask someone who knows where it is. It is nicely hidden off an alleyway near New College. The Turf offers outside fireplaces that are great for s’mores or just keeping warm in the winter.
| Restaurants | Cheap Food |
| Jamals Frevd Gardener’s Arms (vegetarian) |
Pepper’s Burgers and Meltz to Go are both on Walton St., a quick walk from your flat. |
Taking Care of Business
| Groceries | Clothes |
| Co-Op Sainsbury’s (Westgate Shopping Center) Tesco Gloucester Green Farmer’s Market |
Westgate Shopping Center Debenhams Express Next |
Money
ATMs are everywhere and almost all will take your bank card if there is a major credit card logo on it. Although most of the ATMs do not charge a fee, your home bank most likely will. There are a couple of currency exchanges that do not charge commission; try to avoid banks for exchanges.
Phone
Your house phone only covers local calls. International phone cards are highly recommended, and although your cell phone company might offer international plans, they can still be expensive. It is possible to purchase an inexpensive go phone or exchange your SIM card. Webcam and Skype are also valuable and free communication tools.
Tips for Tutorials
- As an associate student, your access to the university libraries is limited. While you have full access to your college library, the Bodleian, Radcliffe Camera, and subject-specific libraries (i.e. Social Science Library) will only allow you in at certain times. Since you cannot borrow books from the library, you should plan out a schedule for library times at the beginning of the week.
- Do not wait until the day before your tutorial to ask your tutor for help. Many tutors work through email and are happy to answer your questions, but you will be unlikely to get a response so late; or, the response you receive will require more research.
- Always be prepared for a discussion in your tutorial. There are not 30 students to hide behind if you forget to do the reading. Your tutor will expect you to have done the reading and be ready to discuss it.
- If you are interested in exploring a certain area of your subject, tell your tutor! Chances are he or she will allow you to write your next essay on that. Tutors are there as guides; you are in control of your education.
- If your tutor offers feedback on past papers, be sure to heed their advice! They will mark you on improvement and ability to grasp ideas already discussed.
