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Oxford city guide: student life

Things to do in Oxford

Oxford is a city seeped in culture and history. Wandering round the city you’ll find buildings in every style of English architecture.

Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is one of the most architecturally impressive cities in England. 

Did you know this city has published more authors per square km than any other place in the globe? That includes: Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, CS Lewis, writer of The Chronicles of Narnia, and JRR Tolkien, creator of The Lord of the Rings world. If that was not enough, many scenes of the Harry Potter saga were filmed in Oxford. 

Experience the welcoming buzz Oxford has to offer, from river cruises and exploring the many bars and restaurants in the city centre. Aparto [residence name] is nestled on the trendy Cowley Road with easy access to university and everything the city has to offer.

 

Restaurants

Take your pick from a range of cuisines to suit all taste pallets. From tasty Thai food to sourdough pizza, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our top picks:

Oli’s Thai

Delicious food in a cute setting and super cheap too! Tip – book in advance.

Arbequina

Tasty tapas, it’s impossible to order badly. A great shout for dinner with friends and located on the trendy Cowley road.

Atomic burger

If you’re a fan of comic books and burgers, then this one’s for you! Gaze up at the ceiling and witness a crawling spiderman. Milkshakes are also awesome FYI.

The White Rabbit

Pub and pizza? Yes please. The White Rabbit has you covered with an eclectic menu of the pizza options of dreams.

The Alice 

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this restaurant is seasonally driven, largely supporting local farmers! 

 

Bars and clubs

Oxford is spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife and the vibrant Cowley Road and city centre can be easily reached from [residence name]. Here are a few top picks to keep you entertained.

Mad Hatters

Quirky cocktail bar for a fun filled tea party. Do you have the secret password to enter?

Bullingdon

Amazing live music venture and home to the best DJ sets in town. Also does great cocktails.

The Tap Social Movement

Excellent craft beers and community space for live music, art, and charity fundraisers.

The Bear Inn

Small but mighty and perhaps the oldest pub in Oxford, The Bear Inn opened up in 1242! 

 

Culture and history

The best way to soak up the cultural delights of Oxford is to go punting on the river. This is a must for any Oxford newbie and you’ll be able to get the best views of the city as you glide along the beautiful river bank.

The are numerous museums you can visit if you want to wind down from lectures and take a break from the pub. From the Ashmolean museum where you can discover half a million years of art and archaeology, from Egyptian mummies to modern art, to the Pitt Rivers museum, full of weird and wonderful artefacts.

If you are a fiction enthusiast, explore the city and participate in a Harry Potter, CS Lewis or Tolkien walking tour! 

 

Green spaces

Get the benefit of city living but also switch off with a visit to one of the man scenic spaces Oxford has to offer.  Christ Church Meadow is a beautiful riverside walk and home to a Botanic garden which is the oldest in Britain. A stunning setting to get lost in for an afternoon.

South Park & Headington Hill Park is the largest park in Oxford and also home to many open air concerts in the warmer months.

Oxford is an amazing destination for any student, don’t forget to check out aparto The Spireworks for modern & stylish accommodation in the city centre.