Studying in Oxford
Oxford, a town in Oxfordshire county, is rightly nicknamed “the city of dreaming spires”. Victorian poet Matthew Arnold wrote this, inspired by the town's beautiful architecture of Oxford's university buildings, and ever since, this lyrical description has gained popularity. Oxford University is the longest-standing university in the English-speaking world. Hence, throughout the world, Oxford town is mostly known for the University of Oxford, which consistently ranks in the world's top five universities. Oxford Brookes University, also based in the city of Oxford, is a much younger higher education institution known for its innovative teaching approaches, diversity, and inclusivity.
Student life in Oxford
If you plan to immerse yourself in English culture, living in Oxford is a bright idea! No matter which part of the world you come from, you will get along with your new international classmates. Oxford is one of the most international universities in the world. 46% of Oxford's students are foreign citizens, representing over 160 nationalities. Every year, the university welcomes some of the brightest minds from across the globe, making it an ideal place for those looking forward to studying in a prestigious institute but, at the same time, adapting to an international environment and getting out of their comfort zone.
Joining a first-class university may come with many preconceptions and can be intimidating. Besides your personal research, the best way to familiarise yourself with what to expect is to speak to alumni or students who are already in their second or third year. Students coming from big cities may worry about how limiting social life may be in Oxford town. However, that is not true, and student life in Oxford is full of events and happenings throughout the academic year. Also, it's worth looking into the different clubs and societies in Oxford (e.g., South Asian society, LGBTQ, sports clubs, arts societies, reading clubs, etc.) and joining a couple depending on your interests.
Tip:
Post on Expat.com's England forum about your studies in Oxford and connect with like-minded people from your country or other countries.
Last but not least, before the start of the academic year, the university will send students a fresher's pack with a lot of helpful information on student life in Oxford, including opening a UK bank account, navigating the transportation system, finding accommodation, finding part-time work, etc. Make sure you read this booklet because it will answer many questions that may make you nervous. In addition, to expand your social network early on, make an effort (although at the beginning, you may feel intimidated by meeting new people) to attend the welcoming events and introductory sessions and participate in the activities during freshers' week. There, you stand the most chances to meet new people in the UK and make friends.
The best universities in Oxford
There are two universities in Oxford: the University of Oxford, made of 39 colleges, and the more modern Oxford Brookes University. Studying in any of these two higher education institutions guarantees international recognition of your degree and is a vital tool in your hands to enter the job market after graduation. Studying at Oxford is an investment for your career and professional development.
University of Oxford
Although the truth about when the university was founded is still unclear, the evidence goes back to the year 1096, making it the first university in Anglo-Saxon society. Ever since, the university has been home to many outstanding students, including 28 Nobel Prize winners, 27 prime ministers of the United Kingdom, and many heads of state and government around the world. An impressive record so far!
The University of Oxford is steadily ranked among the top ten universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Forbes World University Rankings. Besides, Oxford has more than 26,000 students from over 160 different countries. It has four academic divisions: Human Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences spread across 39 colleges. Magdalen College is one of the biggest Oxford colleges and one with the most impressive architecture. Besides the remarkable buildings, Magdalen College has its deer park with a river running through it. Among the most notable Magdalen College alumni is Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet and playwright.
Good to know:
All students are part of a college. Each college has between one to five hundred students. So, consider Oxford colleges semi-independent communities within the University of Oxford.
Every year, there are around 3,300 places at the University of Oxford.
Tip:
This interactive map shows you how many students are currently enrolled at the University of Oxford from your country.
The road to getting accepted into this prestigious institute is long and challenging. Hence, being well-prepared, determined, and motivated would be best. Firstly, after sending your application form via the UCAS website and before October 15th, you will be asked to pass some tests based on your field of study. If you are curious about which subjects are more likely to require an exam, check the university website for information and guidance on admissions tests. You can take your test in an approved centre, or on your university premises if it is an authorised institution. In addition, many University of Oxford courses require applicants to submit a sample of written work as part of their application for the university to assess their analytical, reasoning, language, and writing skills. Lastly, students are invited for an interview and a conversation about their chosen subject with college representatives.
Important:
The admissions exams begin in November, so you should prepare well.
Good to know:
The University of Oxford pays a lot of attention to interactive learning. Hence, the university has introduced “tutorials”, which are meetings between up to three students and the tutor, aiming to discuss new ideas and develop critical academic skills, such as evaluating different points of view, developing evidence, and sustaining an argument.
Useful links:
Oxford Brookes University
Founded in 1865, Oxford Brookes University is a public university that started as a small art school. The university was renamed in 1992 in honour of its former director, John Henry Brookes. It is ranked among the top 500 universities in the world by both Times Higher Education and QS Top Universities. This university offers various courses ranging from business studies to the building sector. The university's architecture school is one of the largest in Britain. Brookes is also known in the UK for its law studies program. There are also a few sought-after fields, such as robotics and automotive engineering. To have an opportunity to study at Oxford Brookes University, you will have to meet pretty strict criteria. You must have obtained good grades and prove you have good English.
Good to know:
There are more than 140 countries represented at Oxford Brookes University.
Useful links:
Fees, scholarships, and subventions in Oxford
Contrary to what one might think, it is not necessarily more expensive to study at Oxford University than in London, Birmingham, or even Edinburgh. The government sets school fees, and they apply to all universities. Depending on your country of origin, the university will determine whether you will pay home fees (for UK and Irish students) or international fees. EU nationals who don't have settled or pre-settled status in the UK (for more information on this, read Expat.com's article about Settlement in the UK) will most likely be charged overseas fees.
Attention:
It's not likely for your fee status to change once you have enrolled in your course and classes have started. If you enroll on a new course and your circumstances have changed since you started your previous course, your fee status will be re-assessed.
If you qualify for home fees and need help to fund your studies, you can apply to the UK government for a tuition loan. The UK loan system is very responsive: you only have to pay back your loan after graduation and only if your salary exceeds a certain threshold. The amount that must be refunded depends on your earnings. Besides the government loan, several individual grants are available for Oxford University, depending on the courses taken.
Good to know:
If your studies are related to sports, you may be eligible for the Santander sports scholarships — also, the Oxford Brookes University Community Scholarship rewards outstanding students who have overcome personal or social difficulties.
Useful links:
University of Oxford funding opportunities
Oxford Brookes University Community Scholarships
Enrollment in Oxford
The enrollment process begins just before the start of classes. It includes the selection of study subjects, obtaining your student card, and completing some administrative tasks such as registering with the migration authorities, etc. You don't have to worry about this process too much in advance. Once you are accepted into the university and have confirmed your intention to study at the specific university, you will receive clear guidance from your course team regarding the next steps to complete your enrollment. Many universities onboard older students to help freshers with the process and answer their questions. When the process is completed, you should receive a letter of enrollment issued by the university with your name on it.
Attention:
Usually, the deadline for enrollment in UK universities is by mid-October, but it may vary from one university to another. Most universities allow registration via an online portal where you must log in and complete the process.
Good to know:
To complete your enrollment, the university will ask you for documents such as your passport, student visa, academic qualification certificates, proof of fee payments, etc.
