Oxford student guide

Some advice i collected from older students:

General tips

🛡️ Staying Safe in Oxford – Part 1

💻 Online safety is just as important as staying safe around the city. A few quick tips:

⚠️ Beware of phishing – if an email or message looks suspicious, don’t click the links or download attachments. Careful who you share your personal details with. 🔑 Use your Oxford SSO carefully – only log in on official Oxford University sites (look for .ox.ac.uk). 📱 Protect your accounts – set strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible. 📧 Check senders – scammers sometimes disguise themselves as “University” or “IT support” to trick you.

✅ When in doubt, forward suspicious emails to: phishing@infosec.ox.ac.uk

🎓 Matriculation – what’s that all about?

Matriculation is the ceremony that officially makes you a member of the University of Oxford. Until you matriculate, you are not formally recognised as a student.

📍 The ceremony takes place in the Sheldonian Theatre, usually during your first term. 👔 You must wear sub fusc (Oxford gown, cap, and dark formal clothing). 📸 It is a big photo moment for every student, and you will see groups gathered outside afterwards.

The ceremony itself is short, but it is one of the traditions that makes Oxford unique. Many students look back on it as the moment their Oxford journey truly began.

🏠 JCR / MCR – more than just a room

Every Oxford college has a JCR (Junior Common Room) for undergraduates and an MCR (Middle Common Room) for postgraduates (sometimes it has a different name just as SCR). The name refers both to the student body and to the actual physical space.

🪑 The rooms themselves are usually cosy social spaces with sofas, games, maybe a TV, and often free tea or coffee.

📢 The JCR or MCR is also your student voice in college. Each has an elected committee that organises events, represents you to the college, and helps improve student life.

🤝 Whether you want to get involved in student politics, join in on social events, or just find a chill spot to hang out, the JCR or MCR is a big part of the Oxford experience.

⚠️ When Oxford experiences go bad

Oxford messaging to freshers often feels overly positive. Of course you should be proud to have gotten in, and excited to start your time here. But it is also important to know what to avoid if you want to increase your chances of having a good time.

✨ That is why we are starting a new series of insider tips on what to watch out for. Think of it as the things no one tells you in the brochures, shared so you can steer clear of the common pitfalls.

🔥 When Oxford experiences go bad: Getting caught up in society or club drama

Societies and clubs are an important part of University life that you should engage in. However, this is also where a lot of the drama and issues students experience come from. Wherever you get people socialising you have the opportunity for drama, personality clashes, schemes, and the like.

⚡ Student elections have a history of attracting the extremes, both the well meaning and the very worst people in Oxford. Students have done a great deal of damage to their opponents and to themselves during campaigns. At times the police have even been involved.

📊 On a scale of 1–10, the risk looks something like this:

You may be asking yourself why a scale of 1–10 if the political societies are only 3. That is because the scale includes the Oxford Union at a full 10, which is so extreme that it skews the numbers.

💥 No society has come close to the damage that the Oxford Union has done to students’ experiences at Oxford. Too many have suffered lasting damage to their welfare and reputations. The University will do nothing to help you if your problems stem from the Oxford Union, as it is not a University registered society. (Not that the Proctors have a good reputation anyway, but we will cover that in another post.)

📰 Do not take our word for it. Google the Oxford Union in the student press (OxStu, Cherwell) or in the national press. Simply by being a member you make yourself a target for “hacks” who need your vote to fulfil their electoral desires.

We've made effort to remove Oxford Union committee members from this community to keep you hack safe.

⚠️ When Oxford experiences go bad: Getting caught up in ideological extremes

Oxford attracts some of the best and brightest students. That also makes impressionable young minds tempting targets for ideological groups looking to recruit new members.

🎯 These groups can seem welcoming at first, offering community and purpose. But they often bring pressure to conform, polarised thinking, and conflict that can harm your wellbeing and reputation.

📢 You will see flyposters around the city, and during Freshers’ Week you may notice groups not allowed inside the fair standing outside on the streets, trying to grab your attention and pull you in.

✨ Oxford is full of opportunities to grow, debate, and explore new ideas. Engage widely, but keep your independence, and be cautious of anyone pushing too hard to pull you into their worldview.

🌱 Many of you are in your first year of adulthood. Your views will grow and change as you gain life experience, and you do not want to get caught up in something you later regret.

🚲 When Oxford experiences go bad: Your nice bike will probably get stolen

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Oxford, but bike theft is a constant problem. Even if you lock it up properly, thieves target expensive bikes and good locks are not always enough.

⚠️ A few tips to reduce your risk:

Even with precautions, theft is very common. Most students accept that an old, slightly scruffy bike is the safest option.

✨ A reliable, “not too shiny” second-hand bike is often the smartest investment you can make here.

👮 Expect the police to do nothing, even if you have CCTV or phone recordings of the person stealing your bike.

⚠️ When Oxford experiences go bad: Drug addicts vs homeless beggars

You will be targeted by people asking for money, particularly in the city centre and along Cowley Road. It helps to understand the different groups you may encounter:

🚷 Drug addicts posing as homeless The prime begging spots with heavy footfall are usually controlled by drug users. They move around, approach people on foot, and defend these spots aggressively, which prevents genuine homeless people from using them. They can become hostile, especially between terms when there are fewer students. Please do not give money to them.

🪧 Professional beggars Further out, such as outside St John’s or St Giles, you will often see people with small signs sitting on the ground. These individuals have homes and come to Oxford because they can make more begging here than from regular work. Please do not give money to them.

🛌 Genuinely homeless Those who are genuinely homeless are usually found around Little Clarendon Street or St Ebbe’s Street, and you will see them sleeping rough. They rarely ask directly for money.

🙏 We know this is an emotive issue and that opinions differ on whether to give. The advice above is based on guidance shared in discussion with local police officers.

Saying something like "I don't carry cash" is usually quite effective. If they threaten you please do not give in as it only encourages them to be aggressive to other people.

😈 When Oxford experiences go bad: The Sociopaths

Elite institutions like Oxford are attractive to sociopaths for a variety of reasons. Status, connections, and opportunities to gain influence can all draw them in.

⚠️ How common are they? Genuine sociopaths are rare, but Oxford has relatively more of them than average.

👀 What to watch out for:

🏛️ Why are they so attracted to the Union?

Cutthroat internal politics: Union elections are notorious for wheeling, dealing, backstabbing, and smear campaigns. For most students this is stressful or disillusioning. For a sociopath, it is fun. They thrive in environments where ruthlessness is normalised.

Reward structure: The cost of burning bridges, exploiting allies, or being two-faced does not bother sociopaths. They lack the guilt that keeps others in check.

Culture fit: The Union has a long history of tolerating and even celebrating ruthless behaviour as “savvy politics.” That gives sociopaths cover, since their behaviour looks like ambition rather than pathology.

While good people find the Union’s toxic environment unbearable, sociopaths thrive on it and take great pleasure in their cruel games.

✨ Remember: most students you meet are genuine, kind, and supportive. But being aware of this pattern helps you protect yourself from the small minority who are not.

💔 Welfare and support services

Whilst the Proctors have consistently shown themselves unfit for purpose, the University does try to make up for it through a wide range of welfare services that many students rely on.

🧑‍⚕️ Free counselling service – accessed by a high proportion of students at some point during their degree 🏫 College welfare teams – your first line of support within your own college ⚖️ Sexual violence support service – confidential advice and specialist support 📋 Reported Students service – confidential emotional and practical support for students who have been reported or accused of misconduct, whether or not a formal complaint is made 📞 Nightline – a student-run, confidential listening service open overnight during term 📱 Samaritans – a 24/7 national helpline if you need someone to talk to 🧑‍⚕️ Occupational Health Service – helps with adjustments if you are affected by medical or mental health conditions 🌍 JCR and MCR welfare officers – elected peers who can listen, signpost support, and often provide welfare events and supplies 🌸 Peer Support Programme – students trained by the Counselling Service to provide confidential listening in colleges 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ support – from the SU’s campaign, peer groups, and dedicated college welfare officers ⛪ Chaplains and faith societies – pastoral support open to people of all or no faith 📝 Oxford SU Student Advice Service – independent advice on welfare, academic, and disciplinary issues 🌙 Oxford Safe Haven – evening support service run by the NHS and Mind for people in crisis (no referral needed)

🌟 Imposter Syndrome at Oxford

Almost every student at Oxford feels it at some point: “I don’t really belong here… they must have made a mistake admitting me”. You might even worry you will get an email saying it was all a mistake, or that if you slip up, break a rule, or get into trouble, you will be “found out” and kicked out. This is called imposter syndrome, and most people experience it.

✨ The truth is, if you are here, it is because you earned your place. Oxford chooses students based on potential as well as achievement, and you bring something valuable that no one else does. Honestly, and please do not take this as a reason to stop working hard, but it actually takes a lot to get yourself kicked out.

💡 What helps:

🤝 You deserve to be here. Oxford would not be the same without you. You need to work hard, but people make mistakes, and things happen in people lives, and the University is aware of that. You'll be just fine ☺️

🤝 Finding your people

When people arrive at Oxford for the first time, it is natural to feel nervous about fitting in. Everyone takes a different approach to making friends.

👯 Different strategies On one end of the scale, some students form a small group of close friends and stick with them throughout uni. On the other end, some join a wide mix of groups and keep their circles very diverse.

🥚 Balance helps It is usually best not to put all your eggs in one basket. A balance often works well. If you find you're no longer vibing with one group, you can spent more time with others.

✨ So many choices Oxford has an incredible range of societies and clubs, so you will almost certainly find like-minded people. If not, you can just start your own.

📚 Avoid echo chambers Try not to build a social circle where you only hear voices like your own. That can distort your perspective and limit your growth. It is like reading the same book over and over. You will gain far more from reading different books.

🌱 People grow at different rates Some may seem very mature while others are still figuring things out. That is perfectly normal. Everyone is on their own path, and Oxford is a place where people grow in different ways and at different speeds.

🌟 Friends change Your friends will change during your time here, and that is perfectly normal. You will grow, they will grow, and sometimes you will grow in different directions. That is not a failure. It is part of the Oxford experience, and new connections will keep opening up.

🌀 The usual pattern In the first few weeks almost everyone is friendly and approachable. As time goes on some stay that way, others form little cliques. It can feel a bit awkward tbh, but that is just how some people cope. If you ever feel stuck in a clique and it feels uncomfortable, it is completely fine to branch out. You will always be able to find new friends at Oxford.

🌍 Enjoy the variety The beauty of Oxford is the mix of people you meet: from your college, your course, and the societies you join. Lean into that. Your future best friends may come from unexpected places.

🚲 Cycling in Oxford explained

Cycling Oxford is a city made for bikes. The streets are narrow, parking is limited, and most places you’ll need to go are just 5–10 minutes away. Many students pick up a cheap second-hand bike when they arrive (check Facebook groups, bike shops, or noticeboards). Rentals are also an option if you’re here short-term. If you’re lucky, your college might run its own bike scheme.

Safety Always use a strong D-lock – bike theft is common. Stick to well-lit routes at night and always use lights (it’s the law, and the police will stop you eventually if you don’t – plus it’s much safer). Helmets aren’t mandatory but are definitely a smart idea.

⚠️ Quick tips

🍷 Drinking at Oxford explained

Culture A lot of Oxford social life involves alcohol. Pubs, college bars, crewdates, and balls often have drinking at the centre. For some students it’s a big part of the experience. But plenty of people don’t drink, and it’s completely possible to enjoy Oxford without it.

Pressure You may feel surrounded by alcohol, but you never have to join in. Saying “I don’t drink” is more common than you might expect, and most people will respect it. You’ll also find groups of friends and societies where drinking is not the focus.

Safety At big events like balls, drinking can get out of hand and ambulances are sometimes called. That doesn’t mean you can’t be there. Going sober often means you are the most clear-headed person in the room. You never ever want to be the person that's blind drunk and taken away in an ambulance, it's not a good look, so if you plan on drinking and you aren't used to is take is steady!

⚠️ Quick tips

🤯 FOMO at Oxford explained

🙋 Feeling left out With so much happening in Oxford, from balls and formals to plays, concerts, talks and crewdates, it is impossible to do everything. Many students feel like they are constantly missing out, especially when their friends are posting about events they did not go to.

🔎 Reality check Everyone feels FOMO at some point. Oxford has too many opportunities for anyone to do them all. Most people only share the highlights, not the quieter nights in. Missing things is normal and unavoidable.

🌱 What helps Focus on the events and people that matter most to you. A smaller number of meaningful experiences is worth more than burning out trying to attend everything.

⚠️ Quick tips

Life will always have opportunities to go out and party, that can't be said for an Oxford degree. Have fun, but not at the expense of what really matters.

🚫 How to throw away your Oxford opportunity

💊 Drugs Getting caught with illegal drugs can lead to disciplinary action, police involvement, or even expulsion. It is not worth the risk.

🚨 Sexual misconduct Any kind of harassment, assault, or disrespectful behaviour has serious consequences. Oxford takes this very seriously, and it can end your degree as well as harm others.

🍻 Partying too hard Nights out are part of student life, but constant heavy drinking or neglecting your work can spiral quickly. Ambulances at balls are sadly not unusual. Moderation is key if you want to enjoy Oxford and still succeed.

📉 Other risks Cheating in exams, repeated plagiarism, or ignoring academic work can all jeopardise your place. Colleges expect you to take your studies seriously.

⚠️ Quick tips

🗳️ The Oxford Union hack explained

🕴️ What a hack is At Oxford, a “hack” is someone who spends huge amounts of time networking, campaigning, and politicking within student societies. At the Union, hacks run for office, build alliances, and compete fiercely for committee roles.

🤝 Fake friendships Whilst you have probably met people who pretend to be your friend to get something they want, hacks take this to the extreme. It can be upsetting to realise your new friend is only “hacking” you for your vote because you are a Union member.

🚫 Non-members To a hack, non-members are “a waste of time.” If you are not in the Union, you can go about your student life without hack messages, hack politics, or hack dramas.

☠️ Toxic culture The hacks create a toxic environment at the Union with backstabbing and rumour spreading. Even those who join with good intentions often find themselves desperate to leave and distance themselves from Union politics.

⚠️ Quick tips

🐀 The Rats of Oxford explained

🏙️ Where you see them Rats are part of city life in Oxford, just like in any old university town. You might spot them near bins, by the river, or late at night around college grounds.

😬 Why they are common Food waste from students, overflowing bins after nights out, and the maze of old buildings all make perfect conditions. Pigeons and squirrels get more attention in the day, but rats are the night shift.

🧹 How to avoid them You will rarely have to deal with rats directly, but good habits help. Keep food sealed in your room, throw rubbish away properly, and do not leave snacks lying around in kitchens.

🎶 How to mesmerise them Oxford rats cannot resist music. If you feel like starting a rodent parade, try your luck with a flute or clarinet. Such instruments can be “borrowed” from the music department. If you lead them to the river Cherwell they will swim around and perform a rare water dance if you play something like Bach in E-flat major. Do not take them to the Thames as the current is too strong and you will lose them.

⚠️ Quick tips

🔵 What is an Oxford Blue?

🏅 The award An Oxford Blue is one of the highest honours in Oxford sport. It is given to students who represent the University in top-level Varsity competitions against Cambridge.

⚽ Levels Some sports award a “Full Blue” to those who compete at the highest level and a “Half Blue” to strong performers who do not quite meet the full criteria. Each sport sets its own rules.

🎩 The prestige Blues sport is steeped in tradition, with Varsity matches going back to the 1800s. Having a Blue is a mark of excellence, and it carries weight in Oxford culture.

⚠️ Quick tips

More details are here: https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/blues-awards

🗝️ Porters explained

👮 Who they are Porters are the staff who look after the entrances, lodge, and general running of your college. They know everyone, keep the place secure, and often have decades of Oxford experience.

🧰 What they do Porters handle keys, parcels, lost property, and visitor access. They are the first point of call if you are locked out, sick, or need to report a problem. In many ways, they keep college life ticking along smoothly behind the scenes.

🙂 Why they matter Porters can make your life much easier. They will help you out of awkward situations, keep an eye on your welfare, and sometimes even offer friendly advice or a much-needed laugh. Students often say that Porters are the unsung heroes of Oxford. Others can be… a little grumpy to say the least.

⚠️ Quick tips

📚 Collections explained

📝 What they are Collections are exams that most students sit at the start of each term. They usually test the work from the previous term and give tutors a sense of how you are doing.

📊 Why they matter Collections do not count towards your final degree, but they can shape how tutors see your progress. Doing well is a confidence boost, while struggling can be a useful early warning.

😴 The reality Because they fall right after the vacation, many students do not revise as much as they planned. Results vary widely, and tutors usually know that students are still finding their rhythm.

⚠️ Quick tips

🧑‍🎓 Tutorials explained

📚 What they are Tutorials, or “tutes,” are the heart of Oxford teaching. They are small classes, often just you and one or two other students, discussing your essay or problem sheet with a tutor who is an expert in the field.

🧠 What to expect You will usually write an essay or complete a problem set before each tutorial. Then you meet your tutor to discuss it in detail. They will question your arguments, challenge your reasoning, and push you to think more deeply. It can feel intense at first, but it is how real learning happens.

💬 How to handle them It is normal to feel nervous, especially early on. The key is preparation and honesty. Tutors value curiosity more than perfection, so ask questions and admit when you do not understand something.

⚠️ Quick tips

📬 Pigeonholes explained

📦 What they are Every student in Oxford has a pigeonhole, or “pidge,” at their college. It is a small mail slot where you receive letters, parcels, and the occasional mysterious flyer.

🏛️ Where to find them Pigeonholes are usually in the Porters’ Lodge or a nearby corridor. The Porters sort the post into them daily, and you can collect your mail whenever the lodge is open.

📨 What you get You might find official college letters, Amazon parcels, essays returned by tutors, or random society leaflets. During exam season, some colleges even deliver small treats or notes of encouragement through pidges.

⚠️ Quick tips

What to do

Oxford Botanic Garden is well worth a visit

Opposite Magdalen College on the High Street, the garden has the Cherwell river winding past it making for a very pleasant visit on a summer's day. The best part is that you can get in for free with your BOD Card! Last entry is 4pm. https://obga.ox.ac.uk/visit-garden

💪 Oxford Gyms – which one is for you?

🏊 Iffley Road Sports Centre is Oxford’s official sports hub. It has a great pool and courts, but the gym itself is often busy and not the best equipped.

🏫 If you’re lucky, your college might have a decent gym. Still, if you want to train with friends from outside your college, you’ll probably end up joining a gym in the city centre.

🏋️ The two main student favourites are:

BuzzGym (Westgate) – better equipment, but more expensive and busier

PureGym (Westgate) – cheaper, still open 24/7, but keep an eye on changing room hours

🌿 If you’re up in Summertown, there’s also the Nuffield Gym (not to be confused with the college in the centre). It has its own pools, gym, courts, steam room and sauna. The catch? Even the student rate will set you back £80+ a month 😲

⛪ College Chapels and Choirs

Almost every college has its own chapel, and many hold regular services such as Evensong. These are a big part of Oxford life and are worth experiencing at least once.

🎶 Some chapels have highly competitive choirs that are among the best in the world. Attending a service means you get to enjoy world-class music in a beautiful, historic setting.

🕯️ You don’t need to be religious to go. Many students attend for the quiet atmosphere, time to reflect, or simply to enjoy the music and tradition.

✨ Whether you’re looking for a moment of calm, a way to connect with Oxford’s history, or just to hear some stunning choral singing, chapel services are open to all.

You're not restricted to your colleges chapel service, you're free to attend any of the services, and so are members of the public. Plenty of students take their family when they visit.

🌈 Plush Oxford

Plush is Oxford’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ nightclub, and it’s a staple of the city’s nightlife. 🪩✨

🎶 You’ll find student club nights, guest DJs, and themed events throughout the year. It’s especially popular with Oxford’s LGBTQ+ societies, but everyone is welcome.

📍 Plush is located near Frewin Court (just off Cornmarket Street) right in the centre of the city.

💡 It’s small compared to some clubs in other cities, but the atmosphere is friendly, inclusive, and usually packed on student nights.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/plushoxford/

🥙 What’s this Najar’s everyone keeps talking about?

Najar’s is one of Oxford’s most famous food spots. It is a small takeaway near St John's college that has earned legendary status among students.

🌯 The menu is simple but beloved, with falafel wraps, salads, mezzes, and more, all made fresh and affordable. ⏱ Opening hours are typically 8 am to 8 pm (sometimes until 9 pm), so it is not a late-night spot. 👂 You will often hear “you want falafel?” as you pass a long queue of students waiting for their order.

Chances are Najar’s will become a must-visit for a tasty daytime wrap.

📚 Oxford Libraries – where can students go to study and do research?

Oxford students have access to one of the most impressive library systems in the world. Here are the main types of libraries you can use:

1️⃣ Bodleian Libraries There are more than 25 central Bodleian libraries, including the Old Bodleian, Radcliffe Camera, Weston Library, Radcliffe Science Library, Social Science Library, Taylor Institution, and many more. Your University card gives you access. Most are reference only, so you read and study inside rather than borrow.

2️⃣ College libraries Every college has its own library, usually open late and stocked with the key books for your subject. These are the most convenient for daily studying if you're living at college. You need to be a member of the college to access (unless a member of the college takes you in).

3️⃣ Faculty and department libraries These focus on specific subjects and are essential when you need more specialised resources.

4️⃣ SOLO catalogue SOLO is the online search tool that covers Bodleian, college, and faculty libraries in one place.

✨ Between these options, you will always find a place to study or the resources you need. Exploring different libraries is one of the best parts of Oxford life.

🍻 When students say “Spoons” they aren’t talking about the cutlery!

In Oxford, “Spoons” means Wetherspoons, the budget-friendly pub chain that is hugely popular with students.

💷 Cheap drinks and food make it a classic pre-drinks or casual dinner spot. 📍 Oxford actually has two Spoons: The Four Candles on George Street and The Swan & Castle in Westgate. 👯 You will often see big student groups there before nights out, or just enjoying a relaxed pint and some chips.

It is also one of the few places where town and gown mix. There is some history behind that which we will cover in a future post...

It might not be glamorous, but Spoons is part of the Oxford student experience.

🛍️ The Covered Market

Right in the heart of Oxford, the Covered Market has been around since the 1770s and is still one of the city’s busiest spots.

🥪 You’ll find student favourites like Brown’s Café, Pieminister, Sasi’s Thai, and the legendary Ben’s Cookies. 🛒 There are also butchers, greengrocers, florists, and quirky gift shops, so it is not just for food. 📸 It is one of the most photogenic parts of Oxford, with colourful stalls and old-world charm.

Many students stop by for a cheap lunch, a snack between lectures, or just to wander through with friends. It is a classic Oxford hangout you will get to know well.

🏃 Oxford Runs

Running is one of the best ways to clear your head and enjoy the beauty of Oxford. The city is full of scenic routes that take you past rivers, meadows, and historic colleges.

🌳 Popular routes:

🏅 Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9 am, and Oxford has two options:

Both are free, timed 5k runs open to everyone, and they are a great way to meet fellow runners.

👟 Many colleges have their own running clubs, and there are University-wide clubs if you want more structure or training partners.

✨ Whether you are chasing a time, training for the Town and Gown 10k, or just looking for a mindful jog, Oxford is a runner’s paradise.

🍽️ Crewdate and Shoey explained

Crewdate A crewdate is a loud, messy student social where two groups meet for food and drinks. Often it is sports teams or societies getting together. Expect lots of singing, drinking games, dares, and general chaos. The point is bonding and having fun, not a quiet dinner. If you don't like that sort of thing it's best to avoid it.

Shoey A shoey is a drinking dare where someone pours alcohol into a shoe and drinks from it. It is a silly, gross stunt that sometimes happens at crewdates or sports socials. You do not have to take part. It is totally fine to sit it out and watch.

⚠️ Quick tips

🎉 Oxford Balls explained

💃 What they are Balls are some of the biggest and most glamorous student events in Oxford. Colleges host them once every few years, ranging from smaller white tie affairs to huge themed nights with music, food, and entertainment until dawn.

🥂 The vibe Think gowns, black tie or white tie, champagne on arrival, live bands, DJs, and fairground rides. There is food throughout the night, from three-course dinners to late-night bacon rolls. It is a surreal mix of elegance and chaos.

💸 The cost Tickets are expensive, usually between £80 and £250 depending on the scale - but can go much higher. Guest tickets are even more. Sometimes you can pay extra to have a dinner at the start of the ball. You'll most likely end up going to some balls, so it's a good idea to get your black tie or gowns sorted well in advance as in the run up to a large ball high demand can make it hard to buy or hire.

⚠️ Quick tips

🍦 G&D’s Ice Cream explained

🏠 What it is G&D’s is an Oxford institution. Started by students in the 1990s, it has grown into a small local chain with a few cafés around the city. Each has a cosy, slightly chaotic vibe that students love.

🍨 Why it matters The ice cream is homemade with loads of flavours that change regularly. They also do bagels, cakes, milkshakes and coffee, so it is more than just a dessert stop.

🌙 When to go Open late into the night, G&D’s is the perfect spot after an evening in the library, post-formal, or just for a late hangout with friends.

⚠️ Quick tips

🎡 May Morning explained

🌅 What it is May Morning is one of Oxford’s most famous traditions. At dawn on 1 May, crowds gather on Magdalen Bridge to hear the Magdalen College choir sing from the top of the tower. The celebration marks the arrival of spring.

🍻 The vibe It is part magical, part chaotic. Thousands of students and locals turn out. Some stay up all night from parties, others wake up early just for the event. Pubs open at 6 am, bands play in the streets, and the whole city feels alive.

🏊 The jump In past years, some students leapt from Magdalen Bridge into the river. It became a tradition, though now it is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. The Cherwell is shallow, and people have been injured. These days, police and barriers usually prevent it.

⚠️ Quick tips