The life of a student in Oxford, United Kingdom by Rianne

What is it like to live in Oxford? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is amazing to live near Oxford city centre! On a beautiful day, I love to explore the beautiful architecture and old buildings, including the Radcliffe camera and university buildings. There are numerous hidden gems in the city centre, including places to sip bubble tea, dance in nightclubs, or even look at ancient artefacts at the Pitt Rivers museum! If sight-seeing isn't really your thing, the newly opened Westgate centre will certainly be an enjoyment, with many popular shops such as H&M, T2, and Primark, it is incredibly easy to spend hours there... Oxford is such a beautiful, historic, and lively place with lovely people, every trip there is a pleasure.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oxford?

As a former student just outside of Oxford, I regularly visited the city centre for school supplies, nightclubbing, or even lunch. Paperchase, Rymans, and Waterstones are amazing for the former, while The Oxford Kitchen, the Trout, and Pierre Victoire are my favourite lunch/dinner spots. As for nightclubbing, it's often difficult to pick a spot since there are so many to choose from! Students' favourites include: Atik, Bridge, Purple Turtle, and Plush.

How much does it cost to live in Oxford?

Transport may be slightly costly if you are travelling from outside of the centre. As someone who lives in Bicester, the bus from there would normally cost from around £5 for a return to the city centre. Meanwhile, a train would cost around £3 for a return from Bicester.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is unbeatable in Oxford! From small snack spots serving bubble tea, cafe food, and dim sum dotted around the centre, to fast-food places such as McDonald's or Burger King, or KFC, quick dining is numerous in Oxford. The new Westgate centre has its own food court called the 'Social', including a fish & chips place, a burger joint, and Indian street wraps, as well as an Itsu. If you are looking for a more scenic lunch or dinner, pubs are scattered close to the city centre, including: the Trout, Jacob's Inn, and the Perch with beautiful outdoor seating and scenic views of the Oxford countryside - my personal favourite is the fish and chips from the Trout! However, if you are not feeling too adventurous but still hungry, chain restaurants also are close in Oxford, such as Prezzo, Zizzi, GMK, Nando's, and Wagamama.

What places would you recommend visiting in Oxford?

All of the popular, old buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church (the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films! ), and the Bridge of Sighs. I always tell everyone that punting along the river Cherwell is a must, and to bring someone else to do the punting for you! Another favourite is the Covered Market, where there are plenty of food shops, as well as perfect Instagram opportunities! For all my shopping needs I go to the Westgate, as a new centre the facilities are beautiful. The Westgate is perfect for a cocktail or two as well, boasting stunning rooftop bars and even a faux-grass seating area. Just remember to visit the Junkyard crazy golf before having those cocktails, otherwise the neon lights and crazy props will have you feeling dizzy! The Curzon cinema is a favourite amongst cinephiles and those craving a milkshake or pizza or even a beer while watching their film! Just a stone's throw from the Curzon are restaurants such as Mowgli, Pho, and my personal favourite, the Breakfast Club - (don't forget to ask for Becky for a surprise! )

Is it good to eat out in Oxford? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Whether you're hungover from a long night out at the many nightclubs around Oxford, or you're simply just craving a donner kebab and some cheesy chips, Oxford has got you covered for fast, late-night take out! However, if you're more looking for a scenic view with an Instagram-worthy meal, pubs such as the Trout, the Perch, the Akemann Inn, or even Jacob's Inn are perfect! Alongside the river Cherwell, you can walk a 20-minute walk from The Trout to The Perch - the best part is seeing the dogs and puppies people walk from there! However, my favourites for meeting up with friends and having a laugh over a meal are Prezzo, Zizzi, and Wagamama, as well as the hidden Pizza Express in the Oxford Castle. For celebrations, Pierre Victoire is an incredible, cosy, yet glamorous restaurant, and the perfect place to try escargot for the first time! On the flip side, after a long day of studying and revising, Mission Burrito and the Formosan Tea Bar are great for getting your energy back up or winding down for the night!

Is the nightlife good in Oxford? Where is good to go?

Oxford nightlife is incredible! With students from Oxford University, nearby colleges and sixth forms, I can guarantee that every single club you visit will be buzzing with excited students and an electric atmosphere. Don't be afraid if your style is old, early 2000's pop, the Cheese Room in Atik has got you covered, girl! Or, if you have a very healthy obsession with One Direction or Britney Spears, Purple Turtle should be your go-to! And for the LGBT community, I cannot recommend Plush enough, I mean, where else can you dance on a stripper pole in the middle of a club while drinking a £1 shot and dancing to ABBA? And for all of you who love a good pre, the Four Candles Wetherspoons is my go-to pub for 2-for-£12 pitchers of countless cocktails (Go for the Very Cherry! ). Other than boasting amazing prices and delicious cocktails, the Four Candles is only a five-minute walk from Atik, Bridge, and a ten-minute walk from Plush!

What advice would you give future students heading to Oxford?

Don't forget to pack a raincoat! English weather is extremely temperamental, and while you may plan to drink cocktails at the Alchemist on the rooftop of the Westgate, followed by clubbing at Atik, you'll be wishing you had bought an umbrella when it starts to tip down! (Rule number one is to never trust the weather app! ) People are extremely friendly in Oxford, as a popular tourist destination, so never be afraid to ask for anything - who knows, you may end up discovering a new spot or making a new friend. My biggest advice would be to explore, explore, explore! After living 17 years in Oxford, I am still finding new places with every visit, each more beautiful than the last. While lists from online can go on forever and tell you about each individual cafe or popular local spot, the feeling of exploring and finding a new place just by sheer luck is incomparable. Oxford has so much to offer, and I am already so jealous of you for being able to experience it all for the first time.

While we're here, are you thinking of coming to study in Oxford? Do you think you have what it takes to attend the University of Oxford, one of the best universities in the world? Check out Erasmusu's tips on how to get in!

Or if you've decided that Oxford might not be your cup of tea, check out the best universities in the world and travel further afield!