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University of Oxford
From The Student Room WikiTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Oxford
 The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the 11th century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear. According to legend, after riots between scholars and townsfolk broke out in 1209, some of the academics at Oxford fled north-east to the town of Cambridge, where the University of Cambridge was founded. Oxford has recently topped two university-ranking league tables produced by British newspapers: it came first according to The Guardian and, for the fourth consecutive year, in The Times table. Although widely contested (as with most league tables) on the basis of their ranking criteria, recent international tables produced by The Times Higher Education Supplement and Shanghai Jiao Tong University rated Oxford fourth and tenth[1] in the world respectively. Most recent international comparisons have placed Oxford second in the world, after Harvard. HistoryThe date of the University's foundation is unknown, and indeed it may not have been a single event, but there is evidence of teaching there as early as 1096. When Henry II of England forbade English students to study at the University of Paris in 1167, Oxford began to grow very quickly. The foundation of the first halls of residence, which later became colleges, dates from this period. Rioting in 1209 led many scholars to leave Oxford for other parts of the country, leading to the establishment a university in Cambridge. On June 20 1214, a charter of liberties was granted to the University by Nicholas de Romanis, the papal legate, which authorised the appointment of a chancellor of the University. Riots between townsmen and scholars ("town and gown") were common until the St. Scholastica riot|St Scholastica Day riot in 1355 led to the king confirming the supremacy of the University over the town. In 1555 - 6 the Protestant Oxford Martyrs, Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer were burned at Oxford. The University's status was formally confirmed by an Act for the Incorporation of Both Universities in 1571, in which the University's formal title is given as The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford. In 1603 the University granted the right to appoint two Members of Parliament, a right which lasted until the abolition of university constituencies in 1949. The comprehensive set of statutes, known as the Laudian Code, was drawn up by Archbishop William Laud in 1636 and ratified by Charles I. The University supported the king during the English Civil War, and was the site of his court and parliament, but clashed with his grandson, the Roman Catholic James II, who was later overthrown in the Glorious Revolution. In the 1830s the University was the site of the Oxford Movement in the Church of England. A Royal Commission to reform the University was appointed in 1850 and its proposals, accepted by Parliament, revolutionised the medieval workings of the University, until then still governed by the code of 1636. Later royal commissions were appointed in 1872 and 1919. In 1871 the Universities Tests Act opened the University to Dissenters and Roman Catholics. The first women's halls were established in 1878, and women were admitted to degrees in 1920.
OrganisationAt the current time Oxford has around 18000 students in residence, of which some 11000 are undergraduates. Oxford is a collegiate university, consisting of the University's central facilities, such as departments and faculties, libraries and science facilities, and 39 colleges and 7 Permanent Private Halls (PPHs). All teaching staff and degree students must belong to one of the colleges (or PPHs). These colleges are not only houses of residence, but have substantial responsibility for the teaching of undergraduates and postgraduates. Some colleges only accept postgraduate students. Only one of the colleges, St Hilda's, has remained single-sex, accepting only women (though several of the religious PPHs are male-only) but the current academic body has now voted to allow St Hilda's to admit men. This change will occur in 2008. As well as the collegiate level of organisation, the University is subdivided into departments on a subject basis, much like most other universities. Departments take a major role in graduate education and an increasing role in undergraduate education, providing lectures and classes and organising examinations. Departments are also a centre of research, funded by outside bodies including major research councils; while colleges have an interest in research, few are subject-specialized in organisation. The academic year is divided into three terms, known as Full Terms, each of eight weeks' duration. Michaelmas Term lasts from October to December; Hilary Term from January till March; and Trinity Term from April till June. These terms are amongst the shortest of any British university, and the workload during each term is therefore intense. Colleges
Academic Subjects
AdmissionThere are two large university-wide initiatives that encourage students of certain demographics to apply. These are typically students that would not normally consider applying to the university and both initiatives aim to encourage more applicants from such students. The Oxford Access Scheme aims to encourage young people from inner city backgrounds, especially those from minority ethnic communities, to enter Higher Education in general and Oxford University in particular. Target Schools is a student led scheme within the Student Union which aims to encourage applications from the state sector and especially from schools and colleges which have no history of sending students to Oxford. AccomodationStudents must live within 6 miles of Carfax (the centre of Oxford). Every college houses its undergraduates for the first year of their degree, after which many move out into flats in Cowley or Jericho, or into college annexes, although this varies a lot by college. Information can be found about Private Accomodation in Oxford and College Accomodation at Oxford
Academic FacilitiesOxford University has probably the best academic facilities, in terms of library provision, journal subscription and so on, of any British University (Although it's debatable whether they or Cambridge come top). The copywright library gets first refusal (and therefore generally holds) copies of every book published in the UK, meaning students are rarely unable to find the resources they require, and smaller college libraries allow for a personal, private atmosphere in addition to the massive Bodleian and Radcliffe libraries. More information about the libraries themselves can be found here. Health and WelfareSportsOxford has provision for all the major sports, as well as quite a few of the more obscure ones. In addition to college sports grounds (usually a football / rugby pitch and a hockey pitch) the University has, spread across three sites:
A "Full Blue" can be gained in: Cricket, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Lawn Tennis, Netball, Rowing, Rugby Union, Squash, Athletics, Boxing, Cross Country, Swimming, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Orienteering, Rifle Shooting (full-bore), Rugby league, Sailing, Skiing, Volleyball and Water Polo (Although all those from Squash downwards are discretionary) Half Blues can also be gained in sports above from Squash downwards plus: Archery, Badminton, Eton and Rugby Fives, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Korfball, Lacrosse, Lightweight Rowing, Pistol Shooting, Polo, Rackets, Real Tennis, Riding, Rifle Shooting (small-bore), Table Tennis, Trampolining, Volleyball, Weightlifting NB the above list is taken from the Cambridge list and therefore may not be 100% accurate. Additionally most colleges will field teams in men's rowing, football, rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey and tennis; and women's rowing, football, netball, tennis and hockey. Many colleges also field teams for badminton, lacrosse, pool, swimming etc, and leagues for these sports do exist. Specific information about college sport can be found here WelfareHealthcareDoctorsEach college will have a provision for doctors and nurses - this varies from a nurse who comes in for a few hours each day, with the doctor visiting once or twice a week, to a single hour with the nurse on a weekly basis. DentistsShopsWhile Oxford is sadly lacking much in the way of cheap and cheerful places to shop (although Primark opened February 2006 and saved part of this problem) it certainly has a wide range of choice. Large clothing stores
Women's clothing
Men's clothing Music
Books
BanksMost of the major banks are represented in Oxford with HSBC, Natwest and Lloyds on Cornmarket, Abbey on St. Aldates and various others in the near proximity Restaurants and EateriesIn spite of the fact that the majority of Oxford students seem to favour hall food (I say favour... it's cheapest) and whatever they can buy from the two Sainsbury's (one on St. Giles and a larger one in the Westgate Shopping Centre) there are a vast number of other places where one can buy food of varying price and quality. Sandwich shopsRiccardo's - inside the covered market. Very reasonable priced sandwiches/baguettes/paninis all freshly made up to order. Also selection of hot food - chicken nuggets/burgers/chips/jacket potatoes/soups. Very friendly staff who get to know you and will give you free titbits occasionally. Popular with Turl St students. Much cheaper than Heroes on Ship St which is over-priced. Heroes situated on Ship Street (running off Turl Street and Cornmarket) is largely held up as one of the best sandwich shops in the whole of Oxford. While possibly a little on the pricey side for the every day student budget, their array of baguettes, ciabatta, bagels or even just plain square cut sandwiches are freshly made while you wait and are definitely worth the price tag. They also do a range of soups and other eat-in foods. For those yet to discover Heroes The Alternative Tuckshop on Holywell Street may play a similar role with a wide array of sandwiches and cold sweets Bonjour - on the High St. Good baguettes and paninis. Generally less queues than some of the other bigger sandwich shops and not too expensive. Offering a slightly less personal service on the Broad Street are a number of similar shops Pizza PlacesAsk and Zizzis seems to be the standard student hangout for a pizza, not least because of their deal on takeaway pizzas for around £5.30 - not bad for a very nice pizza! Alternatively for those who like a bit more grease in their diet there is also a Pizza Hut on the High Street, and another on George Street. ChineseOpium Den is, in my opinion, the best Chinese restaurant around Oxford. It serves some of the most savory southern Chinese dishes you will probably ever taste, which makes up for the rather less-than-satisfactory and slow service. Many dishes on the menu are as low as £5.00, and the Duck with Pineapple, which I highly recommend, is only a little less than £6.00. For dessert, I'd recommend the Toffee-coated Bananas, which are presented quite artistically might I say. Don't let the name deter you. EAMAYL (Eat as much as you like) on Park End serves pretty basic Chinese - but as the name says, as much as you want of it. £5.75 (Mon - Sat lunch) / £7.50 (Sun lunch) / £10.50 (dinner). Noodle Bar is another common student food-plan, although the restaurant itself is quite small and can be claustrophobic - much better as a take away. The food is pretty cheap, and the portions quite generous. "Cafe Soho" (formerly cafe orient on George Street) is a real treat - good value, delicious and with relatively large portions it is well worth the 10-15 minute walk from town as it is located opposite Jeune street on Cowley Road. IndianJamal's on Walton Street in Jericho has a justified reputation as the destination of choice for drunken sports teams on crew dates and other socials. This is largely due to its "Bring your own" policy for alcohol, subject to a £1.50 charge per person. The policy on singing, climbing on tables, and throwing up in the toilets is decidedly liberal: regular visitors are likely to summon Mr Jamal himself if their activities are questioned by ordinary staff. The food is in fact very good, and a limited all-you-can eat menu is available on Sundays at lunchtime. Nearby on Walton Street is the Standard Tandoori, a venerable institution with excellent food and a much quieter atmosphere. The Moonlight Tandoori on Cowley Road specialises in vegetarian Indian food and the food is very good. Good old EnglishThe Big Bang on Walton street is a great place for when you just want good old English food. With eight different types of sausage (two of which are vegetarian) and all served with peas, red cabbage and fried onion there is something for everyone. Portions are generous, although perhaps reflected by prices. If you go on a Wednesday then there is a Jazz evening - £15 for your meal and entertainment. Worth visiting on a special occasion purely for the activities of the wonderfully eccentric maitre d'hotel - opening a champagne bottle with a sword in the naval style is a favourite. Kebab VansIn general every student will remain loyal throughout their time in Oxford to the kebab van nearest to their college. Ahmed's on the High Street is the late-night rendezvous of students from University College, St Edmund Hall and St Hilda's. Ahmed has become somewhat of a celebrity, and his cheesy chips are staple post-alcohol fare. He will also generously create any combination of food you ask at a reasonable price. And if you're feeling particularily peckish, ask for a "Teddy Hall Special." Hassans on Broad Street is fought over by Hertford, New, Jesus, Exeter, Balliol, Trinity and occasionally Wadham, but belongs legally to Lincoln and its members. Serves low price, high quality food from before 7pm until 3am. The chips are especially good - proper big fat ones, not McDonalds style french fries that are more fat than potato. Being there at half 2 most evenings makes for singing, dancing, falling over and all other sorts of debauchery. Ali's on Woodstock Road, outside Green College, serves the colleges of North Oxford and has a fanatical loyalty among students of St. Hugh's and St. Anne's in particular. The cheesy chips are noted as a specialty, and regulars can expect extra chips sprinkled in any food they order. Medhi's - recently updated van on the High St where it joins Turl St. A fan with Lincoln and Brasenose students, Medhi (who is an honorary member of Lincoln's JCR) serves good quality burgers and chips (not too salty or grease - but just right) and will also give you free chips inside your burgers if you ask. Also wide selection of kebabs, vegetarian food, onion rings, jacket potatoes and baguettes. Has also started doing takeaway pizzas which are by far cheaper than nearby Pizza Hut and rumoured to be bigger and tastier. TransportTransport is rarely a worry for Oxford students, since Oxford as a city is virtually completely flat and so most people walk or cycle everywhere. Transport has now been merged with Transport in Oxford Religious facilitiesMost colleges have a chapel of their own. In addition, Oxford has more churches than you can shake a mitre at. Churches in the centre include
Roman Catholics may choose between the Catholic Chaplaincy and St. Aloysius on the Woodstock Road. The Oxford Jewish Centre is located on Richmond road, towards the northwest of central Oxford. Central Oxford Mosque is located Manzil Way, off Cowley Road Oxford. SocialIt's often said that Oxford students work, party, and sleep - and nobody can ever do more than two. Students of the university are well known for their work hard-play hard philosophy, and this is helped by the collegiate system, which provides the opportunity for small societies to spring up in support of every possible hobby or activity. Information about the clubs and societies of Oxford university can be found here If formalised fun is less your thing, then there are still a plethora of pubs and clubs around Oxford that are well worth exploring (try to complete the Blackwells colour-in-pub-crawl-poster!) Information about the social life in Oxford city can now be found here Famous OxoniansOxford has had a role in educating four British and at least eight foreign kings, 47 Nobel prize-winners, three Fields medallists, 25 British Prime Ministers, 28 foreign presidents and prime ministers, seven saints, 86 archbishops, 18 cardinals, and one pope. Seven of the last eleven British Prime Ministers have been Oxford graduates. Amongst the University's old members are many widely influential scientists, artists and other prominent figures. Several contemporary scientists include Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins and Nobel prize-winner Anthony James Leggett, and Tim Berners Lee, co-inventor of the world wide web; actors Hugh Grant, Kate Beckinsale, Dudley Moore, Michael Palin. Terry Jones and Richard Burton studied at the University, as did film-maker Ken Loach; Evelyn Waugh, J.R.R.Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, Aldous Huxley, Oscar Wilde, Vikram Seth, Iris Murdoch and the poets Shelley, Donne, Auden and Philip Larkin are amongst the long list of writers associated with Oxford. Explorers such as Lawrence of Arabia and Walter Raleigh, along with modern media magnate Rupert Murdoch were also former students. More complete information on famous senior and junior members of the University can be found in the individual college articles (an individual may be associated with two or more colleges, as an undergraduate, postgraduate, and/or member of staff). InstitutionsEvents and organisations officially connected with the University include:
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