My question is about life & people at the uni of oxford

So I have been wondering if I would be able to survive at Oxford as a not-so-rich person. Like I've heard that usually loads of rich kids go there and there might be loads of peer pressure, but I'm not sure how far this might be true. Can somebody give me some advice about this, please? Thanks in advance

So I have been wondering if I would be able to survive at Oxford as a not-so-rich person. Like I've heard that usually loads of rich kids go there and there might be loads of peer pressure, but I'm not sure how far this might be true. Can somebody give me some advice about this, please? Thanks in advance

Hiya,

Oxford offer certain scholarships or bursaries to students from low-income family. When I was there, I was given a £10K grant (i.e. didn't need to ever be paid back) over the three years of my course, due to my family income (or lack thereof). That was quite some time ago, so things have changed but I believe the provisions are even better now (I finished my Oxford degree 11 years ago, so my info is out of date).

Check out this link for current financial provisions from the uni: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/student-life/help-with-the-cost

Also be aware that certain colleges have extra support, in the form of college-based grants/bursaries/awards

If Oxford offers your course and you like the course content/structure/teaching method (i.e. tutorials), I'd encourage you to think about applying. You'd definitely be able to survive: money should never be a barrier to applying to or studying at Oxford You will get the odd super-rich person who doesn't quite understand how "the other side" live but they are few and far between - and indeed, you'll get those sorts of people at any of the top unis in the UK For the most part, talk of money/financial background doesn't come into things at all: people don't tend to ask questions about that kinda stuff, because very few people care how rich or poor you are.

Can I ask what you mean by peer pressure in this instance, just so I don't go off on unnecessary tangents about that?

I’m in year 12 so I don’t go to Oxford but I promise you that’s not true. I’ve watched many videos on life at Oxford and trust me when I say you’ll meet different types of people from different backgrounds. Of course there will be some nerds who don’t have humour but there are funny people. They even have student rooms where they play call of duty on PS4! Who woulda thought the most prestigious university in the world would have a lounge with a PS4 (P.S. there was a dude playing fortnite). Trust me, go for it. And another thing, if you’re are willing to down the opportunity to go to the best university in the world all because the people there may seem uninteresting then you need to reevaluate your life choices.

Hi there,

I’m a current student and can say from my experience, this absolutely isn’t true. Oxford is much more liberal and diverse than I expected; out of my group of 30 or so friends, I think like 3 or 4 went to private schools. There are not lots of rich kids from what I’ve seen/heard, and even if there are some, you honestly can’t tell. I can’t usually tell when meeting people, who went to which type of school, or who is from what background.

If you’re really worried about this, there are some colleges that are more known for attracting rich kids; places like Christ Church, Magdalen, St John’s, Balliol and Oriel have slightly more of a reputation. But, even then everyone I know from those Colleges is incredibly friendly, and the people I know at those Colleges are all from worse socio-economic backgrounds apart from like 1 or 2 people.

Long story short: please don’t let incorrect rumours of snobbish rich kids being everywhere put you off — it’s honestly not true!

Edit: specifically regarding your question, some Colleges have more of a party culture (e.g. Brasenose) where there might be more general socialising and peer pressure in that sense. But, I’m yet to hear of anyone amongst my friends and people I’ve met feeling pressured, and I myself don’t drink and have still met lots of fab people who really don’t care either way. And regarding the fact you’re not so rich, Oxford is one of the best Universities in terms of financial support - there are lots of generous bursaries, scholarships and prizes. Things within College (food, drink, accommodation) are heavily subsidised, and especially with accommodation, you usually only pay for the shorter term times, meaning accommodation is significantly cheaper at Oxford (even for the best rooms) compared to many other Universities.

Thank you so much, HAHA i shall take your advice
But this really helped alot! thanks again

Hey, Thank you so much for this, I was really nervous about considering it but all these replies really helped me. And yes , as incorrect as it is, haha I was indeed worried about people being snobbish, but this really helped. Thank you !

So, I have been wondering if I would be able to survive at Oxford as a not-so-rich person. Are the living costs and the tuition fees in general too high? or would I be able to survive with a student loan?
Also, what forms of peer pressure might one experience?
thanks in advance

My sons went there and we are a single parent family. My sons have received extra money throughout in the form of bursaries.

My younger son applied to a London university, and I was more worried about how he would cope financially there. Both my sons were fine living on their student loans.

In the first two weeks people ask you about your school but after that nobody seems to care.

I wonder what type of peer pressure you mean.

Here are two chapters of Oxford Demystified: Myth busting and Should I apply to Oxford?

Hope this helps.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6029818

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6037928

Unfortunately, the way the media portrays Oxford is inaccurate and really unhelpful.

Hey, thanks for your input, i'll be sure to check these links out i hope your sons are doing well

hi! I’m trying very hard not to advertise my college here (lol) but I would suggest having a research! oxford is much more proactive these days about inclusivity, but different colleges have different atmospheres, and priorities - some have lots of bursaries, or will have 1 set price of room no matter how nice it is etc. but all the colleges are much better than you might think! however some prioritise access more than others good luck! 💕