Owning a car at Oxford Brookes
Hello I am starting in September and was thinking about bringing a car to Oxford Brookes to use to get back and forth whenever I need to and I was just wondering on how it is to use a car around Oxford or are other methods more convenient as I am into cars and would really like to keep one.
Reply 1
Go for it.
The car is your freedom.
It's also down to your self image that you're now a fully functional independent adult.
The car will open up more part time job opportunities. You could start applying for jobs once you've got your place firmed and before the start of your first term.
Look for halls of residence where you can park your car.
The car is your freedom.
It's also down to your self image that you're now a fully functional independent adult.
The car will open up more part time job opportunities. You could start applying for jobs once you've got your place firmed and before the start of your first term.
Look for halls of residence where you can park your car.
Reply 2
Been in Oxford about 5 years. It’s fine having a car for weekend trips and if you’ve got private parking, but for day-to-day Brookes stuff it’s honestly a pain. The city’s full of bus gates/low-traffic zones and Brookes parking is limited unless you commute from outside Oxford. Buses and bikes are way quicker for getting around. If you’re into cars and want to keep one, just don’t expect to actually use it much inside the city.
Reply 3
Original post
by Fletcher6032Hello I am starting in September and was thinking about bringing a car to Oxford Brookes to use to get back and forth whenever I need to and I was just wondering on how it is to use a car around Oxford or are other methods more convenient as I am into cars and would really like to keep one.
Hello!
I hope you’re well! That’s a really good question, and it’s one a lot of students ask. I've been a commuting student for 5-6 years now, so I'll provide some insights on how I commute from outside of Oxford. Oxford itself isn’t the most car-friendly city, mainly due to limited parking, residents’ permit zones, and congestion. This is especially true around the Headington campus and halls of residence. On-campus parking at Oxford Brookes is very restricted and generally only available to students in specific circumstances, so relying on a car day-to-day can be tricky.
That said, plenty of students do keep cars, particularly if they live a bit further out or like going home regularly. Most end up using their car mainly for longer trips (e.g. weekends, going home, road trips) rather than for getting around Oxford itself. This is more true because of the recently implemented congestion charges.
For everyday travel, buses are extremely convenient and well-connected, especially between Brookes campuses and the city centre, and cycling is also very popular. Park & Ride sites around Oxford are another option if you plan to drive in occasionally. I drive to a Park & Ride every weekday and use the discounted bus pass to get to campus and back. An important caveat to the Park & Rides is that the longest stay is 72 hours, so a car cannot be parked for longer than 3 days at a time.
If you’re really into cars, you can definitely still keep one. I would just expect to rely more on buses/bikes during the week and use your car when it really makes sense. I recommend checking the university’s parking policy and considering where you’ll be living, as this can make a significant difference. It may be worth considering a shared non-halls accommodation through Brookes Lettings, as you will have access to nearby permit parking or a driveway where you can park for free.
Hope that helps, and feel free to ask if you’ve got any other questions about Brookes or student life!
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