International Student Accommodation in Oxford: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Oxford is one of the world’s most prestigious and historic university cities. As the home of the oldest English-speaking university on the planet, it combines centuries of academic excellence with a surprisingly vibrant modern student scene. With over 40,000 students across its universities, Oxford has developed a unique character where ancient tradition meets contemporary student life in the most extraordinary setting.
The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top five universities globally and has educated world leaders, Nobel laureates, and some of history’s greatest minds. Oxford Brookes University is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, ranked among the best in the world for hospitality and leisure management. Together, they welcome students from over 160 countries, creating an intellectually stimulating and culturally diverse community unlike anywhere else.
Student accommodation in Oxford tends to be more expensive than in many other UK cities due to its desirability and the historic nature of much of its housing stock. Weekly rents typically range from £130 to £200 for shared houses in popular student areas, making it comparable to cities like Bristol and Edinburgh. However, the city’s compact size means most student neighbourhoods are cycling distance from the city centre, and Oxford has one of the highest rates of cycling in the UK, reducing transport costs significantly.
What truly makes Oxford special is its unparalleled combination of world-famous architecture, including the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, exceptional career opportunities with London just an hour away, a thriving cultural scene with world-class museums free to enter, the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on your doorstep, and a student community that includes some of the brightest minds from every corner of the globe.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
Oxford’s student areas radiate outwards from the historic city centre, with most students choosing to live in Cowley Road, Headington, Jericho, Iffley, or the city centre itself. Each area has its own distinctive personality and attracts different types of students.
Cowley Road
Cowley Road is the vibrant, multicultural heart of Oxford’s student community and the most popular area for students seeking an alternative to the city’s more traditional character. Running east from Magdalen Bridge, this long street is packed with independent cafes, international restaurants, vintage shops, and quirky bars that give it a distinctly bohemian feel quite different from the historic centre.
The area buzzes with life day and night, featuring the Ultimate Picture Palace (Oxford’s independent cinema), the O2 Academy for live music, and countless restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. You’ll find everything from Lebanese and Ethiopian to Vietnamese and Caribbean food within a short walk. The annual Cowley Road Carnival in July celebrates the area’s diversity with music, food, and colour. Cowley suits students who want an eclectic, lively atmosphere with easy access to both universities. Average weekly rent ranges from £130 to £170.
Headington
Headington is a large, leafy suburb northeast of the city centre that offers a more relaxed residential feel whilst maintaining excellent amenities. It’s home to Oxford Brookes University’s main campus, making it particularly popular with Brookes students, though University of Oxford students studying at nearby hospitals or science parks also choose to live here.
The area has several distinct shopping areas with supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, independent cafes, restaurants, and all the services students need. Headington Hill Park provides green space for relaxation, and the area is well-connected to the city centre by frequent buses. Properties tend to be larger and more modern than in central Oxford, making it ideal for groups looking for spacious shared accommodation. Average weekly rent ranges from £120 to £160.
Jericho
Jericho is Oxford’s trendiest neighbourhood, a picturesque area of Victorian terraced houses just north of the city centre. It has transformed from a working-class district into one of Oxford’s most desirable postcodes, beloved by students, academics, and young professionals alike.
The main street is lined with independent bookshops, artisan cafes like The Jericho Coffee Traders, boutique shops, and popular pubs, including The Jericho Tavern, where Radiohead played their first gig. Port Meadow, an ancient floodplain used for grazing since prehistoric times, lies just beyond and offers beautiful walks along the Thames. Jericho suits students who appreciate a village-like atmosphere with excellent food and culture. It’s within walking distance of most central Oxford colleges. Average weekly rent ranges from £150 to £200.
Iffley
Iffley and Iffley Road form a quieter residential corridor running south from Magdalen Bridge towards the historic village of Iffley with its stunning Romanesque church. The area is popular with postgraduate students and those who prefer a calmer environment while remaining well connected to the city centre.
The famous Iffley Road running track, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954, is located here alongside Oxford University’s sports facilities. Properties range from Victorian houses to purpose-built accommodation. The area offers peaceful riverside walks along the Thames towards Iffley Lock. Average weekly rent ranges from £125 to £165.
City Centre
Oxford’s city centre offers purpose-built student accommodation and some college-owned properties within the historic heart of the city. Living centrally means you’re surrounded by Oxford’s most iconic buildings, with libraries, lecture halls, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions on your doorstep.
Modern purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provides contemporary facilities including en-suite rooms, study spaces, and social areas. The city centre suits students who want to be immersed in Oxford’s unique atmosphere and don’t mind higher costs for the privilege. However, most undergraduate students at the University of Oxford are required to live in college accommodation for at least part of their degree. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £180 to £300.
Getting to Oxford as an International Student
Oxford is located in central southern England with excellent transport links to multiple airports and straightforward connections to the rest of the UK.
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is the most convenient major international airport for Oxford, located approximately 40 miles away. It offers the widest range of international connections from the UK, with direct flights to destinations across every continent. The Airline coach service runs directly from Heathrow to Oxford city centre every 20 to 30 minutes, taking approximately 90 minutes and costing around £25 to £35 for a return ticket. This is the most popular route for international students arriving in Oxford.
London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport, located approximately 85 miles south of Oxford. National Express coaches run directly to Oxford, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costing £20 to £40. Alternatively, take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria, then coach or train to Oxford.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport is approximately 65 miles north of Oxford and offers good international connections, particularly to European and Middle Eastern destinations. Direct trains run from Birmingham International station to Oxford, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes and costing £20 to £50.
London Oxford Airport
London Oxford Airport is just 8 miles from the city centre but primarily serves private aviation and limited scheduled flights to European destinations. A taxi costs approximately £25 to £35.
Getting Around Oxford
Cycling: Oxford is famous for cycling, with around 20% of journeys made by bike. The city has extensive cycle lanes, and most students own or rent bicycles. Both universities provide secure bicycle storage. Buying a second-hand bike costs £50 to £150, and cycle hire schemes are available. Cycling is by far the most popular way for students to get around.
Buses: Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company operate services across the city and surrounding areas. Single fares are typically £2 to £3 within the city. Weekly passes cost around £15 to £20. The Park and Ride services connect outer areas to the city centre.
Walking: Central Oxford is compact and very walkable. Most locations within the historic centre are within 15 to 20 minutes’ walk of each other. Cowley Road to the city centre takes about 20 minutes on foot.
Trains: Oxford station connects to London Paddington (approximately 1 hour), Birmingham (1 hour 15 minutes), and other major cities. The station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most rail fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard.
Coaches: Oxford has excellent coach connections to London and other cities. The Oxford Tube and X90 services run to London every 10 to 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking approximately 90 minutes and costing around £10 to £18 return with a student discount.
Universities in Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the oldest in the English-speaking world, with teaching dating back to 1096. It consistently ranks among the top five universities globally, currently placing 4th in the QS World University Rankings. The university has approximately 26,000 students, including around 12,000 international students from over 160 countries.
Oxford operates a unique collegiate system with 39 self-governing colleges and 6 permanent private halls. Students belong to both a college and an academic department. Strong areas include virtually every academic discipline, with particular strengths in Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Natural Sciences. The Bodleian Libraries system is one of the oldest in Europe, with over 13 million printed items. The university has produced 30 British Prime Ministers, over 70 Nobel laureates, and countless world leaders.
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University is one of the UK’s leading modern universities with approximately 18,000 students. It consistently ranks among the top modern universities in the UK and has an outstanding global reputation in specific fields. The university was named after John Henry Brookes, its founding principal.
Oxford Brookes is particularly renowned for its School of Hospitality Management, consistently ranked among the best in the world. Other strong areas include Architecture, Real Estate and Construction, Business, and Health Sciences. The main campus is in Headington with additional sites at Harcourt Hill and in the city centre. The university has excellent industry links and emphasises practical, career-focused education. International students come from over 140 countries and benefit from dedicated support services including visa advice, English language support, and orientation programmes.
Cost of Living in Oxford for International Students
Oxford is one of the more expensive UK cities for students, though careful budgeting makes it manageable. Living costs are lower than in London but higher than in most northern cities.
Accommodation (Weekly)
Student house in East Oxford: £115 to £150
Shared house in Cowley Road: £130 to £170
Shared house in Headington: £120 to £160
House in Jericho: £150 to £200
University halls: £140 to £200
En-suite PBSA: £180 to £260
City centre studio: £220 to £350
Food, Transport and Other Costs
Budget around £120 to £180 per month for groceries. Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value, with the Covered Market in the city centre selling fresh produce, meat, and fish. Many students cycle and have minimal transport costs. Those using buses can get monthly passes for £55 to £75. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership away from university facilities costs around £25 to £40 per month, though most students use university sports facilities included in fees.
Realistic Monthly Budget
Budget-conscious students can live on £900 to £1,200 per month in Oxford. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,200 to £1,600 per month.
International Student Community in Oxford
Oxford has one of the world’s most international student communities, with over 160 nationalities represented. The University of Oxford has over 140 student societies and clubs, including numerous nationality-based societies, cultural groups, religious organisations, and international student networks. The Oxford University Student Union offers support and social events for all students.
Oxford Brookes Students’ Union has over 100 societies and an active International Students’ Association. Both universities provide comprehensive support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses.
Oxford’s food scene reflects its diversity. The Covered Market, dating from 1774, houses independent traders selling everything from artisan bread to speciality teas. Cowley Road is famous for its international restaurants, including highly regarded establishments serving Lebanese (Al-Shami), Thai (Oli’s Thai), Caribbean (Hi Lo Jamaican Eating House), and cuisines from across the globe. George Street and the Westgate shopping centre offer chain restaurants and cafes.
Oxford’s nightlife differs from that of larger cities but has its own charm. College bars provide social spaces for students. The city centre has numerous traditional pubs, many with hundreds of years of history, including The Eagle and Child, where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien met as part of their literary group, the Inklings. Cowley Road offers a more contemporary bar and club scene, with venues like The Bullingdon hosting live music and club nights. Student nights at clubs like Atik, Bridge, and Plush draw large crowds. College balls and bops (informal college parties) are unique to Oxford.
What Makes Oxford Special for International Students
Academic Excellence: Studying alongside some of the world’s brightest minds in an institution that has shaped global history for nearly a millennium provides an unparalleled academic environment.
Historic Architecture: Free access to stunning college buildings, the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and countless architectural treasures. Walking through Oxford is like walking through a living museum.
World-Class Museums: The Ashmolean Museum (Britain’s first public museum), the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of the History of Science are all free to enter.
Career Connections: Proximity to London (1 hour by train) provides excellent access to internships and graduate opportunities. Oxford’s alumni network spans every industry globally.
Cultural Life: Theatre at the Oxford Playhouse, concerts at the Sheldonian Theatre, regular guest lectures from world leaders and experts, and a thriving arts scene.
Beautiful Surroundings: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the River Thames are all on your doorstep for weekend exploration.
Punting: The quintessential Oxford experience. Hire a punt and glide along the River Cherwell past the Botanic Gardens and Christ Church Meadow.
Traditions: Experience unique Oxford traditions including formal hall dinners, May Morning celebrations, and the famous Oxford vs Cambridge boat race.
Oxford FAQs
Is Oxford a good city for international students?
Absolutely. Oxford offers a world-class education in an incomparable historic setting with a genuinely international community. While it’s more expensive than some UK cities, the quality of education, unique cultural experiences, and global networking opportunities make it an exceptional value. The city has welcomed international scholars for centuries.
Is Oxford safe?
Oxford is generally considered very safe, with student areas like Headington, Jericho, and Summertown particularly secure. Both universities provide security services, and the collegiate system means University of Oxford students have close-knit support networks. Normal urban precautions apply, particularly at night.
What is the weather like?
Oxford has a temperate maritime climate with mild weather year-round. Winters are cool but rarely severe (average 2-8°C) with occasional frost and rare snow. Summers are pleasant (16-22°C). Rain is possible throughout the year, though Oxford is actually one of the drier parts of the UK. A good waterproof jacket is essential.
Is it easy to find part-time work?
Oxford has reasonable part-time job opportunities, particularly in hospitality, retail, and tourism, given the city’s visitor numbers. Both universities have careers services and job boards. However, University of Oxford students should note that the intensive tutorial-based teaching system leaves limited time for employment during the term. Summer work is therefore easier to find.
How does the college system work?
University of Oxford students apply to and belong to one of 39 colleges or 6 permanent private halls. Colleges provide accommodation, meals, pastoral support, and small-group teaching (tutorials). Students also belong to an academic department for lectures and research supervision. Each college has its own character, facilities, and traditions.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Oxford?
Now that you have seen all that Oxford has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Oxford student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.