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- So, the answer to the question “ Can you live in Oxford’s city centre?” is a relatively straightforward one: You can, but there are so few places to rent or share that this option will be unavailable for anyone on a (reasonable) budget.
oxfordvisit.com/articles/best-neighbourhoods-to-live-and-work-around-oxford/What are the Best Neighbourhoods to Live and Work Around Oxford?
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- Pros and Cons of Living in Oxford, UK
- Living Cost in Oxford
- Best Neighbourhoods in Oxford
- Best Things to Do in Oxford
- Best Places to Eat in Oxford
- Tips For Living in Oxford
- Wrap Up: Living in Oxford as An Expat Or Student
1. Pro: Best Universities in the World
If you’re looking for a top-tier university, Oxford is the place to be. In fact, it’s home to the oldest university in the world! On top of Oxford University (often called “Oxford proper” by the students in the city), there are also several other world-renowned colleges, like Oxford Brookes University (my alma mater!).
2. Con: Which Means Lots of Students
All those universities mean that Oxford is jam-packed with students. In fact, over 38% of the city’s population are students! While this gives the city a vibrant and young feel, it also means that things can get a bit chaotic during term time. If you’re looking for a quiet city to retire in, Oxford is probably not the right spot.
3. Pro: Hub of Classic Literature
If you’re a fan of classic literature, then you’ll love living in Oxford. The city has been associated with some of the most famous writers in history, from J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis. You can even visit the pub where JRR Tolkein and CS Lewis used to drink and discuss their work! I even stopped by Tolkien’s grave while I was in town (sue me, LOTR is my FAVE!) Plus, just 1 hour away, you can visit the birthplace of Shakespeare!
Moving and Shipping
If you’ll be moving to Oxford from overseas, you’ll need to factor in the cost of shipping your belongings. This can be expensive, so it’s worth considering whether you really need to bring everything with you. These costs can easily rise to over $2,000 if you bring any furniture with you from overseas. You may also need to pay for a visa and/or vaccinations. Check with the British embassy in your home country for these costs.
Housing
The cost of housing in Oxford can be quite high, especially if you’re looking for a place close to the city centre. Prices start at around £900 per month for a one-bedroom flat and can go up to £1,500 or more for a three-bedroom flat. If you’re looking for a house, prices are lower outside of the city centre. To buy a house, you’ll need to save an average £582,000 in 2022.
Groceries
Groceries in Oxford are relatively expensive. A week’s worth of groceries for one person can cost around £60. You will be shopping at smaller Tescos and Sainsburys. If you go further out to Aldi, it’ll be slightly cheaper.
If you’re an expat looking to live in Oxford, there are a few neighbourhoods you should consider. The best neighbourhoods for expats are Jericho, Summertown, and Headington. Jericho is a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s also close to the city centre. Summertown is a leafy suburb with a more relaxed vibe. It’s also clos...
There are plenty of things to do in Oxford, no matter what your interests are. If you’re into history, you can visit the Bodleian Library or one of the many colleges at the University of Oxford. For nature lovers, there’s the Botanic Garden and Radcliffe Camera. And for foodies, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore. Hikers will love...
There are plenty of great places to eat in Oxford. Some of my favourites include The Vaults, Gee’s, and The Trout Inn. The Vaults & Garden Cafe is a small restaurant beside the Bodleian that offers a lovely tea. They also serve delicious food. Gee’s is a restaurant that serves modern British cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always s...
Sunday Hours
Many stores in Oxford are closed on Sundays or at least close much earlier. So, if you need to do some shopping, make sure you do it on Saturday.
Getting a Bank Account as an American or Expat
If you’re an American or an expat living in Oxford, you’ll need to open a bank account. The best bank for Americans and expats is Barclays. They have branches all over the city and offer free withdrawals at any ATM worldwide. To open an account, you’ll need your passport, proof of address, and your student ID or proof of work. The process is uber complex and takes forever. Save yourself from not having a bank account for months (like I did) by getting a free Wise.com multicurrency account. Op...
Learning the Language
If you’re not a native English speaker, you’ll need to learn some basic phrases before moving to Oxford. People in Oxford mostly only speak English and won’t make much of an effort to learn your language. Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
Overall, Oxford is a great city to live in as an expat or student. It’s affordable (if you work in the UK), has plenty of job and networking opportunities, and is home to some of the best restaurants in the UK. Just be prepared for the challenging Sunday hours and language barrier. I loved living in Oxford, but mostly for the friends I made and the...
Tips for Moving and Visiting. 11 local experts. Source. Featured real estate agent: Cherry Picked Residential. Featured hotel: We don't have one. Suggest one. Featured immigration attorney: Amer Zaman. Featured tour guide: We don't have one. Suggest one.
List a room available in Oxford. Despite being a fairly small city, Oxford never fails to amaze, thanks to some of the most impressive gothic architecture in the country and, of course, the world famous Oxford University. Here's a guide to the cities best spots and why it's a great place to live...
Sep 10, 2024 · Have a look on Oxford’s Gumtree page, SpareRoom, or Easy Room Mate and find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you. Different areas – different prices. Botley and Cutteslowe are family-friendly areas that are close to the city centre by bus or car.
You can be in central London or Birmingham within an hour, get to the south coast in two, or travel cross-country to other destinations such as Manchester, Edinburgh or Bristol. Oxford is a small city, easily explored on foot or by bike or bus.
Apr 11, 2023 · Advice. City guides. Moving to oxford. What to Know Before Moving to Oxford. April 11, 2023. Oxford is one of the world’s great cities, famous for its university, the oldest in the English-speaking world. Termed as the ‘city of dreaming spires’ by Matthew Arnold, the 38 colleges which comprise the university, dominate its medieval centre.
