Initial visit and stay

Settling in comfortably

Over seven million tourists visit Oxford every year, so we advise organising your accommodation in advance. Why not sample student life by booking a room in one of our beautiful colleges? Or can we tempt you to a night in a former prison?  Don’t worry, the characterful Malmaison Oxford is now a boutique hotel offering quirky, four-star accommodation. Whatever your budget and tastes, the wide range of hotels and B&Bs located in the city centre offers something for everyone.

University Rooms is a convenient booking service for accommodation in colleges and University-owned properties, and the home of the University’s Department for Continuing Education, Rewley House, provides guest rooms suitable for short stays.

Exploring your new home

To help you find your way around, download the official University map. You can also access virtual video tours of all the colleges, and a visually stunning Oxford tour, created by the Department of Chemistry, via which you can explore photographic panoramas to familiarise yourself with key landmarks and facilities. The ‘Know your Oxford’ audio tour gives a student’s eye view of the University and city, while Oxford Visit is crammed with entertaining articles to guide you through our cultural and culinary highlights and landmark buildings. The Oxford Tourist Information site is also useful or you can pop in and speak to someone at their office in 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford.

For your first outings, a good starting point is the University’s gardens, libraries and museums (GLAM) which contain some of the world's most significant collections and most beautiful places to be. All of Oxford’s main attractions are within walking distance of the city centre and official tours are a great way to explore and learn about your new home. Discover the city the easy way on an open-top bus tour or by enjoying a peaceful river cruise before drifting downstream enjoying a punt on the river Cherwell – the classic Oxford experience.