Study in Oxford

Overview

It is the county town located in England stretching on an area of 45.59 km², hosting a population estimated in 2017 to have been 152,450; “Oxanforda” which means (shallow crossing) in the river, where the cattle of oxen could pass unharmed.

Oxford city is famous for its nice skyline of Gothic towers and steeples, called the “City of Spires” most of which are related to the university, believed to be the ancient university all over England.

These buildings which belong to the university were established in the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th centuries. The spectacular architecture of Oxford has been inspiring most of innovators for so long such as artists, scholars, writers, film-makers and scientists.

Why? Because the city is a major British and European centre concerning with arts, science, technology, and new and modern styles, which, in turn, became a wonderful place to live and study in.

The city is known for its shopping and entertainment centres, in addition to the neighbourhoods having a number of entertaining activities as cycling, camping, and long walks while breathing fresh air, whereby you become close to the light of London that is bright and illuminating.

Oxford decreed a city in 1542 when it had the privilege to be responsible for theatres and markets. In 1586 the University of Oxford was entrusted in printing books, and the Press of Oxford University is the biggest university press worldwide.

Living expenses in Oxford

An international student estimated monthly costs are $1000 without rent. Oxford is thought to be 24% less expensive than New York with rent non-included.

Lists of living costs in Oxford in dollars

The Culture of Oxford

Each May there is an annual art festival which is hosted for three weeks in Oxford shire, England, called Oxford shire Art weeks. Also, a number of exhibitions are hosted in the City of Oxford, in the Oxford shire southern and northern sides for a week each. Art galleries like Art Jericho to houses of local artists are different venues festivals as well. The festival was held for the first time in1981.

Lots of contemporary local artists and their descriptions of Oxford scenes are featured through The Oxford Art Book. Oxford is the place where Oxford shire Art weeks is well-defined by artists on annual basis.

Popular music in Oxford has been presented by towns and villages surrounding Oxford by having successful bands and musicians, the prominent of which is Radiohead. On the other hand, there are a lot of cinemas and theatres offering international and national recorded and live performances combining historical, social, political... shows.

Weather and Environment in Oxford

The weather in Oxford looks like a maritime moderate weather; when temperatures are mild all round the year. From May until September when it is the perfect time to visit the City of Oxford, as the climate is warm and sunny, and the temperatures stand at 20⁰C.

Within the ring road there are a number of parks and nature walks, while you are enjoying the green natural carpet. The nature reserves inside and outside Oxford ring road are fabulous making visitors enjoy the spirit of city lifestyle.

Work while studying in Oxford

International students should make sure while they are studying in the university that the type of work and working hours are not violated. Students have to follow their visa’s directives if they fit in with their courses, as it is considered a criminal and serious offence provided that they work more hours than allowed under their visas stipulations, or undertake a kind of work not permitted either.

For example: If your student visa stipulates for full-time degree level study, but it states “no work” or limited to a 10 hour limit, you can call the University visa consultants to find out a solution for any change. However, students are definitely not allowed to work if their students’ visas just allow studying a part-time course.

International students are allowed to work more than 20 hours every week. (Oxford’s year consists of three terms and three vacations, in each term there are eight weeks which is the main teaching period).

If the course needs students to be involved in timetabled study during what would, on the other hand, be vacation, for instance:

Preparing for and taking an exam after the term finishes
Undertaking a summer module
Writing a dissertation and handed it in during vacation
Then the 20- hour a week should be dealt with as employment restriction until the study work is completed. Check your undergraduate or graduate course handbook for extra information.

If you are a postgraduate research student (Masters by Research or PhD) then you are permitted to work more than 20 hours a week during your course while you are in a holiday agreed upon previously by your departmental supervisor, in complying with the University’s paid work guidelines.

Your supervisor might also have the right to have you on leave for the same purpose after you have handed in your thesis. However, your employer needs any piece of evidence to prove that you are not supposed to do any academic work for a short time before you are going to prepare for your higher degrees.

Your employer will need you to prove you have the permission to work more than 20 hours a week for the “right to work” check, they are supposed to achieve. Your supervisor can handle you a letter using the University’s example template. “In order to comply with Home Office requirements for employing student visa holders, Student/Tier 4 visa holders need this letter to work full-time”
“Supervisor Template Letter for Student/Tier 4 Graduate Students can be downloaded”.

The Districts of Oxford

• Barton.
• Binsey.
• Cowley. Florence Park. Temple Cowley.
• Cutteslowe.
• Donnington.
• Godstow.
• Grandpont.
• Headington. Headington Hill. New Headington. Old Headington.

The Universities in Oxford

The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. A collegiate university means that the university has functions divided between a central administration and several constituent colleges. These residential colleges also entail members drawn from the university’s academic staff to have at last, an entire academic community.