Oxford University is the oldest University in the English speaking world, and to date one of the best and most prestigious in the world. Countless famous figures and great minds have studied here, and any visitors are – no doubt – walking in the footsteps of many of them, seeing the same views that they had. “Where is the famous Oxford University?” is a question many visitors ask. the answer is: everywhere! The University is made up of 39 independent colleges, and their quads and buildings can be found all over the city.
Many colleges open their doors to visitors at least a few hours every day. Many of them are free to visit, some charge a small fee. Opening hours can change without prior notice, and up to date times can be seen on the porter’s lodge of each college.
In the colleges, visitors can usually explore the college quad and gardens, as well as the chapel. Some colleges also open their dining hall to visitors, such as Wadham College and Christ Church, whose grand hall was the setting for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.
Evensong
Choral Evensong is a great way to enjoy a choir service in the heart of some of Oxford’s University Colleges. Every day during term-time, starting between 17:15 and 18:45, many Oxford college chapel choirs and some parish churches sing beautiful music in Choral Evensong- a service which is free-of-charge and open to all. The service is 45 minutes long, and its words and music can inspire people of all faiths and none.
Tours
Take a walking tour to explore and find out more about Oxford University’s history, architecture and traditions.
Oxford University Accommodation
Feel like Harry Potter and his friends when staying in one of Oxford’s historic college quads and taking your breakfast in the imposing dining halls. Here, you are in the footsteps of countless great minds – who knows, maybe your room was previously occupied by one of the world’s political leaders, a Nobel prize winner, a famous public author, or an Olympic medalist? Search for availability.
Oxford University Events
If you would like more information on hosting events at the University, or have a accommodation request, Conference Oxford can help.
Fun Facts
- In 2016, Oxford University was listed top of the ‘Times Higher Education world university rankings’ – a first for a UK university.
- 27 British Prime Ministers were educated at Oxford.
- The Diamond light source welcomes up to 2000 visiting scientists a year.
- Oxford has more published writers per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
- The first colleges of Oxford were built in the 13th century, but it wasn’t until 1878 that women were admitted to the university.
- The term Oxford Comma comes from the Oxford University Press, where the use of the comma is standard.
- Poet Percy Shelley was expelled from Oxford University for writing The Necessity of Atheism.
Opening Times
To find a complete list of colleges and opening times, please click here.