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Posted Oct. 6, 2016

Top 10 Things To Do If You’re A Postgraduate Student In Oxford

OxfordSo you have made it to the city of the dreaming spires and are about to embark on the most fulfilling academic projects to date – a postgrad program at the University of Oxford or Oxford Brookes University. But in amongst the hustle and bustle of student life in this glorious city you need to make sure you have time to relax and explore the historic streets of Oxford.

Here are our top 10 things to do in Oxford.

1. Punting

Hire a traditional punt for you and your friends, then lie back and enjoy the feeling of floating down the river without a care in the world. You could even treat yourself with a chauffeured punt and tuck into a picnic, keep going until the sun is about to set. This is the most relaxing day you can possibly have in Oxford.

2. The Divinity School 

With your university pass you will have a rare opportunity to visit some of the most extraordinary places in the country. The Divinity School, a part of the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre and All Souls College Chapel are some of the highlights. For fans of gothic architecture these are not to be missed.

3. The Covered Market

The Covered Market is, as the title suggests, an indoor market. Located just off Market Street, it has been open since 1774, although it’s image has changed somewhat over the years. This is where Nigella Lawson stocked up on basics when she was a student at Oxford, but now it is home to more boutique stalls offering vintage clothing, jewellery, artwork and flowers. However, there is still a smattering of food stalls and gentle surprises that make sure this becomes a regular haunt for all those staying in the city.

4. C S Lewis Nature Reserve

Oxford is one of those rare UK cities with ample green spaces. Nearly all of the colleges have their own gardens, but it’s outside of the centre that you’ll find one of the city’s secret treasures. The woodland that once belonged to writer and scholar C S Lewis is now open to the public. This urban wilderness is indescribably beautiful and includes tranquil pond, many unusual plants and wildlife. It is said that CS Lewis wandered around this woodland while writing his beloved Narnia novels. Hopefully inspiration will find you too.

5. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim is still home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. The palace was originally intended to reward the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, for his military triumphs against the French and Bavarians in the War of the Spanish Succession. Embedded deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, Blenheim Palace and grounds provide the perfect backdrop for any celebration or even a relaxing evening wandering through the park and gardens, stopping off at the variety of cafes on the way. The UNESCO world heritage site is also of note as the birthplace and final resting place of Sir Winston Churchill.

6. Christ Church College 

Christ Church is the only college that is also a Cathedral. Home of the patron saint of Oxford Saint Frideswide, the main hall, which was used in the Harry Potter films, will take your breath away. Paintings and artworks that defined the Tudor era adorn the walls. This is a rare chance to get up close and personal to history. It is incredible to think that over the centuries students have dined in this place, under the watchful gaze of Thomas Cromwell and Elizabeth I.

7. Oxford Castle and Castle Mount

Oxford Castle is the one of the top tourist spots. The old gaol and castle have been converted into a museum that includes tales of darkness, daring do and ghosts! The mount outside is free to explore. If you climb to the top it gives you one of the best views of the city from all sides. Here you can look out over not just the centre and the dreaming spires, but also the south and west of the city that has developed and changed drastically over the centuries.

8. Christmas Markets and Vintage Fairs

Oxford attracts some of the country’s best fairs and markets. From the annual chocolate fair and Christmas market, held in Gloucester Green bus station, to multiple food markets throughout the year. At Oxford’s many markets you will be able to taste foods from all over the world, including Italian delicacies, crocodile burgers and boutique chocolates that melt in the mouth. Bon appetite. Follow this up by rummaging around one of the vintage fairs held regularly in the remarkable Town Hall.

9. Historic Drinking Dens

A Top 10 list wouldn’t be complete without a pub recommendation or two and Oxford has much to offer the casual drinker or pub-crawler, with its historic drinking dens offering a unique drinking experience. You can go to the Turf Tavern where Morse and Lewis pondered their mysteries before moving on to 13th century pub The Bear, one of the oldest pubs in the city, before finishing at The Eagle and Child a favourite haunt of C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien.

10. Make use of the great transport links

If you feel the need to get out of Oxford for the day it’s really quick and easy to jump on a bus or train to London or Reading. If it’s shopping you’re after, or even a trip to London’s West End you can easily jump on a train and enjoy all that Reading or London have to offer before making it back in time for morning tutorials.

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