While studying in Oxford, you can choose to live in a college residence or in a local homestay. Both options have advantages and the best choice for you will depend on what you prefer and what is available.
Living in college
Most students choose to live in one of our college residences in a beautiful part of north Oxford – it’s probably the best way to make the most of your international experience. There are 4 large houses (80 beds) exclusively for students aged 18+, no more than 15 minutes from college by bus or on foot.
There are four accommodation options: single superior, twin superior, single standard or twin standard.
The advantages of living in college are:
- you will have the opportunity to live together with other students from around the world
- we offer you a choice of room options: shared rooms or a single room, a shared or a private bathroom (Please note: the room options may vary from house to house and depend on availability)
- we provide bedlinen and towels and there is a launderette for you to use
- your room will be cleaned each week as well as the kitchen and common room in self-catering houses
- a 24/7 Residents' HOTLINE provides help and support when you need it; our dedicated Accommodation and Welfare Officer and the team at St Clare's will help you to settle in to your new home away from home
- the Rules for Residences ensures that communal living will be safe, comfortable and enjoyable for all residents
- some houses offer self-catering facilities so you can cook for yourself or share meals with housemates
- you can meet your friends for lunch in the college dining room
Meals at college
You can choose to eat meals in college or prepare your own meals at home if you have chosen self-catering accommodation.
- during the academic year lunch is served in the college dining room, Monday-Friday
- self-catering students may buy lunch from Monday - Friday
- lunch options include a healthy and nutritious choice of hot meal, fish or vegan dishes, sandwiches, salad bar and desserts
- in summer - June, July and August - we offer breakfast, lunch and dinner
- if the chef is provided with the necessary information we can cater for all dietary requirements
Living with a local homestay
Some students prefer to live in a private home with one of our homestay hosts – it is often the best way to learn about life in Oxford. You can choose either a single standard or a single superior (with ensuite bathroom).
The advantages of living with a homestay provider are:
- full immersion into the English way of life and a chance to learn about the country from people who live here
- a single room with your own private space in a private home
- an opportunity to practise your language skills in everyday social situations and interact with local people as you travel to and from college every day
- a taste of home cooking: you will share breakfast and dinner with your host every day
- you might sit together in the evenings and chat about your day
- you can meet your friends for lunch in the college dining room
- you will share breakfast and dinner with your host every day