Why Oxford?

Studying in Oxford isn’t just about where you take your classes - it’s about the atmosphere you live in every day.

The Clarendon Building and the Sheldonian Theatre are offset by a dark sky that threatens rain, even though sun is illuminating the golden stone.

This is a city where centuries of scholarship meet vibrant student life, where historic streets sit alongside lively cafés, bookshops, theatres, and green spaces. Many students find that simply being here makes them more curious, more engaged, and more excited about their studies.

Oxford has inspired writers, scientists, artists, and thinkers for generations. Today, it remains an energetic university city where learning extends far beyond the classroom - into conversations over coffee, museum visits, late-night discussions, and everyday discoveries around the city.

Student Life Beyond the Classroom

Some of the best parts of studying here aren’t scheduled:

  • Meeting friends for coffee after tutorials at the Art Cafe
  • Punting on the river in warmer months
  • Browsing second-hand bookshops
  • Sampling street food at Gloucester Green market
  • Attending talks, theatre, concerts, or museum exhibitions
  • Finding treasures in the Covered Market

Oxford manages to feel both intellectually serious and genuinely fun - a rare combination.

People enjoy drinks in a beautiful pub garden surrounded by weeping willows.
Go for a walk around Port Meadow and then relax in the pub garden at The Perch.

A Supportive Academic Community

While Oxford offers independence and challenge, you won’t be navigating it alone. The Middlebury-CMRS program creates a supportive community where students quickly find friendships, academic encouragement, and guidance from experienced staff. That balance of immersion and support often helps students grow in confidence - academically and personally.

Exploring the UK from Oxford

Oxford’s central location makes it an ideal base for travel. London is about an hour away by train or coach, and other historic cities, countryside destinations, and coastal spots are easy to reach for day trips or weekends away. Many students take advantage of this to explore far more of the UK than they expected.

A small, four storey castle can be seen atop of a small islet in the middle of a Scottish loch.
Castle Stalker on the West Coast of Scotland.

Why Students Choose Oxford

Students often say Oxford offers:

  • A deeply inspiring academic environment
  • A beautiful, walkable city full of character
  • Opportunities for both serious study and memorable experiences
  • A strong sense of community while studying abroad

For many, it becomes not just a place they studied - but one of the most formative experiences of their university years.