Oxford is an amazing place – and only about 60 miles from London – so if you’re looking for accommodation in the area it’s unlikely that you’ll beat staying in one of the university buildings there. These bed and breakfast accommodations are the actual rooms that the students live in during term time.
As the majority of these are in incredibly old buildings – some dating from as far back as the thirteenth century – then you’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of many famous people from history. This is in addition to many current greats from the arts, entertainment, political and scientific fields.
The colleges are all well located and are ideal for exploring the area. You’ll be surrounded by history at every turn and you could be eating your (included in the price) breakfast in a fabulous dining hall such as the one you see above. The accommodations are basic but clean, comfortable and fresh. Reviewers all speak highly about the friendliness of the staff and the ease of getting around from the various locations.
The university is made up of 38 separate colleges and as you would expect, the accommodations vary. Some of the amenities you can expect are:
- Free wifi
- Continental or cooked breakfast
- Gym
- Bar
- Gardens and outdoor areas
- Luggage storage
- Twenty four hour security
- Common room
- Washer, dryer, iron – some have hairdriers
- Central heating
- Linens and towels are provided
I must say again that the facilities differ depending on the college you choose. For example, I found that one had no internet access (although there was access nearby). That would be a deal breaker for me but wouldn’t be important for other people so check out that the college you choose has the amenities you require.
For example, some offer en suite bathrooms but others have shared facilities. Be sure to check carefully. Note too that many do not have facilities to park you car onsite – although there may be parking close by.
A great way to choose where to stay is to select a college that was attended by a famous person or dignitary. For example, Americans might want to stay at University College, the one attended by US president (Bill Clinton). If you’re from India you might choose Somerville where Indira Gandhi studied. Here’s a random selection:
- Stephen Hawkings (University College)
- Oscar Wilde (Magdalen)
- Hugh Grant (New College)
- Margaret Thatcher (Somerville)
- T.E. Lawrence (Jesus College)
- Kate Beckinsale (New College)
- Rowan Atkinson (Queens)
- J.R.R. Tolkien (Exeter College)
- Benazir Bhutto (St Catherines)
- Tim Berners-Lee (Queens)
- Grahame Greene (Balliol)
WHERE IS OXFORD?
Oxford
