40 Student halls of residence in Oxford

Are you looking for accommodation in a student residence in Oxford? Here's all the key information! We'll tell you the pros and cons of living in a residence hall, as well as the differences between private and university options. We also give you tips on finding affordable alternatives and answer FAQ’s. Let's get to it!

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Oxford halls of residence

In this section, we'll tell you the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the English city, so you can determine if it’s the best option for you:

Pros of living in residences in Oxford

• Living in a residence means being at the centre of the action, surrounded by Oxford colleges, cafes, and bookstores.
• Halls in Oxford are full of students from all over the world, so you’ll be able to live in a multicultural environment and practice your English every day.
• They usually have a variety of common use spaces that encourage community building, especially in private settings. Some of these spaces include gyms, game rooms, and study areas.
• Everything is included in the rent: electricity, water, internet… Forget about surprises on your bills!
• In many cases, the residences don’t require long contracts like some private apartments.

Cons of living in Oxford halls of residence

• University residences, those offered by the institutions themselves, usually have several requirements which can make it difficult to access a place.
• With restrictions regarding noise, visitors, and even the use of certain common areas, life in a residence hall can feel a bit controlled. Additionally, some have closing times or restrict access to certain areas at certain times.
• Rooms in residences are usually small. If you have a lot of books or a bike (a must in Oxford), you'll have to find a way to fit everything in.
• Compared to some shared apartments, residences are usually more expensive, especially in a city as in-demand as Oxford.
• Common areas may be packed with people at any time. Finding a quiet place to study or relax becomes a complicated mission during exam time.

Private student residences in Oxford

In the private sector, student residences in Oxford are typically located in various neighbourhoods across the city, including Botley, Headington, and Cowley. These areas offer convenient access to university campuses as well as the city centre and its many attractions.

When it comes to the available accommodation offered by private residences in this English city, you can choose from several types. The most affordable choice tends to be en-suite rooms, which are usually part of shared flats — meaning you’ll have your own bathroom but share the kitchen and living spaces with other students. Some residences also offer dual occupancy in certain room types for an additional fee. For greater independence and privacy, you can opt for a studio apartment, which includes a private bathroom and kitchenette. In some cases, one- and two-bedroom flats are also available.

Common use areas are usually spacious and modern, designed to encourage social interaction and a community sense. Facilities often include fully equipped gyms, quiet study rooms, games areas with pool and table tennis, on-site cinemas, and rooftop terraces. Some also feature private dining rooms for events and outdoor spaces for relaxing.

The services that are included in the monthly rent usually cover all utility bills, internet access throughout the residence, contents insurance, and on-site maintenance. Additional amenities may include secure bike storage, laundry facilities, and advanced security systems with CCTV and controlled access.

University halls of residence in Oxford

In this section we refer to the residences offered by the different universities in the city, such as Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University. These institutions often have several residences available, but they have many requirements to access a place. For example, some only guarantee places for first-year students, while others offer places for full-time students.

The most common housing type is en-suite single rooms, although you’ll also find shared rooms. They're usually furnished with everything you need to move in, but most of them don't include bedding (sheets, pillows, duvet, etc.) nor kitchen utensils. For this reason, you'll have to decide whether you want to bring all of this from home, buy it when you arrive in Oxford, or purchase a package offered by the universities.

Common use facilities tend to be more basic than those offered in private residences. They usually have shared kitchens, dining rooms and, in some cases, recreation areas.

Monthly rent generally includes all utility bills, high-speed internet throughout the residence, contents insurance, and on-site maintenance. Additional amenities may include secure bike storage, laundry facilities, and advanced security systems with CCTV and controlled access.

Oxford University Residence halls

It’s true that many of the colleges at this institution offer accommodation to their students. However, it’s important to note that priority is often given to first-year students, which can make securing a place more difficult for others.

If you’d like to know more about accommodation near the Oxford University, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Oxford

In our Erasmus Play search engine you can compare residences and other verified accommodations in Oxford. You'll be able to easily review locations, prices, and features to find the ideal one quickly and easily!

FAQ’s about student residences in Oxford