Visiting Oxford University

In 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University's tradition of international scholarly links.

In the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval 'halls of residence'. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, which were established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest.

Today thirty-eight Colleges, independent and self-governing form the core of the University, to which they are related in a federal system. There are over 20,000 students at Oxford, including around 11,000 undergraduates and 8,000 postgraduates. Over 50 per cent of undergraduates are studying for degrees in the humanities and social sciences, the rest in the medical, mathematical, physical and life sciences.

No college is tied to any subject. The student resides and studies at his/her own college. The tutorial is at the core of undergraduate teaching. Students meet regularly with their college tutor, either on a one-to-one basis or with one or two other students.

On average, an hour-long tutorial happens every week requiring a considerable number of hours preparatory work for each tutorial, including background reading, essay-writing and problem-solving. This may be supplemented by lectures within the University.

The academic year at Oxford University runs from October to June. The year is divided into three eight week terms, Michaelmas (autumn), Hilary (spring), and Trinity (summer).