Oxford: local information

All the practical details you need. Can't find something? Just ask us a question.

School facts:

• Class size average 12
• Number of students 180 – 400 (peak)
• Number of teachers 20 – 40 (peak)
• Minimum student age 16
• Average student age 23
• Internet Students can use the computers all day (08.45 to 17.30 Monday to Friday); there is also wireless internet access throughout the school.
• Facilities Self access study centre; lending library; large common room with drinks and snacks available; interactive whiteboards.
• Accessibility The school is accessible to the hearing impaired and has an induction loop available.

• Nearest bus stop: 2-8 minutes' walk
• Nearest shopping centre: 2 minutes' walk
• Nearest park: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest post office: 7 minutes' walk
• Nearest mosque: 3 minutes' walk
• Nearest church: 5 minutes' walk
• Nearest newsagent: 1 minute walk
• Nearest coffee shop: 3 minutes' walk
• Nearest café/restaurants: 1 minute walk
• Nearest supermarket: 1 minute walk
• Nearest bank: 1 minute walk

Cost of Living

We currently advise that students should budget approximately GB £60 per week. This will cover all transport, food and entertainment costs.

A few sample prices (all in GB £):

Item	Price
Item	Price
A cup of coffee (in a chain like Starbucks)	2.50
Can of Coca Cola	0.65
Big Mac hamburger	1.99
Three course meal in a mid range restaurant	From 15.00. Add 10% tip.
Cinema ticket	6.00 to 8.00
Nightclub entrance	5.00 – 15.00
Taxi	2.30 minimum and 20p for each additional minute (approx); more at night and weekends. It is usual to add a 10% or 15% tip.
Bus	Prices vary depending on distance travelled: average 2.00.
Train	Train fares vary depending on the time of day, but it is possible to buy a return ticket to London Paddington station from about 15.00. Fares are cheaper outside the rush hours.

(information last updated July 2008)

Prices are in GB £. Access a currency converter here.

Download our Oxford Student Handbook [PDF] for lots more information.

How to reach Embassy Oxford

From London Paddington: Take any direct train to Oxford, or change at Reading; the journey takes about an hour. Train fares vary depending on the time of day, but if you travel outside peak hours, a return ticket costs about GB £15.00.

During peak times trains depart to Oxford at least four times an hour.

From Oxford station: You can walk to the school in approximately 10 -15 minutes.

Exit the station to the large square in front and turn left. Walk past the Said Business School, keep straight, with the Royal Oxford Hotel on the right up Hythe Bridge Street and over the river.

When Hythe Bridge Street curves, cross straight over to George Street and follow this to the city centre. You will reach a crossroads with Magdalen Street East and Cornmarket Street, and, directly opposite, Broad Street.

Our school is upstairs at number 1-5 Broad Street. Look for the Embassy CES sign.

Taxis and buses: Directly in front of the railway station you will find stops for buses and taxis. It is not really worth taking a bus to the school, as they follow the city's complicated one-way system. It's quicker to walk or get a taxi, which will take you right to the door.

However, the station is a good place for catching buses to other parts of the city. If you cannot find the right bus stop directly in front of the station, walk out to the large square in front, and opposite the Said Business School you will be able to see several bus stops on an island in the middle of the street.

(information last updated August 2008)

Oxford facts

Hottest month August 75° F. Bring: summer clothes such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals, but be prepared for colder days, and even rain, with sweaters, light coats and jeans.
Coldest month January, 41° F. Bring: warm clothes, including sweaters, jeans, an outdoor coat or jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and good boots. Expect frequent rain, with a possibility of light snow. Always carry an umbrella!
Weather now Five-day forecast from the BBC
Time zone GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Time now World Clock
Best known for its universities, architecture, museums and libraries; the 'dreaming spires'; a full range of international restaurants; great public transport.