WHY OXFORD
For over nine centuries, the University of Oxford has been an epitome of knowledge, learning and scholarship. Renowned for its academic excellence and quality it has attracted the best talent from around the world, polished it and produced exceptionally successful men and women. In recent history, over 50 Nobel Prize Winners, 26 British Prime Ministers and 50 Heads of States from all over the world have been nurtured and educated at Oxford University.
Both Oxford town and the University of Oxford have a symbiotic relationship and together this creates a unique social and academic environment that must be experienced by all promising young luminaries, aspiring for greater things in life. Here we shall present some glimpses from life at the University of Oxford.
THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world with teaching facilities going back to 1096 AD. The University is globally renowned for its academic brilliance, student life, recreational facilities, architecture and unique set of values, traditions and cultures that make it a distinct and favoured place for learning. Oxford’s global stature and reputation have been achieved and maintained over centuries due to the following reasons:
The University of Oxford attracts the very best and the “crème de la crème” from the global talent pool. This includes the top students from around the world and members of the teaching staff that are an authority in their respective fields. The interaction of the best minds in the world produces an inspiring environment that ensures mutual learning, fosters creative thinking and pushes them to stretch the boundaries of their imagination as much as possible.
Oxford’s unique tutorial teaching system allows students to receive individual attention from a member of the faculty who normally tailors the provision of education to their individual needs. This sets Oxford apart from other universities who only offer classroom teaching.
At the Oxford Summer Programmes all courses are taught in tutorials - the unique Oxford teaching method of intensive daily sessions between 1-3 students per tutor. The subject and pace of tutorials are shaped by the interests and needs of the student.Oxford University is structured almost along Federal lines and comprises 39 affiliated colleges which cater to the social, recreational and tutorial requirements of the students while most of the teaching is delivered at the departments. The Collegiate System also allows students to make friends in academic disciplines across the board.
Students have access to unparalleled academic resources at Oxford University, including world-class libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, computing and IT facilities and arts & music centres.
In Oxford Summer Camp we aim to offer all our students a very diverse environment, making sure that in each batch we have representation of students from different countries. Oxford is currently home to students from 130 countries, providing unique perspectives and distinct cultures and lifestyles. This makes Oxford one of the most diverse and multicultural places in the world and adds to the exposure and experience of the students.
Suffice to say that the University of Oxford provides the best available facilities for the social and academic well-being of the students from all over the world.
THE CITY OF OXFORD
Oxford “the city of dreaming spires” is famous worldwide as one of the most livable and beautiful towns. For over 800 years, it has been home to royalty and scholars. With a mix of ancient and modern sites, there is plenty for both tourists and residents to explore in Oxford town centre.
Whether it’s visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shop ’til you drop, Oxford has it all. Here are some glimpses of life in Oxford:
Oxford has an unmatched collection of some of the most incredible architectural wonders from the Anglo-Saxon period onwards in the world. Some of these architectural marvels include the Carfax Tower, Radcliffe Camera, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Christ Church College, New College, Magdalene College and a number of other magnificent buildings.
Oxford is one of the greenest cities in the UK. In total, 28 nature reserves exist along with several parks and nature walks within and on the outskirts of the Oxford ring road. University Parks, Port Meadows, Mesopotamia, Lye Valley, and South Parks are few of the sites.
Oxford was first settled in Saxon times (around 550 AD), and was initially known as “Oxenaforda”, meaning “Ford of the Oxen”; fords were more common than bridges at that time as the river crossings for both humans and animals including oxen. Today the City boasts a number of museums that archive not only Oxford’s contribution to the world but also contains some of the best collections of historical artifacts, arts and crafts and other pieces of historical significance. Some of these include the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of the History of Science, the Museum of Natural History and the Pitts River Museum.
Oxford caters well to the shopaholics from the most global high street brands to high-end designer outlets. The Westgate Centre is a major shopping centre in Oxford city. It was extensively remodelled and extended between 2016-17. A half an hour drive from the Oxford town is the Bicester Village Shopping Outlet, which is home to the world’s top designers and a major shopping destination in the UK.
Oxford’s food scene is of sufficient size. It offers quality and diversity which can satisfy almost anyone and everyone. The area running down Cornmarket Street, High Street, George Street, Gloucester Green and the Castle Quarter is where you will find many independent and usual chain restaurants such as Nando’s, Yo! Sushi, GBK, etc. Oxford’s famous Covered Market dates back to 1774 and is an excellent place to find local restaurants and treats.
Oxford has a highly developed public transport network connecting it to London and other cities in the UK. Although Oxford has its own domestic airport, UK’s largest airport, Heathrow, is only an hour’s drive away. Trains and buses leave for London every half hour and run around the clock.
Oxford is one of the safest and most secure towns in the UK with a low crime rate (even after taking into consideration the incidents of bike theft). All University buildings nevertheless have their own security arrangements including the availability of security guards around the clock, electronic monitoring through CCTV, electronically controlled entry and exit into the buildings and smoke alarms. All of our Residential Deans and Campus Head resides with the students at University Campus.
