Wednesday 25th June 2025
Blog Page 234

Tips for keeping fit

Zoe Abereoje
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Tips for keeping fit

I considered myself retired from any form of exercise in Year 9. Sure, I could watch sports, but doing it? Absolutely not, thank you. Unfortunately, noticing that the steps to my college library were getting increasingly taxing, I decided that, like Tom Brady, it was time for me to unretire. Exercise is great for your mental health, but it’s also a great distraction from the impending doom that is your essay’s reading list. Here are my recommendations for staying active while at Oxford. 

Join a gym 

While some might initially cringe at the thought of joining a gym, going to one is a great way to fit exercising around your own schedule. Joining one with my friend meant that I felt less gym anxiety when I started, because if I was clueless as to how an exercise machine worked, I could ask her to show me – and if she couldn’t it was fine, because at least I wasn’t confused on my own. The big gyms in Oxford are Buzz Gym and Pure Gym, of which I personally used the former. I found signing up and also cancelling at the end of the year more convenient, however its location in Westgate regretfully sponsored many impromptu Primark trips.

College sports 

The typical response to the question of how to stay active in Oxford is to encourage students to engage in college sports. Most colleges encourage all their students to take part in some form. This is because you can do as much or as little as you like. You don’t need to be an elite competitor to be able to take part; all physical talent, or lack thereof, is encouraged to get involved. College sports are a great way to get to know people, and to attend socials and events. Colleges will usually offer sports such as rowing, football, rugby, and many more.

Book out college sports grounds 

If you’re apprehensive about getting involved in college sports, that’s no reason not to capitalise on the wide range of sports grounds and equipment that your college provides. I did this through playing tennis with my friends occasionally on the sports grounds during Hilary term. We were dreadful at it, but it was still exercise. Many colleges will let you book out spaces on their college grounds, so if you want to take part in sports with your friends this is something to make use of. 

Try something totally new 

Don’t feel you have to limit yourself to college-level sports only, as there is such a wide range of university-wide sports that you can get involved in. University is a great time to introduce yourself to a sport that you may not have done before, especially with the weird and wonderful options that Oxford offers. Have you heard of Eton fives? Nor had I, but it’s offered in Oxford, so why not try it out? If you can stomach the walk and the early mornings, take up cheerleading and become an Oxford Siren. Feeling like Odell? American Football is an option here at Oxford. There is always something new and interesting available here.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a sporty person, don’t let that put you off staying fit. Being physically fit is so important for being mentally healthy in the challenging period that is the Oxford Academic year. A brisker walk to your lecture because you’ve slept in won’t do! 

Image credit: RUN 4 FFWPU via Pexels.

Oxford’s culinary scene

Nicole Stimson
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Oxford’s culinary scene

As a self-professed ‘foodie’ (and President of Oxford’s very own Culinary Society), I can confidently say that Oxford’s food and drink scene is *chef’s kiss* divine! You’re truly spoilt for choice here – there is something for every budget and palate. I hope that this short guide ‘whets your appetite’ and gives you a ‘flavour’ of what Oxford has to offer. 

Cafés 

For the ‘coffee snobs’ among you, Little Clarendon Street and the surrounding area offer a wonderful selection of quaint indie joints just a stone’s throw from the city centre! A few personal recommendations: Tree Artisan Café, which is also one of my go-to study spots when I want a change of scenery; Opera Café, whose Moroccan Wraps you should try, as you won’t be disappointed; and Gail’s. A cheap alternative is the ever-popular Prêt subscription, which gives you a free ‘trial’ month to enjoy an (almost) endless supply of barista-made drinks. There are two Prêts on Cornmarket Street and  a third in the Westgate shopping centre, and they are perfect for those wanting a quick coffee (or tea, frappé, hot chocolate…) fix on a budget! Another favourite is G&Ds, which serves up an eclectic mix of home-made ice-cream (some of their more interesting flavours include Masala Chai, Green Tea, and Mango Malibu, to name a few) as well as bagels if you fancy something savoury. They also do some great deals for Freshers at the start of Michaelmas! Similarly, Taylor’s is quite popular – like Prêt and G&Ds, there are a few spread throughout the city centre, and if you get there after 2pm you can enjoy a free cookie with any hot drink! 

Restaurants 

The selection of cuisines here in Oxford is as diverse as the city itself. Jericho is a foodie’s treasure trove with some top-notch culinary offerings – I would recommend Pierre Victoire, an ambient French bistro with a reasonable fixed-price menu on Little Clarendon Street; Al Andalus, who claim that they are “Oxford’s only genuine tapas restaurant”, and with a patatas bravas that will transport you straight to sunny San Sebastian, I can’t disagree; and the Giggling Squid, serving up a mix of Thai classics, as well as some quirkier flavour combinations. It would be a crime not to mention the Gloucester Green Market in a guide about food and drink in Oxford – open Wednesday to Saturday, this traditional open-air market features an array of authentic street food from more than 20 countries, as well as plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (my personal ‘tried and true’ is Mitre Street Food)! 

In Westgate you’ll find your standard chain restaurants, like Nando’s, Itsu, Pho, and Comptoir Libanais. For a meal with a 360° view of Oxford’s dreaming spires, head up to Westgate’s Rooftop Terrace, where you’ll find a great mix of restaurants from the Hamptons-inspired upscale dining (Victor’s) to an all-day-breakfast spot (The Breakfast Club). Whilst crossing Magdalen Bridge into the depths of Cowley might seem akin to a plane journey through the Bermuda Triangle for some Oxford students, I would suggest that the ‘trek’ is well worth making, not least because of the sheer diversity of Cowley’s food scene, but even more enticingly because a meal there is (generally) cheaper than in the city centre. The ‘crème de la crème’ of the Cowley culinary scene is undoubtedly Zaatar Bake. Top tip: this is a spot best enjoyed in a big group – order a mix of menu items (don’t forget to give the maqluba a try – it’s brought to the table in a pot, flipped over, and ‘drummed’ out onto your plate), the portions are massive, and it works out to be great value. Newcomer to the Cowley restaurant scene, Tribe, has firmly established itself as a real contender amongst the recognised heavy-weights. Rohit, the owner, has curated a show-stopping menu highlighting the stars of South Indian cuisine, such as the Lollipop Chicken, made all the more special by the complimentary inter-course tasters. 

Pubs and Bars 

Oxford has a strong pub tradition, so you will be spoilt for choice here. The historic Turf Tavern, although perhaps not the most student-budget-friendly, is certainly one to tick off the bucket-list; you’ll be able to brag that you’ve had a pint in the same place as some of Oxford’s most well-known alumni, including C.S Lewis, Margret Thatcher, and Stephen Hawking, to name a few. The White Rabbit is popular and is renowned for serving up some of the best artisan pizza this side of Naples! The Varsity Club, located over four levels, including a Rooftop Terrace with stunning skyline views on the High Street, provides great cocktails. 

The Oxford Culinary Society 

The Oxford Culinary Society is on a mission to unite foodies across Oxford! We’ve got lots of exciting events lined up for Michaelmas 2022 from cooking classes to tastings and the return of our much-loved “meet and eat” social. Give us a follow over on our Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date and stay tuned for the release of our term card. 

I hope that this whistle-stop tour of Oxford’s Food and Drink scene has been helpful! You’re very welcome to shoot me an email ([email protected]) if you have any questions. 

Image Credit: Victor Freitas via Pexels.

About the Oxford drama scene…

Alex Foster
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About the Oxford drama scene…

The Oxford University Drama Society: the place that launched a thousand shits, like Hugh Grant, Rosamund Pike, and more than half of the white men you usually see Mocking the Week. You too could wrangle your name onto that illustrious list, and you only have to read this guide to learn how to do it. And apply for about ten roles before landing a minor part.  

Step 1. Get Facebook

When they said that the theatre world runs on connections, they weren’t lying. Who’s ‘they’? People who got Facebook in their first week, and consequently have access to all the casting and crew calls for shows coming up that term. With a quick filling in of a Google Form detailing your experience (or lack thereof, it’s no biggie) you can apply for anything from Director to Costume Designer to Lighting and Sound, and everything in between. Of course, you can also just send in an audition tape to get your first role; though self-tapes sound scary they’re really just a way for directors to see what you can do, and you’ll almost certainly get a callback. You can also sign up for the weekly OUDS mailing list (edited by yours truly) which puts all of these into a fancy little email that 36% of you never read.

Step 2. Drama Cuppers

Yes it has a stupid name, no, we’re not changing it. Drama Cuppers is a week for freshers where groups in each college can get together and put on their very own show. It’s a chance to meet other people who either a) love drama or b) have nothing better to do, and the results are… unique. With special prizes like ‘Best New Writing’ and the nebulously named ‘Spirit of Cuppers’ up for grabs, why not apply? Previous Cuppers plays have had titles like ‘Nuts’, ‘Killing Steve’, and ‘The Lamb and Slag’. Only one of these was good. I speak from experience. 

Step 3. Your First Play™

Everyone has a special place in their heart for their first play. Maybe you’re the token American (even though you’re British) on a lesbian remake of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, stressing over where in the US their accent will land this night. Or perhaps you’re Assistant Director on new writing about a talk show gone wrong which is both a comedy and really, really deep, actually. You’re barrelling into the poky Burton Taylor or ever so slightly larger Michael Pilch Studio in 7th week, having done the world’s most rushed tech rehearsal. If things go well, good! If they don’t – who cares: the real theatre is the friends we made along the way. Either way, you’ll get lovely reviews from the student media industrial complex. It’s a good time had by all and, worst comes to worst, you can always put ‘Lighting Designer’ on your LinkedIn CV when you apply for jobs that make you money. 

Step 4. The Next Step

So you’ve done a show or two, and you want to move to the big leagues: setting up your own production company. This means you can cast whoever you want, put on whatever play you desire, and do whatever you fancy. Don’t go too crazy with all the power. All this requires is a quick form filling on the OUDS website (hyperlink – OUDS.org) and you’re good to go: all those casting calls on Facebook, all that mindless admin, all the meticulous planning of the production company’s Instagram layout (okay, that last one is fun @asquaredprods shameless plug xo). Just be sure to give some roles to newbies, though. Someone took a punt on you and placed you on the inexorable gravy train to semi-greatness, so you can do the same: you might not be the next Ivo van Hove, but maybe they are? Okay, maybe not, but Oxford Drama is there for fun as well as careers. Just don’t take it too seriously and you’ll be good to go. 

Image credit: Madeleine Woog via Wikimedia Commons.

A beginner’s guide to Oxford’s clubs

Ronan Lunny
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A beginner’s guide to Oxford’s clubs

So, you’ve just confirmed your place at Oxford University. You have no doubt already been told by schoolteachers, family members, and strangers alike that hard work really does pay off. Now, whilst that is certainly true, I am afraid your work is far from over. Academic work aside, I am here to remind you that you now have several gruelling years ahead of you to prove to your non-Oxford friends that Oxford students do actually have fun!

Whilst your choice of library will become the site of your academic battles (see Anya’s article for a rundown on libraries!), it will be in Oxford’s array of nightclubs that you will fight the valiant battle in defence of the social reputation of all Oxford students. 

For a university which boasts 45 colleges and permanent private halls (PPHs), Oxford certainly tends more towards minimalism in terms of their selection of clubs. However, just like colleges, you will likely end up loving whichever club you decide to pledge allegiance to; and just like colleges, they all boast their own unique flair and character which deserve to be outlined in detail.

Atik / Park End

If you want to prove that Oxford is just like any other university, Atik, also known as Park End (and occasionally Parkers), is your best chance to prove this. As a chain club, the cheaply priced drinks, sticky floors, and cheesy music unite Oxford students with their contemporaries in universities across Britain. Just as at other unis, Wednesday night is sport social night, so be ready for bizarre fancy dress, college ties, chinos, and swathes of rugby boys drinking VKs. Whilst debate continues over what to name this venerated institution, the silly vibes, affordable drinks, and predictable music are an undeniable fixture of an Oxford Wednesday night.

Bridge

After surviving the caffeine-fuelled absurdity of Wednesday night Park End, it’s time to get back up and do it all over again on Thursday. Meet Bridge! Famed for its hip and happening AstroTurfed smoking area, Bridge takes itself ever so slightly more seriously as a club, offering carefully divided sub-sections and floors to cater to all hedonistic music tastes. Whether you want to continue your Wednesday night cheese fixture on the main floor, head upstairs for some more euro-centric house, nip into the back for some RnB, or even check out some reggae in the now elusive Anuba room, multifaceted Bridge has something for everyone.

Plush

The word “plush” certainly connotes ideas of palatial interiors, expensive décor, and general luxury. Whilst the famed sweaty ceilings and (alleged) mould which define the space of Plush vastly contradict these connotations, it remains a prized landmark of the Oxford club scene. As Oxford’s only LGBTQ+ venue, Plush is a very welcome asset to Oxford nightlife. The highlight of the Plush social week is “Tuesgays”, an LGBTQ+ night dedicated simultaneously to being a safe space and to playing some of the best tunes available on the Oxford nightlife circuit. Wednesday nights also offer a chic alternative to a Park End Wednesday when student-run teams take over Plush to host DJs sure to make you feel super edgy in the red-lit sweaty mosh pit that comprises the Plush dancefloor. Regardless of whichever night you descend on Plush, their jägerbombs decrease in price by the hour and are not to be missed!

Bullingdon Club (Bully)

Having convinced the outside world that Oxford students have access to an entry-level nightclub, you are likely to want to take that a step further and show how edgy and cool Oxford students can really be!  There is no better way to do this than to head to a venue on Cowley Road, which visually marks a departure from everything quintessentially “Oxford”. Bullingdon Club, which by name pokes fun at the haughty posturing of the traditional Oxford social circuit, is an intimate music venue with an exposed and industrial appearance sure to make you believe you’ve delved into an underground Berlin Diskothek! Bully (as you will come to know it) hosts music nights such as indie Fluorescent Adolescent, house, jazz, and everything in between.

The O2

Technically speaking, this second venue on the Cowley Road is scarcely University of Oxford territory, as it is a usual haunt for Oxford Brookes students. That being said, the O2 offers the chance to see big-time acts in the flesh, so musically inclined ‘Uni of’ students are no stranger to this venue! Due to the antics of a certain Brookes-frequented Wednesday night, in which empty bottles are fired to the front of the crowd, all drinks are served in plastic bottles at the O2 – the more you know!

All in all, if clubbing is your vibe, you may disregard the rumours that Oxford students are chained to the library desks. Fun does, in fact, exist here! Just be ready to be home ever so slightly earlier than your friends elsewhere; all-nighters are sadly for essays, not clubbing.

Image credit: Mark Angelo Sampan via Pexels.

What’s the sound?

Tom Farmer
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What’s the sound?

The University of Oxford’s music scene is often characterised by the Magdalen schoolboys singing on May Morning, or orchestras booming out 18th-century chart-toppers in the Sheldonian. Although these traditions are a prominent and celebrated part of the student body’s culture, both the university and the city have much more to offer for music lovers. From jazz ensembles to a Gilbert and Sullivan Society, the university has something for everybody. Oxford as a city too is rich with musical history, being the hometown of indie heavyweights such as Radiohead, Foals, and Bastille. In a labyrinth of musical opportunities, I have you covered to discover the greatest sounds of Oxford. 

Club nights 

Away from the traditional catharsis of Mondays and Wednesdays at Park End, Tuesdays at Plush, and Thursdays at Bridge, there are a number of special club nights that mean you can escape the void of hearing the same 20 songs being played over and over again. The first of these is the termly ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ night at Bullingdon, a traditional thrills-and-spills indie disco. Don your Reebok classics, smoke a roll-up, and observe your voice fade as you scream out a string of indie anthems. Beware though that tickets are notoriously hard to get hold of. If once a term isn’t enough to quench your Dark Fruits indie thirst, a monthly indie night is set to start up at the O2 Academy Oxford – keep an eye out for that! Another club night which has been a big hit is run by Komuna, a collective of musicians inspired by the basement techno clubs of Eastern Europe. With DJs playing experimental techno, a sound rarely heard in an OX postcode, the climax of the night is the string quartet playing experimental dance music, which is much cooler and less weird than it sounds! With a successful launch at Plush followed by a night at Bully in Trinity, Komuna is not to be missed if you want to add a bit of variety into your clubbing experience.

Gigs

Given Oxford’s rich music history, up-and-coming musicians and war-hardened veterans alike often frequent the city. The O2 Academy Oxford has hosted the likes of Alt-J, Bastille, and St. Vincent over the last six months, with the small venue allowing you to have a great view of your favourite artists, regardless of height (speaking from experience as a short gig-goer). Next door, the Bullingdon also hosts slightly more eclectic gigs, but has played host to artists with immense pedigree in recent years. Truck Record Store, organisers of the annual festival in July, also host intimate gigs with up-and-coming artists. If you fancy something more last-minute and laidback, the Jericho Tavern has live music every Thursday. On the very stage where Radiohead played their first ever gig, you can see the stars of the future hone their skills. The quality is admittedly quite varied, but the vibes are always good even if the music is subpar. The Jericho Tavern is also (in my well-established and well-tested opinion) home to the best pub garden in Oxford so, if the music goes seriously wayward, you can seek sanctuary in the heated booths. 

Jazz and funk nights 

Despite football manager Pep Guardiola’s claim that “if everyone was a jazz musician, the world would be chaos,” there is something incredibly tempting and alluring about an evening of free-flowing and foot-tapping jazz and funk to help procrastinate that looming essay. The Mad Hatter is a venue that is as psychedelic and disorientating as Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland itself. With cocktails served in teapots and funky mood lighting, the bar on Iffley Road is the perfect location to take in some jazz, often provided by the ridiculously talented Oxford University Jazz Orchestra (OUJO). With the room being the size of a first-year bedroom, make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment. Whilst jazz famously has no beginning and end, the Mad Hatter does have strict licensing and health and safety standards to uphold, so capacity is small. On a slightly larger scale, there are a couple of very cool funk collectives that will play venues like the Bullingdon, such as Dot’s Funk Odyssey and Sisters of Funk. Brace yourself for pop tunes like you’ve never heard them before, complete with horn sections and blistering sax solos. 

Musical theatre 

Before coming to university, I thought Stephen Sondheim directed Saving Private Ryan, and presumed Sweeney Todd was the name of a child in the year below me at primary school. Oxford’s effervescent and inescapable musical theatre scene has given me a good education of the sights and sounds of musicals. Whilst the name of Les Miserables bears similarity to its effect on my emotional state, a sign there is more work to be done for my conversion to a musicals aficionado, I have seen some incredible performances from students. The Oxford Playhouse hosts student-run musicals a few times throughout the year. With a capacity of well over 600 and all the kit of a small West End theatre, it is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in. The aforementioned Mad Hatter also plays host to a Musical Theatre Open Mic night, whilst smaller theatres like the Pilch have also put on musicals on a lesser-scale. 

Support your local choir or orchestra

Closer to home, college choirs are a large part of music at Oxford. Whilst it is impossible to escape the choral scene if you live in Magdalen or Christ Church, other college choirs are much more reliant on the support of their peers. There is something truly moving and relaxing about hearing very talented people singing much better than you might do in the shower. Most colleges will also have orchestras and collectives which will be open to musicians (or indeed wannabe musicians) of any ability, putting on showcase gigs throughout the year. With some of the country’s most talented musicians playing quite literally on your doorstep for free, it is a real shame not to take the opportunity at least once in your first year to watch your mates do what they love doing. 

It is undeniable that there is ample opportunity to experience and take part in a whole range of musical opportunities at Oxford. Whether you are Grade 8 piano, can hit a pan with a wooden spoon, or are simply a Spotify sommelier, Oxford is booming with sounds of various decibels and styles for you to take in. 

Image credit: Vishnu R Nair via Pexels.

A guide to Oxford’s libraries

Anya Biletsky
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A guide to Oxford’s libraries

Once the whirlwind of Freshers’ passes, a week of meeting new people, settling in, and, of course, clubbing, you will probably want (or rather, need) to hit the library and tackle your first Oxford essay or problem sheet. Oxford is home to a whole host of libraries, some of which make indisputably scenic study spots, whilst others, though perhaps lacking on the visual front, make up for it by being practical and convenient places to get a substantial amount of work done. This is a selection of some of Oxford’s many libraries.

The Radcliffe Camera (A.K.A the RadCam)

One of the University’s most famous libraries, situated in the very heart of the city, you will have likely seen a photo of the RadCam on Google Images or a university prospectus before arriving at Oxford. The imposing dome, 18th-century stonework, and grand interior make the RadCam a popular spot for students seeking to live out their dark academia dreams. Some students apparently come to the RadCam to sit and admire the architecture, neglecting to do any work at all. Others prefer to avoid the RadCam entirely, claiming it is “intimidating”, or that the echoing created by its acoustics (perhaps better suited for a music hall than for a library) can make it difficult to concentrate. However, are you really an Oxford student if you haven’t studied in the RadCam at least once? Although it may appear daunting to venture into at first, pay it a visit, and decide what you think about this divisive library.

Quietness: 2/5

Wifi connectivity: 2/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

The Old Bodleian Library (A.K.A the Bod)

The Bod is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library, so it goes without saying that it is an unmissable study spot to make use of during your time at Oxford. With multiple floors, plenty of seats, and a view of its gorgeous courtyard and Radcliffe Square, the Bod is a favourite for many, myself included. While you’re at the Bod, make sure to check out the Duke Humphrey’s Library, located on the first floor. As the oldest and most beautiful reading room in the Bod, the Duke Humphrey’s is a real treasure (and, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, it formed the set of the Hogwarts library). On the whole, the Bod is a trusty library that has stylishly accompanied me through many a study session.

Quietness: 4/5

Wifi connectivity: 4/5

Instagrammability: 4/5

The Taylor Institution Library (A.K.A the Taylorian)

Notoriously difficult to find a seat in unless you arrive early in the morning, the Taylorian is a gem of a library, smaller than the RadCam or the Bod. Located on beautiful St Giles’, right next to the Ashmolean Museum, the Taylorian contains books related to the study of languages. Like the RadCam, the Taylorian is known for its ability to facilitate “aesthetic” study sessions through its beautiful interior, with wood-panelled bookcases rising to the ceiling, chandeliers, paintings on the walls, and carpeted floors. Somewhat resembling a Jane Austen-esque mansion, the Taylorian is certainly a library worth frequenting, if you are lucky enough to turn up when seats are available.

Quietness: 5/5

Wifi connectivity: 4/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

The Sackler library (A.K.A the Classics library)

As a Classics student, I, unfortunately perhaps, often find myself needing to go to the Sackler library. The Sackler is not known for being pretty; in fact, quite the opposite. The low ceilings, blank walls and subdued colours give it a slightly sullen feel.  Aside from this, the Sackler’s disorientating circular design has led me on embarrassingly numerous occasions to walk thrice in a loop as I tried to locate the toilets. However, due to its proximity to my college, and its functionality as the Classics library, I owe to it many a productive study session. It is also worth mentioning that, as the Sackler is less popular than the RadCam or Taylorian, one can always find a space to work, which makes it unquestionably a reliable library.

Quietness: 3/5

Wifi connectivity: 4/5

Instagrammability: 1/5

Your college library (A.K.A your forever friend)

When one inevitably runs into an essay crisis which needs to be resolved late at night, the college library is one’s immediate refuge. Unlike the aforementioned university-wide libraries, most college libraries operate 24/7, and will likely become the place second only to your own room which will see you at your most dishevelled. Become familiar with your college library – decide which nook you work best in, and figure out how to borrow books and use other resources like the printing system. In all likelihood, you will be spending a significant amount of term time here, so you might as well befriend it and reap the benefits.

The college library is fantastic for a number of reasons. It is enviably close to your accommodation (and bed); the wide array of books it has available will often mean that you won’t even need to leave college to acquire your reading for the week; it is full of the friendly faces of the people from your college. Be wary, however, that the chances of seeing – and being distracted – by friends whilst in the college library reach an all-time high.

Practicality: 5/5

Loveability: 5/5

Chances of being distracted: 5/5

I do recommend spending some of the first term getting to know the various libraries in Oxford, and finding out which you most like working in. Part of the excitement of going to uni here is being able to access some truly beautiful study spaces, so do make the most of it!

Image Credit: Diliff/ CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A guide to Oxford’s bookshops

Katerina Lygaki
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A guide to Oxford’s bookshops

The number one rule for being a book-obsessed English student is having the inside scoop on the different bookshops in town. Here’s a short guide on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Oxford book-buying scene. 

Book Stop

Starting off hot, this bookshop has everything going for it: it is found on St Giles’, right next to Tesco, so I do not have to tell you twice how great that is; it sells second-hand books for a pound and all of its new titles are priced at around a fiver; and finally, it is environmentally friendly. This is because the books they sell are the titles that have not been sold by other booksellers, and so have been returned to their publishers. These publishers either recycle the books, or sell them to bookstores like these, where they are sold for half the price of regular paperbacks. I found out about this through a Cherwell article – thank goodness for student journalism – and have not looked back since. 

Vibe: 10/10

Price: 10/10

The Last Bookshop

Honestly, this is the ultimate hidden gem of Oxford. Forget picturesque colleges or artfully maintained parks, this bookshop is definitely the spot where all your main character dreams come true. Situated just off Little Clarendon Street, with its fairy lights and cute cafés, this book shop is owned by the same people as ‘Book Stop’. Here too, you can find second-hand and first-hand discounted books, ranging from a pound to £4.99. I come here whenever I’m in dire need of some shopping therapy without breaking the bank: I have found that not much cannot be fixed by buying a discounted book and then getting an overpriced but cute candle from the nearby store Wild Honey. 

Vibe: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Blackwell’s

Blackwell’s is a must for any Oxford student. They have every title you could ever dream of, and if they don’t have something in store, the staff are extremely knowledgeable in all things books. If you are looking for an Oxford World’s Classics edition of a book, chances are it will be here, since the bookshop acquired most of OUP’s titles after its store on the High Street closed. Another great perk is that they ‘price match’ book titles for students (all you have to do is show your bod card) and they have some great ‘3 for 2’ deals on fiction titles. Oh, also, they have a very vibey café to do some work or read a book in.  

Vibe: 10/10

Price: 8/10

Waterstones 

With all the great independent bookstores in Oxford, going to Waterstones just doesn’t hit the same sweet spot as the others. They carry loads of new releases, and their prices are standard: £8.99 on average for a paperback. What makes this bookstore stand out instead is its top-floor café. Their coffee is average, but the view of St Giles’ and the relaxing atmosphere are exceptional. 

Vibe: 8/10

Price: 6/10

Gulp Fiction

Finally, this independent bookshop is a new addition to the Covered Market, selling second-hand books whilst also serving coffee from The Missing Bean and beer from Oxford’s Tap Social and BMan Brewery. You can even sell your old books to them for a pound. I haven’t had a chance to go to this store myself, so I can’t comment on its prices, but I have looked at it longingly from afar every time I’ve entered the Covered Market, so that has to count for something. Only downfall for this one is that it operates under Covered Market hours, which still remain a mystery to me, even after studying in Oxford for two years now. 

Vibe: 10/10

Price: to be determined 

Imade credit: Peter Trimming/ CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A guide to Oxford’s traditions

Maxi Grindley
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A guide to Oxford’s traditions

This is a quick guide to some of the events and evenings that will constitute a vital part of your Oxford experience. These traditions will form many of your fondest memories of your time at Oxford, hopefully making up for the late nights in the library that inevitably outnumber them (though actually, in a strange way vaguely reminiscent of Stockholm Syndrome, those late nights also seem to morph into something suspiciously similar to fond memories) . 

Matriculation

The first big event, which marks the official beginning to your degree. You’ll get dressed up in sub fusc, queue up outside the historic Sheldonian Theatre, stand (the unlucky ones) or sit (the lucky ones) in the Sheldonian, listen to some Latin, and leave. I’ll admit it is not my personal favourite of the Oxford traditions, as that is about all there is to say about the event itself. If I could, I would enlighten you as to what the Latin actually means, but since that remains a mystery to me, I am afraid I am none the wiser. This is the kind of thing that gives Oxford the reputation it has and sets it apart, for better or for worse (or just as different), from other universities, according to many people. 

Afterwards, many students like to go out for a meal to celebrate. Don’t let it be said that I’m giving people ideas, but – apparently – on occasion alcohol accompanies these meals. That’s a personal choice though, of course.

Formals

Whilst matriculation is essentially the same for everyone, formals vary considerably college to college, making my job somewhat harder. 

Formals are essentially the fancy meals where everyone dresses up, or puts their gowns on, and has some nice food served to them. Depending on your college, these can be compulsory events or highly sought-after, held daily or weekly, with strict or loose dress codes.

Ultimately, it all depends on your college. 

Bops

Once again, your college massively influences how these events are held.

To give you a brief summary, bops (suspected but not confirmed to stand for Big Organised Party) are college parties almost exclusively attended by members of the relevant college(s). Bops are similar to normal night-outs but pretty much everyone there is from your college. What makes it a little more interesting is that there is usually a theme to dress towards. Again, depending on your college, they may be held at a club/bar or in college, lead on to a club night or replace a club night.

Some people love them, some people hate them – you’ll just have to find out how you feel about them yourselves!

Crewdates

The clue is – kind of – in the name. Two sports teams getting together and going for a curry would be the accurate but reductive and misleading definition. Vitally, copious volumes of alcohol are drunk (usually at least a bottle of wine per person, but obviously this depends on the person, with many non-drinkers also participating), often as a result of the various drinking games that are played. Generally, the teams will then go on to a nightclub.

As a general rule, crewdates are probably more inclusive and less wild than their reputation, though there is the occasional outlier which lives up to the stereotype. If you’re worried about what might happen, it’s probably best to go with a team you feel entirely comfortable in, but equally it can also be a great way to bond with a team you’ve only recently joined. 

Balls

To get the picture: tickets are generally over £100 and somehow people usually don’t regret buying them.

This will involve food, drinks, dancing, live music, rides, entertainment, and lots of people. Balls don’t happen often, with most being held towards the end of the academic year, but they are very good fun and are something to get excited about if you decide to attend. Whether or not they are worth the price is another question, but they are certainly very enjoyable.

Much like previous entries, these can vary considerably depending on the relevant society/college/association hosting them. Prices, dress codes, entertainment, facilities, amenities, and venue can all differ considerably. 

To conclude: throw yourself into it and in a year you’ll all be able to write this article as badly as I have. 

Image credit: The Illustrated London News/CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia commons.

A guide to academic life

Teagan Riches
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A guide to academic life

We all have been there, bewildered at how we’re supposed to navigate a lengthy reading list in only a couple of days, forgetting to set our alarm for a 9am lecture or wondering what older students are on about as they talk about collections and tutes. Hopefully this brief guide to academic life will help alleviate some of the confusion in what will inevitably be a whirlwind of a first term. It can take time to adjust to academic life at Oxford and that’s okay – nobody expects you to understand everything right away! 

The academic year is split up into three eight-week terms called Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity. The first and last terms of the year, Michaelmas and Trinity, tend to be the busiest. Our terms are shorter than most other universities and it’s normal for academic life here to look very different from your friends’ at other places! Oxford has plenty of options when it comes to choosing where you want to study and your first term is a great chance to tour all the different libraries, try out study cafés such as Common Ground, or find the desk setup that works best for you. 

Glossary of useful terms: 

Collections: Collections are mock exams that you normally sit at the beginning of term. They are held within your college and the questions are usually based around the content you covered the previous term. Whilst it’s always good to aim to do well on collections, don’t stress! Collections are a great way to practise exam technique and identify gaps in your knowledge that you might need to work on further. Remember your first collection will be the first time you’ve ever sat a university-style exam which is very different to what you will have been used to at A-level. Do your best, take on board any feedback your tutor gives you, and don’t worry about them too much! 

Sub fusc: This is a special academic dress that you will be required to wear for events, such as matriculation, as well as exams such as Prelims or Mods. Some colleges may also ask that you wear your gown whilst sitting collections.  

Preliminaires ‘Prelims’: These will be the first university-wide examinations you will sit near the end of the final term of your first year, testing you on all the content you have learnt in that time. Prelims don’t count towards your final degree classification; you just need to pass them, as they are a stepping stone into the next couple of years! If you fail a paper, you will be allowed one resit later on that summer. If you do really well in prelims, you can get what is known as a ‘distinction’, which enables you to wear a special type of gown called a scholar’s gown to events such as formal dinners, in place of your commoner’s gown. Prelims can feel really daunting but it’s important to remember that you just need to pass them!

Mods: For subjects such as Law and Experimental Psychology, your first year exams are called ‘moderations’ (or Mods for short) and are sat earlier than those doing Prelims. Whilst sitting your exams earlier might seem like a scary prospect it does have its perks as it means you will be able to enjoy your summer term exam-free! If you are a classics student you will sit your first university exams even later, in the second term of your second year.

Lectures:

Lectures are where the majority of your course content will likely be taught to you. The number you will have in a week will vary depending on the subject you are doing. Nobody likes a 9am lecture but it’s important to try and go to all of them as your exams will probably be based on the content you learn here! 

Arranging to meet your coursemates and walk to lectures together can be a great way to meet new people in first year and can also help to break up the day.

Be punctual – coming in late can be disruptive for others already there and some lecturers will stop students from coming in after a certain amount of time.

Do ask questions at the end, but be mindful lecturers might have limited time. Most usually give out their email addresses so don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions afterwards. 

Try different ways of taking lecture notes. Some people prefer to type them, some to handwrite and some to annotate the lecture slides. There’s no right or wrong way – whatever feels best for you! For most lectures you will get access to the slides afterwards so don’t try and write down everything that is written, focus on getting the key point the lecturer is saying – you can always go back and add to your notes later! 

Tutorials

Tutorials, or ‘tutes’ as they are commonly referred to, are an opportunity for you to go more in depth into an aspect of your course with a tutor who specialises in that area. Depending on your course you will be asked to prepare work for the tutorial, which will usually be either an essay or a problem sheet. 

Re-read your work before coming to the tutorial so it is fresh in your mind. 

Write down any questions you have. This is your chance to go through anything you might be stuck on. 

Be respectful of your tutorial partner. Whilst you may have some one-on-one tutorials, the majority will be in groups of two or three. It’s important to make sure you aren’t talking over others in your tutorial and respect their ideas and opinions.

Think out loud, just like you will have done at interviews. This way your tutor can hear your ideas and see your train of thought so they can point you in the right direction. 

Remember tutors want to hear your opinion. 

Top Tips:

Organisation is key. Managing your own time can be one of the hardest parts of academic life so make sure you have a calendar, whether online or on paper, and put in all your commitments academic and otherwise for the week. Work often expands to fill the time you give it so break up everything you need to complete into smaller tasks and give yourself a time goal – this will help stop work dragging on all day!

Take regular breaks. It is unrealistic to try and work for long hours everyday. Make sure you plan in regular breaks and look after yourself. 

Remember you are here to learn. Nobody expects you to turn up knowing everything – otherwise there would be no point in you being here!

Just give it a go. It can be easy to get hung up on whether you are doing something just right and trying to make your work perfect. Whilst problem sheets will usually have a right and wrong answer, for essays the questions are usually an open end with no real ‘right’ way to answer them. Either way, no matter what work you are doing it’s more important to give it your best go and come to a tutorial armed with questions than not do anything at all! 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your tutors and lecturers are there to answer your questions no matter how big or small. Speaking to older students who do your subject can be really useful as they’ve been in your exact position and can give you tips and ideas. 

Constructive criticism is a good thing! One of the hardest adjustments can be getting used to tutors critiquing your work or challenging you on your ideas. Don’t get disheartened. Thinking about it in a more positive way can help: if your tutors are challenging you and giving you constructive criticism to work on, it means they see the potential in you to grow and get better.

Don’t worry about making mistakes. Sometimes this is the best way to learn!

Everyone will have different strengths. Oxford brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds; don’t be worried if someone knows more about a particular subject or seems to be finding a certain topic easier. First year is all about getting everyone on the same page so don’t stress if you’ve never heard of something before – it’s likely that there are lots of people who don’t.

You will get the hang of things – maybe not right away but that’s okay. There will be many things you might have never seen or been asked to do before but don’t worry – it’s all part of the process, and even if you find it hard at the start, things will start to get easier the more you practise them! 

You deserve to be here. Even if your essay didn’t go as well as you’d hoped or you didn’t understand what to do with your problem sheet, you deserve to be here. 

Image Credit: Mike Knell/ CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A day in the life of an Oxford student

Phoebe Walls
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A day in the life of an Oxford student

A typical day in the life of an Oxford student is intense, from waking up hungover and going to a 9am tute, writing essays in incredible libraries, to the constant trips to Prêt and the milking of its subscription!

As a French and German student at Lincoln, I aim to get up at 8am – breakfast in Hall motivates me to stop snoozing my alarm. It’s nice to enjoy the tea pot and gossiping with the limited selection of friends who have actually made it to breakfast. Sometimes, I regret not becoming a rower when I see the rowing team in their gear, but then I remember that they have been up since 5am. My morning routine involves walking straight from Hall to Prêt for my first coffee of the day. Some days, I have a 9am tute. A German tutor once violently humbled me by comparing my writing in German to a Picasso painting: “pure chaos, but something beautiful may eventually emerge”. From experience, it seems that when I turn up to tutes well-rested, I am roasted by the tutors, and when I wake up hungover, I am praised for my great ideas. 

A lot of my lectures are online but those held in person make me feel more inspired – and it was fun to discover one time that the girl sitting next to me was also called Phoebe! After tutes or lectures, I make a long to-do list and get some work done before my next Prêt trip. A change of scenery helps my concentration, so at some point I usually relocate to the Lincoln library, where I admire the ornate ceilings, and find familiar faces buried in books. A few times a week I will attempt to get a seat in the Rad Cam. I like seeing other people working but sometimes wonder whether the whispering next to me is a couple or what is blasting out of someone’s headphones.

After library time, I have lunch in Deepers, our college bar. As I approach the long queue, I admire the Imp, Lincoln’s rather unusual college mascot, safely tucked away behind bars. Normally I go for the tuna baguette and hope there’s actual mayo this time rather than something resembling a cat food consistency. I also enjoy a delicious smoothie, which provides me with my fruit for the day. After lunch, I return to my essay and aim to get it done and dusted by 5.30pm. An essay that seemed wonderful before lunch can quite often appear less satisfactory with fresh eyes and a full stomach. I read it aloud to edit and then proofread until I become snow blind to my own errors. Many of my peers submit their essays in the early hours of the morning but I’ve never wanted to pull the infamous Oxford all-nighter essay crisis. I have found that time management truly makes the notorious Oxford workload manageable. 

In my downtime I go to dinner in Hall, where I enjoy spotting who is in a scholar’s gown and notice how almost every Oxford student seems to devour their slab of butter and bread roll before the soup even arrives. After dinner, my college friends and I enjoy going to Deepers for a pint. On Thursdays, I go to the Union Debates and sometimes end up at Plush. Every so often I get an early night to fight the constant Victorian-sounding cough I’ve had since arriving in Oxford in October (it’s not Covid). Before bed, I write melodramatic diary entries and poetry about my disappointing love interests. I put my ear plugs in to block out the sound of drunken chants (“OLLIE!”) on Brasenose Lane. How many Ollies are there in Oxford? I briefly regret not having gone out after all, and then I wonder whether 18 is too old to still be sleeping with Dolly and Blanket Bear, one in each hand?

I fall asleep quickly, exhausted by reading, essay writing, black tie, translations, tutes, and Prêt queues. I ponder what the German word for garden gnome is. 

Image Credit: Ron Lach via Pexels.

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