This page aims to provide information for Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) students who are interested in social and extracurricular activities offered at the University of Oxford.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this page is based on the personal experience and opinions of the OUANZ committee who are students studying at the University of Oxford, and is not reflective of official policies of the University of Oxford. Though we have done our best, we do not guarantee that information provided is factually correct and you should clarify and confirm information with departmental and college staff as appropriate.
Partners at Oxford
It is not uncommon for partners of students to move to Oxford. This can be challenging but also a unique and rewarding experience. There are many ways in which partners can become integrated into the community and share the Oxford experience. Becoming an Associate Member of your partner’s MCR is the best way to be connected to the college (for example, see Magdalen College). Some colleges are more accommodating to partners then others, but it is not uncommon for partners to be an active member of the MCR, attend social and academic events and engage in college sport.
If you are a Rhodes Scholar, ensure that Rhodes House is aware that you will be moving to Oxford with your partner. If your partner is an “established partner” this will ensure that they have a name-tag at events and access to high-demand events only for scholars and partners at Rhodes House.
Of course, partners should sign up to OUANZ and come along to the academic and social events for members!
It is recommended that partners consider becoming a member of the Oxford University Australian Rules Football Club (OUARFC) which is a fantastic opportunity to meet other ANZ students and partners in the Oxford community. As AFL is not registered as a blues sport, partners are not only welcome (and encouraged) to play, but are not limited to playing in the bottom team as is the case with other sports clubs that can only allow students who have matriculated to compete in Varsity. See below for more information on OUARFC.
The Newcomer’s Club is another opportunity to meet partners of all ages from across the world who regularly meet at the University Club. Becoming a part of their mailing list is often a great way to find out about new job listings as they become available (see more information on working at Oxford).
Clubs and Societies
There are a very large number of clubs and societies that cater for a wide range of interests at the University of Oxford. You will find students actively involved in everything from the Doctor Who Society to the Quidditch Club.
The two longstanding political organisations at the University of Oxford are the Oxford University Conservative Association and the Oxford University Labour Club.
The Oxford Union has been in existence for over 200 years and each year brings notable guest speakers from across the world to Oxford, including former Australian Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott. It is located on St Michaels Street in the centre of town and requires paid membership to attend most social and speaking events. It has an impressive debating chamber and a reputation for being the most prestigious debating society in the world. The Oxford Union Ball is held each term on the Friday of 5th Week.
Many students are involved with various student newspapers. The Cherwell is the independent student newspaper of the University of Oxford and The Oxford Student (OxStu) is produced each week for students by students. The Isis Magazine produces one print issue each term and is the longest running student magazine in England, founded in 1892 by students at Oxford.
The Oxford Student Union is an independent and student-led organisation that exists to represent and support students during their time at Oxford. All students are automatically members of Oxford SU and offers students everything from confidential student advice to facilitating charitable events through Raise and Give (RAG).
Sport
Oxford doesn’t offer sport scholarships to prospective students, but does have a vibrant and successful sporting community that everyone is encouraged to be a part of. Many colleges have numerous sports teams that are filled with students who have varying levels of sporting experience. Aside from college sporting teams that are active throughout the year, colleges put together teams that participate in an annual “cuppers” competition for a large number of sports. Sport at Oxford is overseen by The Sports Federation which includes staff and elected student members. The Iffley Road Sports Complex is currently being renovated and can be accessed and utilised by all students at the University of Oxford, however students from some colleges may be liable for annual membership fees to gain access to either the pool or gym. There are extensive sporting facilities belonging to the various colleges and the university throughout Oxford.
There are 78 official sporting clubs at the University of Oxford. Each year there is an annual Varsity match against Cambridge University which is the most important sporting fixture each year. Varsity matches are usually held in February/March at the end of Hilary Term each year with some exceptions (e.g. The Varsity Match in December and The Boat Race in March or April). Students who are likely to compete in the annual Varsity match in either the 1st “blues” team or 2nds team will usually be a member of the “blues squad” and be expected to commit to a regular and intensive training schedule throughout the year. There are strict rules that determine which students are able to participate in the Varsity competition – for example a visiting student that has not matriculated may not compete in a Varsity match. The rules are usually more relaxed for other competitions and visiting students are usually allowed to participate in BUCS (British Universities and College Sport) competitions against other university teams throughout the year. Students who compete in a Varsity match may be eligible to achieve a Half or Full Blue, the highest sporting honour awarded to students at the University of Oxford, and a list of athletes who have previously achieved a Half or Full Blue can be found here. Further information on the specific criteria for each sport can be found here (women) and here (men). Students who are members of a blues sport can purchase “stash” from the online store and Walter’s of Oxford is the official supplier of tailored Blues Blazers. Many athletes from the University of Oxford have previously been selected for national and international competitions and there is a long list of Oxonians who have competed at the Olympics. Elite athletes are offered additional support through the Blues Performance Scheme.
Vincent’s Club (on King Edward Street – established in 1863) and is a club defined by a shared passion for sporting excellence and passed a controversial vote to allow women to become members in 2016. It is frequently used by sporting clubs who have a love of steak and infamous alcoholic drinks! Atalanta’s Club aims to bring together Oxford’s leading sportswomen and promote women’s sport both within and outside of the university. Reciprocal clubs at Cambridge are the Hawks’ Club and The Ospreys.
Oxford University Australian Rules Football Club (OUARFC)
OUARFC is a very social club and people of all ages and abilities are welcome to play, regardless of whether or not you have any prior AFL experience! Training is held each Sunday at 2pm and games are played regularly throughout the season (for more information join the Facebook group) which culminates in the annual Varsity Match against Cambridge University Australian Rules Football Club (CUARFC). The annual Varsity Match is held each year in March and each year is hosted alternating between Oxford and Cambridge. The 2019 Varsity Match will be held in March 2019 in Cambridge (date to be confirmed) and will be played together with a Mixed Social Netball match coordinated by OUANZ and CUANZ. OUARFC is the longest standing AFL club outside of Australia and the AFL Varsity match is one of the oldest varsity matches in existence. Launched for the first time in 2018, OUARFC will be submitting a men’s and women’s team in the National University League with AFL England. The OUARFC Women’s team is rapidly expanding and includes a number of international players who also play with AFL Europe. The first OUARFC vs CUARFC Women’s Varsity Match was held on Saturday 10th March 2018 and the score was a tie with Cambridge 12 : Oxford 12.
Music
There are numerous music groups catering for various instruments and choral music at the University of Oxford. The core organisation overseeing music at Oxford is the Oxford University Music Society (OUMS) and has been in existence for nearly 150 years. There are a number of official musical groups with OUMS as well as a number of non-affiliated groups and college music societies.
There are 9 university-wide ensembles affiliated with OUMS that regularly perform at major venues across Oxford and have previously undertaken international tours. Oxford University Orchestra (OUO) is Oxford’s flagship orchestra and regularly uses professional conductors and professional soloists. The main OUMS auditions for all ensembles are held at the start of the academic year but auditions can be organised in Hilary and Trinity Terms if required. There are also non-auditioning groups: the Oxford University Chorus (OUC) is the largest non-auditioning choir in Oxford and the Oxford University Brass Band is a full concert band and the only non-auditioning OUMS instrumental ensemble.
Singing
Oxford has an ancient and world-renowned choral tradition, with groups of various styles available for singers of all levels. Most famously, there are a number of colleges that have chapel choirs (more information here) who predominantly sing pieces from the christian choral canon in services lasting approximately an hour.
All of the college choirs are different: some of the chapel choirs are auditioning, but across the university, there are chapel choirs that suit all levels, prior experience and intended commitment. There is no need to be christian and most college choirs accept members from other colleges. A minimum commitment for involvement in a chapel choir is usually 1 or 2 rehearsals per week and a weekly evening service, often on Sunday evening. Some of the auditioning choirs require an intensive rehearsal schedule but also offer free singing lessons and pay their members. Some chapel choirs offer free dinner and drinks to their members after the conclusion of the choral service and some choirs are known for being very social. There are a number of college choirs that undertake an international tour during the year and whilst many perform a typical Evensong service, some colleges have a more diverse repertoire.
Aside from the chapel choirs, Oxford also has a number of other vocal groups. As previously mentioned, the Oxford University Chorus (OUC) is the largest non-auditioning choir in Oxford and typically performs one major choral work per term (usually with an orchestra) and often in the Sheldonian Theatre. OUC typically rehearses once per week and works towards a final performance at the end of each term.
Out of the Blue (all-male) and The Oxford Belles (all-female) are particularly notable A cappella groups at the University of Oxford. These groups typically perform A cappella arrangements of modern music and some examples can be found on their Youtube channels here (OOTB) and here (OB). These choirs are both auditioning and are of a high skill level. Both groups also require a significant time commitment and frequently tour across the world, performing at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Out of the Blue releases an annual Christmas Charity Single that is always entertaining and the group was particularly notable in 2011 when they made it to the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent.
Socialising
There are a number of local cafes and restaurants that are recommended for people who are visiting or are new to Oxford. Good coffee is found at Jericho Coffee Traders (on High Street), Society Cafe and The Handle Bar Cafe [formerly Zappi’s] on St Michaels Street, The Missing Bean on Turl Street, the Tree Artisan Cafe on Little Clarendon, and at George Street Social on George Street. In Jericho, consider Gail’s Bakery and The Natural Bread Company on Little Clarendon Street, Barefoot Bakery on Walton Street and Brew on North Parade. Note that most cafes and coffee shops in Oxford open much later than you may be accustomed to in Australia – usually around 8am – and many of the places listed above also serve brunch.
Whilst Oxford isn’t known as a foodie heaven, there are a number of nice places to experience. Quod and The Magdalen Arms serve great meals that are often enjoyed on special occasions and are common places to take visiting parents. For a more traditional pub meal, consider The Eagle and Child (St Giles) or The Royal Oak (Woodstock Rd). The Kings Arms (Holywell Street) and The Turf Tavern (between Hertford and New College, entrance under the Bridge of Sighs) are particularly famous pubs in Oxford and popular with tourists. Head of the River (Folly Bridge) has a fantastic view of the River Isis and Oli’s Thai (Magdalen Rd, Iffley) is renowned to be the best thai in Oxford – but be prepared to wait a few months for a booking! Franco Manca (George St) and The White Rabbit (off Gloucester Green) serve fantastic pizza. For a lovely walk through Port Meadow, The Perch and The Trout are highly recommended on a nice evening with good weather.
Many people will commonly have a drink with friends at a local pub or in a college bar or the MCR. If you are looking for a cocktail bar, consider Angels Bar and The Duke of Cambridge on Little Clarendon St, Raoul’s Bar and The Oxford Wine Cafe on Walton St, and House (Blue Boar St) and All Bar One (High Street) in the centre of town. Sandy’s Piano and Wine Bar is also popular after recently opening in the centre of town.
Since the closure of Maxwell’s, the club for graduate students, the space has been repurposed as Hank’s. People looking to party frequently visit Plush (Park End St), Park End (actually called Atik – but on Park End Street) and Bridge (Hythe Bridge St). Cellar and PTs are other favourites in the centre of town.
For more information about extracurricular opportunities at Oxford please don’t hesitate to contact us.