Living in Oxford

A Guide for Brazilian Students Moving to Oxford

Arriving in Oxford

Travelling from Gatwick

  1. Airline bus: direct from Gatwick to Oxford (book on the Airline website). Journey ~2:30–3:00 hrs; about £30. Booking ahead recommended.
  2. Train: book via Trainline. Multiple routes; best if you have light luggage or prefer trains.

Travelling from Heathrow

  1. Airline bus: direct from Heathrow to Oxford (book on the Airline website). Journey ~1:30–2:00 hrs; about £25. Book in advance.
  2. Train/Underground: via Trainline. Elizabeth line to Reading, then change to Oxford; other routes available. May be faster than bus, but you’ll carry your luggage.

Travelling from London

  1. Train: from Paddington or Marylebone (Paddington often quicker). Use Trainline app/website.
  2. Bus: Oxford Tube offers frequent service; central London stops include Marble Arch and Victoria Station.

Notice iconOUBS Tip When it comes to buses, make sure to check the company’s website for the most up-to-date prices. Sometimes the online fares are a bit cheaper—but watch out! Those deals often apply only to specific times, which isn’t ideal if you’re just arriving and don’t know how long immigration will take.

Transport inside Oxford

Bike

Cheapest and easiest way to get around. Compared to Brazil, the city is much more bike-friendly. Find used bikes on Gumtree/Facebook Marketplace (yes, Facebook is still alive and well here. It’s where people find everything from bikes to housing!)
or buy new from local shops. Get a helmet, hi‑vis, and lights (fines apply without lights). Use a strong lock and secure your bike properly.

Bike shops (non‑exhaustive)

  • Walton Street Cycles (Jericho)
  • Handle Bar / Bikezone (City Centre)
  • Summertown Cycles (Summertown)
  • Reg Taylor Cycles (Cowley)
  • Broken Spoke Bike Co‑op (City Centre)
  • The Oxford Bicycle Company (Cowley)

Also see: free public tyre pumps and cycle path maps (often via college porters).

Bus (OxfordBus / Stagecoach)

Use the OxfordBus app for tickets and routes; cash and contactless accepted (note: some users report Wise cards don’t work on OxfordBus). For frequent travel, consider a bus card or bundled trips—check which products include Stagecoach services.

Unfortunately, there aren’t discounted fares for university students on single or return trips, so you’ll need to pay the standard rate. However, if you’ll be using the bus regularly, consider getting a Stagecoach student ticket,
available per academic term. For flexibility and savings, look into multi-trip options such as
Flexi5 or 12 Trips passes.

Notice iconOUBS Tip
  • Check which bus company serves your area—tickets can be cheaper if you stick with just one operator.
  • If you usually go out in the evenings and Stagecoach serves your route, try the Evening Rider ticket. It’s much cheaper and valid from 7 p.m. onwards!

Taxi

Royal Cars and 001 Taxis have apps and phone lines and are usually cheaper than black cabs, but busy at peak times. Black cabs queue at Gloucester Green coach station and Oxford rail station. All options take cash and card.

Train

Oxford has two train stops: Oxford station (near the city centre) and Oxford Parkway (near Summertown). If you’re planning to visit London often, it’s worth buying a Network Railcard.
It gives you great discounts on many train journeys—perfect for weekend trips or day visits.

Another popular option is the Oxford Tube, a bus service that runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It takes longer than the train, but it’s usually much
cheaper. For the best value, buy a return ticket instead of two singles.

Private/Rented car

You can use your Brazilian driver’s license for up to 12 months after arriving in the UK. If your program lasts longer and you plan to keep driving,
you’ll need to get a UK driver’s license after that period. You can find all the details—and the official application process—on the
UK government website.

Housing

Housing is extremely expensive in Oxford. If you’re joining Oxford as a full-time student, the University usually finds you (a paid) accommodation for your first year.  However, if you’re coming as a visiting student, postdoctoral
researcher, or academic visitor, you’ll need to arrange your own housing. To make your search easier, we’ve listed some useful housing websites below. We also recommend joining Facebook housing groups, which remain one of the most active platforms
for finding rooms, flats, and house shares in Oxford. Pay attention to whether the rent is paid directly to the owner(landlor) or through an letting agency.

 

Notice iconOUBS Tip
  • Avoid paying any deposit or rent while you’re still in Brazil. Listings that ask for money before you’ve visited the property are often scams. Unfortunately, several newcomers — including Brazilians — have lost money this way. Only consider
    transferring funds once you’ve seen the place in person or confirmed the arrangement through trusted contacts, such as fellow Oxford students already living in the city. Never make advance payments to strangers before arriving in Oxford.
  • When looking for accommodation, always check whether the rent is listed per calendar week (pcw) or per calendar month (pcm)—it makes a big difference
    when budgeting.

  • If you’re not a student, you’ll need to pay Council Tax, a local tax that funds public services. Make sure to confirm whether your rent
    already includes this cost. Some shared houses for professionals may only accept students if they agree to share the Council Tax payment, while others are reserved exclusively for students—so
    always check the property’s policy before signing a contract.

NHS

The NHS is the UK’s public health system. If you arrived on a student or work visa, you likely paid the health surcharge and can use NHS services.

Once you arrive

  • Oxford students: your college will instruct you on registering with its chosen GP surgery (often mandatory). Many colleges have on‑site nurses for minor issues.
  • Non‑students: find a nearby GP via the NHS website. Practices accept local patients only and have their own registration processes. In central Oxford, 19 Beaumont St GP Surgery is recommended.

After you register

You’ll receive a paper letter with your NHS Number. Keep it safe; you’ll need it for appointments and online access.

Additional info

  • Mind your Vitamin D levels during UK winters (per NHS advice).
  • Travelling to Europe? Apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).

Welfare

Colleges usually introduce you to a welfare point of contact during induction and assign a College Advisor who can signpost resources.

  • Junior Deans/Sub‑Deans are available via the Porters’ Lodge for out‑of‑hours issues.
  • Emergencies: call 999 (and notify the Lodge if in college housing). Unsure? Call NHS 111.
  • The University maintains a comprehensive welfare information pack.
  • Disability Advisory Service: support and adjustments for exams, deadlines, etc.

Libraries

The Bodleian Libraries system (access via your “Bod Card”) includes 30 libraries and the SOLO catalogue. Many departments and colleges have their own specialist libraries.

Highlights

  • Old Bodleian: historic reading rooms; visit the Divinity School (Bod Card holders + up to 3 guests) and Duke Humfrey’s (no bags/food; lockers provided).
  • Radcliffe Camera: iconic and popular; often full during exams. Access also via the underground Gladstone Link from the Old Bod.
  • Taylorian Institute: small, lovely central room; arrive early in exam periods to secure a window seat.

Tip for partners: you can register online and pay for a Readers Card to access the Bodleian system as an independent researcher.

College Libraries

Each college has its own library (access limited to members). Friends can host you to study in their college libraries.

Oxfordshire County Library

Public libraries across the shire. Register with passport and proof of Oxford postcode. They also host community events—see the County Council website.

Finances

  • Digital banks: Wise (popular for exchange + debit card), Revolut, and Monzo are widely used. Note: some report Wise not working on OxfordBus readers.
  • Traditional banks: e.g., Barclays.
  • Payments: contactless is ubiquitous. Cash‑only shops are rare.
  • Exchanging BRL→GBP: several exchanges operate on Cornmarket Street near the Covered Market.

Clubs & Societies

University of Oxford clubs span sports, arts, hobbies, academic events, and more. Browse the full list and meet societies at the Freshers’ Fair (typically early October).

Oxford University Brazilian Society (OUBS) welcomes you—join the community!

Tip for partners: many societies allow participation without being a matriculated University student.

The Oxford Union

Historic debating society (founded 1823) hosting internal debates and high‑profile guests. Options:

  1. Purchase yearly or life membership at the start of the year for access to facilities and events.
  2. Attend with a member friend or pay a guest fee for individual debates (around £10).

Names & Expressions You Should Know

  • Bod Card: your University of Oxford ID and key to many services.
  • BOP: “Big Open Party” hosted by colleges during term.
  • Isis: the stretch of the River Thames through Christ Church Meadow where rowing happens.
  • Subfusc: formal academic dress for matriculation, exams, and graduation.

Curious to dive deeper? Check the Oxford Glossary.

Brazil at Oxford

Portuguese is the city’s second most‑spoken language (2021 Census), and there’s a vibrant Brazilian community with classes, socials, and shops:

  • Capoeira em Oxford — classes for adults and kids. Social: instagram.com/acapoeira_oxford/
  • Forró — classes and social dancing at St Giles Church Hall (10 Woodstock Rd, OX2 6HT). Social: facebook.com/oxfordForro
  • O Brasileiro (Brazilian products) — 176 Cowley Rd, OX4 1UE. Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00; Sun & BH 09:00–17:00. Site: brasileiroonline.co.uk
  • Josi — Brazilian snacks (coxinha, pão de queijo etc.). WhatsApp: +44 7801 241499

This is a living list—new initiatives are welcome!

Source: Welcome Guide — OUBS 2023/24