Complete Guide to the 9 Best Places to Live in Oxford
Stay close to campus, comfort, and city life.
Table of Content
Complete Guide to the 9 Best Places to Live in Oxford
Oxford is one of the most iconic student cities in England, known for its prestigious universities, rich history, and lively student atmosphere. With beautiful architecture, cafes, green parks, and excellent transport connections, Oxford offers the perfect mix of academics and social life. From peaceful residential neighbourhoods to lively city centre locations, there are plenty of options for students searching for the best places to live in Oxford. The city also offers a wide range of student accommodation choices and shared housing close to campus. If you are planning to move here, this guide explores the best student-friendly areas in Oxford, covering affordability, safety, transport links, nightlife, and overall lifestyle to help you find the ideal place to call home.
The City of Oxford
Oxford is a world-renowned city located in Oxfordshire, South East England, famous for its prestigious universities, historic architecture, and dynamic student atmosphere. The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University are the two best universities located here, which are an attraction for students worldwide. With the blend of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and modern amenities for students, such places are the most student-attracting destinations. Students can explore different housing options across the city while managing the Cost of living in Oxford, which varies depending on the area, lifestyle, and accommodation type.
The city offers quick access to London and other major UK destinations, making travel convenient for students and visitors to travel to places such as Abingdon, Bicester, and Witney. Oxford is also known for its walkable streets and cycling culture, making it easy for students to travel between colleges and other destinations. From lively neighbourhoods to quieter residential districts, students can easily find the best area to live in Oxford based on affordability, transport links, and overall student lifestyle.
Best Places to Live in Oxford
1. Oxford City Centre
Safety Index: 60/100
Walkability: 10/10
Crime rate: 81 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University
Population: ~28,000
Average Monthly Rent: £1,250/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,650/month
Oxford City Centre is one of the best places to live in Oxford for students who want everything within walking distance. The area is highly popular for Oxford city centre accommodation, offering quick access to colleges, libraries libraries including the Bodleian Library, restaurants, and shopping hubs. Nightlife venues such as The Turf Tavern and The Varsity Club, and shopping hubs including Westgate Oxford and Covered Market. Students can easily find modern student accommodation and premium student flats near university buildings.
2. Headington
Safety Index: 75/100
Walkability: 8.5/10
Crime rate: 113 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: University College Annexe
Population: ~26,000
Average Monthly Rent: £980/month
Oxford student living costs (Monthly): £1,400/month
Headington is considered the best area to live for students attending Oxford Brookes University because of its proximity to the campus and affordable lifestyle. The area offers excellent student accommodation options along with cafés, supermarkets, libraries, and parks. Cafes and sitting areas, all well located near popular student cafés such as Café Coco, The Missing Bean Headington, and Moo-Moo’s Coffee Shop, making it a highly convenient and lively place to live.
Students searching for affordable student accommodation near the University of Oxford and Oxford Popular student properties in the area include:
3. Cowley
Safety Index: 75/100
Walkability: 8.8/10
Crime rate: 88 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: Hertford College
Population: ~21,000
Average Monthly Rent: £920/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,320/month
Cowley is among the best places to live in Oxford for students looking for vibrant nightlife, affordable rent, and multicultural food options. The area is filled with budget-friendly student flats, music venues like O2 Academy Oxford and The Bullingdon, pubs, and restaurants that create an energetic atmosphere. Cowley is also popular among students trying to manage the cost of living in Oxford without compromising on entertainment and convenience.
Popular student accommodation options in the area are available and all located close to Cowley Road’s cafés and entertainment spots, making it a highly social and well-connected student neighbourhood, which includes:
4. Jericho
Safety Index: 77/100
Walkability: 9/10
Crime rate: 80 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: Oxford-Man Institute of Quantitative Finance
Population: ~7,500
Average Monthly Rent: £1,300/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,750/month
Jericho is one of the most stylish and historic neighbourhoods offering premium Oxford student accommodation close to university colleges. The area is known for independent cafés such as Jericho Coffee Traders, riverside walks like the Oxford Canal and Port Meadow, cinemas, and peaceful streets that enhance student life in Oxford. Students searching for high-quality student accommodation near the University of Oxford often prefer Jericho because of its excellent location and cultural atmosphere. Popular student properties in this area include:
5. Summertown
Safety Index: 75/100
Walkability: 8.2/10
Crime rate: 75 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: Oxford Scholastica Academy
Population: ~13,000
Average Monthly Rent: £1,350/month
Oxford student living costs (Monthly): £1,800/month
Summertown is regarded as one of the best areas to live in Oxford for postgraduate and international students seeking peaceful surroundings and modern amenities. The neighbourhood offers premium Oxford student accommodation, supermarkets like Jiamart Chinese Supermarket, cafés, fitness centres, and green spaces. The students benefit from safety, comfort, and excellent connectivity to university campuses.
6. Botley
Safety Index: 83/100
Walkability: 7.8/10
Crime rate: 58 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: University of Oxford
Population: ~11,000
Average Monthly Rent: £900/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,280/month
Botley is a quieter residential district that attracts students searching for affordable Oxford student accommodation away from the busy city centre. The area offers supermarkets, parks, cafés, and reliable transport links, making it suitable for students managing the cost of living in Oxford on a moderate budget. Botley is also a good choice for students looking for a peaceful student life with convenient access to campus. The neighbourhood also has popular cafés such as Costa Coffee Botley and The Chalet Café, adding to its relaxed, student-friendly vibe.
Popular student housing options in the area include Carfax Quarter, which offers comfortable living spaces with good connectivity and essential facilities close by.
7. Rose Hill
Safety Index: 72/100
Walkability: 7.5/10
Crime rate: 83 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: Oxford Brookes University
Population: ~8,500
Average Monthly Rent: £820/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,180/month
Rose Hill is one of the most affordable and best places to live in Oxford for students searching for low rent and good transport connectivity. The area provides budget-friendly student flats in Oxford along with local shops, sports facilities like Oxford Academy Sports Centre and Rose Hill Community Centre, and green spaces. Students who want to reduce their Oxford student living costs while still enjoying convenient access to the university often choose Rose Hill. Popular student properties in the area include:
8. Marston
Safety Index: 84/100
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate: 49 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: Stanford University Centre
Population: ~10,500
Average Monthly Rent: £950/month
Oxford student living costs (Monthly): £1,350/month
Marston is a peaceful residential neighbourhood ideal for students looking for comfortable Oxford student accommodation close to academic facilities and hospitals. The area offers cycling routes, supermarkets, and parks like Headington Hill Park and Bury Knowle Park that support a relaxed student life in Oxford. Marston is particularly popular among medical and postgraduate students searching for convenient student accommodation near University of Oxford. Popular student accommodation options in Marston include iQ Alice House, which offers modern living spaces, good transport links, and easy access to study and healthcare facilities.
9. Iffley
Safety Index: 81/100
Walkability: 8.4/10
Crime rate: 57 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Oxford: University of Oxford
Population: ~9,000
Average Monthly Rent: £980/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,420/month
Iffley is a scenic and student-friendly neighbourhood known for its riverside atmosphere and quieter residential environment. The area is considered one of the best areas to live for students who enjoy outdoor spaces and balanced living. Students can find comfortable student flats in Oxford with access to cafés, parks, and transport links. Popular nearby cafés such as The Rusty Bicycle (near Cowley Road), Antep Kitchen Café, and Costa Coffee Iffley Road add to the relaxed and student-friendly vibe of the area.
Popular accommodation options in the area include the Between Town Court is convenient living close to riverside paths and essential amenities.
Why Students Prefer Living in Oxford?
Students choose Oxford for its world-class education, historic charm, and exceptional student atmosphere. Home to globally recognised institutions like the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, the city attracts students from across the UK and around the world every year. Oxford is well known for its prestigious academic environment, beautiful colleges, libraries, museums, and vibrant social scene that perfectly balances academics and leisure. The city also offers excellent cafés, restaurants, green parks, shopping areas, and cultural attractions that enhance student life in Oxford for both domestic and international students. With strong rail and bus connectivity to London and other major cities, students also benefit from convenient travel options throughout the year.
Oxford provides students with a wide range of housing options, making it easier to find the best places to live in Oxford based on lifestyle, budget, and university location. From lively neighbourhoods like Cowley and Oxford City Centre to quieter residential areas such as Summertown and Marston, students can choose from modern Oxford student accommodation, shared apartments, and comfortable student flats in Oxford. The city offers excellent public transport, cycle-friendly streets, and walkable neighbourhoods that make commuting easy and convenient. While the Cost of living in Oxford can be slightly higher compared to some student cities, many areas still provide affordable housing and good value for students managing their monthly budgets and overall Oxford student living costs.
Amber helps students discover safe, modern, and fully verified Oxford student accommodation across the city. From private studios and shared apartments to premium Oxford city centre accommodation, amber simplifies the booking process and helps students secure comfortable housing options near universities, transport links, and major student hotspots for a smooth and stress-free living experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cost of living in Oxford for students?
The Cost of living in Oxford usually ranges between £1,200 and £1,800 per month, depending on accommodation, lifestyle, and daily expenses.
Is Oxford a good city for international students?
Yes, Oxford is highly popular among international students because of its prestigious universities, diverse community, and excellent student facilities.
What is the cost of living in Oxford’s premium areas?
Premium areas in Oxford typically have accommodation costs ranging from £1,200 to £2,500+ per month, making them some of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the city.
Are there affordable Oxford student accommodation options available?
Yes, students can find a variety of Oxford student accommodation options, including shared apartments, private studios, and modern student flats across different budgets.
How well connected is Oxford for students?
Oxford has excellent rail, bus, and cycling connectivity, with direct transport links to London. Popular transportation services in Oxford include the Oxford Bus Company and Chiltern Railways.