# Study in Oxford — universities, cost of living and student life

> Oxford is a historic, prestigious university city with two universities and higher-than-average living costs.

Oxford is a world-famous historic university city, home to the University of Oxford — one of the world's leading universities — and Oxford Brookes University, a strong modern institution. The city is beautiful and academically prestigious, with living costs above the UK average (though below central London). It is close to London with fast rail links. Confirm visa and cost figures on GOV.UK and university pages.

## Quick facts
- **Universities:** University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University
- **Cost level:** Above average (below central London)
- **London by train:** ≈ 1 hour

## Key takeaways
- Home to the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University (a distinct modern university).
- One of the world's most famous and prestigious university cities.
- Living costs are above the UK average, though generally below central London.
- Close to London — around an hour by train — and very international.

## Why study in Oxford
Oxford is one of the world's great university cities. The University of Oxford — collegiate, ancient and consistently ranked among the very best globally — sits alongside Oxford Brookes University, a leading modern institution strong in business, architecture and publishing (and entirely separate from the University of Oxford). The city itself is compact and beautiful, dense with libraries, museums, history and a genuinely international student body, all within an hour of London.

## What it costs
Oxford's living costs are above the UK average — accommodation in particular is in high demand — though generally below central London. The academic and cultural environment is exceptional, so it is worth budgeting carefully. Study UK Now builds a realistic Oxford budget with you so there are no surprises on arrival.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is Oxford a good city for international students?
Yes — Oxford is a beautiful, historic and academically prestigious city with two universities and a highly international student body, all within an hour of London. Living costs are above the UK average, but the environment is exceptional. Study UK Now helps you plan both the application and a realistic budget.

### Which universities are in Oxford?
Oxford is home to the University of Oxford (one of the world's leading universities, collegiate and ancient) and Oxford Brookes University (a leading modern university, entirely separate from the University of Oxford). Each has very different entry requirements — Study UK Now helps you choose and apply to the right one.

## Sources
- [University of Oxford — international students](https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students) — University of Oxford

Canonical: https://studyuknow.com/cities/oxford
Verified: 2026-06-16