Bars & Entertainment

After attempting to drink at as many college bars as I could (for research purposes of course) I came to the conclusion that without a reliable guide a new student might find themselves rather lost. So I took it upon myself to write this article just in case someone should be tempted by the false delights of St John's bar. The other opinions on the thread are slightly out of date as well. Each college has its own bar. Since there is no central student union the bars are the focal points of university and college life. The quality varies, but in general they offer cheap beverages and a friendly atmosphere. Most of the bars open at about 6pm but don't ...  Read the complete review

If you are going to consider your social life when choosing a university, then consider this: in choosing Oxford you the choice of not having a nice big student union with lots of bars in and venues for bands etc. Instead you opt for college bars, or the Oxford Union. As an undergraduate I was at Newcastle, and enjoyed what the Student Union there had to offer, i.e. very cheap beer, bands, and essentailly an array of nightclubs. When I got to Oxford I had a bit of a shock because it is so different. In a big Union bar you have all types of people from all different backgrounds, in an Oxford College bar you are likely to see the same faces from that college over and over ...  Read the complete review

So, it's come down to this has it? We haven't got a central student union bar, you can't afford to go to a pub, and you're with some mates who aren't members of the Union Society. Well, pick a college, any college. You might want to start somewhere cheap and cheerful. If you've got a college member, St. John's is good value for a reasonable range of drinks, and a games room downstairs. As long as you're not there when it gets busy they won't mind too much about too many guests. Magdalen are similarly tolerant, and the bar has plenty of space. Your problem here is getting past the porters in the first place to ...  Read the complete review

Oh it seems like a long long time ago...those heady days of long lie-ins, loads of sex, vodka and rock and roll oh and a bit of learning on the way If anyone is wondering whether they should go to Oxford, if you have the ability - just do it! What fun, joy, drunken antics and loverly people. I'm so covered with enthusiasm my fingers are running away with me. But seriously, Catz (St Catherine's) is a cool modern, tolerant college with some right funny geezer tutors and fun too. If I had to do it all again I might actually do some studying, but hey you're only young once ...  Read the complete review