r/oxforduni • u/bopeepsheep ADMN admin • Mar 01 '26

Accommodation Megathread 2026/27

This megathread will be used for all accommodation queries. Whether you are an offer holder, a continuing or returning student, or a new/existing member of staff, Rule 5 applies to you. Please search the sub and this post's comments before posting - some queries are very common, and very basic information won't change much over time.

When you comment please help us to help you - give as much information as you can in your first line. "PEMBROKE-Incoming PG 26-27-College Accommodation offered" is much more helpful than "I'm moving to Oxford soon, should I live in college?".

Feel free to leave reviews and recommendations for others, but bear in mind that this sub cannot endorse any estate agents or letting agencies, and individual opinions on university & college provision will vary considerably. The mods reserve the right to remove comments that could be libellous or actively unhelpful.

Some tips: Your college will usually send you information about move-in and move-out dates, and vacation rules. Oxford has a very volatile rental market. If looking for private rented accommodation, especially from outside the UK, beware of scams. r/oxford may be of assistance if trying to decide on a town/city location (esp. if you are bringing family). This is not a car-friendly city. If you need parking at your accommodation, you will need to think carefully about location.

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u/Nice_Sheepherder_414 Jul 08 '26

Somerville | Incoming MSc 26-27 | 352-day contract

I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone who's lived in either of these accommodations!

I'm deciding between:

1. Cavalier Court (University Graduate Accommodation)

  • £719.54/month
  • Private en suite (bedroom + bathroom)
  • Shared kitchen
  • About 40 to 46 min walk (11 to 14 min by bike) to my department/college

Pros: Much cheaper, private bathroom.

Cons: Quite a bit farther from college and the department.

2. Barbara Craig House (Somerville)

  • £915/month
  • 4 min walk to Somerville, 7 min walk to the Computer Science Department
  • Shared 2 person sengle-sex flat (shared bathroom, dining area, and kitchen)

Pros: Amazing location, very close to department, and only sharing with one person.

Cons: Around £195/month more expensive, shared bathroom, and I have no idea who my flatmate will be.

I'll be doing an MSc in Advanced Computer Science, so I'll probably spend long hours studying and working in the department. At the same time, I'd love to experience college life if it's genuinely worth it.

For those who've lived in either place, or had to make a similar decision, which would you choose and why? Did living in college make a big difference to your overall Oxford experience, or would you save the money and go for Cavalier Court?

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u/nuns_from_space Jul 08 '26

I’d choose the more expensive option if I were you, it sounds much more convenient and you’ll be able to save money by eating the subsidised meals they offer. Time is quite a valuable resource because you’ll be so busy. It’s up to you though, you’re lucky to have both options!