Regional Guide - Central Oxford
City Centre
Although most student accommodation in this area is owned by Oxford University there is some available on the private letting market; again, ideal for students from both universities as it is easy to get to any destination from here.
As one would expect nightlife is at its best here and this is where the majority of bars and clubs can be found. Park End Street nightclub offers regular student nights as does Old Fire Station, Moods, The Bridge and Po Na Na's.
Good student pubs include O'Neil's, and other chains like All Bar One. More traditional and interesting Oxford pubs include The Turf, The Lamb and Flag and The Eagle and Child.
The High, Cornmarket Street and Queen Street are the chief shopping areas, together with the Westgate and Clarendon Centres.
Grandpont and Abingdon Road
Grandpont is a popular area for students from both Universities. It is virtually in the city centre and only a short bus or bike ride to most parts of Oxford. There tends to be a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and modern property here.
The city centre has the widest range of shops and bars etc although there are a couple of pubs and restaurants on the doorstep such as The Head of the River.
Just beyond Grandpont the Abingdon Road begins. As you go further up the road the area becomes more popular with Oxford University students. This area is less sought after by Brookes students as it is further to travel to the campus and there is no direct bus route to Headington. However, it is still convenient to travel into the city centre by bus and there are plenty of local shops etc along the way.
Osney and Botley Road
Osney is similar to Jericho for housing. It is not as popular but the location is equally good. The city centre is only a 5 minute walk away, as is the train station. This area is probably more popular with Oxford University students and there are colleges within a short walk. However, as Oxford Brookes University has a hall of residence on the Botley Road, there is a Brookes bus that stops here.
Botley Road is just beyond Osney and, like the Abingdon Road, it has been more popular with Oxford University Students in the past. Now that the Brookes bus is in operation, this may change.