With summer on its way, the transition begins from staying in, all cosy and warm to going out and enjoying the longer days and warmer weather. As a student, your assignment and exam deadlines are most likely coming to an end which will soon give you time to spare to find fun things to do in Oxford. To help you out we have created a guide of things to do in Oxford for those of you who are living and studying here. So, grab your friends and start planning for summer 2022. It is going to be the best yet.

1. 7K Run at Blenheim Palace

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On 5th May from 10am to 1pm Blenheim Palace is the home of the Blenheim 7K for Oxfordshire Mind. Not only will you be keeping in shape whilst living in Oxford, you’ll also get to raise money for Charity! The best of both worlds - right? All it costs you is £10 to race. It will bring some magic to your day as the 7K now goes past the Harry Potter tree. The location of Snape’s worst memory. If you don’t know what we’re on about be sure to check this out! They have a range of races to get involved in, including a 7K canicross race to run with your dog. So why don’t you challenge yourself this summer and sign up?

2. Carrie

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On 18th May, the Playhouse is playing Carrie: The Musical 7:30pm to 9pm. Brought to you by the University of Oxford Student Company Founding Fellas Productions, it’s just a £10 entry fee so you defo want to check this out. Carrie tells the story of a lonely girl in a cruel teenage world. It’s based on the novel by Stephen King and there may be a slight twist to the story. With a telekinetic powered protagonist, punchy pop-rock score and a raucous ensemble, this is a story of revenge like you haven't seen before.

3. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

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On 25th May 7pm to 8:30pm, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is on at the Playhouse. For just £10 you can see a kick-ass musical about inspirational women. Jade breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness. Along the way, she meets the original and incredible wonder women including Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst. Come and join them to hear the amazing stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters who changed the world.

4. Black Parade - 00’s emo anthems

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On 2nd July at the O2 Academy 2 Oxford there is the Black Parade part full of 00’s emo anthems. From 11pm to 3am, you can enjoy old school emo anthems from the likes of My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, The Used, All American Rejects, Jimmy Eat World, You Me At Six and loads more. So if you are into that heavy and alternative music, for £7 you will not want to miss this! Defo a reason to grab your ticket and tell your friends.

5. Oxford Balloon Festival

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At Cutteslowe Park on 19th and 20th August, from 12pm to 10:30pm, there is the Oxford Balloon Festival. With ticket prices starting from £10 you can enjoy live entertainment, hot air balloons, a funfair, fireworks, food stalls, bars and market stalls among much more. What a great way to spend a warm sunny weekend with all your friends! So grab your tickets whilst you can.

6. Harry Potter Tour

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If none of the above grab your fancy, why not explore the magical world of Harry Potter? I bet you didn’t know part of Oxford was used as filming locations in the Harry Potter films! Have a great adventure exploring the famous film locations from the Harry Potter movies with a walking tour. There’s the old Bodleian Library where you will find the Divinity school and Duke Humfrey’s library - the Hogwarts Infirmary and enchanted Library from the first film. The New College Cloisters - you will find the gigantic oak tree from the fourth film, and Christ Church College - you will find many scenes including the staircase used for the famous entrance scene and the Hogwarts Dining Hall. You are more than welcome to do a self-guided tour at your own leisure. But if you want to be guided, there is a private tour you can book or a range of guided tours.

7. Museum

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Looking for something to do that doesn’t cost you a penny? There are many museums in Oxford that’ll do just that! Take a stroll through the past within the Museum of Natural History and the History of Science Museum. Find out about all the scientific instruments that were used back in the day, and discover those that we still use now! Or, learn how the world has evolved from the evolution of dinosaurs! If that doesn’t grab your fancy why don’t you try the Ashmolean museum for historical works of art and archeology? At the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum you can enjoy a late night event “A Buzz In The Air”. This takes place on the 27th May, from 7pm to 10pm and it’s not one to be missed! There is also an event on 2nd November at the Pitt Rivers Museum called “Changing Faces, Masking, Violence and Vulnerability”. It is an online and in person event from 5:30pm to 7pm. The UK isn’t known to have the best weather, so if you find yourself bored on a rainy day be sure to check them out. You never know what you might learn. The museums are free to the public but feel free to make a donation.

8. Boating

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One of the best things to do on a sunny day is to take a relaxing boat ride up and down the river. The Magdalen Bridge Boathouse hires out traditionally crafted punts, rowing boats and pedalos for you to use. Don’t fancy putting in the work yourself? Hire a chauffeured boat and enjoy the view without getting tired out! Open 7 days a week between 9am and 9pm (or an hour before sunset), it costs just £25 to £30 per hour. If you would rather be chauffeured, then it's £35 to £45 per half hour.

9. Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

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Summer is the perfect time to be out enjoying the nice warm weather that the UK has to offer. Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum host a range of events throughout the spring and summer, ideal if you fancy getting out and about during the academic year. From tree climbing in the Arboretum to painting in Oxford’s Botanic Garden, there are plenty of fun activities to choose from. Prices vary depending on what you choose but there are plenty of dates to book for the best suitable time for you. Don’t hesitate and go grab your tickets now.

10. Oxford Castle

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At Oxford Castle, you will find The Oxford Shakespeare Festival. This is an outdoor theatre where you can watch amazing performances of Shakespeare classics. Starting with Hamlet throughout June-July, moving on to A Midsummer Night’s Dream during July, and ending with King Lear through the start of August. If you are looking for entertainment then check this out for sure.

What can students do in Oxford?

With our student accommodation located close to the city centre, students have easy access to all Oxford has to offer. So whether it's exploring the Oxford Botanic Garden or visiting one of the many Oxford museums, students can easily find their way there. Students can also find some cosy cafes nearby or nice restaurants for some tasty food. Whatever grabs their fancy. Well we hope after reading this you have a whole list of things to do in Oxford whilst you are there. We hope you make the most of it! If you are wondering where to eat in Oxford check out this blog for 7 places you defo want to try.

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