Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour

The Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group Tour offers a personalized look at Oxford University tailored specifically for those considering applying. Priced at $342.73 per group (up to 6 people), this 2 to 2.5-hour tour provides an intimate experience, led by knowledgeable alumni guides. It’s ideal for families and students eager to understand the application process, explore key college sites, and get insider tips. The tour emphasizes external views of around 10 colleges, with access inside depending on college opening hours and prior arrangements.

One of the major strengths lies in the private format, allowing for a dedicated Q&A session where participants can ask about applications, interviews, and student life. While the tour does not include interior visits to the Bodleian Library or Christ Church, it provides outside insights into these iconic landmarks. This experience suits those seriously contemplating applying to Oxford, especially if they want a tailored, flexible overview with alumni-guided expertise.

Key Points

• Private, tailored experience for prospective Oxford students
• Led by Oxford or Cambridge alumni, offering insider knowledge
• Includes visits to outside of at least 10 colleges, with some inside access depending on open hours
• Q&A session focused on applications, interviews, and student life
• Cost of entry fees to colleges is included in the tour price
• Duration of 2 to 2.5 hours, booked 87 days in advance on average

Personalized Guidance from Oxford or Cambridge Alumni Guides

This private tour is uniquely guided by alumni who have studied at Oxford or Cambridge. Their expertise enriches the experience, as they explain student life, college traditions, and application tips. The guides’ familiarity with the university’s inner workings ensures travelers gain authentic insight into what studying here involves.

Guests can ask questions freely during the dedicated Q&A session, which covers application procedures, interview tips, and campus life. This level of interaction makes the experience especially valuable for aspiring students, providing clarity and confidence about the journey ahead.

Exploring Iconic Oxford Landmarks from Outside

While the tour does not enter the Bodleian Library or Christ Church interiors, it offers external views and explanations of these famous sites. The Bodleian’s circular reading room and Christopher Wren’s theatre are introduced from outside, giving a sense of their significance without internal access.

Other notable landmarks include Hertford College’s Bridge of Sighs, built over 100 years ago, and Christopher Wren’s original Ashmolean Museum building. These exterior descriptions help visitors appreciate Oxford’s architectural heritage, even if interior visits depend on open hours.

Inside Colleges: Which Are Included?

The tour includes inside visits to select colleges depending on their opening times and specific prior requests. These colleges include John de Balliol College (founded 1263), Christ Church (founded 1546), Magdalen College (founded 1458), and Exeter College (founded 1314).

Admission fees are generally £1-3 per person, and these are included in the tour price. Specific colleges like St John’s or Merton may only be visited if prior arrangements are made. Some colleges, like Brasenose and Oriel, typically open for visits but may vary according to special events or closures.

The tour also mentions colleges not normally open to the public, such as Queens College and Goodricke College, which may be visited if special prior arrangements are made.

Highlights of the College Stops

• Exeter College: Dates back to 1314, famous for Tolkien’s studies and Morse’s visits. Open 2 pm to 4 pm, entry is free, and inside visits are possible if timed right.
• John de Balliol College: Founded in 1263, with notable alumni including Prime Ministers. Entry costs £1-3, and it is generally open from 10:30 am to 11:45 am and 2 pm to 4 pm.
• Magdalen College: Known for its beautiful gardens and Tolkien’s teaching. Entry costs £8 (unless prior arrangements for free entry are made), but likely visits are not included unless specifically requested.
• Oriel College: Usually not open to visitors but can be visited with prior notice. It’s one of the most historic colleges, dating back to 1249.

Special Colleges and Unique Features

Exeter College is notable for its Gothic architecture and rich history. St John’s College is open 2 pm to 4 pm and is famous for its gardens and connections to Tony Blair. Lincoln College features ivy-covered quadrangles and a chapel visited by John Wesley, with free entry during specified hours.

Magdalen and Queens may be included upon prior request, particularly if interest in studying there exists. Some colleges like All Souls are research-only and do not admit students but may be viewed externally.

The Tour Logistics and Group Size

This private experience accommodates groups of up to 6 people, offering a flexible and intimate exploration of Oxford. The meeting point is at 15-16 Broad Street, a central location in Oxford, making it easy to access via local transportation.

The tour is designed to maximize outside views with inside visits depending on college opening hours and prior requests. The group size and private format allow for a personalized pace and customized college visits.

Pricing, Entry Fees, and Additional Costs

The $342.73 fee covers entry to one or more colleges, depending on the day’s schedule, with entry fees included in the price. The tour excludes entrance to Bodleian Library and interior visits to Christ Church unless arranged separately.

Travelers should anticipate additional costs for college entries if visiting colleges not included or outside scheduled hours, but these are generally covered within the tour fee if prior arrangements are made.

Flexibility and Booking Details

The tour can be booked up to 87 days in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before. This flexibility allows prospective students or their families to plan visits around key application or open day dates.

The experience is delivered exclusively for your private group, ensuring personalized attention and a tailored discussion about the university.

Oxford Prospective Student Tour: A Practical Choice for Future Applicants

This tour provides a detailed overview of Oxford’s colleges, combined with insider tips from alumni guides. It’s especially valuable for those seriously considering applying to Oxford and wanting a personalized, informative introduction.

While the exterior-focused nature and variable college visits mean it may not suit those seeking interior access to all sites, the private Q&A and customized college visits make it a strong choice for prospective students eager to understand admissions and campus life.

The price point is justified by the personalized guidance and college entry fees included, but travelers should plan for additional visits if they have specific colleges they wish to see inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the private format and flexible pace make it suitable for families, especially those considering Oxford for future studies.

Can I visit inside Christ Church or the Bodleian Library?
The tour does not include inside visits to Bodleian or Christ Church unless specially arranged, as guiding inside is generally prohibited.

Are entry fees to colleges included?
Yes, the tour price covers entry fees for colleges that are open and accessible on the day, typically £1-3 per person.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book around 87 days in advance, as the tour is popular among prospective students.

What are the cancellation policies?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are issued for cancellations made less than 24 hours before.

Can I customize the colleges visited?
Yes, prior notice allows for specific colleges to be included or arranged for inside visits where possible.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data does not specify accessibility; travelers should inquire directly if accessibility is a concern.

What is the typical group size?
Up to 6 participants per booking, ensuring a private and personalized experience.

Does the tour include food or drink options?
No, the tour focuses on college visits and guidance; food and drink are not included.

Who are the guides?
Guides are alumni from Oxford or Cambridge, bringing personal experience and insider knowledge to the tour.

Is there a specific start time?
The tour begins at 15-16 Broad Street, with flexible scheduling based on prior arrangements and college opening hours.

This Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice Tour offers a focused, insider look at Oxford University, combining student guidance with exploration of historic colleges. Ideal for future applicants, it balances private attention with practical insights, helping travelers make more informed decisions about their potential university journey.