Oxford is known as the "city of dreaming spires", a term initially coined by poet, and Orielensis, Matthew Arnold. The city is steeped in beautiful architecture and the university plays a central role in the life of the city. Tourists will often ask the direction of 'the University', when ultimately the city is the university.

Oxford hates cars. Parking restrictions, bus lanes, restrictions on which part of the city you can enter, overzealous traffic wardens... Having a car in Oxford is very impractical. The College does not offer car parking and it is not always available in private accommodation.

Most places are a 5-10 minute cycle from College or JMH. Second hand bikes are for sale around the city and the MCR will organise a bike sale at the start of term. Many shops also have student deals at the beginning of the year, but make sure to ask around the MCR for the best retailers (we would advise NEVER to go to Cycle King). Bicycle theft is quite common, so register your bike with the police scheme and always use a good lock to secure your bike to an immovable object.

UK and Oxford laws for bicycles are quite strict. You must use lights (both front and rear lights) at dark or risk a fine. Reflectors, a helmet, a bell, and highly visible clothing are recommended.

Be aware that certain roads in Oxford are bike-free zones e.g. Cornmarket during the day. Look for the signs.

Bike racks can be found in the Island Site, Third Quad, Oriel Square, and at the front and back of JMH. Bikes should not be stored in staircases, doorways, Island Site passages, or left in First or Second Quad.

Buses can be used to get to Headington hospitals and there is a frequent bus service to London.

The main hub for bus service outside of Oxford is Gloucester Green with stops close to College on High street and near JMH on St Clement’s. Some of the major buses/journeys are:

- to London (Victoria):
(1hr40, £20 student return, every 15 min)
Oxford Tube: www.oxfordtube.com
X90 Oxford: www.oxfordbus.co.uk

- to Gatwick:
(2hr30, £30 single, every hour)
Airline X80: www.oxfordbus.co.uk

- to Heathrow:
(1hr20, £25 single, every 30 min)
Airline X70: www.oxfordbus.co.uk

A good tip is that often these services are cheaper when pre-booked for a specific time via Megabus.

The train station is located at the western side of Oxford, just next to the Said Business School. It is about a 20 minute walk from College. There are links to the rest of the country and direct trains to London Paddington which take about an hour. www.nationalrail.co.uk

Full time students (even if you are over 25) are eligible for a Young Persons (16-25) Railcard (£30) which gives 1/3 off travel for a year. Applications are online or at the station - www.16-25railcard.co.uk

Most Taxis are pre-booked, but there are a few ‘hackney (black London) cabs’ which can be flagged down, and there are taxi stands at the bus station and train station.

You can use the phone in the lodge to get a taxi (it will arrive quicker than if you phone yourself) and 001 Taxis is a commonly used firm (01865 2400 00)