Welcome to Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and a leader in learning, teaching and research. It is a collegiate University, consisting of the central University and colleges. The central University consists of academic departments, faculties and research centres, administrative departments, libraries and museums. The 38 colleges are self-governing and financially independent institutions, which are related to the central University in a federal system. There are also six Permanent Private Halls, which were founded by different Christian denominations, and which still retain their Christian character.

This site provides a general introduction to the collegiate University and aims to cover some questions you may have when you first arrive. It is intended to supplement the detailed information contained in the University Staff Handbook and the online induction for new staff, as well as the training you will receive as part of your local induction. Each section of this site provides a short introduction to a number of different areas, with further information available as weblinks at the end of each section.