Moving to Oxford
Information about moving to Oxford.
Oxford is one of the UK’s oldest and youngest cities. Architecturally speaking, its origins can be traced back to the 8th century, but largely due to our student population, we have a very youthful demographic with 30% of the city’s population aged 18-29. You are joining 165,000 Oxonians, over a third of whom were born outside the UK. Our diversity is a result of Oxford’s global academic pull, and thriving education, science and IT, healthcare and research sectors and reflects our status as a historic yet evolving city.
Being this popular means that housing in Oxford is in high demand year-round, but especially during university terms, so plan as far ahead as possible. You will find guidance below on some basics: visa applications, voting, importing pets or cars and support for partners. You can access more in-depth information on the housing market – both renting and buying – via our housing page and for money matters visit money and banking.
You’ll find Oxford easy to explore as its centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, plus of course, ideal for cyclists, and renting a bicycle makes it easy to explore the 24 different neighbourhoods that make up the city; each of which has its own unique character. If you want to go further afield, you’ll find Oxford is very well connected, with direct coach and rail links to London, Birmingham and beyond. Once you’ve picked a place to be, use the NHS GP finder to locate your nearest NHS doctor’s surgery and if you’re moving with children, apply for a school place via Oxfordshire County Council.