Famous for its University, Oxford's scholastic history dates back to the 11th century and boasts an impressive list of alumni—J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen Hawking and Christopher Wren are just a few of the noteworthy. Students attend different colleges within the University according to their subject of study, with Trinity and Balliol among the best known. The rest of the city centre has been built to compliment the architecture of the University, inspiring English poet Matthew Arnold to dub Oxford "the city of dreaming spires". A number of museums are also maintained by the University including the Museum of the History of Science and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, both of which are well worth a visit.

Hardworking students have innumerable reasons to leave the library once in a while as outdoor activites and attractions are plentiful. Walking tours are a popular way to explore Oxford and the Inspector Morse Walking Tour, which explores places associated with the British TV detective, is a particular favourite. Punting boats can be rented for a lazy afternoon bobbing along the River Cherwell, those more happy on dry land should visit Oxford's Botanic Garden and Arboretum.