"Oxford, A Student's Paradise." a Oxford Travel Page by nickandchris

The first weekend in October saw us loading the car up to it's roof and heading off for Oxford. It was the beginning of Michael's second year at Magdalen College, Oxford University . It seemed the ideal opportunity to look round Oxford, go out for a meal and return home the next day.
We had a trouble-free journey to Oxford although what people must have thought when they looked in our car and saw, on the back seat ,a giant Pooh Bear sat between Michael and I, is anybody's guess!!! The possessions students feel are vital for everyday living (including an inflateable tortoise) bear no resemblance to what they actually need!!! Forget pots and pans!!!!
This year, Michael being a second year student, had been able to choose his own accommodation and was in a pleasant enough modern building, through an arched gateway, with it's own courtyard. Just enough parking space to enable us to unload and drag everything up to the second floor. His room was BIG with an ensuite bathroom and really quiet with it being at the end of the corridor and no ajoining building. Positive luxury compared with the Waynefleet last year.
Next problem, finding somewhere to park the car overnight. The only solution was to pay to park in the carpark nearby. It cost us £6 and then the ticket had a return time of 7.50am which should have been 10 am. Not to worry, when we returned the following morning at 10am we didn't find a fine waiting to be paid. Relief.

Once unpacked, we were off to have a look round Oxford. Time was marching on.Obviously, we spent most of our time gazing at the incredible architecture of the colleges, mainly Magdalen, as we could view this for nothing, it being Michael's "home". Unfortunately the day was getting on and the light was not brilliant for taking photos, shadows creeping in etc. Still, we did get the gist of the place and enjoyed seeing where Michael spent his academic year.
Being a country girl, I loved all the green areas, just off the busy high streets. It was like stepping into another world. You could almost forget you were in a city centre, so peaceful were these places. Real retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life.

After our tour round, it was time for a quick shower, a swift gin and tonic and then out for a sit-down Indian meal, the first family meal we had out in an evening for many a year. We all enjoyed this and had a great family evening before the temptation for Michael to join his friends partying became too much.Off he went as we turned in for the night!! To him, the night was young. .

I don't like cities, too many people, too much noise and traffic, everyone rushing about. Oxford seemed very laid back, (apart from the traffic) and there were definite parts I loved, like the college parks etc. and the architecture is mind bogglingly beautiful. Not for me, though. It would drive me insane. I can see it's a marvellous place to spend your university years, I believe many people once they arrive in Oxford, don't leave.

It has been home to royalty and scholars for over 800 years and nowadays is a bustling cosmopolitan town with it's mixture of ancient and modern buildings.
It's possible King Alfred could have founded the University during his time, 871 - 899 but whether he did or not, by 11th c. Oxford had become a centre of learning for clerics and the university possibly evolved from this. It was finally established as an academic centre in 13th c.

Great views of the town can be found from University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Carfax Tower and St. Michael's Northgate. These all cost a small? fee.

Most of the University buildings are central and within walking distance of each other The Uni's parks are set amidst Victorian houses, down pleasant leafy avenues, giving a country feel to the town.

There are so many things to see and do in Oxford, one day left me feeling frustrated at how little we had seen. I know I should return, but as I said, cities are not for me!!!