Oxford University

The oldest university within the English speaking world is the University of Oxford.  The university is globally known for its academic high status and is one of the leading academic establishments worldwide.  The buildings that make up the university structure are incredible in their architecture and are authentic in appearance.

The precise date when it was built is unconfirmed however its origins date back as far as the twelfth century. The institution is commonly identified as having direct competition with The University of Cambridge after the quarrel amongst the students and local residents in Oxford which lead to the evacuation of many students to Cambridge.

With over 40 colleges and halls Oxford University is home to over 20,000 students of which one third come from outside the UK. 

The oldest colleges at Oxford University are Balliol College and Merton College, all of which were established by the 13th century.

Green Templeton College is the newest college at Oxford University. Its inception was in October 2008 following the merger of Green College and Templeton College.

St Catherine's College, which takes both undergraduate & graduate students has over 700 students. The graduate-only colleges and a number of permanent private halls would typically be home to less than one hundred student members.

Oxford University is undoubtedly one of the world's finest academic institutions and has coveted many achievements and awards over the years. The University is home to the largest University Library system in the UK with over 100 libraries. Probably the most famous is the Bodleian Library, the University's main research library which is over 400 years old.

One of the highlights in the sporting calender is the annual boat race against rivals Cambridge. The race is now a major event and is held in March or April covering a 4.5 mile stretch of the River Thames in London from Putney to Mortlake. The first race in 1829 followed a challenge issued by Cambridge to Oxford.

Oxford won the 155th boat race on the 29th March 2009 with the score now standing at 79 wins to Cambridge and 75 to Oxford.