Degree Ceremony Celebration at the Radcliffe Camera.
Oxford University tours with a graduate of Jesus College
Ideal for prospective students, their families, and schools. All your questions answered.
Come along and get to know how Oxford works, with tips about the admissions process, and life here as a student.
You’ll benefit from my personal insights and authentic experience about applying to Oxford, how to choose a College, and student life when you get here.
Tour rates for 2024:
Prospective students and family: £170
School Groups: £260
Email me:
“Absolutely brilliant from start to finish with lots of Q and A to keep us all on our toes. Iain was very knowledgeable about the town and the university (he did attend Jesus College himself) and he kept the various ages and nationalities all engaged. Witty, entertaining and most enjoyable: so I would highly recommend it for learning a lot about Oxford in just 90 minutes.” Nick O.
“The walking tour is really worth doing. Iain our guide attended Jesus College in the 1970s so was able to give us a personal insight to the university, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Oxford University and took time to explain the workings of the uni. We were lucky to be there as the students graduated – so many happy post grads and proud parents. Many thanks Iain.” mummybreak.
A walking tour of Oxford University is an absolute must for any prospective student and their family.
It’s the perfect way to get a feel for the city, soak up the atmosphere, and learn about the history and traditions of this world-famous institution.
You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to be part of the Oxford student community.
Here are three main benefits of this tour:
- Insider knowledge: Your guide’s personal experience as a student at Jesus will give you invaluable insights into the academic and social aspects of Oxford life, helping you to make a more informed decision about your future.
- Personal connection: You’ll be able to make a personal connection that could help you feel more at ease if you decide to apply and go through the admissions process.
- Questions: Finally, a walking tour is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for what it would be like to study at Oxford.
Moreover, it will give you a competitive edge for your application.
By the way, Oxford University does not organise tours itself, I am however one of the authorised guides who provide Oxford City walking tours for the University’s central library, the Bodleian.
There’s more about me here.
Many Oxford guides have no personal connection to this great University, so why not learn from someone who studied here, and also went to school here, with all the unique understanding and first-hand knowledge which that means.
A Typical Itinerary: Oxford University Tours For Families
Starting at 1030am we head to Jesus College, where I was an undergraduate student of Modern Languages. By the way if you would like to see another College please let me know. They all welcome prospective students with open arms.
Here I will describe how Oxford works, including of course our unique collegiate system, the applications and admissions process, and what Oxford student life is really like living in College.
All illustrated by our tour of the College, including the 17th century dining hall, Chapel, and First and Second Quads, and the impressive £40 million brand new Cheng Yu Tung Building.
It may be possible to arrange a meeting with one of the Admissions team, this can be discussed in advance.
We also visit the central complex of University buildings, Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library including entry into the magnificent medieval Divinity School, a 540 year old awesome architectural masterpiece.
And of course Radcliffe Square with the instantly recognisable Radcliffe Camera, flanked by the colleges of Brasenose (David Cameron, William Golding, Michael Palin), Exeter (Tolkien, Philip Pullman, Matt Hancock), Hertford (Evelyn Waugh, Fiona Bruce), and All Souls (Sir Christopher Wren).
Not forgetting the University Church of St Mary the Virgin with its magnificent 14th century spire.
After a short cut through Logic Lane and University College (the oldest, 1249, home to Shelley, CS Lewis, and Stephen Hawking) we pass by Merton College (Tolkien, TS Eliot, Liz Truss), before heading up Magpie Lane to finish at Carfax, the centre of the city, at about 1230pm.
Pricing
- Prospective students and family: £170 for up to 4 family members. This includes College and other entry fees.
- School Groups: £260 for groups up to 10 people in total, including students and teachers.
- For groups of more than 10 please contact me. College entry is included, but must be arranged in advance.
Payment by card or invoice.
The tour lasts about two hours, depending on how many questions there are!
Your Guide
The Radclliffe Camera from Exeter College Fellows’ Garden
Oxford University Tours
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