Oxford - expensive?

[KurtCobainLover]

Hi, I must preface this by saying that no one in our family has been to university so DD will be first. DD is very bright and her tutors have suggested she apply to Oxford.

My worry is around costs for Oxford. Is it very expensive for accommodation? DD will get a full grant due to my income and is currently entitled to free school meals.

What about all the extras? Someone told me there are dinners they are expected to attend - are these expensive too?

Sorry if these questions are a bit silly. As I said this is our first experience of uni and up until recently DD has planned to go to a university near us and commute in (30 mins each way).

Thank you in advance.

Echoing the comments above.

Oxford is on a par or cheaper than many other options.

I would not recommend paid work during term time however holiday work (especially within the university) can be extremely beneficial if the jobs include accommodation. Some of the college roles will offer free accommodation (e.g. working within development offices).

Be careful to review and choose the right student loans and do explore college bursary options and other hardship funds.

In the longer term, studying at Oxford, working hard and achieving highly is a brilliant investment. Good luck to your DC!

Which college was that?

Sorry @Muu9 Im a bit cagey about specifics on here. PM me if you need the college name.

My DD's college at Oxford also has generous travel grants so if you want to do some travelling in the vacation there is plenty of funding. And for those who get first in Prelims (first year exams) they can apply for a scholarship that pays for your tuition fees and accommodation for years 2 & 3 and reimburses year 1 costs.

Lots of financial support available at Oxford and Cambridge - comes in different packages at different colleges. The Crankstart scholarships are excellent - DD's friend has one.

Also sometimes you are offered the chance to go up a bit early if you aer a first gen family at Uni to get used to all unusual Oxford customs and get to know the systems. Good to ease you into Uni life.

@muu9 The college offering laundry is Emmanuel.
www.emma.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduates/accommodation

Haven’t read all the replies but your YP will get cheaper accommodation at Oxford than other unis because they have shorter terms and have to move out.
Also due to your income they will get a 25% discount on their accommodation plus a bursary (non repayable) from their college and also they get a travel budget and can also claim back costs of any books.

All in all Oxford has worked out much cheaper for us than any other uni would have.