Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour worth booking?
Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour is a 2-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $340 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (18)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $340 per person
If you are considering studying at Oxford, then what better way to acquaint yourself with the application process and to find out what student life is like, than to book our private tour plus Q and A session with our Oxford or Cambridge educated university alumni guides? Expected total activity duration is about 150 minutes walking tour plus up to one hour Q and A session led in person and/or by online process.
What you get
About this experience
If you are considering studying at Oxford, then what better way to acquaint yourself with the application process and to find out what student life is like, than to book our private tour plus Q and A session with our Oxford or Cambridge educated university alumni guides? Expected total activity duration is about 150 minutes walking tour plus up to one hour Q and A session led in person and/or by online process.
What's included
Included
- Which colleges we enter will vary according to your prior request and what's open on the day.
- Entry inside one or more colleges but these are subject to which colleges may be open on the day
- Entry inside colleges is paid by the guide worth up to £3 per person
Not included
- This tour does not enter inside Bodleian library or inside Christ church
- Some colleges don't open to the public but may open by prior arrangement for prospective students
- Christmas Closures: colleges usually close from about Dec 21 to January 2
- On any graduation dates below, some or all colleges may be closed:
- 2025 Graduation dates:
- May 31, July 19 + 29, Aug 1 + 2 + 9, Sep 26 + 27, Nov 7+ 8+9+14 +15 of 2025
What you'll see and do
Bridge of Sighs
This is one of many sights which we pass by on all tours. It was built just over 100 years ago and it connects two parts of Hertford college. Cambridge has a Bridge of Sighs too but this one you can get your photo under, as the one in Cambridge is a bridge over the Cam river.
Pass by without stopping
Bodleian Library
The tour does not visit inside of the library since it's forbidden to guide inside the library but we will introduce it from the outside
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Radcliffe Camera
This is the circular reading room of the Bodleian library. Guiding is forbidden inside but we will introduce it from outside
Pass by without stopping
Sheldonian Theatre
This is Christopher Wren's attractive theatre and venue used by the university for graduations and matriculations. Guiding is generally forbidden inside but we will introduce it from outside
Pass by without stopping
History of Science Museum
This is Christopher Wren's building and was originally used as the Ashmolean museum. Guiding is forbidden inside but we will introduce it from outside
Pass by without stopping
Balliol College
Founded 1263 and famous alumni include 4 prime ministers plus the likes of Adam Smith. This college was founded by John de Balliol, a Scottish noble. This college charges £1-3 per person entry and is typically open 10.30am to 11.45am and then again from 2pm to 4pm. Where and when open, we can visit inside this college on the tour. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Trinity College
Founded 1555 and famous for its beautiful gardens. This college has a reputation for being a 'posh' college. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Hertford College
This college does not normally open to public visitors but if this college is one which you are interested in studying at, we can pre arrange a request to enter. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Exeter College
Exeter college is a free entry college open only 2pm to 4pm and it dates back to 1314. This is where Tolkien studied and Morse was a frequent visitor too. Where and when open, we can visit inside this college on the tour. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Jesus College
Jesus college is where TE Lawrence studied and it has a gorgeous dining hall. Entry is £1-3 per person. Entry into this college could be included in the tour, if you are interested in applying to Jesus- otherwise though, the tour does not normally visit inside. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Brasenose College
Brasenose college was founded in 1509 and famous alumni includes the man who opened Pandora's box viz David Cameron. It is not normally open to the public but with prior notice, we may be able to arrange for you to visit inside. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
All Souls College
Good luck with applying to study at All Souls college as they don't take any students. This college is for research fellows only. The college is free entry open only 2pm to 4pm and generally closed every July and August. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
University College
University college claims to be the first college founded in 1249. Bill Clinton & CS Lewis studied here. This stop could be included on our route if you request it and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Merton College
Merton college is a grand old college dating back to 1264. Tolkien taught here. Entry fees cost typically £3-4 per person and this stop could be included on our route. Depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too if we can arrange it in advance. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Queen's College
Queens college do not permit visitors but with prior arrangement, we probably can arrange for you to visit inside the college. This stop could be included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi college is famous for 'the Greats' viz the study of Latin. They don't normally permit guiding inside but if you make known in advance an interest to study here, we can probably arrange for free entry. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
St John's College
St Johns college is free entry between 2pm and 4pm and it's where Tony Blair studied law & rock n'roll. It dates back to 1555 and it has some classic quadfranges and gardens. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Lincoln College
Lincoln college is a gorgeous college with ivy quadrangle and a chapel that hosted John Wesley who studied here. Entry is free 2pm to 4pm and weekends mornings too but guiding is not permitted inside, so unless you request to make an appointment to consider studying here, we cannot take you inside. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
St Edmund Hall
The oldest and the newest college/hall of Oxford. Guiding is not permitted inside but we could probably arrange to visit inside with prior arrangement for an interest made known to study here. This stop could be included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Oriel College
Oriel college does not normally open to visitors but with prior notice and arrangement, we probably can arrange to visit inside. This stop is included on our route and depending on circumstances, we may also visit inside too. Please note that colleges all have their own opening and closing times and they may decide to close for special events. Thus, which colleges we visit on the day, may vary but any prior specific requests will decide which specific colleges to enter. If there are any entry fees to enter any colleges, these will always be included in the tour ticket price.
Pass by without stopping
Magdalen College
Which colleges we visit inside of will vary from day to day and according to any prior requests made known to us. Magdalen is usually open from 10am to last entry 6.30pm and costs £8 entry per person. Entry is not included in the tour- unless you make a prior request known of interest to study here and then we can probably arrange for free entry inside the college. Magdalen is a little further walking distance to get to than other colleges so we likely will not walk to Magdalen or visit inside of it, unless you specifically request us to do so.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oxford
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Visit Oxford Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Oxford tour with the family
Had a lovely prospective student tour under the guidance of Andrianna. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and did an amazing job explaining the history as well as the very specific questions we had about the application and admissions process. There were two other students shadowing her so that made the experience even more interesting for us because they were current students and we get to learn about their perspectives. Highly recommend this tour if you are specifically interested in Oxford as a school, traditions behind it and what they are looking for during admissions.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review
via Viator
Truly helpful for prospective students
Extremely helpful information about the application process and student life at Oxford. Peter is a very passionate guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the town and the university. Awesome idea to stop by at Blackwell's, the most amazing bookstore that we've ever seen. We went back after the tour and spent a couple of hours there.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the recommendation. ''Arigato gozaimasu''
via Tripadvisor
Great Oxford Tour Guide!
Peter met us right on time and had valuable advice about attending Oxford for my son. He showed us several colleges, answered a lot of the questions we had coming there and then spent the rest of the afternoon showing us around Oxford, highlighting the amazing Blackwells and several noteworthy sites. No complaints and would highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thanks!
via Tripadvisor
Great Oxford University Tour
Isabella was a perfect guide. She was extremely knowledgeable about all of the colleges and places she showed us, and answered all of our questions. She was also very personable and we enjoyed our time with her!
Response from the operator: Hi. Thanks for recommending your tour.
via Tripadvisor
Prospective student tour with Peter
Our teen daughter and ourselves took the prospective student tour, as she is considering applying to the law school of Oxford. The tour exceeded our expectations and gave us a very good understanding of the entry process, of the university’s experience and of the overall culture of Oxford. We were fortunate to be guided by Peter, an Oxford graduate himself. Peter is extremely knowledgeable on all areas, he covers all subjects with details and has great sense of humor and empathy. We were very happy to meet him and we strongly recommend him for anyone who wishes to learn the real inside story of Oxford.
Response from the operator: Eucharistou!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Visit Oxford Tours, who run 31 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.2.
See everything Visit Oxford Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour cost?
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Prices start at $340 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
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On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Included: Which colleges we enter will vary according to your prior request and what's open on the d; Entry inside one or more colleges but these are subject to which colleges may be open on t; and Entry inside colleges is paid by the guide worth up to £3 per person. Not included: This tour does not enter inside Bodleian library or inside Christ church; Some colleges don't open to the public but may open by prior arrangement for prospective s; Christmas Closures: colleges usually close from about Dec 21 to January 2; and On any graduation dates below, some or all colleges may be closed:. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oxford. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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