Why you should consider studying in Oxford instead of Drama Schools in London.
It’s no secret that London is the theatre capital of the world. But what if we told you that there’s another city that’s just as good, if not better for studying than most drama schools in London?
Introducing Oxford – the City of Dreaming Spires, famous the world over for its academic institutions and home to Britain’s oldest university and a wealth of other historic attractions. Explore culture, Egyptian mummies and contemporary art at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, delve into the past at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum, or step back in history among the Norman ruins of Oxford Castle. Admire the architecture of the City of Spires, wander beneath the Bridge of Sighs and bask in the wonders of the Bodleian Libraries before discovering its eclectic foodie scene, meandering waterways and lush green spaces. What’s more the area is dotted with towns and villages of honey-coloured stone including the bustling towns of Burford, Chipping Norton, Witney and Woodstock.
Where our Students Live
The majority of our students live in Kidlington, a busy town about five miles from Oxford which has a good range of shops including two large supermarkets, banks, hairdressers, takeaways and pubs, and excellent access to Oxford. Other options on the school bus route are Yarnton and Begbroke, which are quiet, well-placed villages halfway between Oxford and the School.
Why study in Oxford and not a Drama School in London?
Just like Drama Schools in London, The Oxford School of Drama is surrounded by history and stunning scenery whilst enjoying a vibrant modern feel, with Oxford’s plentiful cafés, shops, pubs, theatres, cinemas and restaurants, just eight miles from the School.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an actor or an artist— Oxford has something for everyone! From street performers on Broad Street to musicians playing in pubs all over town (and even buskers who sing while they play their instruments), there are always people performing somewhere in Oxford. If you want to see something new every day, this place is perfect for you! Just like drama schools in London, Oxford hosts a plethora of live music venues and the annual Cowley Road Carnival is a must!
Are you close to theatres like some drama schools in London?
There are seven permanent theatres including Oxford Playhouse, and numerous others which spring up across the city in the summer months. The School has strong links with The North Wall Arts Centre and Pegasus Theatre.
Theatre companies that regularly visit Oxford include English Touring Theatre, Headlong, Wise Children and Frantic Assembly. Also within striking distance are London Theatres, Birmingham Rep Theatre, The Watermill in Newbury and Warwick Arts Centre. The Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford upon Avon is just 40 minutes away by car.
It is not just Drama Schools in London that have great transport links
The School provides a subsidised bus service from Oxford city centre, Woodstock Road, Kidlington, Begbroke, Yarnton and Woodstock to the School. If students are living in Woodstock they can also walk (approximately 30 minutes) to the School.
Oxford also has a great bus service and lots of cycle lanes. There are good public transport links to the centre of Oxford and Woodstock and it’s also easy, quick and relatively inexpensive to get to London by train – (every 10 mins during peak time) and by bus.
Unlike most drama schools in London, Oxford has plenty of parks and gardens for students to explore such as Christ Church Meadow which boasts a magnificent view over the River Cherwell or Port Meadow which offers an abundance of wildlife.
Our Top Oxford Attractions
There are several Bodleian Libraries, each part of the University of Oxford and occupying five buildings. This is one of Europe’s oldest libraries and holds a collection of approximately 12 million books and other material. The library was opened in 1602 and is the country’s second largest library. The Bodleian Library receives a copy of every newly published work in Britain and is predominantly a reference library rather than a lending library.
The Ashmolean Museum was opened in 1683 and is the world’s oldest public museum, holding a rich collection of archaeological artefacts and art spanning several historic periods from diverse regions of the world. The collection includes classic sculpture, Egyptian mummies and modern art, Minoan pottery plus everything in between!
Christ Church is one of the largest Oxford University’s colleges. It was founded in 1546 by Henry VIII and today is still a thriving institution with over 600 students. The college is known for its beautiful buildings, grounds and the fact that it has a cathedral, something which other colleges don’t have. Visitors are welcome to visit Christ Church College and explore the Quads, Hall, Cloister and Cathedral.
Oxford Castle is a Norman-era mediaeval castle that stands partly in ruins. In its past the castle has been used for military purposes, as administrative offices and as a prison. The castle was damaged in the English Civil War (1642-1651) and stood in ruins until becoming a prison in the 18th century. The prison was in use until 1996 and was then converted into a hotel before becoming a tourist attraction.
The Radcliffe Camera (Camera, meaning “room” in Latin; colloquially, “Rad Cam” or “The Camera”) is a building of Oxford University, designed by James Gibbs in neo-classical style and built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library. It is located to the south of the Old Bodleian, north of St. Mary’s Church, and between Brasenose College to the west and All Souls College to the east.
Magdalen College is part of the University of Oxford and it is possible to visit the College Hall, Chapel and Old Kitchen Bar as well as the gardens, parklands and grounds which include the water walk along the River Cherwell and views of the Deer Park. The college was established in 1458 by the Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, William of Waynflete.
