Highways bosses are liaising with Oxford University to make sure there are no major hold-ups on open days at the end of the month.

Thousands of prospective undergraduate applicants and their families will be visiting Oxford on Wednesday June 29 and Thursday, June 30 as Oxford’s colleges and departments open their doors.

The exact number of visitors is unknown, but if last year is anything to go by, it is likely to be more than 7,000 people on each day.

The open days are held each year to allow those interested in applying to the University to visit Oxford and learn more about the undergraduate courses, the colleges and the University in general.

Oxford University has been working closely with the county and city councils, transport providers and traders to ensure the days run smoothly and that local businesses are poised to take advantage of the extra trading opportunities generated by the surge in visitors.

Helen Charlesworth, Head of Communications in the Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach team at Oxford University, said: "We really look forward to welcoming visitors to open days and letting them see how the friendly, welcoming college communities enhance the university experience.

"It’s particularly important that students from as wide a range of backgrounds and schools as possible get a chance to see life at Oxford up close, to see what it’s really like.

"A key part of this is doing our best to be a good neighbour to all those who live and work in the city by working to minimise disruption for all and ensure our visitors see Oxford as a welcoming place for all."

All colleges and departments will be putting on events, along with the University’s museums, libraries and other facilities.

Many will host drop-in sessions and tours for prospective students and parents, giving visitors the chance to talk to tutors and current students.

The Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach team will run an Open Day Information Centre at the Examination Schools in the High Street where student services such as Student Fees and Funding and Careers will be on hand to give advice.

The Oxford University Student Union will also be at the Centre offering a taste of student life together with a selection of the 400 clubs and societies currently available to Oxford undergraduates – including the University Sports Centre.


Information points will be staffed by University staff volunteers on Radcliffe Square and at the corner of Parks Road and South Parks road in the University’s Science Area.

Thousands of visitors attended the Open Days in 2015 and large numbers are expected for the upcoming event.
The university is doing its utmost to keep the local community and commuters informed about the days as it is important that residents are prepared for the increased numbers of visitors and travellers on public transport.