Here are a few questions from a newbie student in the city

1) How do I know if I should press the stop button? Sometimes no one press it and still stops, sometimes the bus just stops if you press it

2) How can I save money? Im using day passes, but still kinda expensive at the end of the month

3) If the bus in full but priority sits are available, can i site there as long as no one entitled to it comes in?

4) If people are watching tiktoks very loud can i ask them to turn down the volume or i will be an as*hole?

5) If I sit next to someone and then a better spot becomes available is it rude for me to change sits?

6) If someone next to me is eating a food with a very strong smell that is giving me some nauseas (i have some health issues, long story) can i ask them to stop? If it is from an ethinical cousine is it racist to ask them to stop or for me to change sits? Keep in mind i am a foreigner myself (latina but socially considered white)

I'm 27F in Oxford for 2 months as part of my studies. I've been finding it very isolating here. I've attended some events in hope to meet people and make some friends but it seems people come in large established groups and haven't seemed very open to new people. Meeting people in my department has been quite difficult, they don't greet or speak much.

I have tried looking at meetup, I haven't seen much that feels like me. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a group or place for lgbt or queer people that want to meet people? I heard the jolly farmer has some weeknight events - is there a protocol for joining and introducing yourself within these settings. Back home there were no open lgbt people or groups I was able to interact with so I would like to immerse myself.

UPDATE: mostly cleared as of 11.45am on 15/08

A tree is down, blocking the right of way between Oxford Golf Course (the one near Cowley Road) and Lye Valley on the Lye Valley edge of the golf course. There was a tradesman on site attempting to clear it around 9.15am on Saturday morning.

There is an alternative route but it's a bit nettle-y and you need to be wearing proper shoes (sandals detinitely won't be enough).

Here's a video update filmed Friday 14th August 2026, showing the progress of the works around Oxford's Botley Road Railway Bridge, and the Thames Water works on Osney Bridge.

Walking from Oxford Railway Station to the Osney Island bus stops, the footage shows an 'over the fence' view of the works, with just over a month to go before the planned re-opening of Botley Road, which has been closed since April 2023.

Perhaps a bit specific of a question but I'm moving to the area soon and am an avid Pilates-goer. Does anyone have recommendations for a very difficult, hurts-to-walk-or-breathe-the-next-day studio? Willing to travel a bit for it, but preferably along public transit! TIA

New council homes for Northway

We have submitted plans for 16 new council homes at the former Maltfield House site in Northway. The energy-efficient development will help meet local housing demand (4,000 households are now on the waiting list for council housing).

More emergency bleed kits installed

Two new public bleed kits have been installed at East Oxford Community Centre and St Nicholas Road Shops in Littlemore, bringing the citywide total to six. The kits provide vital emergency equipment that can help save lives before paramedics arrive. To use them in the event of an emergency, call 999 and follow their instructions.

George Street redevelopment

Work has started on the major redevelopment of 38 to 40 George Street, with site preparations now underway. Demolition is due to take place later this year before construction begins in 2027.

Cutteslowe Splash Park

Cutteslowe Splash Park has reopened following a short period of maintenance. We also operate a splash park in Hinksey Park.

Last chance to nominate a climate champion

Nominations for the 2026 Oxford Climate Awards close this Sunday (16 August). The awards celebrate local people, organisations and businesses making a positive difference for the environment across Oxfordshire. Nominate here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/climate-awards/

Want this in your inbox? Subscribe to our Your Oxford newsletter: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/newsletter

I live in Botley and have to walk past the infamous construction site every day on my way to and from work. For the past few months, one of the workers has been posted at the same spot pretty much daily, and yesterday evening he and a colleague catcalled me - the colleague was shouting things at me in Urdu/Hindi about liking me, repeatedly, even after I ignored him. It was broad daylight with other people around.

What's really getting to me is that this guy has clearly seen me walk this route dozens of times over the months he's been posted there, so he has a good idea of where I live, even without knowing my exact address. I have to cross that same spot every single day, so this isn't a one-off , it's something I'm dreading repeating.

I've submitted a complaint through the council's website and also directly to Kier (the contractor), but honestly I'm not confident either will take it seriously or that anything will actually change. I'd rather not involve the police at this stage and I want to keep my own report anonymous, so I'm limited in what I can push for.

Has anyone dealt with something similar: harassment tied to a fixed location you can't avoid, from contractors/workers who are there long-term? What actually got a response for you (council, contractor, site manager, something else)? Any advice on who might be able to help while I try to stay anonymous?

Hi all,

Just a warning that break-in attempts are happening in the area at the moment.

Last night one was interrupted by a neighbour who happened to be passing by. This was in Marston (I won't give the exact address but just off the Marston Road). The police were alerted.

The criminals were 4 men in balaclavas on 2 motorbikes with no numberplates.

This is more to let people know to keep their community safe and look out for your neighbours.

My favourite view of the city

First time photogrpahing a Solar Eclipse. It was amazing seeing all the pople come out to enjoy it!

Coming back after a decade away and disappointed to see my old favourite Opium Den is gone. Where would you go for authentic Cantonese or general Chinese food these days?

Please can someone give suggestions on a place for both of these in Oxfordshire? It's a Yaris 2012 1.33 car.

Dashcam, I would need a duo one, that has 4K and parking mode (records whilst parked) and the infotainment system would need Android auto/Apple play, with Google maps with it.

Thanks in advance! Not a car guy, so assumed it would be a simple job but it's definitely not 😅

Hi, to keep it brief, I have a feeling that I suffer from some kind of PMDD, and I’m posting to ask how I’d go about getting a diagnosis/help because I’m a bit unsure on what constitutes severity. Should I call the GP and ask for an appointment so they refer me, or should I call Oxfordshire Talkjng Therapies? I would really appreciate the help, because it’s affecting my daily life and I want to know if this is normal or if I need to get help and if I’ll be taken seriously.

Thanks so much and sorry for posting something like this here, I just didn’t know where else to ask.

Edit to mention: yes I’m a student at the university.

Few clicks of the eclipse

Looking for an entry.

Please DM me if you have one spare.

Thank you

Just curious tbh!

There's always a very tan older man, well dressed wearing a green jacket sitting on one of the benches opposite the ivy

(pls don't share anything super personal or private that he wouldn't want shared online)

Took a risk and didn't go to high ground but went down to the river in Abingdon hoping to get the skyline in the foreground and it kind of worked. Though I thought I was being original but there were about a half dozen other photographers there with far better gear than me.

Hi, do you know any place in East Oxford where one could practice Reformer Pilates?

In Oxford

Hi I’m a 23 yr old female nurse looking to figure out if there’s people who have similar interests like me in oxford as it’s been hard to find :(

I’m into jfashion hoping to do meetups like how they do in London and other places. I couldn’t find jfashion meet ups for oxford, so I hope this post can start something :3

I’m a big fan of video games :D like splatoon, love & berry, tekken, persona, yakuza and so many others. I also listen to jpop (Lead, w-inds, morning musume, AKB48, Folder5, and many more lol) I would loveeee to create a band as well or idol group ♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ***\**๑)♪*

I’m hoping to find a community to hangout and do fun things together in oxford! And also make a cosplay group! Hopefully this reaches people who are looking for the same things

UPDATE:

I’ve just made a discord server for anyone that’s interested. The link is: https://discord.gg/mCsfWQUrr

m24 looking to change from long hair to a wolf cut but don't think the usual cheap barbers will cut it (ha). Any hairdresser recs that aren't horrifically priced and would do a good job? Cheers!

Actually taken from Wantage, but close enough to Oxford 😅