Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. People have taught here since 1096. It grew when English students could no longer study in Paris.

The university is made up of 38 colleges. Each college has its own history, rules and money. The college is the centre of student life. Most colleges have a chapel, a dining hall, a library and a garden around two or three grassy squares called quadrangles. Most students live in their college or in college buildings.

The academic year starts in October and has three terms, each eight weeks long.

Magdalen College (say "Maud-lin") is one of the most famous colleges at Oxford University. A bishop called William of Waynflete founded it in 1458. The college has beautiful old buildings, large gardens and even a deer park with real deer. Many important people studied here, including C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia. Every year on May Day morning, a choir sings from the top of the tower. It is a peaceful, historic place that shows what life at Oxford is like.