Residency Requirements

The University of Oxford requires full time students to live within a certain distance of the University for at least a certain number of terms throughout your studies.

What are the rules for Undergraduate Students?

Undergraduates must live within six miles of Carfax Tower unless in limited circumstances you may live within 25 miles of Carfax Tower. These are:

• You hold the status of Senior Student
• You have already taken Finals (Second Public Examination)
• You live with a parent or guardian

Generally, you must be live here for at least six weeks of each term of your course. However, some courses have different expectations which are set out in the relevant Examination Regulations.

What are the rules for Postgraduate Taught Students?

Postgraduate taught students must live within 25 miles of Carfax Tower unless your department have given you special permission to work away from Oxford for a period of time (for example to conduct research).

Generally, you must live here for at least six weeks of each term of your course. However, some courses have different expectations which are set out in the relevant Examination Regulations.

If you need to live outside of your residency requirements, then you must apply to the Proctor's Office for permission. This can only be made for one term at a time, but you can apply more than once.

Application Process

Step one: Discuss with your College

We'd recommend reaching out to either your Senior Tutor or Welfare Lead to discuss your request. In this discussion you should explain:

• Why you are wanting to reside outside of Oxford
• Why remaining in Oxford will be detrimental to you
• How residing outside of Oxford will mitigate the difficulties you've been experienced
• Any thoughts you've had over how you will be able to continue engaging with your course (such as attending tutorials, supervison and teaching)

It might be that your college recommend you consider suspension rather than moving out of Oxford if you are experiencing challenges which are impacting your studies. Therefore, plan to give an explanation as to why you feel moving out of Oxford rather than suspending your studies would best meet the challenges you are experiencing.

Your college will be able to explain the potential impacts this could have on availability of accomodation in subsequent terms.

If you are non-matriculated, then you should discuss all of the above with your department instead.

Step two: Discuss with your department

You will also need your department's approval. Once you've gotten your college's approval, discuss with them whether they'd prefer to discuss with your department themselves or would like you to.

Step three: Fill in paperwork

You are responsible for filling in section one of the form found at the bottom of this webpage 'Individual Dispensation Application Form'. Once you've filled it in, you should send it to your college for them to fill out section two and send to the Proctors.

Step four: Proctor's consideration

The Proctor's will consider your application and any evidence you have submitted.

Step five: Approval or Appeal

If you are unhappy with the decision, then you should discuss this with your college (or department, if non-matriculated) as they will be able to make an appeal on your behalf to the Chair of the Education Committee. There is no set form for this, and the appeal should be made within 14 days of the date of the decision. Your appeal should cover:

• Why the decision was unreasonable
• Any evidence you have as to why the decision was unreasonable
• An explanation of the desired outcome

If you have a question not answered by the above or would like support in discussing your request with your college, then read our Advice Agreement then Contact Us and we'd be happy to help.