Oxford Internet Institute

The department’s busy calendar of seminars and events brings the most important people in the Internet world to the OII, allowing students to engage with the forefront of scholarship and debates around the Internet.

Students also take full advantage of the unparalleled resources available at the University including world-ranking research facilities and libraries, and a busy student scene. With over 200 student societies across the University, whatever your interests or level (whether sporting, music, politics, journalism, etc.) there will probably be a group of students with similar interests.

Students have access to many libraries, including the departmental library which houses texts specific to Internet-related studies. The University also offers careers advice, a counselling service, IT Support, skills training and visa support for international students.

I find every lecture and conversation with faculty and fellow classmates presents a new perspective which, for me, illuminates a new aspect of the Internet’s role in society. It is true brotherhood in a sandbox of thought.

Oxford is a collegiate university: students and teaching staff belong both to a department and to a college. There are 38 independent, self-governing colleges at Oxford University. The collegiate system is at the heart of the University’s success, providing intimate and multidisciplinary communities, where graduate students meet academics and fellow students from around the world and from a broad range of subjects, well beyond their own fields.

Colleges typically provide library and IT facilities, accommodation, welfare support, and sports and social events. Graduate students also benefit from the Middle Common Room (MCR) in their college – both a physical space and an organisation, it provides social events, advice, and a link to the graduate community.

Your college will have a Tutor for Graduates or Senior Tutor whose role includes general oversight of all graduate members of the college, although your academic studies will be directed by your department or faculty. Each graduate student has a college adviser, a senior member of the college’s staff who will be able to offer support and advice.

Further information is available on choosing a college on the University website, and from college prospectuses.

We are a relatively small department, so you will have ample opportunities to get to know your fellow students and the members of the faculty during your time here.

Student organisers run our annual Connected Life conference which attracts attendees not only from the OII but from across many departments at Oxford, universities across the UK, and elsewhere in the world. Students have also organised group trips to places like Brussels, Berlin, and Barcelona where they have met with policy leaders and industry representatives.

The academic environment, diverse seminar programme and openness to new student ideas makes the OII one of the most exciting Oxford departments to be a part of.

With over 200 student societies across the University, whatever your interests or level (whether sporting, music, politics, journalism, etc.) there will probably be a group of students with similar interests. OII students have been involved as leaders in the Oxford Union, on college and university athletic teams, and in many forms of political and social engagement. Also, many choose to be active participants in college life at Oxford, serving on college academic and social committees and earning positions such as Junior Dean.

Students are also encouraged to reach out to the world via social media by posting, tweeting, blogging, podcasting, and sharing their thoughts with the world.

The Oxford Internet Institute is located in the heart of the city of Oxford, a cosmopolitan city of stunning architecture, history, and culture with plenty to see and do. In the city centre, you will find lots of shops, cafés, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, pubs and clubs.

There are plenty of green spaces too, including England’s oldest botanic garden, the University Parks, college gardens, and wandering riverside paths.

Oxford also boasts a thriving arts community with concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events available daily. London is also one hour from Oxford so students can take advantage of the many opportunities for study and fun in the capital.

[What I miss most about Oxford is] punting, the OII Library, the Lamb and Flag, college meals, bops, riding a bike everywhere.