Building your social network

Oxford University Newcomers' Club

The Oxford University Newcomers' Club helps the partners of academic and administrative staff, visiting scholars and graduate students to meet one another and members of the local community. It celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019.

This culturally diverse group, run by volunteers, organises a range of special interest groups including English conversation sessions, a parent and toddler playgroup, and the 'Opportunities in Oxford' group to support members looking for work or volunteering opportunities. The Newcomers' Club has an email list where you can buy or sell items, ask for recommendations of local services, or arrange to meet up informally with other members.

The main Newcomers' meeting is coffee mornings on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:00 at the University Club (Mansfield Road). Registration is free but you will need to complete a registration form at one of the coffee mornings.

Other groups

  • The Trailing Spouse Network discusses the issues faced by those accompanying partners and spouses relocating for their careers. You can join their social media groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.
  • Internations is an organisation for expatriates and has groups in Oxford for a variety of nationalities.