Oxford has a world renowned nightlife scene which provides something for everyone, with an array of vibrant bars scattered around the city. No matter if you’re after a casual night with your friends over a few drinks, or a boujee cocktail bar to get the party started, you’re sure to find a bar which suits you in The City of Dreaming Spires. To help you discover a watering hole close by to your luxury student accommodation, we’ve collated a list of the best Oxford bars. Carry on reading to find out!

1. Angels Cocktail Bar

When it comes to navigating your way through Oxford’s drinking scene, Angels Cocktail Bar should definitely be on your list. Situated in Jericho, this independently run bar is popular for both students and locals alike, thanks to its unique cocktails, friendly service and vibrant atmosphere. For a banging cocktail, be sure to order their Lemon Meringue with citron gin, frangelico, butterscotch schnapps, fresh lemon, vanilla and foaming bitters. If that’s not your style, you can enjoy a cold one thanks to their huge array of craft beers, ciders, wines and spirits. This drinking den is open until 1am 4 days a week, so make sure to pop in and see what it's all about!

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Address: 55 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HS

2. Sandy’s Piano Bar

Planning a night out with your friends whilst studying in Oxford? Sandy’s Piano Bar is well worth visiting. This classy underground bar on King Edward Street is the place to be for enjoying some live music, along with wines, spirits and beers. If singing along to feel good tunes sounds like a fun night for you, you’ll absolutely love it at this speakeasy style boozer. Considering they’re open 6 days a week until the early hours, you simply have to check it out. It does get busy though, so it may be worth pre-booking!

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Address: 4 King Edward St, Oxford OX1 4HS

3. The Bridge

Oxford certainly has its fair share of amazing bars, but a favourite for us has to be The Bridge. Located in the heart of the city centre, this lively venue is home to 4 rooms, 4 DJ’s and 3 dancefloors, with each playing different music. No matter if it’s house, DnB, RnB, disco, funk and soul or hip hop you want to dance along to, there’s all sorts of music played here to suit everyone’s tastes. With weekly student nights, a VIP lounge for celebrating special occasions along with a garden area, you’re guaranteed a good time here.

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Address: 6-9 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EP

4. Hanks Bar

Looking for somewhere to start your night? Hanks Bar prides themselves on providing a space where great drinks, great food, great fun and late nights can co-exist. Situated on Queen Street, this venue specialises in fantastic cocktails and classic American hamburgers, so if they’re your two favourite things, you’ll be sold! Open 6 days a week until the early hours, this place is sure to become a regular haunt for you and your friends to let your hair down. Don’t just take our word for it though, see what it’s all about for yourself and get texting the group chat…

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Address: 36-37 Queen Street, Oxford OX1 1PA

5. The Varsity Club

If you’re searching for highlights on the Oxford drinking scene, The Varsity Club is definitely up there with one of the best venues. Boasting one of the most amazing roof terraces, this place offers amazing 360 degree views across the city and is open all year-round. No matter if it’s rain or shine, they have heaters and covers so you can take in the views over some cocktails with your friends. Heading out on a Friday? They have 2 for £12 cocktails from 4pm until 7pm, so a good time doesn’t have to break the bank. There’s also resident DJs sound tracking your weekend with a mix of music being played to get everyone moving!

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Address: 9 High St, Oxford OX1 4DB

6. OXO Bar

For those on the hunt for hidden gems in Oxford for a late-night drink fix, OXO Bar is a must-visit. Spread across two floors, this modern cocktail bar offers a range of specialty cocktails and over 150 different gins for every occasion. There’s always something fun going on at this venue, with DJs providing the best tunes for that will have you dancing until the early hours 4 times a week. The drinks are pretty affordable too, with a 2 for £10 deal all night long Sunday through to Thursday.

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Address: 48 George St, Oxford OX1 2AQ

7. Thirst Bar

If some boozy fun with your friends is what you’re after, Thirst Bar should be your first port of call. Having been a part of the Oxford nightlife scene since 1999, this top notch sure knows a thing or two about quality drinks. With a huge selection of cocktails and spirits on offer, a brilliant mix of music, as well as a large covered terrace for alfresco drinks, you can’t ask for much more. Not sure what to order? We’d recommend trying their Pink Panther with rum, framboise, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and passion fruit juice.

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Address: 7-8 Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HH

8. The House

What’s not to love about a bar that’s called The House? We’re obsessed with it already! This lively venue really does make you feel at home, with a games room, private terrace, plenty of sofas to perch yourself on along with a stellar cocktail list. If you’re after a tempting tipple, order their Big Mac cocktail with Jim Beam bourbon and berry liqueur shaken with raspberry purée, lime and cranberry juice. There’s also student friendly drinks deals throughout the week. So, if you’re after somewhere to catch up with your besties, check it out…

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Address: 11 Wheatsheaf Yard, Oxford OX1 4EE

9. The Mad Hatter

For those after a bar with a wild atmosphere, The Mad Hatter is not one to miss out on. Whatever your drink of choice, you’re sure to find something that suits you at this eccentric venue and you can even order by telephone straight from your table. Toast to the good times with your friends whilst watching the fantastic live performances, or head to the private karaoke booths to sing along to your favourite songs. What makes this speak-easy style bar stand out from the rest is that they have comedy nights, masterclasses and DJ nights too!

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Address: 43 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1EA

10. The Baron

If you’re on the hunt for a laid-back bar which provides the party vibes, don’t shy away from The Baron. You’ll find this friendly independent cocktail bar on Cowley Road, with over 50 different gins and creative cocktails to choose from. We’re sure this place will quickly become one of your favourite places to drink in Oxford, considering they have student friendly drink prices. Just make sure to bring along a valid ID to take advantage of some money off the likes of Tequila Sunrise, Purple Rain, Woo Woo and so on. They’re open until 2am with DJs spinning all the best tunes so you can unwind after a busy week of studying!

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Address: 234 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UH So there we have it, our ultimate list of the best 10 bars for students in Oxford. We hope you’ve discovered the top places to head to for your next outing with your friends, now go out there and take a visit! Read next: How To Create A Career Plan After Graduation.

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