Oxford or Cambridge University?

What should I do when visiting the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford?

• My roommate and I are going to the UK in late August, and wanted to visit Cambridge and Oxford for two of the days that we're there. Are there lectures we can quietly sit in the back and audit, or must-see halls and libraries, or cafes and bars that the students regularly hang out at?  (I think this is me secretly trying to make up for the fact I never studied abroad.)

• Answer:

  The academic year starts in October, so there won't be any lectures on, and no undergraduates around in Oxford. That does mean you can usually book a room in one of the colleges if you want to stay the night though. Magdalen College have some really nice old guest rooms for visitors. I think they also let you have breakfast in the college dining hall, which is probably the only way for a visitor to eat in one. Magdalen College dining hall The obvious usual touristy thing to do is to go on one of the walking tours of the university and get told all sorts of dubious "facts" by one of the guides. That'll usually take you through a college or two. The natural history and Pitt Rivers museums (which are in the same building) are both worth seeing. The Ashmolean on the other side of town is also good. Most of the university buildings you won't be able to get into. The Ashmolean museum Otherwise - go punting, there is a punt harbour by Magdalen bridge and you can go either through the grounds of the college or downstream along the Cherwell to the Isis and boathouse island. Visit the botanic gardens if the weather is nice. Christ Church meadow is also a pleasant walk and takes you down to the Isis. The botanic gardens If you want to go to a pub I'd probably recommend either 'the Turf tavern' or 'Chequers', which is my personal favourite and has a decor that visitors from abroad would probably appreciate. They are both located a bit out of the way, down random alleyways (especially the turf) so look up on google maps where they are beforehand. Finding the Turf can be a bit tricky If you aren't going to eat in a pub then I'd reccommend "The Big Bang" located in the Oxford castle quarter, which serves traditional English bangers and mash, but in a variety of obscure flavours, such as wild boar and pigeon. The owner tries hard to make it unlike other restaurants and they sometimes have live music on the piano in the evenings. The Big Bang restaurant Shopping-wise; there is a huge Blackwells book store on Broad street, next to Trinity college. You must also visit the covered market, even if you don't buy anything. It's probably the closest thing in the world to 'Diagon alley' from the Harry Potter books. It's also home to a couple of really good milkshake shops and cookie shops that are quite popular. The covered market If you want to buy some really nice authentic British gentleman's clothing go to Walters of Oxford on Turl Street. It's very old fashioned and is also where the students get college specific sports gear, as opposed to the official university and "varsity" shops on the high street which are mainly aimed at tourists. Shepherd and Woodward also offer a lot of British clothes at much cheaper prices than 'Walters' and 'Ede & Ravenscroft'. The latter you would only go inside to experience what Oxford used to be like before it became more socially diverse - "Would sir like to try this on?", etc. Walters That's about all the insider knowledge I can think up off the top of my head. Definitely look up where all these places are on google maps and plan your route if you are just going for a day!