Oxford City Council welcomes university students from around the world with a new student-friendly business directory.
Nationwide directories for student discounts and incentives are commonplace, however, very few of these include local businesses. The Council’s new directory aims to change this by bringing together all Oxford businesses that have student offers and encouraging new and returning students to explore their local area and support local businesses.
Students make up around a quarter of Oxford’s population during term time. If each student could spend £10 a month in an Oxford business, it would generate an additional £3million for the local economy.
Shopping locally can also help to build relationships between students and business owners, many of whom may also live in the area, and could help to reduce the number of delivery drivers on the city's streets.
You can view the full directory on the Student Friendly Oxford webpages.
How it will work
Oxford City Council’s website will host the directory so students can find a list of businesses offering discounts or incentives in one place. From this page, they will be able to click through to the business's website or channels (where possible) to find out the specifics.
To begin with, the list has almost 90 Oxford businesses, split into three categories to help students find the service they are looking for – shopping, food & drink, and entertainment.
The Council used a similar idea during the pandemic when it produced a list of businesses open online. The same principle will apply to the student-friendly directory, with an easy-to-navigate list.
Local businesses can contact the Council if they offer student incentives and would like to be included on the page which will then be publicised to students.
The council aims to expand Student-Friendly Oxford to include physical markers, such as a window sticker, in shop windows around the city.
Comment
“Students are a big part of our city – they are about a quarter of Oxford’s population - and we want to make sure they feel welcome in the city and also help them discover the many wonderful local businesses we have here. That’s why we are working on a new Student-Friendly Oxford business directory.
“By choosing to shop and spend their money locally, students can directly support the people of Oxford and the local economy. Not only does this keep their money in the city, but it also gives them the chance to meet and bond with local business owners, strengthening connections and building local networks.
“If you’re a business in Oxford that offers student discounts or incentives, please do get in touch to be included in our directory.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships
"At the Old Fire Station, whoever you are, you've come to the right place. We love being part of the amazing student community here in Oxford and the new Student-Friendly business list from the City Council will make it easier for more students to find us and enjoy.
“We can't wait to meet everyone who has just arrived in the city!"
The Old Fire Station, Oxford
The Old Fire Station is a centre for creativity in Oxford housing two organisations: the homelessness charity Crisis and Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS). We share our building. AOFS encourages people from all backgrounds to understand and shape the world in which we live through stories, creativity and the arts, and by connecting with others.
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