Oxford ninth in International University rankings

The latest ARWU University rankings have place Oxford University 9th in the world, 3 places behind it's biggest rival Cambridge. Oxford students have been quick (as always) to defend their university, pointing out that the ARWU rankings place much greater emphasis on science subjects rather than humanities, with 20% of the overall rankings being generated from the number of Nobel prize winners in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economics.

A glimmer of hope was found in the ranking of "Broad Subject fields" where Oxford ranked above Cambridge in both Social Sciences and Computer Science.

Oxford students have rallied to their university with typical Oxford fighting spirit and, as one student historian put it, "I would still rather be at Durham than a boring nerd at Cambridge!". No love lost between these two once again. Want to find out more about this ancient rivalry? Take our historical walking tour to find out! More information about these tours can be found here.

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Crowdfunding an Oxford Degree

A postgraduate student at Oxford University has found a new solution to the problem of funding an extortionately expensive postgraduate degree. Crowdfunding!

Emily Eastop has proven that you really don't need Wonga but entirely funding her £26 000 masters in cognitive anthropology using the crowdfunding site Hubbub.

While some people have referred to her as a "posh brat", Emily has been quick to point out that if people are willing to fund making a potato salad, why should they not fund her degree? And if it works then why not! So far she has received money from bigwigs in the cognitive science world as well as £1 donations from people who think she's a worthwhile cause.

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A cappella version of "Hips don't lie" gets Shakiras attention

University students in Oxfords famous a cappella group "Out of the Blue" have shot to fame after a video of an a cappella version of Shakiras "Hips dont lie" brought the the popstar herself to tweet the group. 

In one of Oxfords more hip moments the students charity version of the song went viral after Shakira retweeted the video to her 26 million followers along with the caption: "Hey @ootboxford, we LOVE your a capella Shak medley!"

The boys have been donating all proceeds from the single to a childrens hospice in Oxfordshire and have been modest about their new found stardom, despite over 4 million views of the video on youtube, describing the choice as the group going for the "unexpected vibe". 

Full video of the group moving their hips can be viewed here

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