Welcome to Oxford: A Guide to Sustainable Student Life

A warm welcome to all our new and returning students.

As you begin your academic journey, you are joining a community committed to making a positive impact on the world. At the heart of this commitment is our focus on environmental sustainability. The University has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero carbon and a net gain in biodiversity by 2035.  

As a student, you play a vital role in this effort. This guide will introduce you to practical ways to live sustainably, get involved, and make a meaningful difference during your time in Oxford. 

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Oxford University aims to offer all students the opportunity to study environmental sustainability, whether in or outside the examined curriculum. Here are a few ways for you to expand your knowledge and understanding:  

The Vice-Chancellor's Colloquium on Climate Change, offered in Hilary term, is a unique, interdisciplinary programme open to all undergraduate students in Oxford. 

The programme includes keynote lectures, interdisciplinary group discussions/activities across Oxford Colleges, projects and a summer micro-internship.

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The School of Climate Change, offered by the Oxford Climate Society (a student-run society), is an award-winning 8-week course that brings together researchers, experts, and activists from diverse fields of the climate crisis.  

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Oxford Talks offers a wealth of lectures and seminars open to all students, presenting work from across the University. You may filter talks by collection (e.g., biodiversity), department or keywords.  

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  • Free Cycle Training: Whether you're a novice cyclist or want to build confidence on Oxford's streets, you can access up to six hours of free cycle training. Provided by Broken Spoke Bike Co-op, this training is accredited to the national Bikeability standard and covers everything from basic handling to navigating complex traffic situations. Sign up here. 
  • Bike Doctor: Keep your bike in top condition with our "Bike Doctor" sessions. These on-campus maintenance and repair services are offered at various locations. Labour is free; you only pay for the parts. Follow the Student Union announcements for additional sessions.  
  • Attend a workshop or events: The Sustainability team hosts occasional workshops, talks and events throughout the year. These are great opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and network with others passionate about sustainability. Follow our newsletter to stay updated.  

Green Impact: Join or create a Green Impact team in your college or department. This award-winning programme provides a toolkit of simple, practical actions to improve sustainability in the University, in line with the Environmental Sustainability strategy.  

Learn more about the programme in general and about the plans and events for the 2025-26 Green Impact year.   

  • Become a Green Impact Project Assistant (GIPA) and gain hands-on experience. You'll receive training and work with a Green Impact team to implement sustainability projects. Find out more

LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework): Suitable for students working in labs, LEAF is a programme designed to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratory practices. By participating in LEAF, labs can reduce their environmental impact and earn bronze, silver or gold accreditation.  

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Oxford offers a range of opportunities to live sustainably. 

Read our Guide to Living Sustainably in Oxford. 

There are also other opportunities at the University that you might want to explore. These include:

  • Joining a student society relating to different fields of sustainability. Connect with like-minded peers by joining a campaign or one of the student societies focused on environmental issues. 
  • Take part in the Global Youth Climate Training Programme (GYCT) in collaboration with Oxford Net Zero project, or contribute to the delivery of the GYCT in different capacities. Read more.  
  • Join the international Nature Positive Student Ambassador Programme. Find out more and apply.
  • Getting in touch with the Careers Service, who offer guidance and opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in sustainability, as well as various internships in the field (including some within the sustainability team).  
  • Joining a local environmental group and working with Oxford residents to improve sustainability in Oxfordshire. From Oxford Swift City Project to Low Carbon Oxford, there are many ways to get involved, contribute and gain experience.

Join our mailing list and follow us on social media (@OxfordEnvSust) to stay up to date with the latest news, events and opportunities. 

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Our Sustainable Students Oxford programme offers opportunities to be part of the sustainability solution

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Contact us

sustainability@admin.ox.ac.uk

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