Oxford

The extraordinary beauty of our campus and the unique quality of life in Oxford make it one of the most sought-after academic communities in the country. The annual Double Decker Arts Festival, which brings artists, craftsmen and musicians to the downtown Square, is just one aspect of Oxford’s personality.

Just over an hour’s drive south of Memphis, Tennessee, Oxford combines the charm and safety of a small town (population 19,000) with the sophistication and nightlife of a much larger city. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, a vibrant town square and a rich literary history made Oxford a natural choice for inclusion in the book The Best 100 Small Towns in America. Referring to Oxford as the “Thriving New South Arts Mecca,” USA Today also named Oxford as one of the top six college towns in Amer­ica. Money magazine named Oxford the best place to retire in the South. Plus you’ll find a thriving law community in Oxford, which is the county seat and home to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Oxford’s Courthouse Square is alive with activity night and day. You will find live music nearly every evening on and off the city’s downtown Square. In addition to its music scene, downtown Oxford is home to an art gallery, shops, great restaurants, coffeehouses and a bookstore The New Yorker said was as good as or better than any in New York City. The Ford Center for the Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility, secures Oxford’s dominance in the region as a center for the creative and performing arts.

Students with families will be reassured to know that children are a priority in Oxford. Oxford city schools and Lafayette County schools are widely acknowledged to be among the best in the state. A number of quality day-care facilities also are avail­able in Oxford, including one on campus.

For those who thrive on outdoor activities, the facilities of Sardis Lake and several state parks are less than an hour away from Oxford, offering hiking, fishing, boating and other water sports. Adjacent to Sardis Lake is an 18-hole public golf course. The university also has a recently renovated 18-hole course.Oxford’s proximity to Memphis (metro population: 1 million) and its international airport makes travel around the country convenient and affords Oxford residents the entertainment, shopping and cultural advantages of a large city within a short drive.