Castle Mill Review + Experience // Graduate Housing // University of Oxford

[@AwkiesBarinas]

I just got an offer from Castle Mill, and this video has been super useful. Thank you!

[@Steffie228G]

Thank you!! Enjoy Castle Mill (if you choose CM of course) and your time at Oxford!!

[@chanhytommy9642]

The third laundary is not in Block L, but Block J. Hope this will be useful for newcomers.

[@shannonrodriguez2582]

Thanks for the review, definitely helpful!

[@khyatipawah2595]

Hey! Thanks for this amazing detailed video. Im sure it helps most people who are considering moving into Castle Mill. I have one question regarding the Air Conditioning. Does Castle Mill have cool air conditioning setups as well? If not, does it get too stuffy or hot during the hotter months?

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! You’re welcome! When I lived in Castle Mill there was no air conditioning (I’m pretty sure that hasn’t changed since). We were able to borrow a fan from reception, but in all honesty, the UK is not a very hot climate so the one week where it was crazy hot, I just tried to go to libraries or work/read from port meadow 😅. Air conditioning is not very common to have in the UK.

[@saniaqazi]

Thanks for the video. Wanted to know if there is a gymnasium or any sporting activity area around.

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! You’re welcome! 😊 apart from the ping pong area there is no gym or other sports facility on site. As a student you can use your college’s gym for free (if your college has one or if your college has an agreement with another college to use theirs.) most colleges have their own sports grounds, the distance will depend on the college you are a part of. As all the sports grounds are located around Oxford. Otherwise there’s iffley road sports Center, which is part of the uni. Furthermore, Oxford has a couple of chain gyms as well. I hope this helped. (If you are looking to do something that’s running or more stationary like tai chi or yoga, port meadow is right next door to castle mill.)

[@update6044]

Due to the laundry situation, can I get a mini /small washing machine?. Where are the washed clothes dried?

[@Steffie228G]

I’m not sure if you are allowed to have a small washing machine in your room. But in all honesty, you’ll figure out a time during the day that will work for you to do laundry. You can dry your clothes in the dryers. I hope this helps!

[@update6044]

@@Steffie228G yes, it does. Thank you for your response.

[@karantripathi4563]

Hey, thanks for this. Amazing review. Just one question: how far is it from Faculty of Law, St Cross Road?

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! It's about a 30 minute walk, or a 10 minute bike ride.

[@la9188]

I have a question! To reach Castle Mill from Psychology by foot, the only path is the one shown on google maps? Do I really have to go through the foothpath before Port Meadow car park and then going through Roger Dudman Way? Thanks!

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! In short - yes, I do believe that that is the quickest and shortest way - However, there are multiple routes into Castle Mill. If you end up going into town after class, you most likely end up walking past the train station or you can take the footpath off hythe bridge near Castle Mill Stream. I have never felt unsafe around castle mill and I mostly took the car park route as that was the shortest route to college and my department as well. Tbh I also preferred that route as Jericho is a nice place to walk/bike through. I was less fond of the footpath off the bridge near the stream, but some of my flatmates liked that route.

[@eloisewells8512]

Hey, thanks for your review! Do you know if there is any car parking for residents?

[@Steffie228G]

Hi Eloise, thank you for watching my video! There is no car parking for residents unfortunately. If you need to park your car for a night because you are moving in or out you can ask the reception if you can park on the private parking lot.

[@WildeVolgi90]

I am not too happy with Castle Mill, the floors and walls are not soundproof at all and we can hear every footstep of our upstairs neighbour. So if you move there I hope you are lucky in getting neighbours that have the same sleep rhythm as you.

[@Steffie228G]

I’m sorry to hear that. I must have been lucky with my neighbours. I did hear my upstairs neighbour walking around some times but not to a bothersome level. Apparently the noise level depends on your neighbours more than I thought. Thanks for sharing though!

[@ruthannebrooks2826]

This was super helpful! Thank you! Question: is there any gym at Castle Mill?

[@Steffie228G]

Thanks for watching my video! Unfortunately, there’s no gym at Castle Mill. It might be worth it to check if your college has a gym, or access to one at another college, or gives at discount at the Iffley Road one (the uni wide one).

[@ruthannebrooks2826]

@@Steffie228G thanks for the advice! 😄

[@goji7001]

How is the heating? Can you adjust the heating and make the room super warm?

[@goji7001]

Also forgot to say thank u this vid is amazing!

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! In warmer months the heater is off, I think it turned on in October somewhere. When it's on you can adjust it yourself. Each room (at least in the newer en-suite rooms, so block D and up, I'm not sure about A, B, & C) have their own thermostat. In all honesty, I was never cold living in CM.

[@Steffie228G]

Thank you!

[@MissSurvivor19]

thanks for the video!

[@Steffie228G]

You’re welcome :)

[@yukigu8319]

Hi! Is there a cafeteria at castle mill? How far is the nearest grocery store? Thank you!

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! There is no cafeteria at castle mill, you do have access to either a shared kitchen with max 6 people or your own kitchen depending on the type of accommodation. The closest supermarket is a 10 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride. Generally I found myself doing my grocery shopping on the way back from the city centre, which meant no extra trips to the grocery store.

[@yukigu8319]

@@Steffie228G thank you so much for the reply! I saw online that a lot of people liked to shop grocery at local farmers markets. Is there one nearby? Thank you 😊

[@Steffie228G]

Hi! There’s a market on Gloucester Green, which is on the way to the city centre. 😉