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.

Just over an hour’s drive south of Memphis, Tennessee, Oxford combines the charm and safety of a small town (population 11,000) with the sophistication and nightlife of a much larger city. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, a vibrant town square, and a rich literary history contribute to the inclusion of Oxford 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 recently 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 federal court for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Oxford’s Courthouse Square is alive with activity night and day. You’ll find live music—blues, alternative, contemporary Christian, and African inspired World Beat performers—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 new Ford Center for the Performing Arts, a state of-the-art facility, will undoubtedly secure 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 a new 18-hole public golf 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.