Orchard Cottage, Oxford – 67 Verified Student Reviews 🏠

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Orchard Cottage — student accommodation photo
Orchard Cottage — student accommodation photo

Orchard Cottage -

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Based on 67 user ratings

Headington, Oxford

💬 What Students Say

Orchard Cottage is a charming Victorian accommodation located in the Headington area of Oxford, catering to both undergraduates and postgraduates. With a history dating back to 1880, this self-catered residence provides a unique living experience that combines modern amenities with vintage character. The property is designed to house up to six guests in ensuite rooms, providing both privacy and comfort. The reviews indicate that students appreciate the balance of personal space and communal living, which fosters a supportive and friendly environment. Many students have highlighted the overall positive atmosphere, noting that it feels relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal choice for those starting their university journey.

The location of Orchard Cottage is another significant advantage. Situated just a short bus ride from the city centre, students have easy access to all the amenities and attractions Oxford has to offer. The convenience of a bus stop just a two-minute walk away, with services running 24/7 to London and surrounding airports, adds to the appeal. This accessibility allows students to explore the city and its vibrant culture without much hassle. The Headington area itself is known for its quieter, residential vibe, which can be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of student life.

When it comes to room quality and facilities, Orchard Cottage has received high ratings from its residents. The rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, which is essential for students who spend long hours studying. The ensuite facilities provide an added layer of convenience, allowing students to maintain their privacy. Additionally, the shared kitchen and dining areas are well-equipped, enabling students to prepare their meals and enjoy communal dining experiences. The presence of laundry facilities and reliable Wi-Fi further enhances the living experience, making daily life more manageable for students.

Value for money is a crucial consideration for many students, and Orchard Cottage scores highly in this regard. Students have noted that the price reflects the quality of accommodation and the amenities provided. With a solid rating for value, it appears that residents feel they are getting a good deal for the comfort and facilities available. This positive assessment is reinforced by the overall satisfaction expressed in the reviews, where many students mention that they would recommend Orchard Cottage to others.

The social atmosphere at Orchard Cottage is one of its standout features. Many residents have remarked on the friendly and relaxed vibe, making it easy to settle in and form connections with housemates. The communal areas are conducive to socializing, and students often find themselves hanging out together, which helps to foster a sense of community. Reviews indicate that the people living here are not only friendly but also supportive, creating an environment that feels like a family. This aspect is particularly appealing for students who may be moving away from home for the first time and are looking for a place where they can feel comfortable and connected.

However, it’s important to consider some of the potential downsides of living at Orchard Cottage. While many students have had positive experiences, a few reviews mention that the atmosphere can vary from day to day. This inconsistency might be a concern for those seeking a more stable living environment. Additionally, while the communal areas are generally well-received, there may be times when the shared kitchen can become crowded, especially during peak meal times. Students should be prepared for occasional fluctuations in the overall vibe, depending on the dynamics of the group living there at any given time.

In conclusion, Orchard Cottage is an excellent choice for students looking for a comfortable and sociable living environment near the University of Oxford. Its combination of good room quality, a supportive community, and convenient location makes it particularly appealing for those who value both personal space and social interaction. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate, this accommodation can provide a fulfilling experience that balances study and leisure. With its high ratings for value, facilities, and atmosphere, Orchard Cottage stands out as a solid option for students embarking on their academic journey.

Overall, students who thrive in a friendly and communal setting, appreciate comfortable living spaces, and value accessibility to the city centre will find Orchard Cottage to be a great fit. The blend of historical charm and modern conveniences makes it a unique place to call home during your time at university.
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✅ What Students Love

  • High ratings for value, indicating students feel they get good quality for the price.
  • Spacious and comfortable rooms, making it easy for students to study and relax.
  • A friendly and supportive atmosphere that encourages socializing and community building.
  • Convenient location with easy access to public transport for exploring Oxford and beyond.
  • Good communal facilities, including a shared kitchen and laundry, enhancing daily living.
  • Positive reviews about the helpfulness of staff and maintenance support.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Atmosphere can vary; some days feel better than others according to reviews.
  • Shared kitchen may become crowded at peak times, affecting meal prep.
  • Being a smaller accommodation, it may lack some amenities found in larger complexes.
  • Some students may prefer a more vibrant nightlife scene, which could be limited in Headington.
  • Occasional noise from communal living might be a concern for those needing quiet study time.

🎯 Best For

Students who appreciate a friendly, communal living environment with easy access to university and city life.

💡 Things to Know

  • Orchard Cottage is self-catered, so students must be prepared to cook for themselves.
  • Residents are encouraged to engage in communal activities to foster relationships.
  • The property has security measures in place for resident safety.
  • Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation, which is essential for study purposes.
  • Public transport options are readily available, making commuting easy.

❓ Common Questions

Is Orchard Cottage good value for money?

Yes, students rate it highly for value, feeling they receive good quality for the price.

How is the location?

Orchard Cottage is located in Headington, just a short bus ride from the city centre, with convenient transport links.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with ensuite facilities providing privacy.

What is the social life like at Orchard Cottage?

The social life is vibrant, with friendly residents and communal spaces that encourage interaction.

Are there any security measures in place?

Yes, the accommodation typically has security measures, including key card access and on-site staff.

Orchard Cottage — student accommodation photo
Orchard Cottage — student accommodation photo
Reviews
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Stepping into this place exceeded my expectations with its spacious layout and bright, airy rooms. it felt more like a small community than just student housing, which made settling in a lot easier than I thought it would be.
By user582148 (Brookes) on Jul 17th 2026
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Staff here make living away from home easier, always ready to help with any issues. it feels comforting to have people around who genuinely care about making sure everything runs smoothly.
By user601116 (Oxford) on Jul 14th 2026
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Living at orchard cottage made settling into student life much smoother. the laid-back environment really encouraged me to connect with others while juggling deadlines, and the proximity to both universities meant I could focus on both study and social life without feeling stretched. being part of that community made a difference, even if it was just sharing a quiet evening with flatmates after classes.
By user228208 (Brookes) on Jul 10th 2026
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Arriving here, the sense of community and shared experiences among the residents really took me by surprise.
By user182302 (Oxford) on Jul 6th 2026
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Living here has been a solid experience; while it looked good at first, the community vibe has only gotten better and the location keeps proving to be convenient for everything from study groups to social hangouts.
By user373457 (Brookes) on Jul 3rd 2026
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Walking into Orchard Cottage feels like stepping into a community rather than just another place to stay. The mix of students from different backgrounds makes it lively without being overwhelming, and chatting in the kitchen often leads to interesting conversations and shared meals. Every corner has a sense of belonging, making it a comfortable and inviting home for studying and unwinding.
By user773358 (Oxford) on Jun 29th 2026
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Met plenty of interesting people here who made it feel like home away from home. Everyone shared stories and experiences, creating a real sense of community that reminded me of the camaraderie back in France.
By user138448 (Brookes) on Jun 28th 2026
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Walking into this place for the first time, the buzz of laughter and conversation turned my nervous energy into excitement. I remember plopping down in the lounge, surrounded by flatmates who instantly made me feel at home as we shared stories over a cuppa. There’s something about the mix of friendly faces and vibrant energy that pushes those worries away, making it easier to settle into university life.
By user582467 (Brookes) on Jun 23rd 2026
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Location is key for student life here, with everything you need just a short walk away. living with fellow students adds to the atmosphere, making it lively and relatable.
By user616172 (Brookes) on Jun 17th 2026
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Arriving here, what surprised me was how spacious the common areas felt compared to typical student digs. It has this nice vibe where you can actually relax and chat without feeling cramped or rushed.
By user730665 (Brookes) on Jun 12th 2026
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Rooms here felt a lot more spacious than I thought they would be, which was a nice surprise. on the flip side, the kitchen can get a bit chaotic during meal times with all the other students. not what I signed up for, but it kinda added to the experience .
By user953458 (Oxford) on Jun 10th 2026
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Finding a place that’s walking distance to lectures makes such a difference. being able to stroll back between classes or grab a quick bite nearby took a lot of stress off my shoulders during this hectic final year.
By user691083 (Brookes) on Jun 6th 2026
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Decent value for what you get, especially compared to other student places in the area. some amenities like wifi and common spaces are solid, which helps justify the rent. definitely felt like home, so can’t complain too much about what I paid.
By user323936 (Oxford) on Jun 2nd 2026
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Staff here made settling in so much easier than I expected. they were approachable and quick to help with any questions, which was a relief coming from a small town. having that support really made me feel more at home in this new environment.
By user596601 (Brookes) on Jun 1st 2026
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Check-in was straightforward and the space felt homier than typical student digs, with a nice balance of privacy and friendly housemates around. you'd probably find it easier to focus on your work here.
By user549579 (Brookes) on May 26th 2026
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Living here felt like a good balance of cost and amenities. for what you get in terms of space and access to the basics, it works well for students without stretching the budget too much.
By user961827 (Oxford) on May 22nd 2026
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Here, the environment feels genuinely supportive for students returning to study. while the facilities are decent, some common areas could use better upkeep to really reflect the needs of the residents.
By user833769 (Brookes) on May 20th 2026
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Staying here was all about those late-night study sessions with friends. We’d gather around the kitchen table, munching on snacks while tackling assignments, laughter echoing through the halls. It felt like home, the kind of place where you could really bond over the stress of deadlines and shared cups of instant coffee.
By user997344 (Brookes) on May 15th 2026
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Location really makes this place stand out; it’s close enough to the university that you can roll out of bed and be in lectures in no time. when you’re on a tight budget, being able to save on transport makes a big difference.
By user248701 (Oxford) on May 12th 2026
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Staying here for a year has shown me it’s reliable, with consistent support but occasional maintenance hiccups that can be annoying.
By user512395 (Brookes) on May 11th 2026
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Location is key, and it’s hard to beat how close this place is to everything. being able to roll out of bed and grab coffee or hit the library in minutes makes all the difference during busy weeks. plus, the community here feels supportive, which helped me settle in quickly despite the usual challenges of moving away from home.
By user830707 (Oxford) on May 6th 2026
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Location here is surprisingly nice, surrounded by green spaces and small shops. it feels refreshing to have a bit of nature while being close to everything I need for university life. being away from home, it’s comforting to step outside and have a quick walk to unwind during busy days.
By user261786 (Brookes) on May 1st 2026
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Not a bad place, but it feels a bit neglected. you notice the lack of personal touches that show someone cares about the space and the people in it.
By user591975 (Brookes) on Apr 27th 2026
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On a rainy day, the atmosphere at orchard cottage really stands out. there's something comforting about being surrounded by the historic walls and vintage vibe while studying. it might not be the most exciting spot, but it feels like a cozy retreat when the world outside is a bit dreary.
By user154431 (Oxford) on Apr 22nd 2026
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Didn't expect orchard cottage to have such a peaceful garden space out back. it's a nice surprise to find a quiet spot to sip tea and read away from the usual student hustle. definitely helps make this place feel like an escape after settling in.
By user850851 (Brookes) on Apr 20th 2026
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Old wooden floors creak with every step, adding a cosy vibe that newer places lack. it made the whole experience feel like i was staying in a home rather than just another student hall.
By user714087 (Oxford) on Apr 17th 2026
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Staff at orchard cottage are a genuine highlight, always up for a chat and quick to sort out any issues. felt more like living with a group of friends than in managed student housing, plus you could always count on them for local tips or just a general check-in.
By user748687 (Brookes) on Apr 14th 2026
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Might consider going back, but it depends on how much sleep I need. it's got character and all, but those old walls don't block out much noise when the group next door decides to have a late night chat.
By user180163 (Oxford) on Apr 9th 2026
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Orchard Cottage stands out with its Victorian charm, offering a refreshing break from the usual modern, impersonal student accommodations. you won't find the generic, sterile feel here; it's got a real sense of history. some bits need a bit more touch-up to truly shine, but overall, it feels like a place with a story, not just a stopover.
By user309844 (Oxford) on Apr 5th 2026
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Rooms here have a bit more character than the bland cubicles i've stayed in before. the living room's got a cool vibe, but the kitchen's slightly cramped 😬.
By user642711 (Brookes) on Apr 2nd 2026
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Hanging out in the communal kitchen at orchard cottage is where you'll likely meet some of your new best mates. it's got that homey vibe with its retro charm, and surprisingly, the wifi holds up pretty well. not the fanciest place out there but you'll find it's just right for student life.
By user121820 (Brookes) on Apr 1st 2026
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Fireplace in the common room is probably my favourite bit. it gives the place this really warm, homey feel especially when you're hanging out with friends in the evening. makes it nice, especially for someone like me who's far from home.
By user397167 (Brookes) on Mar 31st 2026
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Found myself loving the fireplaces, they add such a warm atmosphere especially when it's freezing outside. makes the place feel inviting, almost like you're in your own little time capsule.
By user327461 (Brookes) on Mar 28th 2026
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Living in a place with so much history feels like stepping back in time but with WiFi. the character of Orchard Cottage gives it a different vibe from the typical student flats and the mix of postgrads and undergrads makes for an interesting community.
By user271730 (Oxford) on Mar 27th 2026
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Walking into orchard cottage, i didn't expect to find such a peaceful garden space , it's a nice spot to relax after lectures or just have some quiet time 💭
By user824131 (Brookes) on Mar 25th 2026
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Wasn't expecting the kitchen to feel so homely but it really did. it's a nice blend of old and new, with just enough space to comfortably cook after all those lectures. honestly, was concerned about sharing with so many people, but it's surprisingly smooth.
By user228692 (Oxford) on Mar 21st 2026
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Arriving at orchard cottage, i was surprised by how lived-in it felt, like something straight out of a storybook. the fireplaces really added character, something i hadn't expected in student housing.
By user967077 (Brookes) on Mar 19th 2026
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Adjusting to orchard cottage was surprisingly smooth, with the mix of vintage charm and modern comforts making it feel increasingly like home 🏠. it's got its quirks, but they're part of what makes it special.
By user880222 (Oxford) on Mar 15th 2026
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Walking into orchard cottage was like stepping back in time. i didn't expect to feel so at ease away from london, but this place somehow managed it with its quirky charm. it's not just where i live, but a place that genuinely feels like a second home, which was a huge and pleasant surprise.
By user390011 (Brookes) on Mar 13th 2026
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Warmth from the old fireplaces made studying late into the night much more bearable.
By user944169 (Brookes) on Mar 3rd 2026
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Walking back into orchard cottage always brought a sense of calm and familiarity that made it feel like home. it’s as if the walls themselves hold stories
By user282103 (Oxford) on Mar 3rd 2026
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Windows in the lounge offer a perfect spot for a morning coffee with natural light.
By user202608 (Brookes) on Feb 10th 2026
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Had a tricky time figuring out how to work that ancient oven, but once i got the hang of it, cooking dinners became a fun little adventure. really adds a bit of character to the place, balancing the quirks of history with the convenience of modern living.
By user298730 (Oxford) on Feb 6th 2026
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Finding the shower temperature is like playing roulette, which is annoying if you're in a rush. it might remind you of staying at your nan's, which is sort of charming but not when you're freezing. guess that's the downside of a house with so much character, though it's a trade-off i'd still make.
By user262489 (Brookes) on Feb 2nd 2026
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Wasn't expecting to have comfy fireside chats with flatmates about lectures 😮
By user600022 (Brookes) on Jan 26th 2026
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Most student accommodations feel like copy-paste boxes, but orchard cottage is a world apart with its victorian charm and quirky character. getting to live in a place with modern amenities while surrounded by that old-school architecture really adds a special vibe to the uni experience 😮. feels like you're stepping into a piece of history every time you come home.
By user331271 (Oxford) on Jan 25th 2026
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Staff here are just top notch, always up for a chat and genuinely care about how you're settling in. they're like having an extra family away from home, which feels really comforting when you're adjusting to a new place.
By user338329 (Brookes) on Jan 20th 2026
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Walking into orchard cottage, i was immediately taken aback by how the old victorian charm melded perfectly with the fresh updates 😮. i didn’t expect the sense of history to be so alive while still feeling so comfortable and welcoming.
By user615029 (Oxford) on Jan 14th 2026
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Finding a place that actually feels like home when you're away for uni is rare, but orchard cottage managed it. loved how the fireplaces added that extra warmth and character to the place.
By user869320 (Brookes) on Jan 14th 2026
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Already missing the cozy nights by the fireplace, orchard cottage really does feel like home away from home 😅.
By user719453 (Brookes) on Jan 10th 2026
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Heard from a mate that the vintage decor gives it a really cool vibe mixed with modern perks.
By user913100 (Oxford) on Jan 4th 2026
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Sitting by the fireplace with my flatmates, we had those deep late-night chats that somehow seemed more special with the crackling sound of logs burning in the background. felt instantly nostalgic about those nights.
By user575057 (Brookes) on Jan 3rd 2026
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Heavily creaky floorboards made moving quietly an impossible endeavour, so every late night snack run felt like an alarm clock.
By user736831 (Brookes) on Dec 30th 2025
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Didn't expect such a peaceful atmosphere being so close to the city bustle. the blend of vintage character with up-to-date facilities surprised me in a good way.
By user939862 (Oxford) on Dec 26th 2025
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Would definitely come back to orchard cottage. feel like it's got this perfect balance of being lively yet chill at the same time. it’s also so close that I can roll out of bed and get to morning training easily which is a major win for me.
By user506727 (Brookes) on Dec 23rd 2025
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Heard so much about how this place mixes old school vibes with comfort, and honestly, it really felt like finding an unexpected sanctuary.
By user682758 (Brookes) on Dec 19th 2025
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Navigating lectures and tutorials in oxford, orchard cottage's location is surprisingly handy for popping into the library or grabbing coffee between classes.
By user184721 (Oxford) on Dec 17th 2025
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Didn't expect the original fireplaces to actually work, but they do and it's lovely. adds such a warm feeling to the place, especially on colder days. it's got this old-school charm that makes coming back after classes a real treat.
By user252284 (Brookes) on Dec 12th 2025
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Would definitely consider going back, as it had that retro vibe and those fireplaces really gave it character. made it feel like living in an actual home rather than just student housing.
By user811357 (Brookes) on Dec 5th 2025
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Seemed like people genuinely cared about helping each other settle into uni life.
By user872914 (Oxford) on Dec 5th 2025
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Thinking back to orchard cottage, it's the feeling of history that stands out most to me. there's something comforting about the vintage details, like being in a time capsule yet still having all the modern conveniences. it made settling into uni life so much easier, as if my room was a little oasis in between lectures and life admin.
By user349622 (Brookes) on Nov 30th 2025
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Waking up to the view of the garden every morning made me actually look forward to early lectures. even though it was an old building, it had this warmth to it that felt like home but still offered space for everyone to be themselves.
By user782409 (Oxford) on Nov 25th 2025
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Got used to the creaky floors over time and now it just feels like home.
By user869946 (Brookes) on Nov 24th 2025
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Everyone here seems to treat each other like family, which makes a huge difference living away from home. hearing people chat in the communal kitchen while making dinner was probably my favourite part of the day.
By user187903 (Brookes) on Nov 16th 2025
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Heating can be a bit hit or miss in the winter, almost feels like living in a time capsule rather than just a historic building.
By user218647 (Oxford) on Nov 10th 2025
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Moving into orchard cottage felt like stepping back in time in a good way. the fireplaces create a warm atmosphere that's a welcome change from generic student housing. it took a little while, but it definitely feels like home now.
By user981603 (Brookes) on Nov 7th 2025
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By user529725 (Brookes) on Jun 13th 2024