As you know from your admission letter, we do not charge for meals, in order to give students complete flexibility. We find that many students find set meal-times in college halls sometimes inconvenient if they are working in libraries or otherwise engaged. As you know from comments from previous students not every student enjoys college food. One student said, "I didn't come here to eat." We hope, however, that you will decide to dine in your college hall at least some of the time, especially the formal meals which many students find to be an enjoyable tradition, rarely found in North America. Such meals are an important part of the overall Oxford experience. Each college has different regulations concerning meals. You will be told what they are in your own case. Vegetarian and kosher meals are usually available. The Hebrew Studies Center serves strictly kosher meals. SOme colleges charge a fee at induction (around £50) for a card which allows you to charge meals etc. on your account. You need only pay for the meals you actually eat - usually around £3.50 for dinner. We encourage students to invite each other back and forth to meals and to drinks in their respective college bars. This is an excellent way to meet British students--they will then invite you back to their colleges, etc. In many colleges, you may, if you wish, book a private room to give a private dinner party for friends. The cost is much less than what a restaurant would cost. If your college does not have private rooms, ask a friend to arrange it at his or her college. "My two terms here were great. Oxford is at the top of the list of world universities in classics." KR, University of Richmond Most students seem to prefer dining in their housing most of the time - all of which are equipped with good kitchen facilities. This will keep the cost of meals low and you will be able to eat exactly what you want. Late night snacks are an Oxford tradition and are available from various vans on the main streets. They are not nutritious of course.