Yes, yes, so your mates headed off to Manchester, London and the other big clubbing meccas and will no doubt be regaling you with tales of their awesome 24-hour party people nightlife. But, there’s a truckload of fun to be had in Oxford. After all, that maintenance loan ain’t gonna spend itself

 

The Dude of all cinemas

Forget your out-of-town multiplexes, The Phoenix in Jericho, above, is the cinema-and-bar that keeps on giving, even as it approaches its centenary next year. Notable for its warm, independent welcome and its appreciation of student values, make space in your busy diary for late-night extravaganzas such as Big Lebowski (pictured) night with an 11.30pm screening of the classic, DVD giveaways as enticement to dress up as The Dude and local ice cream-makers G+D’s serving up a free tub of specially created White Russian ice cream. More late servings feature Pulp Fiction (November 2) and Evil Dead (November 24) so get planning those fancy dress costumes now. Also book in for the free, (yes, FREE) E4 Slackers nights and sign up for the Student Membership Deal to take care of your whole year of viewing pleasure at a snip. Also, the undiscovered bar upstairs is Jericho's hidden gem and is a great place for a private party.

  • Phoenix Cinema, 57 Walton Street, Jericho, 0871 902 5736O2, picturehouses.co.uk, Twitter: PhoenixPH

Come out of your shell

Small, cave-like, and free for students with Union cards, Purple Turtle club has no dress code and loud music, Purple Turtle has a genuinely upbeat atmosphere. Also, check out the gossip, photos and video clips on the website... Be warned – you may end up on the wall of shame.

  • Purple Turtle, Frewin Court (off Cornmarket), 01865 247086

Deep breathing

The O2 Academy in Cowley Road hosts a roster of stars for all tastes – from Gaz Coombes (October 27) to Annie Mac (November 2) and, er, Dappy (December 16). Propaganda (10.30pm-3am every Saturday), the UK’s biggest indie night, attracts more than 25,000 clubbers every week to its nights in 21 destinations across the globe. Led by founder DJ Dan and his team, every night mixes it up with and special effects and music videos in every set and with special guests – superstar Vod from Fresh Meat starred this month. Brookes Big Night Out (10pm-2am every Wednesday) is also a firm favourite.

  • O2, 190 Cowley Road, Oxford, 0844 477 2000, o2academyoxford.co.uk

Game on

Gaming is no longer just about fumbling around with your joystick in your bedroom, oh no. Lazy Gamers in London Road, Headington, was set up by Chris and Mo as a LAN centre and comic book store to change a few preconceptions about the scene. They are passionate about video gaming, manga, comics and anime and are now ‘living the dream’ by sharing their passions with the wider community. Join the Facebook group and sign up to Twitter feeds to find out about the frequent opportunities to plug in and connect with fellow gamers courtesy of LAN (that’s local area network for those not in the know). Plus, the website is a goldmine of gaming information and reviews. Whether you’re male or female, old or young, the sterotype has changed, so go on, plug in!

 

Funny business

Footlights might have faded, but Oxford still boasts its fair share of comedy, and Glee Club in Hythe Bridge Street is a good place to start. Nestled alongside its club sibling Wahoo, Glee boasts a menu, ample bar plus late lounging downstairs and does a roaring trade in all the best touring comics. Upcoming delights include. Andi Osho (top) reprazenting All The Single Ladies on November 15 and razor-sharp, “frighteningly talented” (GQ) Chris Ramsey (right). Excellent student discount (just £5 with NUS card with free entry to Wahoo), there is plenty of fun to be had here...

  • Glee Club/ Wahoo, 3-5 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, 01865 251838,
  • Twitter @TheGleeClub

Going underground

Rightly cherished as the home of Oxford’s cutting-edge music scene, The Cellar has been storming since the heady days of 1999 and is still going strong. This is your go-to place for hip hop (first Tuesdays), drum & bass, dubstep and grime (Wednesdays), reggae and dancehall (first Fridays) and soul (fourth Tuesdays). It’s early doors on Saturdays which is your night for live bands and special mention must be made for the eclectic Bossaphonik beats night on second Fridays. Plus, much more.

  • The Cellar, Frewin Court (off Cornmarket Street), Oxford, 01865 244761, cellaroxford.co.uk

Live wire

Jericho Tavern was where Radiohead debuted in 1987, and where Supergrass (pictured right) played the gig that led to their record contract, which is why you’ll see their names emblazoned on the recent plaque outside. Celebrate the city’s indie heritage at the venue which continues to nurture live talent. Famous Monday Blues is the longest-running international like weekly show.

  • The Jericho Tavern, 56 Walton Street, 01865 311775

Pub time

Oxford’s pubs are imbued with enough history to make tourists weep, yet many of them remain pleasingly tucked away behind the scenes in the crooked lanes. Worth seeking out is dinky 13th century ale house The Turf Tavern where you'll find a don or three supping a pint. Make like Morse and enjoy the similarly historic Eagle And The Child and Lamb and Flag in St Giles which are well stocked with stories about the literary greats who have got lashed here. In Jericho, the friendly Jude The Obscure in Walton Street, has a heated courtyard and cask ale festival running until October 31. Cape Of Good Hope in The Plain area, Cowley, stocks open mic nights (from 9pm Wednesdays), great Sunday roasts and the Caped Crusade Quiz (Tuesdays, 8pm) in a relaxed setting as well as regular competitions to tempt you back.

How Lo can you go?

Winter? What you need is a Tiki-themed bar and club to liven up those cold student nights. Lola Lo has what can safely be described as Oxford’s only Polynesian clubbing experience for hen partiers and freshers on the hunt for fun – especially Tiki Beats on Friday nights with half-price cocktails.

  • Lola Lo, 13-15 Magdalen Street, 01865 249171

Hot stuff

Blast your senses into oblivion with the potent student mix of red bull-fuelled frenzy at Lava & Ignite. This hyperactive club has three rooms to bombard yourself with house, trance, anthems, R&B, hip hop and cheesy pop classics as well as light shows that give Blackpool a run for its money.

  • Lava & Ignite, Park End Street, 01865 250181

Thinking man’s cocktail

FREUD has had mixed reviews over the years but is worth a visit for the stunning venue alone – a former Greek Revival Church complete with pillars that’s palatial enough to make you feel like royalty and is just crying out for live music. Meanwhile, the long bronze bar provides cocktails, soft drinks, coffees and teas as well as homemade pizzas and other tempting meals.

  • Freud, Walton Street, Jericho, 01865 311171

Also worth a pop...

  • Clementine’s The Plain, 01865 247214
  • Backroom at the Bullingdon Arms 162 Cowley Road, 01865 244516
  • Port Mahon 82 St Clements, 01865 202067
  • The Wheatsheaf 129 High Street, 01865 721156
  • The Magdalen Iffley Road, 01865 243159