Oxford, Ohio is my home away from home. It’s the place I miss when I’m away. I never thought I could love a place as much as my hometown, but Oxford has proven me wrong. As a freshman I was worried that I would have nothing to do being in the middle of nowhere, but I was so wrong. From hockey games, to festivals uptown, to club events, there is always something happening in this small but fun-filled town. 

Oxford was ranked the third best college town on a list of the top ten college towns published by livability.com. As livability points out, the town of Oxford has grown along with Miami. Oxford wasn’t established until after Miami, and it has continued to grow as Miami has. Because Miami has succeeded and has such a good reputation, livability argues, Oxford has been determined one of the best college towns out there. I could not agree with this statement more. Oxford is a quaint town perfect for college students. 

Oxford is a safe place to live, livability also points out. I always feel safe walking in Oxford, and I know others feel this way too. Another great aspect of living in Oxford is the off-campus housing. Typically juniors and seniors choose to live off campus in either apartments or houses. The off-campus houses are a great part of the Oxford community. It is a tradition for houses to have names, often funny ones, which adds some culture into this wonderful little town. 

Uptown is right off campus and has many dining options, ranging from fast food to nice sit down meals. Located on Main Street, students love to go off campus for dinner or to go to bars for a night on the town. Oxford has a great nightlife, which students actively participate in. This adds to Oxford’s charm. In my opinion Uptown makes the town of Oxford what it is, and adds to the great culture we experience here at Miami. Uptown Park is the central area in Uptown where the annual pig roast is held for the community, as well as other Miami related events.  Every Saturday for the first couple months of the school year there is a farmer’s market run by Oxford residents. It is so fun to go pick out fresh produce and meet people outside of the University who love Oxford just as much as its students do. 

I am absolutely in love with this little town that I call home. All of the fears I had about being bored and having nothing to do are definitely no longer fears of mine. Whether I want to take a trip to Walmart, to a restaurant uptown, go out to one of Oxford’s many bars, or just go do homework at a coffee shop, Oxford has it all. This little town has a larger than life personality that gives me my city-fill while still being the small, quaint town I love. It is no wonder Oxford is the third best college town. It is simple and easy, students love Miami and Oxford. I am convinced that there is no better place to call home for four years.