Oxford’s historic Covered Market is reviving a popular Freshers’ Week activity that had been suspended last year.
The annual treasure hunt, set to run from October 7th through the 14th, will see approximately 2,000 flyers distributed at the Freshers’ Fair, guiding new students to locate nine participating traders scattered throughout the market’s various shops, cafes and stalls.
Founded in 1774, the Covered Market has occupied a central position in Oxford for more than two and a half centuries.
The market originally opened with a modest 20 butchers’ establishments and has since developed deep connections with university customs.
Its florists supply the carnations traditionally worn by students during examinations, while Brown’s Café has become a established destination on May Morning, opening in the early hours to serve those finishing their celebrations.
The treasure hunt invites participants to visit each of the nine involved traders and present their Bod card to receive a stamp and an undisclosed reward.
The initiative has been deliberately designed without requiring students to join any mailing list.
Market representatives indicated that the aim was to provide complimentary items without conditions attached, noting that vendors take pleasure in observing students actively exploring the market with their flyers.
Alongside the treasure hunt, the Covered Market is simultaneously targeting the student demographic through other means.
A recently released comprehensive guide compiles the market’s student-oriented customs alongside special offers from its traders, covering categories such as food and drink, clothing, confectionery and grooming services.
Individual prizes remain available only until supplies are exhausted, meaning not all participants will necessarily obtain all nine items.
For new arrivals still acquainting themselves with Oxford, navigating the Covered Market’s layout may itself form part of the attraction.