In addition to its academic programmes and facilities, Ruskin College has an active students' union and organises cultural and literary events and co-operates with a range of other academic institutions. Ruskin has visiting speakers, music evenings and creative writing and poetry readings. A college magazine called 'Ruskin Writing', containing work by Ruskin students, is published.

Ruskin's students are permitted to attend University of Oxford lectures and to use University of Oxford libraries. Students are also eligible to join the Oxford Union, Oxford University clubs and societies offering a wealth of sporting, theatrical, musical and political activities.

Oxford itself has theatres, cinemas, museums, art galleries, music venues of all kinds, sports facilities and clubs, restaurants, cafes and pubs together with good road and rail links. It is only an hour from London.