OXFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08:  A student reads a textbook in Blackwell bookshop as Oxford University commences its academic year on October 8, 2009 in Oxford, England. Oxford University has a student population in excess of 20,000 taken from over 140 countries around the world. The University is made up of 38 independent, self-governing colleges, three of which: University College, Balliol College, and Merton College, were established by the 13th century. According to the QS/Times Higher Education rankings, Oxford has slipped down the international league table from fourth to a joint fifth place with Imperial College London.  (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)