Most of the buildings in the city centre have cellars, and a large number have been converted into bars or restaurants.

The family of TE Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia') lived in Polstead Road. Lawrence's own little bungalow, which stands at the bottom of the garden, has sometimes been advertised to let in Daily Information under the rather surprising description: 'Secluded cottage with breakfast'. As well as the escapade with the canoe, he once masterminded a plan to steal Magdalen's deer for his own college, All Souls', but fortunately it was never carried out.