I am thinking of going for the campus Oxford gap year in January 2017. How is it academically, it’s extracurricular activities and is it a good place to make friends? (Please share your experiences )
Replace the word ‘Oxford’ with other places: if the program would be just as interesting to you if it was held someplace else, then it’s worth doing. The only thing about the program that is really part of Oxford is being a part of the Union, which (if you are interested in it) is something special. Otherwise, you are at the equivalent of an expensive academic summer camp, that is based in a famous university. During the summer you live in a college, but if you go for the academic year you are either in hostels or living with host families.
As to ECs, I would ask them directly, but beyond the Union you are not a member of a College or the University, and that is the way that most ECs are organized. Your friends will be the other students on the program, and your EC’s will be the activities that you do with them. There are a LOT of things going on, but unless your ID gets you into the colleges many will be out of reach. There are a lot of drinking/clubbing based activities that are open to all, of course.
I would also ask exactly where you would be living (central Oxford is very expensive and you may be a bit out). Also ask exactly where you have your lectures and tutorials.