The following forms need to be completed and returned to Graduate.Admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk by 1 September.

• Graduate Document Return Checklist
• Treasury Form
• Network Acceptable Use Form
• Student/College Contract*
  *These documents have been emailed to you separately.
• Registration confirmation email from Beaumont Elms Medical Practice

Things to bring with you

Things to do before your arrival

Before you arrive at College, please make sure you do the following:

All graduate students will have been assigned a College Advisor; all of whom are research active scholars, many with international reputations and an established teaching record.  Your College Advisor’s area of research will be in a similar area to your chosen subject of study.  You will meet your College Advisor either during Welcome Week or the first few weeks of term.

Senior Tutor (Dr Andrew Bell)
E: Senior.Tutor@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 1865 276673
The Senior Tutor has overall responsibility for all academic matters in the College, including academic welfare and academic discipline. Dr Bell is very happy to meet with any students to discuss academic-related matters. Dr Bell’s office is on the ground floor of the Master’s Lodgings.

Tutor for Graduates (Professor Polly Jones)
E: Tutor.Graduates@univ.ox.ac.uk
The Tutor for Graduates looks after graduate students jointly with the Senior Tutor, and is normally available via the Graduate Studies Officer in the Academic Office T: +44 (0)1865 286419 or by email. In addition to the College Advisers system, the Tutor for Graduates can be contacted if graduates experience difficulties with their academic work, or when there are disputes with their supervisor, or welfare problems. Note that day-to-day on-course graduate administration (for example the signing of GSO forms) is handled by the Graduate Studies Officer, under the oversight of the Senior Tutor.

Univ’s Academic Development and Mentoring Scheme (AcaDeMe)

As a student at Oxford, you will need to be growing your academic skills along with your knowledge of your subject during your degree. Univ’s Academic Development and Mentoring Scheme (AcaDeMe) helps equip PGT students with the academic skills that they will need to succeed in their courses at Oxford. AcaDeMe can help students hone their skills in areas including:

• Managing time and workloads
• Writing essays
• Planning theses and extended projects
• Revising for exams
• Taking notes from readings, lectures, and tutorials
• Accessing library resources
• Researching in libraries and archives
• Citing correctly
• …and much more.

Provision

We warmly encourage students to make use of the resources at AcaDeMe throughout their courses to make their studies effective, efficient, and enjoyable. The scheme offers the following provision:

Welcome Week Session. All new PGTs at Univ will be given an introductory session in Welcome Week by the AcaDeMe team on how to succeed at Oxford.

Termly Workshops. Workshops on a range of academic skills topics run throughout the academic year, open to all PGTs. Students will be emailed a copy of the AcaDeMe term card at the beginning of each term and it can also be found on the SharePoint site (below).

Mentoring Programme. We have a team of experienced mentors from a range of disciplines who work with students one-to-one on honing their academic skills. Students can request a session by filling out the short form.

Online Resources. The AcaDeMe team has produced a library of short, accessible self-help guides on academic skills topics that can be found on our SharePoint site.

The Academic Office is the hub of the academic administration in College and is located in 10 Merton Street. The Academic Office team is committed to helping you navigate your way through the administration related to your studies.

The Office is open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm.

Graduate Studies Officer Mrs Karen Franklin
E: graduate.studies@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 286419
The Graduate Studies Officer deals with the day-to-day administration of on-course graduate students. For many of your admin needs, it is to the Academic Office that you will turn to – for example, you may need to obtain an enrolment certificate using the student self-service system for your bank during your first week or so.

The Graduate Studies Officer can also assist research students with the GSO forms when it comes to transfer and confirmation of status.

All new postgraduates can apply for a book grant of up to £100. To claim the grant, you will need to complete a form, available from the College intranet once you are in Oxford.  The form should be returned with receipts attached to the Academic Office.

The office will be able to order you a replacement Bod Card should you lose yours (there is a £15 fee for replacing lost Bod Cards so try not to lose it).

Undergraduate Admissions and Access Manager (Mr Joshua Newman)
E: Admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276677
The Undergraduate Admissions and Access Manager runs the undergraduate admissions exercise and oversees the College’s widening access initiatives, working closely with the Schools Liaison and Access Officer.

Schools Liaison and Access Officer (Ms Savannah Phillips)
E: access@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 286565
Univ offers a whole range of outreach and access initiatives to schools. This means you’ll often see groups of school-aged pupils around College. Lots of Univ students also get involved in the Univ Ambassador Scheme, working with schools and pupils to encourage them to aim high when applying to higher education. If you would be interested in getting involved in college outreach activities, please contact access@univ.ox.ac.uk

Undergraduate Studies Officer (Joanna Cooper)
E: undergraduate.studies@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276951
The Undergraduate Studies Officer has oversight of all undergraduate on-course student administration at Univ from Welcome Week through to exams.  She is available during office hours should you have any questions regarding academic life at Univ.

Academic Services Administrator 
E: Academic.office@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276601
The Academic Services Administrator deals with the day-to-day administration of on-course undergraduate students.

Matriculation

In order to become a member of the University, you need to matriculate. The matriculation ceremony will take place on Saturday 18^th October 2025. Proceedings will start with a roll-call in the Main Quadrangle, followed by the Freshers’ Photograph, which will be taken in the Radcliffe Quadrangle.

You will receive an email with details and timings during your first week. Only matriculating students can attend the ceremony, which is not open to the public or to guests. Some visiting students, some graduates of Cambridge University or Trinity College Dublin, and students who have already matriculated  at Oxford, do not matriculate again. They are however warmly invited to join the photograph and should report for roll call along with the Freshers.

University Card or Bod Card

Your University Card or Bod Card, short for Bodleian Card, will be given to you at College Registration. It is the key to student life.  You will need it to access libraries, borrow books, enter departments and other buildings, but meals in Hall and as student ID in the city.  At the start of Michaelmas term, £150 is automatically added to your Bod Card (this is charged to your Hilary term batells), which is then debited for every meal you have.  You can top up your Bod Card online through the Univ intranet.  If you lose it the University imposes a charge of £15 for a replacement.

Upon arrival at University it is essential that you open a bank account. This can take weeks. There are several banks with branches located in Oxford and close to Univ, so have a look at what they offer. To open an account the bank will require several pieces of information, one of which will be confirmation from the College that you are a student here (this can be obtained via the student self-service system and can be stamped as verification by the Academic Office).

You will receive your batells bill by email on the Thursday of 0^th week, Thursday 9^th October 2025. Batells are College bills for course fees, accommodation, Access to Facilities and any other charges. The Access to Facilities charge is paid by all students but is included in the rent for those living in college accommodation. The fee is currently £234.78 annually, £78.26 per term. All course fees are due for payment in full at the beginning of the academic year and will be on the first invoice of that year (unless you pay via student loan). Payments can be made online via the intranet or by bank transfer (bank account details are clearly shown on your batells invoice).  If your funding is paid in instalments or you need a termly payment plan, please speak to the Treasury.

Batells are due for payment on the following dates:
Michaelmas term: 18^th October 2025
Hilary term: 24^th January 2026
Trinity term: 2^nd May 2026
Long Vacation: 31^st August 2026

Batells invoices will be addressed to you. Alternatively, if you are receiving support from any grant-making body that requires the invoice to be made out to them, please inform the Treasury (using the Treasury Form). If there are any problems with your batells, please contact Viktoriia Sediasheva in the Treasury immediately Treasury@univ.ox.ac.uk Regardless of who funds your batells and fees, you are responsible for their payment and failure to pay on time may result in financial and/or penalties, including suspension.

The staff involved in invoicing and receiving college payments are:

College Accountant (Mr Tim Croft)
E: Tim.Croft@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276622
Mr Croft is the chief finance officer

Treasury Assistant (Ms Viktoriia Sediasheva)
E: Treasury@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276616
Ms Sediasheva looks after your batells and ensures you receive the grants you are entitled to.

The College expects all students to have full funding in place prior to the start of their course and for the duration of the course.  Additional financial aid from the College is available to students who find themselves in unexpected and unforeseen financial difficulty, due to changes in their circumstances.

In addition to fees, you will have to pay living expenses (including rent and food). For 2025-26 the following estimates apply: The University estimates that £17,100 – £24,420 will cover all living expenses for a 12 month period. The University estimates that students who are on a 9 month programme of study will require £12,825 – £18,315 for living expenses. These estimates do not include the costs of air travel home or visa costs.

All graduates need to fill out the Treasury Form and return it to the Academic Office.
Fees are expected to be paid in full by Friday of 1^st Week of Michaelmas Term unless you have an agreed payment schedule with the Treasury Office.

Further general information about funding can be found here.

Financial Assistance

There are limited funds available for financial hardship, but the College currently offers a number of other financial awards and funds to students including:

Conference and Travel Grants – There are a variety of funds available to assist with costs of conference and/or travel related to your academic work (including joining a Chalet reading party). These funds are cash-limited.

Book and Equipment Grants – to help students with the cost of purchasing books or equipment essential to their degree course (up to a maximum of £100). This grant can be claimed at any point but only once during your time as an graduate.

Language Grants – You can claim 50% of the cost of language courses taken at the University Language Centre with the receipt, certificate of completion and form (available from the College intranet).

Job Opportunities – Univ can sometimes offer students work during vacations, provided it does not interfere with their academic work.

Student Support Fund – for students in financial need of hardship for unexpected reasons, contact the Welfare Fellow Andrew.Gregory@univ.ox.ac.uk.

Managing your finances

University life can lead to a high degree of impulsive spending. With so much academic work to do, it can seem that the best thing to do on a night off is to go out and spend more than you can afford. The only way you can be in control of your money is if you are aware of how much you have and how you are spending it.

Good ways to manage your money

Pay all bills at the start of term. Pay your batells, clear any credit card bills, insurance etc. These should always be a priority because they do not go away. Credit card interest is a drain on your funds.

If you ‘live out’, work how much you will need for essential bills until your next termly instalments and put that much aside in a savings account attached to your current account. This way, you can avoid spending it. Work out how much money remains and divide it between the weeks for which you will need money before the next lot of income is received.

If you receive funds monthly, set up all your bills to be paid by standing order. This might include your credit card (if you have one), your mobile phone, and any other costs. Calculate how much remains for each month. Once you know how much disposable income you have, find a method that suits you best to ensure that you do not overspend.

Record every withdrawal, either on an Excel spreadsheet, on a smartphone finance app or in a notebook. Always get receipts when you withdraw money or put something on your card (even if it is a small amount). This will allow you to ensure that you do not overspend.

If you do not like to record everything, get into a habit of asking to see your balance when you withdraw money. It is tempting to avoid this question because when you are withdrawing money for a night out you do not want to know little you have to spend. Check as a matter of course, and then you will be in control.

If any of the above options are too tedious, withdraw the amount of money you are able to spend at the beginning of a week. Then, put all cards away until you can make the next withdrawal. In this way, you can keep complete control over your finances and ensure that you know what is happening.

Be realistic about your expenditure. For example, if you smoke, then budget for cigarettes and accept that his will mean that you cannot spend money on other things. Be honest with yourself about what you are spending and why you are spending it.

Other tips

• Do not get a credit card or store card unless you are certain you can live within your means.
• If you do not have a regular income, consider switching your mobile phone to a sim only contract.
• Don’t spend large sums on books or music and convince yourself that it was for your degree.
• Don’t agree to eat out with friends if you cannot afford it.
• Never lend money to someone else.
• Get a vacation job (provided it doesn’t interfere with your academic progress).
• Get a supermarket loyalty card. (e.g.. Nectar Card, ClubCard)

Full Term Dates 2025/26

Michaelmas term: Sunday 12 October – Saturday 6 December
Hilary term: Sunday 18 January – Saturday 14 March
Trinity term: Sunday 26 April – Saturday 20 June

Long Contracts for Accommodation
Sunday 5 October 2025 – Saturday 20 June 2026

There may be an opportunity to request extra residence after 20 June 2026.  You may need to move rooms but accommodation is normally available during long vacation.  Additional nightly costs will be applied.

All graduates on taught courses must be in College by 12 noon on the Thursday before the start of every full term (i.e.. by Thursday of week nought).

Bedrooms

Most bedrooms have a single bed and share a bathroom/shower with approximately 3-5 other students. Please bring your own bed linen (we supply a mattress protector, or you can purchase a bedding pack from the Domestic Bursary (Accommodation@univ.ox.ac.uk), which will be left in your allocated room on arrival. These do need to be pre-ordered and the cost is £50 for a single pack and £60 for double, this charge will be added to your batells. Packs include a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case and fitted bed sheet.

The use of the following items are banned in student rooms: toasters sandwich makers, rice cookers, air fryers, electric bikes/scooters, electric fires/heaters, electric guitars, infrared lamps, fairy lights. Other electrical appliances can only be brought if you can guarantee their safety (evidence of PAT certification); if they’re over two years old get them checked by a qualified electrician before coming to College, and bring proof of PAT testing with you.

Food

Food is reasonably priced at Univ, and it is considered to be amongst the best in Oxford. The food at Univ offers great variety and includes hot meals, soups, salad, home-made baguettes and Grab and Go sweet items made on site; wherever possible using local suppliers and seasonal produce. The Buttery is self-service. Breakfast items are available from 90p. Buttery lunch and dinner typically costs from £3.00. We ensure all diets are catered for, please speak to Buttery staff if you have any questions. On nights where you can sign up for Formal Hall, which is a sit down served event, the cost is currently £17.94 for three courses, with guests paying £27.60. You pay for food using your Bod Card.

Kitchens
You will find shared kitchens across the main site on certain staircases and buildings. You will need to bring your own pots/pans and cooking equipment or purchase in Oxford when you arrive.

We expect all kitchens to be kept clean and tidy, respecting all users.

College Bar
The atmosphere in the College Bar is generally noisier. It has a pool table, darts board, games machines and TV. Karaoke and bar quiz nights can be enjoyed here and several times each term the JCR organises themed “bops” with DJs. You can use your Bod card to pay for drinks in the College Bar. You will be able to credit a second account through the online top up system for use in the bar, top ups are from £5.

Scouts (cleaners)

At Univ we have a fantastic team of scouts who work hard to always keep the College clean and tidy. They will clean all communal areas Monday – Friday including shared bathrooms/showers and kitchens. The scouts won’t do your washing up but ensure cleanliness for all users. Each house has a dedicated scout. They normally come into bedrooms once every few weeks to vacuum and clean sinks, this will be agreed with you within your first week by your scout. Please ensure that your room is tidy on the designated cleaning day. Some students prefer to clean their own room, which is fine.

Laundry

There is a fully-equipped, self-service laundry in the basement of Staircase 11 on the main college site. The machines use contactless card or apple pay/android pay. Students need to provide their own detergents.

Insurance

We have a block insurance policy through Howden for Students. for most personal belongings on the main site. For further details of what this covers, simply visit their website and enter the College details.

Chapel and Faith Provision

Information about our religious and cultural provision for students of different faiths can be found here .

Sustainability at Univ

The College takes seriously its role in living sustainability and reducing energy use and waste on all its sites. We have lots of advice and guidance on our website, but we are fanatical about recycling. You will have 2 bins in your room. One is a blue bin for all recycling. Oxford operates on a mixed recycling scheme, so anything you can recycle goes into the blue bin (except for glass – we ask students to take glass to the outside bins themselves). All food waste should be disposed of in the food waste caddies which can be found in the communal kitchen. All other waste (non-recyclables) goes into the black bin. You should leave your bins outside your room each morning and the scout will empty and replace it with a clean bin liner. If any blue bins are contaminated with food/tea bags etc. then all the contents will have to go to waste, so please be extra careful as we take our recycling very seriously. We appreciate your co­operation with this.

Domestic Bursary

The Domestic Bursary manages many aspects of the non-academic resources in the College.

Domestic Bursar (Mrs Fran Wright)
E: Fran.Wright@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276619
The Domestic Bursar has overall responsibility for the domestic arrangements of the College including accommodation, catering, gardens, sports facilities and the Lodge.

Executive Chef (Mr Darren Lomas)
E: Darren.Lomas@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276676
Darren is responsible for managing the team of chefs, kitchen porters and front of house staff. He is also responsible for ensuring the food that Univ offers is of the highest quality. Darren is always pleased to speak to students, especially if they have particular requirements or would like to ask questions about food in Univ. If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, please contact Darren.

Events and Conferencing (Mrs Lila Simms, Mrs Viv Sawyer, Mr Joe Harvey)
E: Hospitality@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276954 or +44 (0)1865 276687
The Events and Conferencing team are the ones to go to if you want to book teaching/meeting rooms, an event at Univ, from your pink slips to your subject dinners. Lila, Viv and Joe will be happy to help you and discuss your requirements.

Accommodation and Housekeeping Manager (Mr Shane Pledge)
E: Shane.Pledge@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276784
Shane is responsible for the efficient running of your student accommodation. This includes ensuring standards of cleanliness and maintenance are upheld. He and his team will try to ensure you have a comfortable and welcoming stay at Univ.

Domestic Bursary Administrative Officer (Mr Aiden Gillett)
E: Accommodation@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276784
Aiden provides administrative support to all aspects of Domestic Bursary accommodation and operations and is also responsible for booking guest rooms.

Guest Rooms in College

Univ has 2 double en-suite guest rooms. The rooms are for use by current members and their families along with alumni of the College. The current rate is £75.00 per person per night or £130.00 for a double room including breakfast. Guest rooms can be booked through Accommodation@univ.ox.ac.uk.

Welfare

We hope that you will enjoy your time at Univ. But everyone runs into difficulties from time to time and university life inevitably involves challenges of its own. Most of the time most of us get support from our families or friends, but sometimes you may think that they are not the right people to help, or you might not want to overburden them. These are reasons why the College and the University have people with designated welfare roles. We are keen to help and are paid to be available, so feel free to contact any one of us with anything that may be bothering you. People at Univ to whom you can turn for help include the following:

Chaplain and Welfare Fellow (Dr Andrew Gregory)
E: Andrew.Gregory@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276663
Andrew is available to any student who wishes to speak to him about any matters of concern, whether academic difficulties, emotional issues, or anything else that might be troubling you. He will be glad to listen and can offer you time and support or point you in the direction of other people who might be better placed to help you to address the issue or circumstances that you are facing.

The College is a very diverse community, and most of Andrew’s work takes place in a context of pastoral support in which no assumptions are made as to whether individuals hold to any religious beliefs or to none. His office is in the front quad, Staircase 6, Room 6. Students are welcome to knock on his door at any time, or to contact him by phone or by email, and the Lodge can often help to find him. Andrew leads the Welfare Team and also administers some of our hardship funds.
Letter from Welfare Fellow

Student Disability and Welfare Officer (Jo Hoskins)
E: Joanne.Hoskins@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276662
The Student Disability and Welfare Officer is a first point of contact for students who might want to talk through any issues affecting their welfare. Jo is also responsible for the day-to-day implementation of reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities and can advise on all disability-related issues and exam adjustments.  Jo’s office is in 10 Merton Street, on the ground floor, in the Academic Office corridor. Students are welcome to knock on her door during normal working hours, Monday to Friday, or can email or phone to make an appointment for a chat.

College Nurse (Victoria Manellari)
E: Victoria.Manellari@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276605
The College Nurse can see students for a number of reasons, minor illnesses, minor injuries, low mood, exam stress, insomnia, anxiety, sexual health problems, mental health problems, and other long term health conditions. If you have any questions or concerns about ADHD or autism, do contact the College nurse for an appointment. All visits are dealt with in the strictest of confidence and will not be discussed with the college without your consent. Appointments can be made to see the nurse at her clinic on the ground floor of Kybald House by sending an email. The Nurse is in College on Monday morning, Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon, but can arrange appointments at other times by mutual consent, at Univ or other nearby colleges. If you are too unwell to get to the clinic the nurse may be able to visit you in your room. Free asymptomatic STI testing and Sexual Health Advice is also available on Wednesday’s during term time.

Details about welfare support can be found here

College Counsellor (Marigold Brown)
E: Univ.Counsellor@admin.ox.ac.uk
Marigold Brown is the College Counsellor. Marigold is a trained psychotherapeutic counsellor and is a current staff member of the University Counselling Service. She is available to see Univ students for pre-booked appointments on Wednesdays (weeks 0 noon to 4pm). During term, students can contact Marigold directly by email to arrange an appointment. At any time of year, students are also very welcome to make use of the University Counselling Service, where there is a large team of professional counsellors, and where there is also provision of one-to-one counselling, group counselling, psychoeducational workshops and other types of support. More information about the University Counselling Service is on its website.

Adviser for International Students (Ms Jing Fang)
E: Jing.Fang@chinese.ox.ac.uk
The Adviser for International Students, Jing Fang, is available to support and advise all international students. She aims to help international students integrate fully in the College’s academic and social activities. Ms Fang is a Lecturer in Chinese Language in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; she has lived in Oxford for many years but comes from China and may be able to give support to students from the Far East.

Dean and Junior Deans

The Dean is responsible for non-academic discipline, which means ensuring that students are being considerate to other members of the College community. The Dean is supported by five Junior Deans who are senior postgraduate students.

Dean Dr Ine Jacobs
E: Ine.Jacobs@univ.ox.ac.uk

Hilary Term cover – Professor Bill Allan 
E: William.Allan@univ.ox.ac.uk

Junior Deans

Sameer Bhat Sameer.Bhat@univ.ox.ac.uk

Dixa Thakrar Dixa.Thakrar@univ.ox.ac.uk

Sameer and Dixa live at Staverton Road

Alicia Jia Alicia.Jia@univ.ox.ac.uk

Kate Murnane Caitlin.Murnane@univ.ox.ac.uk

Erik Vanegas Muller Erik.Vanegasmuller@univ.ox.ac.uk

Alicia, Kate and Erik live on main site.

Requests for parties are submitted in the first instance to the Junior Deans. They will be happy to meet and speak to students informally about any matters of concern.  For further information please refer to the College Regulations.

Health

Before coming to College all students are strongly encouraged to register with the College Doctors Beaumont Elms Practice. Information on how to register is available here. You should also make sure that all immunisations are up to date. It is strongly recommended that all UK and international students born after 1982 should have both the MMR and the Meningitis C vaccinations before arriving in Oxford. If available to you, we would also recommend that you have a Covid-19 vaccination. The doctors are based in Beaumont Street (about a 10 minute walk from College) and they offer Univ students high quality clinical and associated welfare support. It is recommended that students have a UK registered mobile phone in case the doctor needs to contact you in an emergency. If you take any regular medication you must ensure that you bring at least one month’s supply with you.

Most students will get NHS dental treatment until they are 19 years old. This does involve some cost. Thereafter, it may be difficult to find NHS dentists in Oxford. Our advice is to stay registered with your dentist at home and to use Oxford dentists in an emergency. Students wishing to use a dentist in Oxford may wish to use Studental (the student dentist service located at Oxford Brookes University).

Students are advised, in case of flu or COVID-19, to bring the following items to College: a thermometer, tissues and paracetamol. A basic first aid pack may also be useful.

College Doctors – Beaumont Elms Practice, Beaumont Street, OX1 2NA T: +44 (0)1865 240501
Studental : +44(0)1865 689997
Emergency Dentist – T: +44 111
The John Radcliffe Hospital – T: +44 (0)300 3047777
University Counselling Service  – T: +44 (0)1865 270300

Immunisation Letter

Watch Beaumont Elms Welcome Video below:

Disability

If you have already made a formal declaration of disability on your UCAS form, you should by now have received an information pack from the University’s Disability Advisory Service. If you have not received an information pack, please contact the Disability Advisory Service urgently on tel: +44 (0)1865 280459 or Disability@admin.ox.ac.uk

If you have a disability that you have not yet declared, it is not too late to do so. Information about how to register is available here. You are not under any obligation to disclose details of your disability either to the College or to the Disability Advisory Service, but we can only provide you with appropriate support if we are made aware, in a timely manner, of any adjustments that you may require. We strongly encourage any student who has a disability to disclose it at the earliest opportunity. Should you provide such information, it will be shared on a need-to-know basis within the terms of the College’s confidentiality policy. Further information and advice is available from the University’s Disability Advisory Service Disability@admin.ox.ac.uk

Additional information is available on our website and in our Handbook of Information and Regulations and also on the website of the Disability Advisory Service.

The University’s Counselling Service is also available to assist should you find yourself experiencing any difficulties. The Service offers free and confidential support.

Ten tips for looking after your mental health at Oxford | University of Oxford
Nights out | University of Oxford

Harassment

Univ does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members of the College community, its visitors and contractors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. The College is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and supports the rights and dignity of all members of the College and its community. Any harassment of or by members of the College community or visitors to the College is unacceptable.

Definitions of harassment, and an explanation of how the College will respond to students or others who report harassment, are set out in or Code on Preventing and Responding to Harassment. The process is summarised in a flowchart.

Our priority is to support those who may be experiencing issues relating to harassment. Anyone who approaches a College Officer to discuss issues relating to harassment will be offered appropriate information and support. If someone decides to submit a complaint under the Code they will be offered ongoing support throughout the process from a designated College Officer. Complainants may be in touch with their designated supporter to ask questions about the process, to raise any concerns they may have, or to access support for their welfare. A member of the College who is complained against will also be offered support from a designated College Officer throughout the process. College officers will at all times act as quickly as they reasonably can, and students making complaints or people complained against will be kept informed of how long any stage of the process is likely to take, and of the progress and outcome of each stage of the process.

A student of the College who believes that they are being or have been harassed, or who wishes to discuss any situation in which harassment may be or may become a factor, has a number of sources of support available to them. These include the College’s Harassment Advisors; the student’s in-college tutor or graduate advisor; a College Officer such as the Chaplain, the Student Disability and Welfare Officer, the Senior Tutor, or a Junior Dean. Alternatively, they may wish to contact one of the University’s harassment advisers, or other agencies listed as sources of advice and support by the University, using contact details found in Code on Preventing and Responding to Harassment.

Univ’s Harassment Advisor is Elizabeth Adams, who works in the College Library.

Elizabeth.adams@univ.ox.ac.uk
Normally based in the New Library, 10 Merton Street

The following website provides useful information for international students coming to Oxford: ox.ac.uk/students/new and we strongly recommend you read it carefully.

However, it is worth noting that before you arrive in the UK you need to do the following:

It is strongly recommended that all UK and International students born after 1982 should have both the MMR and the Meningitis C vaccinations before arriving in Oxford. If this is not possible you should consult the College Doctor immediately on arrival. If one is available to you, we would also recommend you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. You should note that students from Britain and Ireland can receive free treatment under the National Health Service (NHS) and students who are in full-time education and under the age of 19 are exempt from most NHS charges, e.g. prescriptions. However, there are immigration health charges for access to NHS treatment for international students studying in the UK on Student visas. Information about the charge can be found here.

1. All international students (Non-EU, Non-European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals and EU, EEA Nationals and Switzerland nationals who do not hold settled or pre-settled status) excluding Irish nationals, coming to Oxford to study a full-time course of more than 6 months must obtain a Student Visa (under the Student Route) before coming to the UK to start a course. If you do not have a Student Visa when you arrive, you will not be allowed to enter the UK. Undergraduates and visiting students will receive their CAS number (which is needed to apply for a visa) via email from the College when they have met all the conditions of their offer and completed their financial declaration. Your passport must continue to be valid for at least 6 months from arrival in the UK. We advise that you photocopy it, both the front and back, as well as the page or card with the approved UK entry clearance. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, this will help you prove that you have already been cleared to remain in the UK for the duration of your studies. You will also need to provide the Academic Office with a share-code so that they can check and record your immigration permission.  You will need to have created a UKVI account, in which you can view your eVisa. For more information about your eVisa and your legal obligations, please visit this website. In advance of Welcome Week, you should provide the Academic Office with a scan of your passport ID page. You will receive instructions for this from the Academic Office by email. You must also provide the office with a share-code so that proof of your eVisa can be stored in accordance with the UK Home Office requirements. It will not be possible for you to complete your student registration if the college does not hold a copy of your passport and eVisa, so please do this as soon as possible.
2. You should consider booking your flight home for December before you come to Oxford as flights are expensive and difficult to get in December. Check with your airline about the maximum time periods between flights, in case you have to change your flight. Most airlines offer open tickets with 6 or 12 months’ validity for a return flight. Remember when booking your return flight that you are not allowed to leave Oxford before Saturday of 8th week in each term. You must be back on the Thursday of the week before term starts in January.
3. Consider getting an international student card which will entitle you to discounts all over the world if you’re intending to travel. The NUS card now includes international students.
4. It can take a while to open a UK bank account, so we advise that you bring some British money (£300 to £350). You could also consider applying for a credit card for emergencies as some travel sites and airline companies require payment by credit card. If you manage to obtain a credit card in the UK, it is likely that your credit limit will only be £350.
5. Remember to register with the College Doctors, even if you do not plan to use the NHS, in case you become ill during exams etc.

Finally, remember to bring these essential documents:

• Passport
• Air tickets
• Letter of acceptance from Univ
• Letter specifying financial support
• Details of your CAS number

Put the originals of these in your hand luggage as you might be required to show them at border control. Bring copies of all documents in your hand luggage and main luggage.

The Lodge

The Lodge is the first port of call for everyone coming to College. There is always a porter on duty, 24 hours a day. The Porters are a mine of information and can also offer practical assistance on a whole range of issues. They deal with the post, telephone switchboard, room keys, and other matters concerning the security and smooth running of the College.

The porters are able to provide a listening ear and a friendly chat whenever you need it.

Head Porter Benjamin Tobin

Head Porter (Mr Benjamin Tobin)
E: Head.Porter@univ.ox.ac.uk and Lodge@univ.ox.ac.uk  
T: +44(0)1865 276602

The Head Porter, Mr Ben Tobin is supported by a team of porters.

Emergencies

All porters are first aiders so the Lodge will usually be first place to contact if you or someone else in College needs first aid or other assistance T: +44(0)1865 276602. A porter can offer immediate assistance, contact other people and advise on whether it is appropriate to call

an ambulance. If you think that you or someone else in College needs emergency assistance and you call an ambulance yourself by ringing 999, you need to be prepared to give the patient’s name, the room number or other location in College, the College address, your phone number, and brief details of the problem. Then contact the Lodge T: +44(0)1865 276602; they may need to help the Ambulance Service to find the patient or to get through locked doors.

Don’t Walk By

Univ is a safe environment to live, work and study in and with your help it can remain that way. If you see any potentially harmful but avoidable situations, please report them. You can do this by:

• Reporting the situation or incident to a member of staff
• Using the form available on the intranet
• Sending an email to DontWalkBy@univ.ox.ac.uk

Remember, we are all responsible for each other’s health and wellbeing, please play your part.

All student rooms have a network port on the wall and wireless networking is available across the College campus. Please ensure that before arrival all personal computers have up to date anti-virus software installed and are running a supported and current OS version which is fully up to date. The anti-virus software Sophos is freely available from the university and can be installed before you arrive (once you have completed your self-service registration (see below).

To contact the IT Helpdesk please email Helpdesk@univ.ox.ac.uk and we will respond to you as quickly as possible. The IT office is usually open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm and can be found at Kybald House, Room 9. We recommend making an appointment in advance if you wish to see us by emailing Helpdesk@univ.ox.ac.uk or by T: +44 (01865) 276618 as we are often called away from the office and cannot guarantee to be available for drop-ins. There are excellent computing facilities including pcs, copiers and printers at various locations throughout main site and the Staverton Road site.

During September you will receive your University self-service registration details by email; please act on the instructions quickly. This will provide you with codes to register for internet access while at Oxford, and with important information about registration. If you have not received your self-service registration details 2 weeks prior to Welcome Week, contact Graduate.Admission@univ.ox.ac.uk

 Please note if you already have an Oxford account (SSO), registration details will not be reissued. You should contact IT services if you have any difficulties with your SSO.  

Please note that the University cannot issue your self-service registration details until you have returned your University Card Form.

More information regarding IT at Univ can be found at University College IT Support.

Please also note that you will need to have signed and returned your Network of Acceptable Use form to gain access to the University network.

Finally, a word of warning: all peer-to-peer software is currently forbidden; this includes but is not limited to Limewire, eMule, uTorrent, Bittorrents, Ares and Thunder (Xunlei) etc. T: +44 (0)1865 276618 email: Helpdesk@univ.ox.ac.uk

Univ IT support

Our Old and New Libraries stock a wide range of books supporting both undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to academic textbooks the libraries maintain a section of books about study skills, writing essays, and staying healthy. We welcome suggestions for new books (both hard copy and electronic) and have a healthy budget to cater for both undergraduates and graduate needs. As well as providing the resources you need for your course, the Library team are on hand to help with all your information queries.

E: Library@univ.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 276977 or +44 (0)1865 276621

Find out more information about the Bodleian Library here.

WCR

Welcome to Univ’s Middle Common Room (MCR) also known as the Weir Common Room or WCR! All graduate students at University College are automatically a member of the WCR.

The WCR has a double meaning: it refers to the graduate body of students at University College and also to the physical space in the College where graduate students can relax and socialise. It is an engaging and diverse community of early-researchers consisting around 150 members across all year groups and subjects. Whether you are here for a one/two-year Masters programme or a DPhil programme we do hope you choose to get involved with college life. The WCR Common room which can be found in the Mitchell Building, combines areas for both work and relaxation and is also home to the “pidge’ (post) boxes for our graduates.

Welcome letter
Read more about the WCR here.

Sports

At Univ, there are many sports you can take part in.

Univ encourages all students to take part in a sport, regardless of level and ability. Sports form friendships, teamwork and skills that you can excel in, it also enhances wellbeing and health.

The college has its own sportsground on the Abingdon Road OX1 4SR and a state of the art boathouse on the River Thames.

Sport available at the sports ground include football, rugby, cricket, lawn tennis, bowls and croquet. Other sports available at the college include all weather tennis, badminton, pool, squash, netball, rowing, lacrosse and many more clubs you can actively get involved in.

Sports and Societies
Sport at Oxford

Traveling in Oxford

Cycling
Cycling is very popular within the city centre and many students find this the best way to get to and from lectures on time! There is no need to bring a bike as there will be plenty of second-hand ones on offer when you get here (take a look at the Daily Info website). Cycling safely is very important, and we recommend you wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. By law, when cycling in the dark, front and rear lights are always required. Bike theft is very common, so it’s a good idea to bring a sturdy lock and always try and lock your bike to something. More information can be found on the University website, including how to book cycling training.

Cars
There are no parking facilities at University College. There are 5 Park and Ride sites situated on the outskirts of Oxford where you can park your car (a charge is payable) and then hop on the bus into the city centre. Further information can be found on the Oxford Bus Company website.

Buses and Coaches
The main bus operators in Oxford are Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. Coaches to and from London, Heathrow and Gatwick pick up and drop off right outside College.

In the centre of Oxford, the easiest way to get around is to walk.

Taxis

Royal Cars – royal-cars.com T: +44 (0)1865 777333
001 Taxis – 001taxis.com T: +44 (0)1865 240000
Go Green Taxis – gogreentaxisltd.co.uk T: +44 (0)1865 242424

All have convenient apps available for a smart phone.

Trains
You can get anywhere easily from Oxford Station. There are direct trains to London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Reading, Basingstoke and many other places. The main operators are First Great Western, Chiltern Railways and Cross Country Trains.

There are extensive works being undertaken at Oxford Railway Station during 2025. Please check their website for updates when planning a rail journey.

Top 10 Attractions

The Ashmolean
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s Museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. The world-famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art – ‘telling human stories across cultures and across time.’ Entry is free to the permanent collections. Website: ashmolean.org – (Beaumont Street – Map here)

The Botanic Gardens
Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2021, these are a glorious mix of landscaped vistas and enormous glasshouses – the ‘Upper Range’ containing carnivorous plants and cloud forest and the ‘Lower Range’ with their rainforest and arid collection.
Open year-round, University card holders get in free.
Website: botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk – (High Street – Map here)

The History of Science Museum
The world’s oldest surviving purpose-built public museum, established in 1924 as the Lewis Evans Collection and opened to the public a year later. With a wide-ranging collection of early scientists ̀ instruments, including the world’s largest collection of astrolabes. 12-5pm (closed Mondays), free entry.

Website: hsm.ox.ac.uk – (Broad Street – Map here)

Modern Art Oxford (MAO)
Founded in 1965, this is one of the South East’s leading galleries of modern and contemporary visual art.The varied programme includes exhibitions by artists from all over the world, live events, music, workshops and screenings, plus educational and family activities. Free admission (closed Mondays.) Currently undergoing redevelopment but due to reopen in October.

Website: modernartoxford.org.uk – (Pembroke Street – Map here)

Oxford Castle and Prison

Enjoy the panoramic views of Oxford from Saint Georges tower, climb the motte from the 11th century castle, go underground into the candle- lit crypt and step inside 18th century prison cells. Open seven days a week (times vary) with guided tours.

Website: oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk – (New Road – Map here)

The Oxford Hub

Supporting student-run community volunteering, helping students find careers in the third sector, providing training to increase impact, and running conferences and speaker series. This is the go-to-place for students interested in social and environmental issues. Website: oxfordhub.org – (Little Clarendon- Map here)

Pitt Rivers Museum
For 200 years the Pitt Rivers Museum has exhibited the world’s best collections of archaeological and ethnographic objects from all parts of the world, atmospheric (and free!) this is a treasure trove of fascinating objects. With special events and a rolling programme of temporary themed exhibitions.

Website: prm.ox.ac.uk – (Parks Road – Map here)

Punting
Punts for hire from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse for up to five people, costing around £30 per hour; chauffeured punts are also an option as are both rowing boats and pedalos. This is a classic Oxford experience and on a sunny day there’s no better way to spend some time with friends.

Website: oxfordpunting.co.uk – (High Street – Map here)

The Ultimate Picture Palace
The City centre Odeon and Curzon are all well and good, but the community owned Ultimate Picture Palace is the real-deal. The art deco building still has the original box office window and screens an eclectic mix of indie, mainstream, foreign language, and classic Fims. If you love cinema, this

could become your second home.

Website: uppcinema.com – (Jeune Street – Map here)

University Parks
This beautiful space, originally owned by Merton, was purchased by the University in the 1850s. Offering an escape from the bustle of the City, but conveniently located at its heart, it covers 70 acres of green space on the bank of the River Cherwell. There are various sports areas too.

Website: parks.ox.ac.uk – (Parks Road – Map here)

Shopping Essentials

When you get to Oxford, you may need to buy some necessities and here are a few pointers as to where to go.

Ede & Ravenscroft/Shepherd & Woodward (all on the High Street): Specialist shops selling academic gowns and sub fusc. Read more
Robert Dyas (New Inn Hall Street): towels, duvets, bed linens, hangers, pillows, kettles, crockery, cutlery and other household goods
Boots/Superdrug (Cornmarket/Westgate): medicine, toiletries, make-up
Rymans/WHSmith (Queen Street/Cornmarket): cards, pens, pencils, paper, folders, files
Blackwells (Broad Street): the world-famous academic bookshop

Banks:

• Lloyds Bank (High Street)
• NatWest Bank (Cornmarket)
• HSBC Bank (Cornmarket)
• Santander Bank (Queen Street)
• Metro Bank (Queen Street)

The Westgate Shopping Centre has a good variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

Please note that standard shop opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm, but on Sundays these are reduced to 5 hours, typically 11am-4pm. However, Boots is open daily from 8am until 8pm, and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Supermarkets tend to have longer opening hours too.

FAQs

Can I arrive at College early?
Not usually, unless your course requires it. If you have a particular problem regarding your arrival, you should email the Domestic Bursary Accommodation@univ.ox.ac.uk Please note, we are unable to register any student before 17 September 2025.

My postal/email address has changed, whom should I inform?
You should update these details using the Graduate portal and also email Graduate.Admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk

I am an international student. How will I receive my CAS number?
You will receive your CAS number by email. If you have any queries, please contact your department/faculty.

If I don’t like my room can I change rooms?
Not usually. If something is broken, you should contact the Works Department via email Works.Request@univ.ox.ac.uk

Are all rooms single rooms?
Most bedrooms are single with shared bathroom facilities. Some students share a study. We do have a few double bedrooms and these are allocated on a random basis.

I am arriving early for a language course, what do I need to do?
Email Admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk and Accommodation@univ.ox.ac.uk

What will my term-time address be?
Main site: University College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4BH
Staverton Road: University College Annexe, 25 Staverton Road, Oxford OX2 6XL
Harberton Mead: 2 Harberton Mead, Headington, Oxford OX3 0DB

Once I’ve complete my forms, can I scan them in and email them back?
Post or email is fine, however all forms must contain your hard copy signature not an electronic signature. Email to Graduate.Admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk

How do I address the Master?
As ‘Master’

How do I address my tutors and the Senior Tutor?
Title (Dr, Professor, Mr, Ms, Mrs) followed by surname.

How do I address the Chaplain?
You are welcome to call him Andrew (or Dr Gregory, if you prefer).

What is the format for email addresses at College?
Usually firstname.surname@univ.ox.ac.uk

Jargon Buster

Batells: College bill paid at the start of term. Includes rent for your room, plus any other costs you have accrued.
Bod: Bodleian Library. Has every book published in the UK and many others. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley about 400 years ago.
Bod Card: University Card, and the main form of student ID. Needed to get into libraries and certain university buildings. Also used to buy food from the Buttery.
Bop: In-college party held in the bar, a good chance to socialise and dance the night away.
Buttery: Where you get food in College.
Coming Up: Arriving in Oxford
Formal Hall: Served meal, Wednesday and Friday.
Going Down: Leaving Oxford.
Graduate Review: Meeting for postgraduate research students with the Master, Tutor for Graduates and College Advisor to discuss your graduate progression and any welfare issues.
Hall: Dining Hall in College where meals are eaten.
Hilary term: Spring term which starts on Sunday 18 January; remember you must be back by Thursday 15 January.
Matriculation: The ceremony by which you become a member of the University which takes place in the Sheldonian Theatre.
Michaelmas term: Autumn term which starts Sunday 12 October.
Nought week/0^th week: the week before the start of full term.
Sub-Fusc: Gowns and formal clothing worn for exams.
Trinity term: Summer term which starts Sunday 26 April; remember that you must be back by Thursday 23 April.
Oxford SU: Oxford University Student Union.
Oxford Union: Debating society.
Party/Pink slip: Any gathering of more than 6 people in a room requiring the College’s permission to be held. You will need to complete a ‘pink slip ‘request via the intranet.