Arriving at Oxford

New students arriving.Before planning your journey, you should contact your college for advice about when to arrive if they have not provided you with such information already. Requirements vary for undergraduates and graduates, and from college to college. Many international students also choose to arrive early, before full term begins, to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. Regardless, make sure that you have agreed your arrival date with your college or else your accommodation may not be available.

International Orientation Programme

The International Student Advisory Service runs an Orientation Programme for international students prior to the start of Michaelmas term. The programme runs over two days and you will find it very helpful to come in time for it. The programme consists of a number of fairly useful sessions, which explain academic life and provide practical tips for living in Oxford and in Britain. Issues covered include health and banking. It also offers optional walking tours of the city. And, if nothing else, it gives you the chance to meet other international students! You should receive information about this programme and an enrolment form from your college in the summer.

Freshers' Week

As you may already know, Oxford has three terms: Michaelmas term typically runs from October to December; Hilary term from January to March; and Trinity term from April to June. Each term has eight weeks, and each week is referred to by a number (e.g. first week, second week, etc.). The week before first week is referred to as 0th or nought week. In Michaelmas term —when the majority of you will begin your studies at Oxford— noughth week is traditionally filled with activities, organized by colleges and departments, to help you settle in and find your way around town. The schedule of events is intense, and almost manic, during this ‘Freshers' Week’, but you will receive lots of helpful advice, meet loads of new people (including your tutors), discover your college and the university, find out where the libraries are and experience the pubs, bars and clubs around Oxford in the evening. You should make sure to arrive so as not to miss any of these activities.