Issue 1 - Michaelmas Term 2012
Welcome to the first issue of Student News, containing a roundup of the latest information on news and events from the University. Check out the Student Gateway or follow us on Twitter for up to the minute information.Latest News
- Student University registration closes 4pm, Friday 12 October
- Arriving as a new student?
- Important information for students due to sit Exams in 2012/13
- Grab your free Student Notebook for 2012-13
- Avoiding student finance fraud
- Student Pad
- Oxford University Official Guide App
- Prayer Room for students and staff
- How safe are you?
- NYC Next Idea Business Plan Competition 2012-2013
Events
Latest News
Student University registration closes 4pm, Friday 12 October
You need to register using Student Self Service in order to access an enrolment certificate confirming your student status, attend lectures, release your loan (if appropriate), use IT services and email, enter exams and access results. Please be sure to register in good time before Friday of 1st Week. More information is available from the Guide to Registration page.Arriving as a new student?
Check out the Arriving as a New Student section of the Student Gateway for information on your first few weeks at Oxford, including the support available. You can also listen to student views on what it’s like living and studying here.Important information for students due to sit Exams in 2012/13
The Examination & Assessments section of the Student Gateway includes pages on exam entries, regulations, special exam arrangements, submission of assessments, research degrees, timetables, results and academic transcripts.
Important information regarding Exam Entries
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Exam entry dates |
Ensure that you are aware of when your examination entry dates are by looking at the Examination Entry Dates and Start Dates spreadsheet and that you submit your entry forms to your college office in plenty of time before the entry dates to avoid paying a late entry fee. |
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Confirmation of entry |
Approximately two weeks after each entry date you should check that you have been entered for all assessments correctly through the Academic and Assessment Information page in Student Self Service. You should immediately notify any errors to your college and aro@admin.ox.ac.uk. Please note: You will be unable to check your assessments if you have not clicked the verify button when completing your University registration. |
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Exam entry fees for 2012/13 |
Students are required to pay the following fees using the University's Online Shop. Details of how to make payments can be found on the Examination Entry page on the Student Gateway. The relevant payment should be made before forms are submitted and the order number written on the form. Late Examination Entry fee - £40 Change of Option fee - £40 Re-entry to a BPhil, MPhil, MTh, MSc (by coursework) or MSt examination if the student is not receiving any further tuition and therefore not paying any composition fees – To be Confirmed Please note that the above applications will not be processed until payment has been received. |
Grab your free Student Notebook for 2012-13
The 2012-13 Student Notebook is now available, featuring:
- An opening section containing essential University information on studying, living in Oxford, careers advice, support and exams and assessments
- 200 pages of high quality lined paper
- 3 dividers to help organise your notes into sections
- Information at the back including an academic planner, a map, and key contacts
- Made from 100% recycled paper
The notebook will be given out at Freshers’ Fair and will be available from collection points throughout the year. Once you have got your copy please complete the short online Student Notebook survey to let us know what you think.
Avoiding student finance fraud
‘Phishing’ emails targeting students are very common at the start of term. The Student Loans Company has produced the following advice:
- Student Finance England will never ask you to confirm your bank details or login information by email
- Dear Student - phishing emails are usually sent out in bulk and are unlikely to contain your first or last names
- Phishing scams are common at the three main instalment payment dates in September, January and April
- Be suspicious of any urgent requests for personal or financial information
- Check the quality of the communication. Misspelling, poor punctuation and bad grammar are often tell-tale signs of phishing
- If you believe that you have received a phishing e-mail contact phishing@slc.co.uk
Top tips for social network safety:
- Always create strong passwords for online accounts and update them regularly on social media sites. Longer passwords (8-10 characters) that contain letters, numbers and symbols are more secure. Avoid using the same password for multiple social media sites
- Be cautious of the information you post publicly such as your Customer Reference Number, address or date of birth. Use the site’s privacy settings to limit who can see your personal information and posts
- Be careful who you befriend. You put yourself at risk by not taking the time to filter who you accept into your inner circle. Friend requests can be used by social bots to hack your network and by phishers trying to steal your personal information
- Stay up-to-date with changes to your social network’s settings as changes to privacy settings or policy could leave your personal details more publicly available than they had been previously
- Review your social media profiles. Always consider how others may view the information you provide about yourself, your family and your friends and remember that social media sites are public resources
Additional information and advice is available from the Get Safe online website.
Student Pad
For those students who have not been able to find accommodation in their colleges or at the University, don’t forget the Studentpad website which advertises private landlords accommodation. You can register on-line and start searching for properties in Oxford. Also have a look at the University’s Accommodation website for helpful information about private housing and pick up a copy of the ‘Living Out Guide’ written by OUSU.Oxford University Official Guide App
New to Oxford or just keen to find out much more about the University? The Oxford University: The Official Guide app offers news and extensive information about the University and the colleges, lists famous alumni, themed tours of the city, live weather and a ‘this day in history’ function. And all for just 69p!Prayer Room for students and staff
On 9 October 2012 the Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Hamilton will open a new Muslim Prayer Space in the former lecture theatre in the Robert Hooke Building (Parks Road). The Prayer Room will be equipped with prayer spaces and ablutions facilities and will enable all Muslim students and staff from across the University to pray together for the first time. The Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) worked with the Oxford University Islamic Society (OUISoc) and Estates Services to identify and refurbish a suitable space for the academic year 2012/13. For access to the space, contact amir.rahim@eng.ox.ac.uk.
More information on this and other initiatives from the EDU for this term is available in the Michaelmas Equality and Diversity Newsletter (PDF).
How safe are you?
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service is urging all students to make sure they are fire and road safe.
Be fire safe - Fire safety might not seem like a major priority but the student life style puts you at a higher risk of fire. If you have moved into new accommodation, take control of your fire safety by completing a Home Fire Risk Check on-line to find out what your fire risks are and what you and your housemates can do to prevent them. Visit the student fire safety webpage for tips and advice on how to stay fire safe.
Be safe be seen - The Road Safety Team are urging students to take extra care on the roads during the winter months when it is dark and often icy. When walking be visible, drivers may not be able to see you if you are wearing dark clothing, when possible wear a light colour or even better wear a reflective or fluorescent item of clothing. Make sure you know what is going on around you and do not use a mobile phone or MP3/iPod when crossing roads or when cycling. If you cycle make sure you have working front and rear lights, reflectors, are wearing reflective clothing and a cycle helmet.
Visit the 365alive website 365alive website for safety advice, or follow the Twitter or Facebook pages.