Orientation Programme for European and International Students
We are delighted that you are coming to Oxford as a student and hope that your studies here will be successful and enjoyable. In order to help you, especially if you will be studying in Britain for the first time, we arrange a number of undergraduate and graduate orientation programmes throughout the year. Erasmus Students and Visiting Students may attend either the graduate or undergraduate programme as appropriate.
Orientation programmes for new
students
The main orientation programme is held in
September/October each year but there are also
additional sessions for students starting
in later terms as shown below. Further
details and information about registering for
the September and October programmes will
be sent to students by email
in May 2012.
For postgraduate and recognised students:
Thursday 27 September 2012 9.30am until
5.00pm
Friday 28 September 10.00am-3.00pm
Optional walking tours and cultural awareness
training
Friday 28 September
2.00pm-5.00pm
Information session for students with spouses and
partners
For undergraduate and visiting students:
Monday 1 October 2012 9.00am until
2.00pm
The programmes aim to cover practical details for living and studying in the UK and Oxford and we hope that you will then be ready to begin your studies here with confidence and with many new friends and contacts. At the orientation programme you will meet many other students from over 100 different countries starting at Oxford, as well as current Oxford students and staff who will be available to help and advise you.
For students starting in Hilary Term 2013 an orientation programme will be held on Friday 11 January 2.00pm-5.00pm ; and in Trinity term on Friday 19 April 2.00pm-5.00pm. Further details will be sent to new students closer to the time.
How do I register for the programme?
You will be able to register online with the Orientation registration code which your college will send you in May/June.
Click here to register for the programme
A booklet with full details and timetable of the Orientation Programme will be available to download from this website three weeks before the programme starts and we will also send you a reminder by email.
What talks will the programmes cover?
Studying and learning in the Oxford system, University services (including computing, language centre and student support), life as an Oxford student, information on living in Britain and Oxford and cultural differences, and finally practical issues such as employment, immigration and visas, health and safety. You do not have to be present for the whole time, you may choose which talks to attend depending on your interests and you may also drop into the information fair for individual consultations.
The programme is intended to address the requirements of non-UK students who may have different needs e.g. visa requirements, adjusting to life in Oxford or the UK etc. You will have separate and further detailed inductions in your college and department about academic and social matters for all students.
Opening a bank account
UK financial regulations require that banks request
specific documents from students and this can
sometimes complicate matters for non-UK students.
The five main UK banks will be present at the
orientation programme to either open accounts, or
provide information and we would recommend strongly
that you attend to seek their advice. The
banks will also open late on 27, 28
September and 1 October. See the
bank guide for European and International
students 
(122kb) for further
information, an introduction to the types of
accounts available, and a list of the documents you
will need to open an account.
What are the optional walking tours?
Groups will be taken on walking tours of the city by student helpers. These walks are to show you the location of food and clothing shops, banks, post offices etc. They are not intended to be historical tours of buildings – information about walks/tours of historic places can be found at the Tourist Information Centre, Broad Street. You may sign up for these talks at the orientation programmes.
What arrangements should be made for accommodation and meals?
You must contact your college as soon as possible to make arrangements about a room and meals during the orientation programmes. The college needs to know exactly when you plan to arrive in Oxford.
How much will the programme cost?
There is no charge for attending the orientation programmes although your college will charge you for accommodation and meals.
I have studied/lived in the UK before so should I still attend?
Yes, you are still welcome to attend but may like to choose closer to the time which talks will be more relevant to your needs. You should also come to the social hour as it provides a good chance to meet many other students from your home country and other countries across the world.
What happens if I arrive late?
If you are a graduate student and miss the graduate programme on 27 September you may attend the information fair at the undergraduate programme on Monday 1 October between 10am and 2pm. You will not be allowed to attend the lectures as space is limited.
Additional late drop-in sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students will be held on Friday 12 October and Friday 19 October at 3pm-5pm on both days at the Examination Schools. Students may drop-in to collect a welcome pack and ask any further questions they may have.
Can my partner/spouse attend the orientation programme?
Due to limited space we regret that spouses or partners may not attend the programmes but an additional event for spouses and partners of students will be held on Friday 28 September from 2.00pm-5.00pm at the Examination Schools. Please email student.information@admin.ox.ac.uk to sign up, or to request further information.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you need further information on the orientation programme or the meet and greet service please email student.information@admin.ox.ac.uk
