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Before you arrive

Starting at university can feel like stepping into the unknown, but there is no need to worry. By completing all relevant tasks in the checklist below, you can ensure your arrival at the University goes smoothly.

Radcliffe Camera

1. University card form and arrival information

If you accept the University’s offer of a place you will enter into a contract with the University.  Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will be sent a University card form to sign and return together with a passport photograph or, for some postgraduate courses, an online card form request to complete. You may also receive college contractual documents and arrival information at this time. To make sure that you receive important documentation promptly, please notify your college or department of any changes to the contact details and email address you supplied during the admissions process.

2. Access to IT systems and services 

Once you have signed and returned your University card form, or, for some postgraduate courses, completed the online card form request, and in advance of the start of term, you will be sent your University of Oxford Single Sign On (SSO) IT account details, giving you access to central IT services. You can also then download the MyOxford app (also accessible on a web browser) for quick access to all the systems and services you need in one place. Information on the services available, your Oxford email account, and how to set up your IT access, is available on the Getting started with IT web pages.

3. Starting your University registration process

An essential part of being a student of the University is the annual completion of registration. As a new student you should complete the first step of your University registration by verifying your details online using Student Self Service before you arrive. You will need to use your Oxford Single Sign On details to access Student Self Service.

You need to register in order to attend your programme of study, release your loan from the UK Student Loans Company/sponsor/awarding body, use your University email account, obtain your University Card, print an enrolment certificate, be eligible to take examinations and access your results. Your status as a member of the University is not confirmed until your registration has been completed by your college (or department for non-matriculated courses), which usually takes place in Week 0 of term.

4. Complete Harassment and Sexual Misconduct online training

All students starting a course at Oxford are required to complete the University’s Harassment and Sexual Misconduct online training. You can access the training once your IT access has been set up, and you should complete it before you begin registration. Together, we can create a community where we all feel valued and able to thrive.

The Oxford Against Sexual Violence campaign makes clear that any form of sexual harassment or violence is unacceptable. Free, confidential support is available to any student affected by sexual harassment or violence, regardless of when or where it occurred. 

5. Accommodation

All colleges provide rooms for first year undergraduates. You may need to move out to private accommodation in your second or third year or choose to share a house with friends.

Not all graduate students can be accommodated in college accommodation; the offer of a college place does not guarantee accommodation. The Graduate Accommodation Office lets and manages rooms, flats and houses in and around Oxford city centre, on sites owned by the University, to full-time graduate students.  To find further information on graduate student properties, full contact details for the Graduate Accommodation Office team, and how to apply for accommodation, visit the Graduate Accommodation Office website. 

For help with accommodation information for visiting students, academics and staff members, visit the Studentpad website, hosted by the Graduate Accommodation Office, where a number of private landlords advertise for tenants associated with the University.

If you decide to look for private accommodation and are currently based outside of the UK, please also see the section on the International Students page about the immigration check that private landlords are now obliged by the Government to conduct before agreeing an tenancy.

Residence requirements for students.

6. Organising your finances

In most cases you will have submitted your funding application at the time of the admissions process. The fees and funding pages provide advice on support available to students, including those who are parents, who have a disability or who experience financial difficulty during their studies. You can also look at our Undergraduate Fees and Funding - 2026 Entry Guide for more information.

When budgeting you should be aware that your first few weeks of term are likely to be more expensive as you prepare and settle into life at the University. There is also useful information on managing your finances and if you are from outside the UK, see the International Students webpage with tips and guidance about how to open a UK bank account. 

7. Medical treatment

You are strongly advised to register with your college doctor during your studies. Most practices allow online registration. You can choose to register with another local GP if you prefer, or with a local private medical practice, if you are not entitled to free NHS treatment.

Students from the UK, Ireland or those with indefinite leave to remain or have been granted pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for free treatment under the NHS.  

Students who require a visa (those from outside the UK or Ireland, or do not have indefinite leave to remain or pre-settled or settled status) will need to pay the immigration health charge when they apply for their visa, in order to access NHS services free of charge. 

8. Vaccinations

You are strongly recommended to receive the following vaccines before you arrive in Oxford, if you have not already had them:  

  • Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) if you are under 25 years of age and starting University for the first time in the UK.
  • Meningococcal B (MenB) if you are under 25 years of age and starting university for the first time in the UK. You will need to have two doses, at least 28 days apart, to be protected.
  • Measles Mumps and Rubella - MMR1 and MMR 2, i.e. the normal two doses
  • HPV vaccine which protects against genital warts and cancers caused by the human papilloma virus, such as cervical cancer  

You can contact your General Practice (GP) to arrange these vaccinations or to check if you have already been vaccinated if you are unsure. Where possible, international students should receive immunisations in their home country, including the first dose of the MenB vaccination if available.   

9. Discussing your needs

Discussing your needs in advance of starting your study will mean that support systems may be established before you begin your course.

The Disability Advisory Service can help students diagnosed with medical, physical or learning disabilities by liaising with your college and department to organise your support needs in all areas of university life, including lectures, tutorials, examinations and college accommodation.

Additional support is available for students with care experience, and those who are estranged, parents, or young carers, to ensure that you have a successful university experience.  

10. Insurance

You are advised to check if you need to arrange contents insurance. Some colleges have insurance policies that cover their students' belongings. Endsleigh is the official insurance service of the National Union of Students and offer a policy specifically for international students. You can find out more about how to arrange your own contents insurance on the MoneySupermarket website.

11. Preparing to study

If you are required to do any preparation for your course before you arrive, your college or department will send you details using the contact details that you have provided.

To find information and advice on academic good practice, including managing your time efficiently, developing good reading and note taking skills and the importance of referencing correctly, visit academic matters.

12. What to expect

The following information will help introduce you to life as a University of Oxford student: