Packing Advice

You may wish to consider packing or purchasing the following. If you order things online, please arrange for them to be delivered as close to your arrival date as possible - we are not able to store packages over the summer.

Domestic Items

• Towels
• Bed linen, duvet and pillows (you can order these from UniKit)
• Basic cooking equipment is provided. Whilst we do not provide cutlery, crockery or glassware, there is often a selection of these items left in kitchens by previous students which you are welcome to use.

Study Items

• Stationery – e.g. notebooks, folders, pens
• Relevant notes and/or books
• Basic cooking equipment is provided. Whilst we do not provide cutlery, crockery or glassware, there is often a selection of these items left in kitchens by previous students which you are welcome to use.

Clothing (in addition to normal clothing)

• Academic dress: Formal academic dress has to be worn for matriculation, exams and special occasions. It is called 'sub fusc', and means a gown, mortar board or soft cap, and your preferred option of the following:
  • dark suit with dark socks;
  • dark skirt with black tights; or
  • dark trousers with dark socks
• This should be worn with a white collared shirt or blouse, with either a white bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or a black ribbon. Shoes must be black, and a dark coat can be worn if required. Gowns are worn on top. Gowns, mortarboards and ties may be bought in some common suppliers, e.g., Walters of Oxford, Shepherd & Woodward.
• Semi-formal: For MCR/JCR or society dinners, and other special occasions. This should be a suit, a smart knee-length dress, or cocktail dress.
• Formal: In all likelihood you will attend a couple of black-tie events while at Oxford such as a College Ball or a special dinner. Dinner jackets/tuxedos (these can be hired), and long or short dresses are all acceptable.

Laptop/Computer

Your laptop/computer will need antivirus software installed. You will be able to download antivirus software, Sophos, for free once you are registered as student. You will also be able to download Microsoft Office 365 and some software to your device for free once you are registered; there is no need to purchase this in advance of starting at Oxford.

Some retailers offer discounts if you need to purchase a new laptop.

Other Electrical Equipment

The UK runs on 220/240v 50Hz with three pronged sockets. This is fine for most international laptops and personal computers (with an adaptor), but it is not recommended that you bring hairdryers and other items that are usually incompatible with British electrical voltage. You may want to bring an adapter depending on your country of origin and what electronics you choose to bring with you.

Electrical items should bear the British standard kite mark when used in college accommodation. Used electrical items and items from abroad should be PAT tested for compliance before being used in college accommodation.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular way to get around Oxford. We have bike storage at the main site and our various accommodations. If you are bringing a bike or plan to buy one when you arrive in Oxford, you will need to register your bike at the Lodge.

If you want to learn how to ride with confidence, the University provides up to six hours of free bike training. We also recommend that you register your bike on the national Bike Register and that you get a strong D-lock, a Helmet, and good Bike lights. Some items are available at a discount from the University online store.

Miscellaneous

• ID
• Make a note of your national insurance number and bank details
• International students will need to bring their passport and visa  – these will be needed as part of your enrollment process