2026-2027 International Student
This is an unofficial guide written by students, for students.
e d i u G
About this Guide The intention of this guide is to collect the practical knowledge that international students usually piece together the hard way in their first term. It is written for new international members of Linacre College. Still, it is useful to all students, drawing on the experience of current Linacrites and, with thanks, on advice originally compiled by Oxford's Rhodes Scholar community. It is intended to be supplementary to the college’s Student Handbook and website, which should be read by all new students and provides college-produced guidance on navigating life at Linacre as well as key contact details for college staff. All incoming students should also pay close attention to communications sent via email from Linacre College as well as the University, as these will provide detailed instructions on the registration process, accommodation matters at Linacre and how to prepare for events like Matriculation.
This is an unofficial guide written by students, for students. Nothing in it represents the official views of Linacre College or the University of Oxford, and while members of the Common Room have been consulted, we don't claim to speak for every Linacrite. Spotted an error, or have advice to add? The Common Room welcomes your feedback through the international student survey circulated at the end of each year by the International Student Representative.
Contents Becoming a Linacrite
Shopping & Everyday Life
Welcome to Oxford
Eating & Drinking
Before You Arrive
Finding Your Community
Your First Two Weeks
Things to do in Oxford
Adjusting to Life in the UK
Academic Life & Beyond
Opening a UK Bank Account
Families at Linacre
Getting a UK Mobile Number
Travelling from Oxford
Managing Your Finances Healthcare & Insurance Welfare & Wellbeing Weather in Oxford Getting Around Oxford
Becoming a ‘Linacrite' Reflecting on the purpose of proposing and drafting this first guide, I have also reflected on my own personal experience in my first year of being a “Linacrite”. My time as an international student told a story of friendship, solidarity and inevitable growth. Every Linacre student comes from a different background and has diverse interests and motivations, yet through this, we all face very similar challenges in adapting to a life in Oxford. Despite it all, Linacre is a shining light where students come from around the globe to live, study, eat and celebrate together. Some are here for one year, some for six, but the memory and foundation last. Preparation and comfortability are two things that can ease the challenges within the amazing moments of life at Linacre and Oxford, thus influencing the first iteration of this guide. A careful read, I hope, can make a massive difference in jumpstarting your personal experience at Linacre, giving you more time to make it your own and become a comfortable member of our growing, renowned, and vibrant community!
Charles Petrik 2025-2026 CR International Student Representative
Welcome to Oxford! The College welcomes outstanding students from around the world each year. International students make up more than a third of the University’s student body, where over 120 nationalities are currently represented. At Linacre alone, we have alumni from over 130 different countries. Beginning your study at Oxford is an exciting milestone, and it is natural for students to feel some uncertainty as they settle into a new environment. The College and the University are committed to supporting students in making a successful transition and thriving in their academic work. Throughout the degree programme, academic guidance is provided by a tutor and/or supervisor, who can offer advice on academic progress as well as other aspects of the Oxford experience. Students are encouraged to engage fully in the wider student experience. Get involved with opportunities such as clubs and societies, but above all, take care of yourself!
The official University of Oxford student app - MyOxford, serves as a digital companion for oncourse students. The app provides convenient access to essential University systems and services and is designed to support students throughout their time at Oxford.
Before You Arrive Your pre-arrival checklist Before you travel, make sure you have: Returned your University of Oxford student card form. Set up your Oxford Single Sign-On and email account. Checked your visa requirements and completed any required registration. Told your home bank you'll be living abroad (so your card isn't frozen) Noted your University ID (e.g. "lina1234") and your Eduroam and Single Sign-On passwords—these are different passwords, and you'll want both on day one Look out for an email from the Linacre College Academic Office, which will provide a comprehensive guide to registration.
What to pack? Money for the first two weeks. Expect roughly two weeks before a UK bank account is fully usable. Bring a credit/debit card that works abroad (Visa, Mastercard and Amex are accepted almost everywhere in Oxford) and a little cash as backup. Amounts of over £10,000 will have to be declared at the border. Documents. Passport, visa/eVisa, and a printed copy of your Oxford offer in case you're questioned during travel. If you have a driving licence, bring it — it doubles as ID and lets you hire a car. Collect your Bod card (student ID) from college soon after arriving. A UK plug adaptor. UK sockets differ from EU and US ones. Bring at least one adaptor so you can charge your devices on landing; more are cheaply available at airports and around Oxford. Medications and medical records. Bring around two months' supply of any prescription medication—getting a first GP appointment can take a while. If you have an ongoing condition, carry a copy of your medical records (see Section 6). Offline maps. Download an offline map of Oxford before you fly so you can navigate before your UK SIM is sorted. Warm, waterproof clothing. Winter days average 0–7°C and the rain is frequent and sneaky. You need a warm jacket, a rain jacket and waterproof shoes — but if your home country doesn't sell them, don't panic-buy: TK Maxx, M&S, Primark and ASOS all sell UK-weatherappropriate gear once you're here.
Formal wear. Oxford has a wealth of formal dinners and balls, with dress codes ranging from lounge suits and cocktail dresses to gowns, black tie and cultural formal wear. If you can, pack one suit/tux or cocktail dress and one long gown equivalent. Otherwise: Primark, Zara, H&M and ASOS sell affordable formalwear, Oxford's many charity shops turn up nearly-new gowns, and several UK companies rent formalwear. Subfusc is absolutely essential for official University events! Please check the Linacre College Student Handbook for more information. Shipping vs. extra baggage. An extra checked suitcase is usually cheaper than shipping a box. Check whether your airline gives students a free extra bag. If you do ship, Sendmybag delivers to college lodges — time boxes to arrive after you do, as Linacre College does not have sufficient storage space to hold items until your arrival. Anything shipped from abroad passes through customs: ask senders to clearly mark items as "used," "old," or "worn," since new goods attract much higher import charges. Otherwise, students have suggested bringing items of sentimental value, items necessary for your daily routine. Otherwise, most is available in Oxford.
Your First Two Weeks Collect your Bod card from the Academic Office You’ll recieve an email from the Academic Office letting you know how to book an appointment to do this.
Get a UK SIM / Phone number. Needed for banking apps, GP registration, deliveries.
Open a UK Bank Account (Fintech first, High-street second) Cards can take up to a week to arrive, branches are swamped at term start.
Register with a GP practice Wait times are long; register before you need a doctor.
Find your pidgeon hole (post) and check in Bank cards and post will arrive there.
Connect to Eduroam Different password from your SSO - sort both early.
Apply for a National Insurance number (if you plan to work) The wait is long, but you can work while it is in progress.
Adjusting to life in the UK Moving to another country to study is a significant life change. It is a major transition, and it can take time to adjust to a new culture, environment and way of life. Feeling unsettled at first is normal. Students are encouraged to take opportunities to become familiar with life in the UK, for example by reading newspapers, watching television, and speaking with others. Spending time with people from a similar cultural background can also help reduce feelings of isolation. The University offers more than 200 student societies, including many national and regional groups, which provide opportunities to meet others from the same country or region. Keeping in touch with friends and family at home can help students feel more settled. However, if feelings of depression, isolation or anxiety persist, support and advice are available through the College, academic department, central University services, fellow students and the Students’ Union. UKCISA also provides detailed information about culture shock and the stages of transition that international students may experience.
The University’s Language Centre offers a Pre-sessional course in English for academic purposes, as well as additional courses and resources throughout the year for students who wish to strengthen their academic English skills.
Opening a UK Bank Account UK banks are able to open accounts for European and International Students. However, they need to collect certain information from you to meet UK government financial rules. Most banks in Oxford will open your account the same day or within a few days (up to 10 days for NatWest) and you can often start the application process online but may need to visit the bank to show your identification documents. Barclays and NatWest require students to have been in the UK for three years to open a student account, but if you have not been here 3 years you can open a basic bank account which should be enough for your daily needs i.e. debit card and free banking. You also have the option of using online only banks (Fintech), such as Revolut, Monzo, Wise and Starling. These banks lack the physical premises that High Street banks have. However, their online / mobile banking experience is considered superior and they can be set up quickly. Let the college know if you are experiencing a delay in your account being opened and you are concerned about a deadline for paying your fees and they will advise you.
Remember! If you plan to bring money into the UK you must declare any cash of £10,000 or more (or its equivalent in other currencies) to customs officers. For more info: www.gov.uk
Cont: What Do I Need? For most banks, you will need some or all of the following documents to open an bank account as an international student: An in-date passport All of the major banks require a valid passport to open a bank account. A valid visa EU/EEA, and Swiss nationals usually only need to show their passport. For non-EU nationals, most banks will ask to see your eVisa via the sharecode. Your Student Enrolment Certificate You will be able to generate this after you have registered with this college. This must be dated within the last four months, and be signed and stamped by the College’s Academic Office. A bank statement from your home bank can be helpful, dated within the last three months Your Offer Letter A UK Mobile phone number is required by all banks to open an online account via their app.
NatWest will not accept a student enrolment certificate, and will only accept a letter of introduction from the College. Barclays will not accept a letter of introduction or a student enrolment certificate; they also require additional documentation.
Opening an account: three tips Compare before you commit. Some banks suit couples opening joint accounts, and others bundle railcard discounts. Choose what works for you and your Oxford timeline. Bring the full document set: enrolment certificate (from Student Self Service), proof of address (tenancy agreement or college accommodation letter), BOD card, and passport with visa/eVisa. Digital banks usually accept photo/video verification instead of an appointment. Check the University's "Finances & Bank" pages for current requirements. Go early in term and early in the day. Branches are overwhelmed at term start, and some now push applications online. Accounts usually open same-day, but cards take up to a week by post. If a delay affects paying your college bill, tell the College as soon as possible.
Getting a UK Mobile Number The UK has four main mobile network operators: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. These companies operate the national mobile infrastructure and provide coverage across most urban and rural areas, although signal strength can vary depending on location. In general, cities such as Oxford have strong coverage and reliable 4G and 5G services, but network access can be spotty, especially in and around dense areas of the city. In addition to the four main operators, there are a number of smaller providers known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These companies use the infrastructure of the main networks but often offer lower-cost or more flexible plans. Examples include giffgaff (uses the O2 network), VOXI (Vodafone), SMARTY (Three), Tesco Mobile (O2), and Lebara (Vodafone). Mobile plans in the UK are usually offered as either pay-monthly contracts or pay-as-you-go. Pay-monthly contracts typically last 12 or 24 months and may include a device as part of the agreement.
These contracts usually require a UK bank account and may involve a credit check. Pay-as-you-go or rolling monthly SIM-only plans are often more suitable for students, particularly those new to the UK, as they offer flexibility without a long-term commitment of entering into a contract. Most plans include unlimited UK calls and texts, with a set monthly data allowance. When choosing a provider, students may wish to consider coverage in their accommodation area, data requirements, international calling options, and whether EU roaming is included. To check your coverage, you can use Ofcom's Map Your Mobile To use a UK SIM card, a phone must be unlocked. SIM cards can be purchased online, in supermarkets, or in high street phone shops. Proof of identity or address may sometimes be required, particularly for contract plans.
Managing Your Finances Visit the fees and funding pages for advice on funding options and tips on managing your budget. Remember that you will have additional expenses at the end of your course in preparing to return home.
Be alert to any scams and potential fraud!
You should be especially careful in the first few weeks of term about any scams by email, phone or social media that ask you for any payments or personal information. Fraudsters are known to take advantage of new students especially at the start of term and particularly if English is not your first language. A legitimate organisation (UK or overseas) will always allow you time to seek advice before you respond, see the fees and funding page for more information about how to avoid these scams. You should end the conversation immediately if you have any concerns, or if asked for a payment or personal details. You must end the conversation immediately and seek advice either from your college, department or the relevant central team at the University. You can contact them with the email subject title ‘potential fraud’ to gain their immediate attention. For visa or immigration matters contact the Student Immigration team, for fees or loans contact the Student Funding team and for any other matters, contact the College’s Academic Office.
Your Budget The University publishes a guide to managing your money and estimated living costs, which are both worth a read before you build your budget. Your accommodation is probably already fixed, and rent will be your single biggest cost. College room prices vary widely, so budgets stretch differently for different people.
Eating and drinking. Restaurant mains run £15–20, whereas supermarket meal deals and college meals usually beat eating out. Formal dinner prices vary with the occasion and whether drinks are included. A pub pint is £5–7 and the first weeks of term revolve around food and drink, so it can add up. There is cheap produce at Gloucester Green market on Wednesdays, plus Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury's Nectar card, and the Too Good To Go app for discounted surplus food. Always ask for student discounts. They're everywhere and rarely advertised!
A example budget is included on the next page.
Rent
£560pcm
£975pcm
£800pcm – £1500pcm
Student Profile
Student 1, living in a basement room at 49 Walton Street (Linacre property)
Student 2, living in an en-suite room at 189 Iffley Road (Linacre property)
Student 3, living in a private rental on the Cowley Road
£120 – £200pcm
£300 – £400pcm (Self-catering in shared kitchen + occasional Hall/outings)
£300 – £450pcm (100% self-catering groceries & social dining)
£0
£100 – £200pcm (Gas, electric, water, broadband; exempt from Council Tax)
£120 – £250pcm
£120 – £200pcm
£350pcm (Eats 2x meals in hall Mon-Fri at £3.90 per meal. Spends approx. additional £50/week on breakfast & weekend meals)
£0
Socialising
Food
Utilities Bills
£150 – £300pcm
£150 – £250pcm
£150 – £250pcm
Personal Items
£20 – £60pcm
£20 – £50pcm
£20 – £50pcm
Subscriptions, including mobile phone
Working while studying If want to work during your studies, check that the type and amount of work is allowed by your visa as well as making sure it fits in with your course. Not keeping to your student visa work permission could have serious consequences for your current visa and any future visa applications, and your employer could face penalties.
If you have both a Student Visa and a European Health Insurance Card. Some EHIC holders might be eligible for reimbursement of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) paid as part of your Student Visa application. However this refund may only be available if you do not work or do not intend to work in the UK. For a more detailed explanation see here.
If you have a Student visa for full-time degree level study. Your 90 day travel vignette or your eVisa should indicate that you have restricted work permission, for example: Student Work limit 20 hrs p/w term time When you view your eVisa you should find detailed information on your work permission. If you have a Student visa granted for full-time degree level study but it does not appear to have the correct work permission, email student.immigration@admin.ox.ac.uk to find out if this should be changed.
You are not allowed to work at all if you have a Student visa to study a course part-time.
National Insurance number You need a National Insurance number (NINo) to work. The wait is long, so apply as soon as you decide to work. You can start a job while it's processing (visa permitting) and give your employer the number when it arrives.
Tax Most students never need to file a UK tax return (see GOV.UK's Self Assessment checker). You may still owe tax at home on international income, so check whether your country has a doubletaxation agreement with the UK.
Work Opportunities Opportunities to work at Linacre can be found here: Vacancies Linacre College You can also reach out to our hospitality team directly on hospitality@linacre.ox.ac.uk to enquire about event work. Other good sites for looking for work: Operational Vacancies | The Conference of Colleges Jobs Offered - Daily Info | Daily Info
Healthcare & Insurance Students from the UK or Ireland, or those with indefinite leave to remain or those who have been granted pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for free treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). If you are visiting for a short period from the EU, EEA or Switzerland i.e. for 6 months or less you should bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are eligible to continue using it in the UK, see the UK Government website for changes as a result of Brexit. Students who require a visa (those not from the UK or Ireland, or those who do not hold indefinite leave to remain or pre-settled or settled status) and are studying full time for more than 6 months will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of a visa application to access the NHS services free of charge. Students have flagged this as a necessary financial burden in the past, with prices set at £776 for students per year. Family members coming to the UK as dependents will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to be eligible for the same access to the NHS. Please note, you will need a UK phone number to have NHS appointments and consultations. The UKCISA website has a comprehensive explanation of how the UK health system works as this may be different from your home country. It explains your first points of contact, for example a GP (doctor) surgery or health centre, Accident and Emergency department and how and why you might be sent or referred to a hospital.
For non-urgent medical help or advice you can call 111 (24 hours a day) and for emergency medical help call 999 (24 hours a day).
If you have not previously registered with a UK doctor, make sure you do this on arrival so they have your medical history on file. Linacre College is partnered with Beaumont Elms GP surgery. Students are strongly advised to register with the surgery as soon as possible to ensure treatment can be accessed if needed. More information on the college linked GP will be emailed to all incoming students and the link to register online can be found here. If you are not exempt from hospital charges, or only partially exempt for other reasons, you are advised to take out appropriate private healthcare insurance for the length of your stay in the UK. This will include visitors coming for less 6 months or less and not on a student visa.
Insurance It is advisable to have travel insurance to cover your luggage, personal possessions, money and medical costs for your journey and the first few days here. If you are planning to take out an insurance policy which covers you for the length of your course in the UK, you may find that this also covers your journeys to and from home at the start and end of each term.
Remember! It is important that you register with a GP when you arrive in Oxford. Extension requests, MCE’s and some types of suspensions require medical evidence that only a GP can provide.
What the NHS covers As a visa holder (you'll have paid the immigration health surcharge), you can use the NHS: GP care is free and many prescriptions and immunisations are subsidised or free. All contraception is free. Bringing existing prescriptions. UK doctors must re-prescribe your medication, and drug names differ here — note the active ingredients, not just the brand. "Specialist" medications (some allergy, gastroenterology and psychiatric drugs, for example) can't be prescribed by a GP at all; you'd need an NHS specialist referral, which is slow. If this applies to you, contact college months before arriving so the GP practice can start the referral early. If your medication isn't available here, plan to carry a term's supply as shipping medication across borders generally isn't possible. For chronic or complex conditions, expect to be "re-diagnosed" by a UK specialist before receiving specialist prescriptions, however long you've taken them at home. Disability accommodations are different: a doctor's letter from home should suffice, without UK rediagnosis. If you have a disability, or long-term health condition, register with the University's Disability Advisory Service prior to arrival. They can put support in place for you. If you are due to live in college accommodation and feel that this may need to be adapted to accommodate your needs, contact the college as soon as possible to discuss this.
Barriers to healthcare access If you encounter any barriers to accessing healthcare, you do not have to navigate them alone. At Linacre, our Welfare Lead, Melissa Cross would be happy to support you gain access to all you are entitled to.
Sexual health Contraception is free on the NHS; pregnancy termination is legal and free in England, and you can self-refer (e.g. British Pregnancy Advisory Service). The Oxfordshire Sexual Health Clinic (Churchill Hospital, 01865 231231) offers contraception, PrEP, HIV/STI and pregnancy testing — test kits often posted free. Terrence Higgins Trust provides HIV information and support. The College also has welfare boxes that contain sanitary products, pregnancy tests and condoms.
Eyes and teeth Optometry: eye tests cost £20–30 (free at Specsavers and Ace & Tate) and glasses/contacts are paid privately, so sort eyewear at home if you can and bring spares. JD Opticians is also reasonable. Dental: NHS-subsidised, not free — roughly £26 for a checkup or emergency treatment, capped around £71 for most work and £307 for crowns/dentures/lab work. Cleaning is private and NHS dental appointments are scarce, so book early if you are not planning to pay out of pocket. The college recommends Studental Dental Care Oxford - NHS
Welfare & Wellbeing Moving countries is hard, and ups and downs are normal. If you already receive mental health support, consider contacting these services before you arrive: College: Student Welfare Officers provide first-line support; You can also contact the College’s Welfare Lead - Melissa Cross, welf@linacre.ox.ac.uk Disability Advisory Service (DAS): supports students with mental health difficulties, long-term conditions, learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions and sensory/mobility impairments — including individual adjustments where barriers affect your studies. Student Counselling Service: free, mainly short-term counselling (averaging about four sessions), with initial assessment usually within ten working days. Its Medical Consultant can carry out psychiatric assessments and refer to NHS services. Oxford's Welfare and Wellbeing webpage gathers information on emergencies, harassment, counselling and more.
Need someone to talk to right now? Samaritans — 116 123, free, 24/7, every day of the year. SANE Line — 0300 304 7000, 4:30–10:30pm daily. Oxford Nightline — 01865 270270, student-run listening service in term time; call, Skype, or visit 16 Wellington Square.
Sexual violence support Sexual violence is an umbrella term covering any sexual act committed without freely given consent — including rape, unwanted contact, drug- or alcohol-facilitated assault, harassment (online and offline), stalking, voyeurism, stealthing, image-based abuse and misuse of authority. Anyone can experience it, though women, trans and non-binary people face higher rates, especially at universities, which are higher-risk environments. If it happens to you, it is not your fault — regardless of circumstances. Support is available whether or not you ever choose to report. College (first point of contact): Linacre's Welfare Lead, Melissa Cross (welf@linacre.ox.ac.uk) will support you and connect you to every resource below. University: the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, the University's harassment advice pages, and the Student Union. Community: Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre; Survivors UK (male survivors); It Happens Here's list of support for queer and gender-diverse survivors. Medical: Sexual Health Clinic at the Churchill (01865 231231) for free, confidential pregnancy, STI and HIV testing; Terrence Higgins Trust for HIV support. Adjustments without reporting: academic, financial and housing accommodations are available without filing any formal or informal report.
Weather in Oxford The weather in the UK is well known for being changeable and sometimes unpredictable. It can be cold and often wet during winter, spring and autumn, with frequent cloudy skies. Summers tend to be drier and warmer, although temperatures are usually moderate rather than hot. There is generally less regional variation in climate across the UK than in many other countries. However, northern and mountainous areas tend to experience higher levels of rain, wind and snow than other parts of the country. During the summer, most houses and student accommodation in the UK do not have air conditioning. This is because high temperatures have historically been uncommon, and buildings are generally designed to retain heat during colder months rather than to stay cool in hot weather.
Although average summer temperatures are usually moderate, periods of hot weather and occasional heatwaves can make indoor spaces feel warm, particularly in upper floors or rooms that receive direct sunlight. In these conditions, buildings may retain heat, especially overnight. To stay comfortable during warmer periods, it is common to use simple cooling strategies such as keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day, opening windows in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower, and using electric fans. Staying hydrated and wearing lightweight clothing can also help manage the heat. While prolonged hot weather is still relatively infrequent, students should be aware that indoor spaces may feel warmer than expected during heatwaves due to the limited availability of air conditioning. During colder months, temperatures are often only a few degrees above freezing and can drop below 0°C. Warm, layered clothing is essential. A winter coat that is insulated and wind-resistant is recommended, along with jumpers or fleeces that can be layered underneath. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common and is one of the main reflections of international students on challenges they face — if the darkness drags your mood down, you're far from alone. Students report that vitamin D tablets and a SAD lamp (~£30) help; the NHS has pages on both.
Because weather in the UK can change quickly, many people carry a lightweight waterproof jacket or small umbrella even when rain is not forecast.
Getting around Oxford While most students walk or cycle while in Oxford, you can take advantage of a range of discounted bus services providing quick travel around the city as well as regular connections to London and major airports.
Cycling Cycling is a very popular way of getting around Oxford. Be aware that bike theft occurs regularly. You can register your bike for free with the Bike Register Scheme. Doing so will help the police to get your bike back to you if it is stolen. Bicycles, electric bikes and e-scooters can also be hired in Oxford. Find out more on the University’s travel pages.
Buses The two main bus companies in Oxford are Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company. You can find the times of your next bus by using Mobile Oxford. Mobile Oxford provides travel information from across the University and city to your mobile phone.
The Oxford Bus App allows you to plan your next journey and buy cheap bus tickets on the Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel network. You can purchase mobile tickets, get live travel updates and departure times. You can also plan your journey, and the app will tell you what buses to take
The University offers an up to 10% (off the standard price) Discounted Bus Pass Scheme covering 13 or 52 week season tickets from the Oxford Bus Company (including Thames Travel) and Stagecoach and Oxford Tube. Bus passes can be ordered online from the Estates Services Travel website, by clicking on the price links in the table and completing the online form. Your bus pass will be sent to the Oxford University Students Union, 2 Worcester Street, OX1 2BX, for collection. You will need to present your University card to the receptionist at the point of collection.
Rail Railcards which give one third off ticket prices are available to 16-25 year olds, and full-time students over the age of 25. Students can also use the 16-25 Railcard (even if you're over 25, provided that you're still a full-time student) for discounts on London travel, including using the London Underground. The website/app Trainline is useful for finding cheap fares around the country!
E-Bikes/Scooters Only the government-scheme Voi hire scooters are legal to use on the road. You need at least a provisional driving licence: £1 to unlock plus 35p/minute, with a student discount available. Details on the Oxfordshire Council website.
Driving Oxford actively resists cars: bus gates, congestion charges, lowemission zones, dead ends and traffic. You may be able to drive on a non-UK licence for up to a year (check GOV.UK). A taxi or rideshare (bookable by app) covers the rare trip that feet, bike, bus or scooter can't.
Safety first! Buses pass close, pedestrians wander into cycle lanes, and not every driver is considerate. Be proactive, and be especially careful at roundabouts and crosswalks. And always remember, traffic comes from the right! Wear a helmet! Buy it new, fit it properly, and replace it after any impact. Lights are legally required at night. High-vis and reflective gear help too. The University store sells affordable options, as does the Linacre porters lodge and www.decathlon.co.uk. Learn the Highway Code before riding (or driving): road markings, roundabout rules, who gives way. This can be confusing at first, especially for international students making their way around the city. A bike counts as a vehicle — you're entitled to take the lane when the cycle lane feels unsafe. Cycling on footpaths is illegal unless signed. Broken Spoke Bike Co-op offers cycle training and Oxford students get six hours free. We recommend this, even for confident cyclists who've never ridden on the left. Cyclescheme's website covers maintenance and riding technique in depth.
On the next page is a table of where you can buy bikes in Oxford
Where to buy
Verdict
Broken Spoke
Charity co-op selling refurbished bikes with a 3-month warranty.
Oxford Bicycle Company
Tiny Cowley Road shop, charming owner, sometimes does free minor repairs for customers.
Walton Street Cycles
Good-quality bikes in Jericho; look for start-of-term bike+lock+lights+helmet bundles.
Beeline Bicycles
Cowley; the place for higher-end bikes.
Decathlon
Wide range of new bikes and cheap accessories.
Linacre College
For bikes at a discounted rate, the annual bike sale is offered in the first weeks of MT!
Gumtree / Daily Info / Facebook
Cheap but riskier: used bikes break down and some sellers are sketchy. "Students of Oxford Swap Shop" and "Push Bikes for sale in Oxfordshire" are the better groups.
Cycle King
Avoid — repeatedly poor experiences reported.
Shopping & Everyday life Groceries If you cook, having a supermarket that you are comfortable and able to get to matters. The major chains, roughly cheapest to priciest: Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose, M&S. Price doesn't always track quality, and items vary between chains. Closest to the centre ar Tesco, Sainsbury's, and the M&S near Westgate. UK packaging rarely reseals, so pack some rubber bands or bag clips.
Cooking from home: global ingredients Current students have noted that the amount of spice and produce usage in the UK can be very different (usually less) than in their home country. Find a store that fits your budget, shop regularly, and consider it an essential aspect of your wellbeing. East Asian: Lung Wah Chong (Hythe Bridge St), GG Oriental Snack Shack (Gloucester Green and Cowley — pricier but central), Jingjing Oriental Food Store and Seoul Plaza (Cowley Rd). Seoul Plaza covers Korean, Japanese and Chinese well; the others lean Chinese. South Asian: Tahmid's and Al Amir Store (Cowley, opposite Tesco). Tesco's own Asian section covers basic spices; for cookware, try Tahmid or the home store near Sainsbury's in Cowley. Middle Eastern & halal: Zaid Supermarket, Khalifa, Tahmid, Al-Amin, Maroc Deli; Tesco Cowley Road also stocks halal meat. Kosher: Waitrose has the best range. Plantains and hard-to-find peppers: Erdem Food Centre.
Markets Great for fresh local produce and things supermarkets don't stock: Oxford Covered Market (daily); Gloucester Green (Wed for cheap fruit & veg; Thu– Sat general); South Oxford and Wolvercote and Summertown (Sundays); East Oxford and Headington (Saturdays); North Parade (2nd and 4th Saturdays).
Household items and clothing College kitchens come with little or no kitchenware, and sharing plates between students in communal kitchens often isn't practical, so plan to buy your own basics. Primark (Westgate) — ultra-cheap everything; Tesco and Home Bargains for cheap household basics; H&M Home for bedding. John Lewis and M&S — the upscale options. Charity shops (Age UK, Helen & Douglas House, Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Sobell House) — second-hand clothes, books and kitchenware at tiny prices for a good cause. Best hunting: the Oxfam Superstore in Cowley and the row of five shops in Headington. Donate your own surplus when you leave. Gumtree, Daily Info, Facebook Marketplace, eBay — excellent for kitchenware at the start of the year. Amazon UK — your Oxford email gets you 6 months of free Prime Student (and each additional Oxford email alias gets another 6 months).
The Daily Info shopping guide has far more.
Eating & Drinking A quick note on UK pub culture: A lot of social life in Oxford revolves around going to the pub or grabbing a drink. Between expensive rounds and the “third space” that the pub acts as, it can feel a bit overwhelming for many. Despite the relatively moderate consumption of alcohol in the pubs, you should never feel pressured to drink. Plenty of people don't, or simply choose when and how much they want to. Everyone is encouraged to plan events that are inclusive to all and keep an eye out for your peers if/when there is drinking involved.
Cheap food options Lunch: The Alternative Tuck Shop; Najar's Place (Najar’s); Taylor's; Olive's; Morton's (cheap sandwiches 4:30–5pm); Gloucester Green street-food stands (Wed–Sat); Sasi's Thai; A Taste of China; Alpha Bar (healthy); Fusion House (Chinese); Aleppo's (wraps). Dinner: Zhang Ji (Café Orient); Peppers Burgers; Itsu & Wasabi (sushi chains with late-night half-price deals); Pan Pan. Other budget strategies: Kebab vans — an Oxford institution, appearing from about 6:30pm until the early hours. Try Najar's Place (St Giles, also open lunchtimes) or Hassan's (Broad St). Meal deals (Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's…) — sandwich + snack + drink for £3.40–5. Eating in college — often the cheapest cooked meal available. Too Good To Go app — surplus restaurant food at a discount, contents a surprise. Cafés near closing — many discount 50% in the last half hour (e.g. Missing Bean, Columbia Coffee). Cooking — with cheap groceries from Tesco and Gloucester Green market, all other options are easily beaten for a cheap meal.
Mid-range dining Chiang Mai (Thai) Jericho Tavern, Jude the Obscure, The Punter, Magdalen Arms (pubs) Rickety Press (good vegetarian options) Mario's and Il Principe (Italian) Old Delhi and Dosa Darlings (Indian) Antep Kitchen (halal Turkish) Zheng and Sojo (Chinese) Taberu and Edamame (Japanese) Banana Tree (Indo-Chinese) Vaults & Garden (global) Coconut Tree, Spiced Roots and Turtle Bay (Caribbean) Pho (Vietnamese) Shiraz (Persian) Lula’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Formal Guest Night Dinners During term time, Guest Night dinners are hosted on a Tuesday & Thursday, commencing promptly at 7:30pm in the dining hall, with a drinks reception in the Common Room from 7:00pm. The dress code is formal, and academic gowns are encouraged. Family-Friendly Guest Night Dinners Family-Friendly Guest Nights are held once a term and are an opportunity for members to bring their families along for a child-friendly meal. Dates for FamilyFriendly Guest Nights will be advertised throughout the term. All Guest Nights will be advertised throughout the term with an opportunity to sign up via the online system. Questions about Guest Nights should be directed to the Hospitality Team: hospitality@linacre.ox.ac.uk Students must adhere to the Guest Night booking terms, (SSO Required - here.)
Special occasion/high-end dining The Perch (magical Port Meadow setting) Gee's (Mediterranean, Jericho) No.1 Ship Street (seafood) Arbequina (Michelin-listed tapas, Cowley) The Folly (river views) Pierre Victoire and Brasserie Blanc (French) Six by Nico (“Conceptual”) Quod (British, central) Pompette (French, Summertown) The Ivy (high-end chain, High St)
Cafés: Gail's; Society Café; Missing Bean; Thirsty Meeples (board games) Brew; Art Café; The Independent Café; New Ground; Jericho Café; Opera Café (brunch) Tree Artisan; Vaults & Garden (tea and cake with a view) Columbia Coffee; Common Ground (relaxed workspace) Barefoot Bakery (cakes) Green Routes (vegan)
Tipping No tip where you order at the counter. With table service, 10– 12.5% is standard, but check the menu's fine print for an added "service charge" (automatic for groups of 5+).
Dietary Requirements Gluten-free: Kazbar (labelled GF tapas); Banana Tree's GF menu; the Randolph's high tea includes GF cakes. Vegetarian & vegan: Oxford is veggie-friendly almost everywhere. Fully veggie: Old Fire Station and Chickpea (centre), The Gardener's Arms (Plantation Rd — veggie pub food); vegan: Oxford Blue (Greenbox Food Co), The Punter (Osney), Green Routes (vegan brunch, Cowley), Barefoot Bakery (vegan cakes), and a fully vegan afternoon tea at The Alice (Randolph). Kosher: Shabbat meals via the Jewish student centre (JSOC); Waitrose stocks kosher and Passover ranges. Halal: concentrated on Cowley Road (Tahmid, Maroc Deli for meat; Za'atar Bake, Antep, plus halal KFC and Nando's). In Jericho, Al-Shami (Lebanese) is excellent. Linacre College dining usually has halal and always a vegan option for lunch (12 pm) and dinner (6 pm).
Finding Your Community Where Community Happens There are many ways to find community and connect with others during your time at Oxford. The Common Room — Linacre’s shared common room for all members and one of the College’s defining features — provides a welcoming space to meet people from across the College. Your department or faculty, College clubs and societies, faith communities, University-wide groups, and organisations across the city also offer opportunities to meet people with shared interests and experiences. Early in term, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the wide range of clubs and societies available across the University. With so much on offer, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but there is no need to decide everything straight away. Many clubs welcome complete beginners and offer free taster sessions, giving you the chance to try something new before committing. There is no single “right” way to find your community at Oxford, and you can always get involved later once you have settled into your routine.
For an up-to-date list of the current Linacre College socieities and clubs, please check here for more information.
Accessibility If you have a disability or accessibility needs College disability contact: At Linacre, the Academic Registrar is your first stop for accessibility and accommodation needs at college level; they can also refer you onward to DAS. Also, when planning events or with general accessibility concerns, the CR Disabilities Representative is an important contact. Disability Advisory Service (DAS): University-level advisors offering information, mentoring, exam adjustments, and financial and academic support. Contact them as early as possible — especially for exam adjustments, where admin lead times are long. Faculty Disability Coordinator: the point person for accessibility within your programme of study.
Being a good ally A disability is a physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses or activities — chronic illness and rare disease included. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, and people can move in and out of disability across a lifetime. The social model of disability holds that the limitations disabled people face are produced by society's barriers — physical, organisational, conceptual — not by the individual. Ableism is the systemic discrimination those barriers embody.
Help make Linacre accessible and inclusive: don't assume anyone's needs from their appearance; when someone requests an accommodation, listen; better still, design events to be accessible from the start. Practical points: Think about transport to venues — Oxford's cobbles, uneven ground and grass are hard going for wheelchair users and many others. Most private housing is not accessible. Companions/care aides often enter tours, museums and shows free — ask when booking. See the University's Access Guide to its buildings, and the Oxford Accessibility Project on college and venue wheelchair access.
Identity Linacre is among the most international and diverse communities in Oxford. That's a gift, and sometimes a challenge: you will meet people whose beliefs and life experiences differ sharply from yours. Approach them with curiosity and respect — it's what makes this place work.
Class and wealth If you come from an underprivileged background: you belong here exactly as much as anyone else. If you've enjoyed financial security: please be mindful of it. Could everyone afford the dinner you're planning? If someone seems uncomfortable in a "posh" Oxford setting, what will make the space more inclusive? Worth thinking about — and talking about.
Things to do in Oxford Museums - Free or discounted entry with your Bod Card The Ashmolean is Britain's first public museum. Its first building was erected in 1678–1683 to house the cabinet of curiosities that Elias Ashmole gave to the University of Oxford in 1677. It’s focus is on Art and Antiquities Museum of Natural History is a museum displaying many of the University of Oxford's natural history specimens. Founded in 1860 it’s focus is on anthropology and archaeology. Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 by Augustus Pitt Rivers, who donated his private collection to the University of Oxford with the condition that a permanent lecturer in anthropology must be appointed. It’s focus is on anthropology and archaeology. History of Science Museum holds a leading collection of scientific instruments from Middle Ages to the 19th century. The museum building is also known as the Old Ashmolean Building to distinguish it from the newer Ashmolean Museum building completed in 1894. The museum was built in 1683, and it is the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum. It’s focus is on anthropology and archaeology. The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments is a museum of musical instruments from the Middle Ages onwards. It was housed in Oxford University's Faculty of Music near Christ Church on St. Aldate's before moving to the newly constructed Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities in 2026, with a new permanent exhibition
Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art gallery located inside Christ Church, a college of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. The gallery holds an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and nearly 2,000 drawings. The gallery consists largely of Italian art from the 14th to 18th centuries
Parks and Green Spaces University Parks (70 acres along the Cherwell) - on Linacre’s doorstep! Port Meadow (ancient common land, wandering horses, great pubs nearby) Christ Church Meadow South Park (the classic skyline sunset) the Botanic Garden (Britain's oldest) Harcourt Arboretum Wytham Woods (ancient woodland — a free permit lets you walk or run there with up to five friends, dawn to dusk).
Arts and Entertainment Music: O2 Academy Oxford; Sandy's Piano Bar; Sheldonian concerts.
Comedy: Oxford Imps; The Glee Club Oxford; Jericho Comedy.
Dancing: Oxfolk Ceilidhs (monthly); Oxford Lindy Hoppers.
Theatre: New Theatre; Oxford Playhouse; Old Fire Station; Sheldonian; the University Dramatic Society.
Nightlife Clubs: The Bridge; Hanks; Plush (LGBTQ+, wheelchair accessible); The Library. The Bullingdon
Pubs and bars: King's Arms; The Bear (Oxford's oldest); Turf Tavern; Victoria; Royal Oak; Freud. LGBTQ+ venues: Plush; Glamorous; Jolly Farmers; the LGBTQ+ Society's weekly drinks (rotating colleges).
University Organisations There are numerous university clubs and societies that students are encouraged to become involved with. These include social, identitybased, academic, sports, and activity organisations—there is something for everyone! Visit the club and society fair, put on by the Student Union, at the beginning of the year, or contact the academic office for more information!
Community organisations (get involved!) Donate blood — NHS Blood Donation. The Gatehouse — drop-in centre for unhoused community members, six nights a week; always needs reliable volunteers. Turl Street Homeless Action — student-run food and conversation for rough sleepers; flexible volunteering. Oxford Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre — listening service for female survivors; volunteer training each October and February. Oxfam — global poverty; offices and shops across Oxford. Broken Spoke — co-operative bike workshop, open to all. OxGrow — community garden in South Oxford, open Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, all experience levels welcome. Oxford Nightline - Independent listening, support and information service run for and by students of Oxford Brookes University and the University of Oxford.
Academic Life & Beyond Studying at Oxford For most international graduate students, Oxford is a very different educational experience. Courses vary enormously, but a few things hold almost universally: Expect little structure or guidance in many courses, and familiarise yourself with your exam conventions. The exam structure at Oxford, usually just one exam at the end of term or year, differs greatly from what most international students are used to. Most courses are radically selfdirected. Students recommend building your own scaffolding that includes work sessions, peer review circles, and reading groups. Another important piece of advice: you cannot do all the reading—and shouldn't try. Learning to triage a reading list is the most effective study habit you can have. Attempting completeness usually leads to the library, misery, and no better marks. Don't let work crowd out living. You worked hard to get here; meeting people, reflecting, and living a balanced life are as valuable as time spent in the library. Postgrad rewards steady work, not cramming, especially as the collective stress of exam season ramps up. Build deliberate habits: to-do lists and self-imposed deadlines; tools like Notion, kanban boards and Zotero; techniques like Pomodoro; and app blockers for your phone. Imposter syndrome is near-universal. Nearly everyone here excelled in their previous life and then wondered whether they deserve this place. You do. Above all, Linacre provides a great space to vent, relax and study, so take advantage of the built-in support that it offers. Enjoy your year(s) and get outside of your comfort zones!
Planning Your Second Year and Beyond On a more than one-year programme? Planning what’s next starts almost immediately! Medical Sciences and Engineering course applications usually close in early December; other new programmes and MPhil/DPhil transfers mostly close in January, so check your course page. You'll often need a reference from your first-year supervisor — cultivate that relationship in Michaelmas Term.
Housing for year two: some stay in college housing, but this cannot be guaranteed as accommodation stock for continuing students is limited and allocated by a ballot system run in January If you're starting a new course, check whether your college can keep you. A change of subject occasionally means a change of college.
Useful: OxGradHousing, Oxford Student Housing and Oxford Housing Group on Facebook; Spareroom, Rightmove, Sabbatical Homes and Daily Info. Beware scams: never send money or personal details before meeting the landlord and viewing the property (bring a friend); and read contracts carefully.
Families at Linacre A note from our CR families rep: It is universally acknowledged that Linacre is by far the best and most welcoming college in Oxford. As a parent of two, who had their first child during their MSt and took maternity leave, I can say with confidence that the college will support you in every way. The facilities here for students with children are great. Linacre has family accommodation, nappy changing, a room where you can breastfeed discreetly, or if you’re like me, you are welcome to breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable. There are high chairs available for the dining hall and we have termly Family Guest Night Dinners which are joyful events that I highly recommend. My children absolutely love them and you will find it a fun, relaxing event. If you have any welfare issues or need support juggling childcare and studies, the staff here are knowledgeable, kind and extensively supportive. I am now reading for my DPhil, rushing between childcare pick-ups and lectures. It makes every different to be part of this caring community. Your children are welcome here, they are part of your academic journey and you will be surrounded by compassion and understanding. Please feel free to contact me - Siobhan.daly@linacre.ox.ac.uk - if you would like a coffee, a chat or someone to help with the baby while you get some reading done!
Travelling from Oxford Around the UK London, Brighton, Bristol, Bath, Wales, Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lakes are all reachable by coach, train or car — and booking ahead saves a lot. Coach: the £3 single-fare bus cap can, with planning, carry you remarkably far across the country. The Oxford Tube runs to London 24/7 every 10–30 minutes (£20 student return; 12 trips for £100). The Airline runs 24/7 to Heathrow and Gatwick (from ~£31.50 return — book ahead). National Express and Megabus cover the rest of the country, often cheaper (and sometimes faster) than rail. Train: a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard cuts fares by a third — it pays for itself fast. Book ahead via National Rail or Trainline for cheap advance fares and a guaranteed seat; some services carry bikes free; delays over 30 minutes usually entitle you to compensation ("Delay Repay"). Car: you can likely drive on your home licence for a year, then possibly exchange it for a UK one. Zipcar and Co-wheels work for short hires; for longer trips, book early and take the cheapest class (upgrades happen). Under-25s pay steep hire premiums.
Europe and beyond Round trips to Rome, Paris or Budapest can cost £150 or less, and with hostels or short-term lets, a few hundred pounds goes a long way. Schengen visas Be mindful of passport privilege: for many students, European travel means a Schengen visa, and recent applicants report a bumpy process. Start up to 60 days early. Book flights and accommodation first; apply to the country of first entry or longest stay, listing all countries you'll visit. Documents: Oxford enrolment certificate; three months of bank statements; passport photos (Snappy Snaps on Cornmarket, or a photo app at your own risk); photocopies of your passport information page and UK visa; printed itinerary and booking confirmations. Staying with friends or family? You'll need a letter from them plus copies of their passport and residence documents. The appointment: the joint visa application centre is at 66 Wilson Road, London (near Moorgate). Book, print your appointment email, arrive early, and bring something to read — waits can exceed an hour. Visas typically take ~15 working days. UKCISA publishes comprehensive guidance on student travel and visas.
Trains in Europe Eurostar (from St Pancras) connects London to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and the continental rail network is superb. Interrail/Eurail passes give 4–15 travel days over 1–2 months — a high upfront cost that pays off for multi-country trips, and they go on sale (~25% off) roughly four times a year, so wait for a sale if you can. The first-class upgrade (~20%) is arguably worth it for booking ease and comfort, especially on Eurostar. One hard-won tip: avoid itineraries that start inside Germany or transfer there repeatedly—Deutsche Bahn's reliability makes it better to ride a French/Belgian/Dutch train straight to your German destination. Flights Skyscanner, Google Flights and StudentUniverse have good deals; leave the destination blank to see the cheapest flights out of London. Ryanair regularly does £10 fares to Ireland, Scotland and Wales, usually midweek. Count the airport transfer in the fare: Heathrow is the cheapest to reach (direct Airline coach); Birmingham is only an hour by direct train; Gatwick costs more; Luton transfers can exceed £50; and avoid Stansted unless you enjoy four-hour bus rides (some students book a ~£50 airport hotel the night before instead). Bolt (like Uber) covers awkward airport runs. In vacations, some students travel, some go home, some stay to work or write. Whatever your plan, you won't be alone in it — and someone in college has already been wherever you're going. Ask.
Phones abroad Being reachable (and able to reach emergency services and maps) is worth the cost. Buy a local SIM on arrival, use your UK provider's roaming deals, or buy a travel eSIM before you leave. Sleeping cheap Hostels and Airbnb undercut hotels, with the usual trade-offs (sleep quality and variable standards and cleaning chores respectively). For stays of five days or more in one city, local housing Facebook groups often turn up short sublets at much better rates—with local friends included. Couchsurfing is free but demands more caution; work-exchange schemes (HelpX, Workaway, WWOOF) trade ~20–25 hours' work a week for room and board — a structured, sociable way to travel nearly free, if you vet hosts carefully and read reviews. Wherever you stay, check for bedbugs (inspect the mattress; keep luggage elevated)—Europe can have this problem, in shabby and fancy places alike.
Overall, being a member of Linacre College and the University of Oxford is an amazing opportunity and responsibility! Contact the academic office, your college advisor, or any welfare or relevant common room representative if you are in need of anything. We look forward to welcoming your contribution to our close community and wish you safe travels on your way to Oxford!