Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay
Settling into Oxford is no easy feat and the time it takes varies per person. My best advice is not to get discouraged if you see others around you finding their niche before you, and to explore the opportunities, experiences, and communities that Oxford has to offer.
As an international student, the UK might be unfamiliar and we've prepared some resources to help you start out:
The International Rep is in charge of assisting with storage boxes, so when it comes time to store your items away for the holidays, you can expect to find free plastic ones sitting in the JCR.
Oxford has hundreds of societies, from rowing and theatre to tea appreciation. Joining one is one of the easiest ways to meet people with similar interests, especially outside your subject. Don’t worry about being new as societies are nothing but welcoming, especially to students unfamiliar with the society, allowing them to learn while having fun! It’s a great way to make friends and engage in college life outside academics.
Hugh's and the wider University run plenty of events specifically for international students, including socials, film nights, and cultural exchanges. These are designed to help you connect with others who understand what it’s like to move countries, adapt to new systems, and miss home.
There are also a plethora of specific regional societies, such as French Society, German Society, Italian Society, Turkey Society, Asia-Pacific Society (APS), Malaysia and Singapore Students' Association (OUMSSA), Hong Kong Society, Tamil Society, India Society, Balkan Society, Latin American Society and much more! Many of these societies will have their own social media (usually on Instagram) to check out, and often host special events celebrating cultural festivals as well as regular socials to meet with other people from your home region. Keep an eye out for large events such as EuroNight, Oktoberfest, Lunar New Year, or Dipavali!!
Oxford isn’t just libraries and gowns! Take the time to explore cafes, markets, museums, and green spaces like Port Meadow or Christ Church Meadows. Go punting, visit the Ashmolean, or find your favourite study spot. Getting to know the city makes Oxford feel less like a tourist attraction and more like home.
Oxford has a strong welfare and support structure, so make full use of it. Tutors, welfare reps, and peer supporters are there help with any challenges you might face, whether it’s adjusting to the workload, feeling homesick, or managing stress. You never have to handle things alone here, and asking for help is a normal part of Oxford life.
It’s easy to feel torn between worlds when you're starting out. Keep in touch with friends and family back home while give yourself space to build your own life here. To ground myself, I find myself cooking my mum's recipies with friends, decorating my room with familiar things, and finding small rituals that made Oxford familiar.
Oxford can seem confusing at first: "What’s a “formal? Why are there so many gowns?" are questions you will be asking. But nobody expects you to know everything straight away, so feel free to ask your tutors, reps, or friends. People are always happy to explain, free of judgement having been in the same position only a few years ago.
You can check out further information about studying in Oxford/the UK as an international student here:
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https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students (for applicants)
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https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/new/international (for current students)
Visas
As the UK transitions to an e-Visa system and phases out the old tier-4 BRP card, it's important to stay aware of any updates this might lead to changes in registration requirements for essential services.
UK Phone Numbers
Most airports will have SIM card shops, although increasingly people rely on e-SIMs. There are several: pay-as-you-go sim cards can be bought with cash and the plans are topped up every month by buying vouchers at stores (usually Boots or WH Smith). However, if you prefer a monthly contract, you can only pay by direct debit from a UK bank account (see below).
All of the UK's mobile services run on four networks operated by the big four UK mobile networks: O2, Vodafone, Three and EE. It seems that EE has the best connection in Hugh's but maybe I'm biased and this isn't officially verified.
Registering for healthcare (the NHS):
As an international student, you will pay for insurance as part of the application fee for your visa to be eligible for free healthcare under the NHS. Take a look at this guide.
As a St Hugh's student, you'll register with the Summertown Health Centre GP (160 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7BS - about a 10 minute walk up north). More information on how to register and a specific form will be sent out by College at the start of the year.
Bank Accounts
Some banks have specific information or accounts for international students in the UK, including HSBC,Halifax and Lloyds Bank. Registering for a bank account will require evidence such as a proof of enrolment (a letter is provided by the University) and a confirmed UK address (your debit card and pin number will be sent to you via post so this is especially important!!).
Be aware that it may take a few weeks to get your bank account fully set up, so do prepare in advance of term time - most of the process takes place online. Phone and mobile banking will also require a UK phone number (see above).
Check out these useful pages from KCL or Cambridge which explain the process.