St Edmund Hall Undergraduate Freshers’ Guide 2018

Welcome from the Principal

It is with very great pleasure that I welcome you to the Hall. We are all about to embark on a new University career together. Like you, I am new to the Hall. I am leaving Kew Gardens in London to join you – and you are leaving schools, 6th Form Colleges and other Universities (for the postgraduate community) to take the next steps in your academic career.

All of us at the Hall are delighted to be welcoming you to the College family. This is the beginning of an association that will last your lifetime – and you are the life and soul and will be in years to come, custodians of this incredible place; the buildings, the history and the people. Many have gone before us – and many will follow. We feel privileged to have you join this community and help us shape the life of this College.

The first term will have its ups and downs – but be assured that we respect and truly appreciate all the potential that you will bring to the College – in all aspects of work and life from academic prowess to music, drama and sport. We are here to support you and to help you realise your full potential. All we ask is that you fully embrace all that Oxford and the Hall has to offer and take forward the Hall spirit as the next generation of Aularians.

I am looking forward to meeting each of you individually soon in the Lodgings at welcoming events that will be run this term. Very best wishes Professor Katherine Willis Principal

2 Welcome from the Senior Tutor

Dear Fresher

You will have already received a letter from me in January of this year, offering you a place to study here. I am writing to you now as the Senior Tutor to congratulate you on your recent examination results and to welcome you to the College.

As Senior Tutor, my role is to oversee the academic activities of the College. I work with the Tutor for Undergraduates and the Academic Administrator & Registrar to ensure that there is appropriate academic and pastoral provision to allow students to study effectively. To do this, we monitor student progression and feedback each term.

While we will do our best to provide you with an academic environment in which you can flourish, you will need to do your part if you are to succeed. Your tutors will offer you advice and support, but you will need to take responsibility for your education. That means completing work to deadlines, submitting paperwork as requested and responding to e-mails in a timely fashion.

Oxford terms are short and the workload is challenging, but should be manageable. While there will be time for you to enjoy life away from your studies, academic matters must come first. Once you slip behind with your work, it will be almost impossible to catch up.

Make sure you communicate with the College: if you are unwell, struggling with the workload or stressed, talk to your tutor or to the welfare team. If you are unhappy with the teaching you are receiving talk to your tutor, or contact me.

I will be arranging brief meetings with you and the other students in your subject in the first few weeks of Michaelmas Term. This will be an opportunity for you to raise any concerns that you might have, and for me to explain in further detail our academic expectations of you during your time here.

In the meantime, please take note of the guidance provided by your tutor and the preparatory reading that they have suggested, and complete the pre-arrival work that they have set. In addition, I draw your attention to the University's guidance on academic practice, and particularly on plagiarism: www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills

Yours

Robert Wilkins Senior Tutor

3 Contents The Grey Book ...... 5

Arrival Information ...... 5

Registration and Joining the University ...... 6

Visa Information for International Students ...... 6

Family and Friends Day...... 7

Academic Information ...... 7

Fresher’s Week ...... 8

Living Arrangements ...... 8

College IT ...... 10

Finance and Fees ...... 11

Academic Dress and Dress Codes ...... 11

Health and Welfare ...... 14

Welcome from College Doctors ...... 14

Welcome from the College Nurse...... 15

Welcome from the JCR Welfare Officers ...... 19

Teddy Hall JCR Welfare Team and Peer Supporters ...... 20

The Junior Common Room (JCR) ...... 21

Development and Alumni Relations ...... 24

Further Questions? ...... 26

4 The Grey Book

The Grey Book is the name given to the College Regulations for students. When you sign your College contract, you will be undertaking to abide by the regulations in the Grey Book. Read it and get to know it. It will tell you everything you need to know about being a student at St Edmund Hall, from term dates and fees and charges through to academic arrangements and College policies on welfare and discipline.

The Grey Book can be found on Weblearn (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/S2xclZ)

Arrival Information

When should I arrive? You should arrive at St Edmund Hall on Tuesday 2 October, no later than 3pm.

EU and Overseas students may book to attend the University's Orientation Programme on Monday 1 October. If you are going to the Orientation Programme, you should arrive on Sunday 30 September.

How do I get to Oxford? Maps, directions and travel advice are available from the University website. If you are taking a bus from central London, or either Heathrow or Gatwick airport, ask the driver for the Queen's Lane bus stop on the High Street, immediately opposite the College.

Is there any parking near the College? Regrettably, no; parking is very limited in the historic city centre. Cars may be unloaded in Queen's Lane, directly outside the College but space is limited. To avoid attracting unwanted attention from traffic wardens, obtain a temporary unloading permit from the porters' lodge and do not park in the disabled bay unless authorised.

Where do I pick up my key? All students living in St Edmund Hall accommodation should collect their key from the porters' lodge at the main College site in Queen’s Lane, irrespective of which site they are living in. The lodge is staffed 24 hours a day, and provided you have told us when you plan to arrive (if out of normal office hours) they should have the key ready for you.

What is the address of my accommodation? All first-year undergraduates will be living on the main site at Queen’s Lane. Your post will be delivered to your pigeon-hole in the porters' lodge. Your address will be St Edmund Hall, Oxford, OX1 4AR: this is the address you should give to banks and all other official bodies.

I need to make return travel arrangements. When should I book my return ticket? Information about terms, weeks and dates is published in the Grey Book (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/S2xclZ). Undergraduates are expected to stay in residence until the last Saturday of term, which will be 1 December. You should not plan to leave College on the Friday because tutorials and classes may be arranged until 7pm.

Still have questions about your arrival? Email [email protected]

5 Registration and Joining the University

This page explains the steps you will take to become a member of the University of Oxford.

The University Card Form All students must complete the Card Form before they can be registered for access to University facilities, including learning resources and email. The Card Form is in the forms folder; return it to the College no later than 14 September so that you are not delayed in registering and gaining access to University facilities at the start of term.

Online registration When your University Card Form has been processed, you will be emailed your Oxford Single Sign-On (SSO) account details. Let us know if these haven't arrived by mid-September. Once you have your SSO, you will be prompted to complete the first step of registration online. You should do this before you come to Oxford.

College registration and your University Card College Office staff will help you complete your University registration during the compulsory College registration session in Freshers' Week.

You will be able to collect your University (or Bodleian) card at the College registration session. Your University Card is your pass to all the University libraries and certain departments. At St Edmund Hall, it also acts as a swipe card for meals and laundry.

If you have a student loan, it won't be paid into your account until we have completed your registration, so make sure you don't miss the session!

European and International students We are obliged by Home Office regulations to check your passports and visa before we can complete your registration. Please make sure you bring your documents for checking as directed on the Freshers' timetable.

Matriculation Matriculation is the traditional ceremony at which you will formally be admitted to the University. Attendance is compulsory and you will be required to wear full academic dress. It will take place on Saturday of 1st Week – 13th October 2018.

Still got questions about registration or matriculation? Email [email protected]

Visa Information for International Students

Overseas students (defined for these purposes as students from outside the EEA and Switzerland) are required to provide evidence that they are legally permitted to study in the UK. You must present your passport and visa to the College Office for checking and recording. You should do this at the beginning of the College Registration session in the afternoon of Tuesday of Freshers' Week.

Students on a Tier 4 Visa will be issued with their visa in two stages. You will receive a temporary visa sticker in your passport valid for 30 days from your intended travel date. On arrival in the UK, you will either need to visit the local Post Office or the Examination Schools building at the University to collect your full Tier 4 visa in the form of a biometric residence permit (BRP) card. The University's Student Immigration Team will send you more information about when the Examination Schools will be open for visa collection.

6 Please note that the College will not be able to register Tier 4 Visa-holders on the basis of your temporary visa sticker alone - you should therefore ensure that you have collected your BRP card before the College Registration session in the afternoon of Tuesday of Freshers' Week.

More information on student visas may be found on the University website. You can also contact [email protected] if you have further queries.

Induction events for European and international students Students from countries within and outside the EEA may also be interested in the University's welcome events for new European and International students.

Family and Friends Day

We would like to invite you to our ‘Family and Friends Day’, which will take place on Sunday 16 September 2018.

On this day, the college will be open for new students to visit. There is no formal programme; this is simply an opportunity for you to show your family and friends where you will be studying, and (where available) to view the room that has been allocated to you for your first year. During your time in Oxford you may also wish to visit one of the University outfitters to purchase a gown which you will need soon after you arrive in Oxford (see Academic Dress section on page 15). A buffet lunch will be available.

The College will be open from late morning, and lunch will be served in two sittings at 12 noon and 1pm. Exact times will be confirmed prior to arrival. You may bring up to 3 guests with you.

You will also receive your License Agreement from the Bursary. Please sign and return this during Family and Friends Day.

To attend, you will need to visit our website and register, telling us the number of guest tickets you require, whether you will be staying for lunch, and if so any special dietary requirements that you or your guests might have. The deadline for registering for the Friends and Family Day is 12 noon on Wednesday 5 September. Academic Information

Although academic work won't start in earnest until Monday 8 October (1st week), your tutor will arrange a meeting with you in Freshers' Week to plan work for the term ahead. You will also attend a talk from the Tutor for Undergraduates, and departmental and library inductions.

Preparing for your studies Tutors in all subjects have set preparatory exercises for you to complete before you arrive. You can find these in the preparatory work folder (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/9ZwBXJ). You should also make sure to read the

7 welcome from the Senior Tutor at the front of this guide, which sets out the College’s general academic expectations of you.

You may wish to take this opportunity to look at the University’s general study skills guidance. Your attention is particularly drawn to the section on plagiarism. Under the University’s regulations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence, and the College takes such cases very seriously.

Libraries The University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries group is one of the largest academic library services in the world. The College also has its own library, housed in the 12th Century church of St Peter-in-the-East. As well as providing additional copies of many of the texts you will need, the College Library is a beautiful and convenient place to work.

You will attend inductions for both the University Libraries and the College Library in Freshers’ Week. Fresher’s Week

Freshers’ Week is packed with a variety of events designed to help you settle into Oxford. There are official induction sessions into the College and your department. The Junior Common Room (JCR) also organises a number of social events.

Click here for the Induction Timetable https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/MIYTIV

Please note that this timetable is subject to change. A copy of the definitive version will be in your pigeon hole when you arrive in College.

Compulsory events are marked in bold on your timetable. You should prioritise attendance at these events. They have been scheduled to take place during times agreed within the University for College events, but if you also have a compulsory Faculty or departmental engagement at the time of one of these events, please let the Academic Administrator know. Make sure you check your email regularly and keep an eye on College noticeboards for details of important meetings. Living Arrangements

Your Room You will be living on the main site and a room has been reserved for you. For those attending the Family and Friends day, you will receive a copy of your License Agreement to sign; otherwise, the Accommodation Manager will email you a copy in late September.

Please note that your licence agreement will start from Thursday of 0th week but you are required to be in residence from Tuesday of 0th week during your first term and we will therefore bill you at the daily rate for any nights in residence before Thursday of 0th week.

8 Your room is fully furnished but you are expected to supply your own bed-linen, including a duvet (or blankets) and pillow(s). However, we can provide duvets and pillows for overseas students. Please ask the Accommodation Manager, [email protected], in advance.

Your room is available to you during University terms only and you will need to remove your belongings at the end of each term. Overseas students who have difficulty returning home in vacations may make special arrangements with the Bursary.

For further information about living in College, you can view the following video online: youtu.be/7F8ODAwk1ng

Electrical equipment Audio-visual equipment should be operated on a low volume only and not outside the Music Hours specified in the Grey Book (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/S2xclZ)

If you would like to bring a fridge, you will need to apply in writing to the Accommodation Manager. You will need to lodge an £80 deposit against disposal costs.

Kettles, toasters, rice kettles and irons are not permitted for reasons of compliance with fire regulations. The College provides these in pantries and laundries. Candles and incense are also not permitted in student rooms.

If you have a TV or will be streaming content, you will need a TV licence.

Any electrical equipment you bring to College must conform to UK safety standards. All appliances must bear the British Standards 'kite-mark' or equivalent and must either be new, or have been PAT-tested. The UK electric supply is 240 volts and plugs are three-square-pin.

Meals Your fees include accommodation, 50 dinners per term and £25 towards lunches and any meals out of term not covered by the standard dinner charge. Meals are provided in the Wolfson Hall. Admission for all meals is by presenting your University Card.

You may want to top-up your University card with extra money. Find out how to do this here. There are two separate accounts for meals running through your University card. The first is the 'cash account' which you will usually top up to pay for lunches and the second is the 'meal credits account' which you will usually top up for breakfast and additional dinners. Please note that no refunds will be given for either the pre-loaded £25 or dinner credits or cash that remains on your card at the end of your time at the Hall.

Laundry There is a laundry on each site. Payment for laundry is through a prepayment top up card system.

Insurance The College insurance policy only covers loss due to fire and flood. It does not cover your personal possessions against theft and you must make your own provision for your belongings.

Regrettably, thefts are quite frequent in Oxford and some have occurred in College, usually as a result of rooms being carelessly left unlocked or property unguarded in a public place. You must be very security-conscious. Never leave your room unlocked, even for a minute. Remember this especially on the day you arrive: thieves know the dates on which students arrive, and take advantage of the general chaos to help themselves. It has been known for thefts to occur while students are going back and forth ferrying their belongings from their cars to their rooms. It is also important that you ensure that the boot and doors of your car are locked at these times.

9 Can I have a car? Although we don't have rules about ownership of cars, motorbikes etc., they are more of a liability than an asset in this congested city. The College has no parking available and parking permits are very restricted.

Bicycles Most people find cycling the easiest way to get around Oxford. Advice on cycling in Oxford

All bicycles must be registered with the Porters' Lodge soon after arrival. Only one bicycle per student is permitted. Any

unregistered bicycles will be removed from the College.

College IT

WiFI/Internet Your College username/password will grant you access to the SEH Students WiFi.

Please note that your Internet access is monitored. Downloading of illegal material (such as copyrighted films or music that you have not paid for) is strictly prohibited and, if caught, will be fined at £110/offence.

Printing You can either print from any of the onsite computers at St Edmund Hall, or you can log on to http://printing.seh.ox.ac.uk from your own computer. From here you can check your printing charges and submit to the JCR, MCR, Library or NSE printers.

Paper is available from the Lodge.

Computers There are computers available for you to use in the JCR Computer Room (in the Besse building). Your username/password will be emailed to you shortly before you arrive.

Please note: it is important that you do not share these details with anyone. It is used to track who had access and made changes to specific information. You are responsible for everything done on the system using your username and password.

If you bring a computer, you are strongly advised to specify it as a separate item on your insurance. You should make sure to back up your work regularly, and do not leave laptops unattended.

Connection to the College network is via a wireless or an ethernet port. Do not bring a router/modem yourself. Please note that most of the College is afforded with good WiFi coverage, but there are a small number of ‘black spots’. You will need to plug in to the ethernet network in these locations. All computers without wireless capabilities require an RJ-45 network port to connect to the network. If you do not have one, we can provide you with an adaptor for temporary use.

Students connecting their computer to the College network should install and regularly update anti-virus software. Sophos anti-virus software is available for free from the University Computing Services.

Please remember that the illegal downloading of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. Monitoring systems exist, and if you are caught illegally downloading content, you will be charged £110 per offence. 10 Finance and Fees

Money matters can seem daunting when you go to University. This Student Finance Guide explains everything you need to know about tuition fee rates, how and when to pay College bills ('battels'), and the support available to you from the College and University. Please read it carefully.

All students are liable for tuition fees and the Finance Guide sets out the different tuition fee rates. Please note that a college fee is payable by Overseas undergraduates.

The deadline for payment of your tuition fees is Friday of 1st week (12 October). Full instructions on payment options.

Please contact the Assistant Accountant (Fees) if you have any queries: [email protected] or (01865) 279042.

Bank accounts If you don't already have a bank account in the UK, it is essential that you open one. Overseas students should start making preparations before they leave for the UK: large banks usually let you begin the application procedure online.

Information regarding money matters for overseas students will be shared at the University’s Orientation Programme. We also have a bank guide for you to view online which contains further information, including a step- by-step guide on setting up an account and common terms for bank accounts in the UK.

Financial Guide for Undergraduates

Further information about finances can be found in the guide here (https://weblearn.ox.ac.uk/x/9Oe6gJ). Academic Dress and Dress Codes

Full academic dress at Oxford is known as 'sub-fusc' It consists of the appropriate gown (the University outfitters will advise), a mortar board or soft-cap, and your preferred items from: 1. One of  Dark suit with dark socks, or  Dark skirt with black tights or stockings, or  Dark trousers with dark socks 2. Dark coat if required 3. Black shoes 4. Plain white collared shirt or blouse 5. White bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or black ribbon.

Students serving in H.M. Forces are permitted to wear uniform together with a gown.

The first time you will need to wear full sub-fusc is at Matriculation on Saturday of 1st week. You probably won't wear full sub-fusc again until your exams but you will wear your gown at some formal dinners and formal academic appointments, such as meetings with the Principal. Gowns are not worn to Freshers' Dinner.

11 Dress Codes The below guide has been created by the MCR to help you better understand different dress codes.

I’m going to [X], and it says the dress code is [Y]. What does [Y] mean?

You’ll quite often get invited to things where there is a dress code in Oxford. Knowing what to wear can be a nightmare, so here’s a guide:

Casual You can wear what you like (within reason). Jeans and trainers are acceptable.

Smart Collared shirt, smart trousers Smart top or blouse, jacket or casual (avoid wearing jeans if possible), cardigan if you like, smart black or brown shoes (avoid trousers/skirt to match jacket and OR trainers if possible), and a jacket tidy shoes or boots (avoid trainers if or plain jumper if you like. A tie possible). is not necessary.

Lounge suit A dark suit (with matching jacket Cocktail dress (length just above the or Smart and trousers), collared shirt and OR knee to just above the ankle). tie (but not bow tie), black shoes required.

Black tie Black tuxedo (silk or satin lapels A long flowing dress or cocktail and ribbon seam on the outside OR dress, typically more elegant than of the trouser legs to match worn for a lounge suit dress code. At jacket), white dress shirt with balls a long ball gown is appropriate. cuff links, black silk or satin bow tie, and black shoes. A waistcoat

or cummerbund is optional. Formal national dress is also acceptable.

White tie White cotton pique bow tie, OR A long ball gown reaching at least black jacket with tails, dress shirt the ankles or the ground. with cuffs and winged collar, black trousers with two satin seams along the outside trouser legs, white waistcoat, white silk handkerchief and black shoes. A black top hat and white gloves are optional. Formal national dress is also appropriate.

12 There are a number of University outfitters in Oxford: Castells, Ede & Ravenscroft, Walters, Shepherd & Woodward, and

13 the Oxford University Shop. By including these reproductions of their promotional material, we are not endorsing one supplier over the others. Health and Welfare

Students’ health and welfare needs are supported by several members of the welfare team: information from some of these is included in this section. You can also find more information about Health and Welfare through the College website (https://www.seh.ox.ac.uk/students/health-and-welfare-current-students). Welcome from College Doctors

SUMMERTOWN GROUP PRACTICE

Dr Penny Moore SUMMERTOWN HEALTH CENTRE Dr Siobhan Becker 160 BANBURY RD Dr Matthew Cheetham OXFORD Dr Kyle Knox OX2 7BS Dr Lorna Monteith Tel 01865 515552 Fax: 01865 311237

Dear Student

We are writing to welcome you to Oxford and to introduce ourselves to you as your College Doctors. St Edmund Hall has appointed Summertown Group Practice to provide health care for you while you are at college.

To register with Summertown Group Practice please complete our on-line registration form which you can find at https://www.summertowngp.co.uk/college-information/st-edmund-hall/st-edmund-hall-registration/. Once you have completed the form if you click submit your registration will be sent direct to our health centre.

If you are unable to use the on-line registration then please print off and complete the GMS1 form, health questionnaire, and summary care record form. You will find these at www.summertowngp.co.uk/college- information/st-edmund-hall. It is important you put your NHS number (if you have one) on this form and please put your home address as your previous address. Once you have completed the three documents please return them by email to [email protected] or by post to the address at top of this letter.

During term time we offer surgeries at the college, you can also be seen at Summertown Health Centre. If you need to see a doctor whilst you are at home, you should go to your home GP and register as a temporary patient.

Our services are strictly confidential. While we have a link to your college, we do not discuss your medical issues with anyone in the college, your friends or your family unless you ask us to do so.

All students who are studying in the UK for longer than six months duration are entitled to register with the NHS. This is a Government-funded service, paid for by British tax-payers. Please go to www.nhs.uk for more information. As a patient, you generally access the NHS through your GP. In the UK you cannot consult a medical specialist without going through the GP first.

If you are from abroad and have a pre-existing health condition, we request that you bring copies of your medical records and diagnoses with you to help us to help you, and to file a copy in your medical records here.

14 We have a comprehensive website at www.summertownhealthcentre.co.uk where you can find out about the services we offer and surgery times. If you have any queries then our reception staff will be very happy to help you. Registering with the Practice is IMPORTANT for both your assurance and the College.

We wish you good luck with your studies in Oxford. Best wishes from the team at Summertown Group Practice Welcome from the College Nurse

Dear Fresher,

My name is Clare Woolcott and I work at St Edmund Hall as the College Nurse and also as one of the Senior Welfare Officers.

As regards medical matters I can give advice on treating common ailments, dressings, removing stitches, and general advice on diet, lifestyle and stress. I can also act as a first point of contact for other problems such as Anxiety and Depression, Eating Disorders, Homesickness and Bereavement. The Oxford University Counselling Service (01865 270300) is also available to you. I work closely with the Doctor who comes into college on a Tuesday morning from 08.30 – 10.30.

I offer a strictly confidential service. I will not share any information without your permission unless in extreme circumstances, and I would always discuss disclosure with you first.

Please do contact me if you have any concerns or worries that I may be able to help you with. For other medical matters please ring the College Doctors, Summertown Medical Centre, (01865 515552, day or night), or dial 111, for help and advice or 999 for an ambulance.

I recommend keeping a small first aid kit in your room consisting of some analgesia such as paracetamol and a thermometer. If you do have any food allergies, please do make me and the college aware.

The college dentist is Studental (www.studental.co.uk or 01865 484608) which is based at Oxford Brookes University.

Above all I welcome you all to Oxford and wish you all a happy and successful time during your studies.

Best wishes, My hours

Monday 13:00-16:00 Tuesday 11:00-12:00 Clare Woolcott Wednesday 13:00-16:00 Staircase VI, Welfare Suite (Front Quad) Thursday 8:00-12:00 [email protected] Friday 8:00-12:00

01865 279063

15

16

17

18 Welcome from the JCR Welfare Officers

Hey Freshers!

We’re your JCR Welfare Officers, we’re writing to introduce ourselves and explain what we do. The JCR (the undergraduates at Teddy Hall) elects a committee to represent and serve it in various areas. We are your Welfare Officers.

Our job is to be there as a source of support; with our team of Peer Supporters, to provide certain services and resources, and to represent the JCR's interests regarding welfare to relevant College authorities.

Peer Supporters are students who have been given 30 hours of specific training so they are available to talk, listen and offer support regarding any issues you have while you are here, and can also advise you on the avenues of help available. We have an excellent team of Peer Supporters at Teddy Hall and we are also paired with the Peer Supporters at Mansfield College so if you ever want to talk to someone from outside of Teddy hall don’t hesitate to get in touch with them. Our particular message to you is that you should feel free to contact one of us, or one of our Peer Supporters with any questions or concerns you might have relating to your welfare. Freshers’ week and the following few weeks are hectic and can be stressful but there is a large welfare support network in place.

Always feel free to contact us, both before and after term starts, either by email ([email protected] and [email protected]), on Facebook, or grab us around college, or Will lives in the welfare officers room in Emden 3.1 (Just up the stairs from the JCR) feel free to knock anytime.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Teddy Hall in October!

Your welfare officers,

Will Ainsworth and Katie Dent

19 Teddy Hall JCR Welfare Team and Peer Supporters

Will Ainsworth Katie Dent Simon Upton (Male Welfare Officer) (Female Welfare Officer) (Gender and Sexual Diversity Officer) 2nd Year Maths 2nd Year English 1st Year PPE

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07762438425 07443416889 07825266626 Sophie Dangerfield Jo Male Jeremy Steed 2nd Year PPE 2nd Year Earth Science 2nd Year Materials Science

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07443945681 07837012526 07581148059 Molly Ross Johanna von Kietzell 2nd Year French 3rd Year French and German

[email protected] [email protected] 07786607507 07786607507

Mansfield Peer Supporters Codie Wood Jack Sagar Olivia Turpin 1st Year Maths 1st Year Philosophy and Theology 1st Year Human Sciences

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07513034353 07496119436 07492505705 20 The Junior Common Room (JCR)

Congrats on finishing exams and on getting in! My name is Will Mason and I am the JCR President for 2018. On behalf of the JCR it is my pleasure to welcome you to what is - objectively speaking - the best college in Oxford. If there’s ever any issue you feel needs to be raised, or any problem you think the JCR should be addressing, please don’t hesitate to bring it up with me or any member of the Committee. After all, Teddy Hall is your college and our mission is to make the Hall a place where everyone can feel comfortable and at home.

I hope you are all excited about coming to join the Hall this October to meet new friends and start your uni life. That being said, coming to uni can sometimes feel a touch scary. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there and felt the same way. Fortunately, Teddy Hall is a very welcoming community and even if it might seem daunting to move away from home, we are here to ensure that your arrival goes as smoothly as possible. Hopefully the resources covered in this letter will help you to understand the community at Teddy and to know what to expect when you arrive.

The first thing you need to know is that, upon joining the college, you automatically become part of the Junior Common Room (JCR). This is the College’s students’ union and is made up of all the undergraduates at Teddy Hall. The JCR Committee is group of students elected each year to make sure that life at the Hall runs smoothly and everyone is happy. The Committee is in charge of coordinating college wide social activities (like fancy dress parties, movie nights or barbecues, to name a few), but also organising the Hall’s charity efforts and providing welfare support to all undergraduates at the Hall. If you want to speak to someone before term starts, the JCR Committee are happy to help – you can find all our contact details on our website, www.teddyhall.weebly.com. Otherwise, we’re very easy to find in college and you will be hearing from us probably more often than you’d like.

If you visit the Freshers section of the JCR website, you’ll find two guides written by current students – one is ‘the Essentials’ which covers all the more boring stuff about how your keys, bills, laundry and university cards work, and will probably become your parents’ favorite thing to read from now until October. The other is a much more interesting guide called ‘Bear Necessities’, which includes welcome letters from sports teams and societies, an unofficial glossary of Oxford terminology, and subject reports from current Hall second years. Here is where you’ll start to get more of a feel for the college and your subject. Finally, whenever you can, try to join the JCR Facebook group ‘St. Edmund Hall Freshers 2018’. This is a forum where all important notices and events get posted so it will help you stay informed and keep up with the rush of events happening during Freshers.

One of your first points of contact with the Hall will be your ‘college parents’, a pair of second years you are assigned to who will be able to help you with any questions you might have and will invite you over for dinner at their house one night in Freshers’ Week. One of your parents will be in your subject, so they can provide subject specific guidance and will be able to offer useful tips and tricks on how best to navigate your degree. You should be receiving an email from them before you arrive and I highly encourage you to get to know them and ask them any questions you might have.

21 As I said, coming to uni can be daunting, and even though everyone settles in eventually, if ever you need someone to talk to there are plenty of people around. Peer supporters are fellow students who have been trained to support you with any problems you may have and advise you on the avenues of help available. We also have a college nurse and a chaplain who are in charge of welfare and are two of the loveliest people you’ll meet. They can help with any welfare issues you may have.

It’s going to be a lot to take in but don’t worry, nobody expects you to get it right instantly (especially not your tutors). Always remember that if ever you need help, all you have to do is ask. You're about to enter the most loving and sociable college so there's no doubt you'll find yourself friends for life - all that is left is for you to get here and meet them!

If you have any questions at all before the start of term, please don’t hesitate to contact me, no matter how trivial you think the question is. You can either email me at [email protected] or drop me a message on Facebook.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and savour every minute of your time at the Hall because it truly is a wonderful place.

Will Mason JCR President 2018

22

23 Development and Alumni Relations

24

25 Further Questions?

Elaine Scott – [email protected] For any questions about fees and bills

Belinda Huse – [email protected] For any questions about College accommodation or collecting keys

Lynne Morley-Johnson – [email protected] For any questions about meals, laundry or other aspects of living at St Edmund Hall

Luke Bradshaw, Melody Njoki, Blanche Delany and Penelope Alden – [email protected] For questions about returning your forms, Freshers' Week, registration and matriculation, academic matters and anything else you can think of!

26