Exeter College's Middle Common Room, a student-run association, takes responsibility for this publication and its contents. This publication may not reflect Exeter College's official positions, which can be found in the College's official publications and web pages (www.exeter.ox.ac.uk). Contents WELCOME! ........................................................................................................................................... 3 ABOUT EXETER ....................................................................................................................................... 4 BEFORE YOU ARRIVE ................................................................................................................................ 5 VACCINATIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 5 BORDER CROSSING ........................................................................................................................................... 5 MONEY ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 TRANSPORT TO OXFORD ................................................................................................................................... 5 ACCOMMODATION .......................................................................................................................................... 8 CLOTHES ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 UPON ARRIVAL ...................................................................................................................................... 13 GETTING YOUR BOD CARD ............................................................................................................................... 13 ACTIVATING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET...................................................................... 13 REGISTER WITH THE POLICE .............................................................................................................................. 14 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT ............................................................................................................................. 14 STUDENT INSURANCE ..................................................................................................................................... 15 COLLEGE “PARENTS” ...................................................................................................................................... 15 UNIVERSITY FRESHERS’ FAIR ............................................................................................................................. 15 COLLEGE FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................ 17 SPORTS FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................................... 20 EXETER HOUSE FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................ 21 PRACTICALITIES ...................................................................................................................................... 21 BIKES .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 TAXIS AND BUSES .......................................................................................................................................... 22 MOBILE PHONES ........................................................................................................................................... 23 SHOPPING ................................................................................................................................................... 24 MEDICAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 25 MENTAL HEALTH AND WELFARE ....................................................................................................................... 28 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 30 GRADUATION ........................................................................................................................................ 31 RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE MCR ............................................................................................................. 33 WHAT WE’D WISH WE’D KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO OXFORD................................................................................. 37 FAQ ................................................................................................................................................... 37 WHAT DO I DO IF I’VE LOST MY BOD CARD OR KEYS? .............................................................................................. 37 HOW DO I GET FORMS SIGNED BY COLLEGE?......................................................................................................... 38 CONTACT INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 39 GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................................................ 41 2 Welcome! Dear Exonian, Congratulations on becoming a member of the best college at the University of Oxford! After filling out lengthy applications, waiting patiently for recommendation letters, and heroically dealing with administrative beasts, you have made it to the magical and timeless city of Oxford—the fun will begin shortly. Oxford is a place like no other. To make your transition as easy as possible, we have compiled a guide that contains useful information on topics ranging from the bizarre costumes you will have to don for exams to whom you should contact should you lose your key or bod card (and what a bod card is). The guide outlines all the resources available to you and serves as an excellent first point of reference. Your experiences will all be very different, but the outcome will be the same: you will have one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You will be humbled by the talented and kind people that you meet, absorb more information than you thought possible, and be charmed by the eccentricities of a college that is over 700 years old and located in the center of an even older city. Come by the MCR as soon as you get the chance so that you can meet your fellow Exonians and participate in the many events that our wonderful Executive Committee has organised for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have throughout the year. See you around! Kate MCR Freshers Rep [email protected] 3 About Exeter Exeter is Oxford’s fourth oldest College, having been founded in 1314 by Walter de Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter.1 It was originally a place where clergymen from the West Country could come to be educated. Sir William Petre donated a substantial sum of money in the 16th century so that the College could be expanded, which is why our MCR is officially called the ‘William Petre Society’. Our oldest building is Palmer’s Tower, which dates to 1432, and it was originally used as the entrance to the College. The current Lodge dates back to 1701, the Hall is from 1618, and the library and chapel are both from the mid-19th century. As a member of Exeter College, you will join 700 years’ worth of students who have come before you. Some of our most famous alumni are J.R.R. Tolkien, Philip Pullman, Martin Amis, Sir Roger Bannister, E.E. Evans-Pritchard, Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris, Reeta Chakrabarti, Alan Bennett, Imogen Stubbs, Will Self, and Richard Burton. Exeter is widely considered one of Oxford’s friendliest Colleges, and our size makes it easy to meet people and get involved. We’re also located in the very centre of Oxford, and the view from the Mound in the Fellows’ Garden, overlooking Radcliffe Square, is definitely one of the best in Oxford. 1 Fun (?) fact about Walter de Stapledon: he was incredibly unpopular because of his affiliation with King Edward II, and was eventually killed by an angry mob that lopped off his head with a bread knife. Ouch. 4 Before you arrive Vaccinations Two important vaccines for people coming to the UK are MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and Meningitis ACWY. In line with national policy, the University recommends that two MMR vaccinations (this does not include the MR vaccine) are received before arrival; they can be received a month apart. Similarly, it is national policy that any unvaccinated individual attending university, irrespective of age, should be immunised with the Meningitis ACWY vaccine before they enrol or as soon as possible thereafter. Arrangements have been made by the College for vaccinations during Freshers’ week. Please refer to the information and timetable available on the Freshers’ Weblearn site, which can be accessed via the link sent from the Academic Office. Further information about vaccinations can be obtained from