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1953-2003 - 50 Years of Promoting International Education & Understanding

 

Students who have already been accepted on the programme will find these pages useful.

Getting ready
By deciding to participate in a Study Abroad programme, you are choosing the way in which you will encounter and experience a different culture. At St. Clare's you will translate involvement in a local community into international experience and global understanding.

Forms to be returned

  • Medical Form (required)
  • Student Covenant (required)
  • Computer Users' Contract (required)
  • Trips Booking Form (optional)
  • Airport Pick-up (optional)

Please send us two passport-sized photos in advance.

Course Fees Payment of Fees and Deposits Refunds, Withdrawals and Cancellations

Things to Bring Checklist

  • Passport and a photocopy of the information page
  • Visa (if required for programme)
  • International Student Identity Card
  • Photocopy of your Birth Certificate
  • Letter of Acceptance (bring in hand luggage)
  • Study Certificate (bring in hand luggage)

Passports
If you are studying on an overseas programme, you will need a valid passport. Obtaining a passport is your responsibility. It generally takes two to three weeks to process a passport application, but please be aware that the process may take longer, especially during peak travel times.

Once you receive your passport, make three photocopies of the information page. One copy will be for you to carry separately, in case your passport is lost or stolen. Give the second copy to the Liberal Arts office on arrival for your file. Finally, leave the third copy at home with your family. In the event of your passport being stolen or lost, it will be much easier to obtain a replacement with this information. A photocopy of your birth certificate is also useful to have under these circumstances. Back to top of page

Visas
A visa is written permission to visit a country granted by the government of that country. Important: If you are travelling on a passport other than a US passport, you should check with the nearest British embassy or consulate to determine whether a visa will be required. You must have your passport before you can apply for your visa. The web site of the British Embassy in the United States is http://www.britainusa.com/consular/embassy/embassy.asp

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card permits you to obtain discounts at many museums and galleries, to some cultural/performing arts events, and most importantly, to receive discounts on airline tickets to and from your destination. Back to top of page

Luggage and Packing

  • Selecting your luggage
    Take only bags that are light, easy to carry, and sturdy. If you are buying luggage for this journey, choose bags that are soft-sided and made of heavy-grade nylon or similar material. If your luggage does not have wheels, you might want to buy a small luggage carrier. The most useful set of luggage might include one large suitcase, one smaller bag or backpack, and one shoulder-type bag.
  • Packing
    Remember to pack with the realisation that you will be carrying these bags around with you when you get off the plane and you will be carrying them if you travel after the programme. Keep in mind that storage space is limited, so keep packed luggage to a minimum. Be sure to lock all luggage, and do not pack valuables (cameras, money, jewellery, items with sentimental value, etc.) in checked baggage.
  • Luggage Restrictions
    All airlines have restrictions on the size, weight, and number of luggage items that you can take without incurring additional, and significant, expense. Most airlines allow two checked pieces of luggage and one small carryon piece, which will be placed under the seat or in the overhead locker. Check with your airline for specific information on luggage restrictions.
  • Airline Security
    Remember that airline security is very strict. Make sure that you read your airline security information and pack your luggage carefully. Avoid packing items (such as knives, scissors, electrical items, etc.) which might be confiscated at check in.
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Determine your budget for the semester
You (and your parents) will find it helpful if you put together an estimated budget for your semester. Your fees include tuition and housing, but usually not meals as most Liberal Arts students opt for self catering accommodation. Remember to put aside additional money to cover personal expenses, stationery and some textbooks.

Currency
The currency in the UK is called the Pound Sterling (100 pennies = £1). Consult your local bank or the Internet for up to date rates of exchange.

Books
While the Academic Resources Centre at St Clare's has substantial holdings covering all of your courses, you will be required to purchase some essential course books. For some subjects there will be one textbook, for others there will be two or three, and for others none at all. The total expenditure should not exceed $150.

Meals/groceries
You can expect to spend considerably more in the beginning as you adjust to the currency, take your time to find the good shops, restaurants, etc. You can eat in cheaply - say for £30 you can buy all your groceries each week. However, you will probably want to eat out from time to time and this costs anything from £6-20. Back to top of page

Socialising
This obviously varies from person to person, depending on how frequently you want to go out. You can expect to pay £5 to go out to a film, £5 to get into a club, £3/£4 for a lunchtime sandwich, £1.50 for a decent cappuccino.

Travel
A weekend away out of the country will cost on average £300 - though there are subsidised College trips which will work out much cheaper. London is just 50 miles from Oxford so you will have very easy access to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe for a return bus fare of just £7.

You may also wish to purchase a bus pass for travel throughout the city (students living at Hampden Manor are automatically provided with one). Unlimited travel costs about £9.00 per week, with better deals for monthly or three-monthly passes.

Stationery/photographic film
While you don't want to load yourself down unnecessarily these items are far cheaper in the US. A roll of film costs about £5, a writing pad about £1.50.

Miscellaneous
Increasingly students are using mobile phones (cellphones) while in England. They cost about £30, and there are pay-as-you-go deals where you buy a certain amount of credit for outgoing calls and incoming calls are free. People find this a good way to keep in touch with each other and home.

Clothes and CDs are much more expensive in the UK than in the US.

Women's haircuts cost about £30 in a reasonably good salon, men's haircuts cost about £10.

We also recommend that you put a few hundred pounds to one side in case of emergencies, or for those items you just can't leave behind on a shopping trip. Back to top of page


Health issues
Visit your doctor
You are required to have your doctor complete a medical questionnaire which we ask that you send to us in advance of your arrival. For your safety and well being, it is vital that you inform us of any physical, emotional, or psychological difficulties or special needs you may have. On the other hand, if you are simply nervous about experiencing a different culture, do not worry. You are not alone. Call the Liberal Arts office to talk about your concerns.

Obtain copies of your prescriptions
You should bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you may need and for glasses or contact lenses. We recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever you may need while abroad. Any medications you bring should be in the original, properly labelled containers. It is advisable to get a letter from your doctor to verify that the medication is for you and is for a specific condition. This should avoid any difficulties in Customs when you arrive. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra pair/lenses in case you damage or lose your original pair. Back to top of page

Health services
Students studying in the UK for longer than 6 months are eligible for free National Health Service (NHS) treatment. All students receive free emergency treatment. If you have enrolled on a course for longer than 8 weeks, we will arrange for you to register with a doctor at the Banbury Road Medical Centre, which is near the Banbury Road campus. The health centre charges £25.00 for a consultation with a doctor and an additional £8 if he writes a prescription. If you need medicine the doctor will give you a prescription which you need to take to a chemist. You have to pay for the medicines and £6.20 for each prescription.

St. Clare's also has a nurse who runs a surgery every weekday during the academic year and the summer months.

If you are from a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) and studying at St. Clare's for less than 6 months, you will need to bring the E128 form with you from your own country. You must produce an E128 form or passport to obtain medical treatment and to claim back any medical expenses which you have had to pay whilst you are here.

St. Clare's Travel Insurance
The Travel Insurance Fee, which is mandatory, includes insurance cover for travel directly to and from St. Clare's and whilst at St. Clare's, including mid-semester breaks. The cover for the journey to and from is limited to 48 hours in each direction. There is no cover for the Christmas and Easter breaks other than the journeys to and from St. Clare's. It covers trips organised by St. Clare's, including those involving outdoor activity pursuits in the UK. For full details of the extent of the cover and the exclusions see the Certificate of Insurance, the Summary of Cover and the Frequently Asked Questions document, which are available from Admissions.

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