While in Oxford, we can arrange for you to live in college or with a local host. Either of these options has advantages and the best choice for you will depend on your own particular circumstances – as well as the availability.
Living in college
St. Clare’s has 5 large residential houses exclusively for students aged 18+:
- all houses are supervised by a resident House Manager
- houses are located either within 15 minutes’ walk or a short bus ride away
- you can return to the house when you wish, but we expect you to observe the house rules, which protect the privacy, security and welfare of all residents
- all houses are non-smoking
- sheets, duvets and towels are provided and for personal laundry, there is a launderette on site
For many students the best way to really engage with the international experience is to live in one of our residences.
There are four options according to your needs and the availability: single superior, twin superior, single standard or twin standard. Lunch is available in college weekdays and self-catering facilities are available in college residences.
The advantages of living in college are:
- you live with other students as part of the St. Clare’s international community
- you choose a shared room or a single room
- you choose a shared or a private bathroom
- you can cook your own meals at breakfast and dinner in the kitchens provided
- you can meet your friends for lunch in the college dining room
- you become more independent as you make the transition from ‘living at home’ to ‘living in college’
Living in homestay
For other students the best way to learn about life in Oxford is to live in a private home with one of our experienced ‘host parents’. There are two options according to your needs and the availability:
single standard or
single superior both with breakfast and dinner 7 days a week.
The advantages of living with a ‘host parent’ are:
- you immerse yourself in the English culture and learn about the country from people who live here
- you practise your language skills in everyday social situations and interact with local people as you travel to and from college every day by bus, by bike or on foot
- you get a taste of home cooking in the evenings and sit together in the evenings to chat about your day
- you can meet your friends for lunch in the college dining room
- you benefit from a single room with your own private space in a private home
Meals at St. Clare’s
Students can choose to have all meals provided at the college or to have self-catering accommodation with a private or shared kitchen:
- meals are served in one of the college dining rooms at lunchtime
- we provide a healthy and nutritional choice of meals
- there is a wide range of hot and cold choices, including vegetarian options
- self-catering students are encouraged to buy lunch at the college