Important
Be sure to bring your passport and your OSAP acceptance letter with you when you travel. Border Agents will need to inspect both, the latter as confirmation of your acceptance for a programme of study in Britain. Make sure they are with you on your person (i.e. not in checked luggage) to present to the relevant customs officials.
When to Arrive
You should plan to arrive at the Oxford Study Abroad Programme office, which is located on the Third Floor of Chester House, 21-27 George Street, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm on the start date of your course. Your room will not be ready until this time. If you arrive in Oxford earlier, you will need to make your own arrangements. Please call our office in Oxford at +44 (0)1865 201132 if your travel plans will cause you to arrive later than this time. If you choose to arrive early we can recommend an inexpensive guesthouse.
UK Border Control
If you experience difficulty entering the UK, or if the Border Agent has specific questions of OSAP as your sponsor, please direct them to phone WISC/OSAP at 01865.201132. These contact details are also printed on the first page of your OSAP acceptance letter.
Arriving from London
If you are coming from city center London, you may wish to take a train from Paddington Station to Oxford, about an hour’s journey. A taxi can take you and your luggage from the Oxford station to the OSAP office. Remember to keep your taxi waiting since you will get your key and go directly to your house.
Arriving from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The Oxford Airline bus service to Oxford from Heathrow departs from Heathrow terminals 1-4 at the Central Bus Station, Bay 14A, and from Heathrow Terminal 5 at Bay 10. Please check which terminal you will be arriving in and be sure to have at least £50 cash for the ticket. Ask for a “period return” which will allow you to use the ticket again if you are flying out of Heathrow to return to your home at the end of the term.
The journey takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can also purchase tickets in advance, as well as find detailed timetables, via the website: http://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/
You should remain on the coach until the final stop at the Oxford bus station – called Gloucester Green (pronounced “Glawster”) – which is a block away from our office (see the map below).
Arriving from London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
The Oxford Airline bus service to Oxford from Gatwick departs from Gatwick North Terminal bus stands 4 and 5 in Furlong Way (which will be signposted), and from Gatwick South Terminal stands 1 and 2 in the inner lane of the coach station. Please check which terminal you will be arriving in, and be sure to have at least £50 cash for the ticket. Ask for a “period return,” which will allow you to use the ticket again if you are flying out of Gatwick to return to your home at the end of the term.
The journey takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can also purchase tickets in advance, as well as find detailed timetables, via the website: http://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/
You should remain on the coach until the final stop at the Oxford bus station – called Gloucester Green (pronounced “Glawster”) – which is a block away from our office (see the map below).
Map of Gloucester Green Bus Station and OSAP Offices
Can I check in before the arrival date listed on my acceptance letter?
No, due to the often busy schedule of cleaning after the last occupant of your room, it is unfortunately not possible to check-in early. If you are arriving in Oxford prior to your official check-in date, and are looking for accommodation, we suggest the following resources:
What if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the check-in time?
First, do not panic! International flights especially are frequently delayed, and everything always works out for our students. These simple steps will help ensure you’re taken care of, you move into your OSAP housing, and you join the Orientation program as soon as possible:
The OSAP Orientation Programme is intended as a swift introduction to Oxford academically, socially and culturally. You will be given information that will be of real use to you in academic and social life in Oxford. Several of the lecturers will tutor some of you this term. Please bring a pen and paper, as you will want to take a few notes. All meetings are in normal student dress (casual), unless otherwise noted; be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour. You will find an umbrella or raincoat useful.
Attendance at all orientation meetings is mandatory. The immigration regulations under which you were allowed to enter the UK require us to monitor your academic work and attendance.
How long is the Orientation Programme?
In contrast to the much shorter orientation programs offered by many overseas programs, the OSAP typically offers a 10-day orientation program for those students studying during the full-length terms (Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity), and a 3-5 day orientation program for our shorter summer sessions.
What will the Orientation Programme address?
Though not an exhaustive list, some of the topics covered in the Orientation Programme include:
In addition, students will participate in a welcome party, where they meet their fellow students and Oxford dons, a walking tour of Oxford, which helps to serve as an introduction to the geography and history of city centre, hear from an Oxford college librarian on how best to utilize the research opportunities in Oxford, attend a Bodleian Library induction, where they are formally admitted as members of the Oxford University library, an induction to their respective Oxford colleges, and a discussion sessions where current Oxford undergraduates form a student panel and answer any questions students might have. Visiting Students will also meet with their Oxford college’s Tutor for Visiting Students, and attend additional orientation sessions which introduce them to the additional benefits of Visiting Student status.
Importantly, during orientation each student will meet one-on-one with his or her academic advisor, during the tutor and tutorial arrangements are confirmed, and the avenues for help or assistance are clearly laid out.
The OSAP overseas program in Oxford hosts the largest number of students each year.
MORE INFO"I did not realize how much work I would actually be doing, but the tutors were not only friendly and helpful but really made me enjoy my work. I learned to really think for myself and could explore my own interests."
"I would say OSAP is better because there is more integration with British students and a better safety net. Plus, the housing is better."