Useful Information for New Postgraduates
On this page you will find some useful information from the College, the Hulme Common Room (HCR – postgraduate student body), the University, and others. Please also check the Next Steps and Dates and Events pages for other information about your arrival at Brasenose.
Please note: the information on this page is likely to be updated as the start of term approaches, so please ensure you check it regularly.
Information from College
Welcome Letter from Senior Tutor
Accommodation: If you have applied for Brasenose College accommodation you will have received details from the Accommodation Office. Please contact the Accommodation Manager if you have any queries about this.
College Contract: Before enrolling as a student you will be asked to sign a College Contract to agree the terms of your relationship with Brasenose. Please download this from the next steps web page and submit it via the submissions portal by 16th September 2024.
Fees & Finances: The College will invoice you when you arrive for your University and College fees for the whole year, and any accommodation or other sundry charges for the first term. College bills are known as ‘Batels’, and payment is due by Friday 18th October 2024. Please see our PG finance guide here.
Bank Accounts: A guide to opening a bank account for European and International Students can be found here.
Meals: From 22nd September, Graduate freshers can book available meals using the UPAY app. Please ensure that you have attended the IT induction meeting/watched the video and set this up before your arrival.
Details of meal provision for students from 22nd-29th September can be found here, and from 30th September – 13th October here.
IT: Once you have returned your University Card Form to your Department you should receive an email giving you information on your University IT account (including your email address) and asking you to register online. If you have not received this email by 16th September, please email us. More information about IT in College can also be found here.
The College’s IT Office will hold an online IT induction for new students on Thursday 19th September, to help you set up all the key IT systems and accounts you will need as a Brasenose student. You will receive an invitation to attend this session in early September, and it will also be recorded for anyone who isn’t able to attend on the day.
Recommendations for IT equipment to support your learning can be found here.
College Library: The College Librarian has prepared a welcome document about Brasenose’s Library and its facilities.
Blackwells: Some information about where to purchase your academic books can be found here.
Bodleian Libraries: More information can be found here on how to access the Bodleian Libraries.
College Map: we have produced a map of the main College site which also provides information on who to contact about various common queries.
College Advisers: information on the role of College Advisers is available here.
Student Handbook: known as the Blue Book, this outlines the key student regulations and gives more information on our welfare network, college facilities and student services. The 2023/24 version is currently available on the College website (in the ‘Student Policies, Rules and Regulations’ section), and the 2024/25 version will be published nearer the time on the College intranet (accessible once you have your University IT account set up).
Academic Dress: Oxford has a particular form of academic dress called ‘sub fusc’, which must be worn for academic events such as matriculation, exams and graduation. Further information is available here. A number of clothing shops in Oxford offer special deals on academic dress. These include Shepherd & Woodward, Castell and Son (the Varsity Shop), and Walters.
Post: Post can be addressed to to Brasenose College, Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 4AJ. It will then be delivered to our Porter’s Lodge, where you will have a pigeon hole. If you will be living in one of our graduate annexes, please use this address for all mail, rather than your room address.
Electrical items allowed in College Accommodation: If you will be staying in College accommodation, please note that toasters, air-fryers and microwaves are not allowed in rooms. These items are however permitted to be kept in kitchens, and indeed each communal kitchen is provided with a microwave, toaster and kettle as standard, as well as a fridge. Cutlery or cooking implements are not provided.
Merchandise: the College Store will be offering a 10% discount on College merchandise, including clothing, in the month of October. More information is available here.
INFORMATION FROM THE HCR
The HCR is the student body representing graduate students in Brasenose. They produce the following documents which you may find useful, which will be added to this site as soon as they become available.
HCR President’s Welcome Letter
HCR Fresher’sTimetable 2024 v2
Consent for Students – please complete this free online course before you arrive. Please note that you will need to have activated your University IT account first (see IT information above).
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
The University’s site for new students also has lots of useful information, and you should certainly look through it.
Maps & Directions
Travelling to Oxford: useful information on getting to Oxford, including suggestions for parking.
Searchable Map of Oxford: showing how to get to the Brasenose College main site.
Information for International Students can be found here.
TV License: in the UK you need a TV Licence to watch or download BBC programmes on demand, including catch up TV or on BBC iPlayer. More information is available here.