Oxford graduate applicants 2009/2010

Random question about things to bring:

We have to bring our own bed linens - does anyone happen to know if they have the same deal as US colleges, having XL-twin beds? Do we need to bring XL-twin bed sheets or regular or is there a chance some people might have full or queen beds?

Random question about things to bring:

We have to bring our own bed linens - does anyone happen to know if they have the same deal as US colleges, having XL-twin beds? Do we need to bring XL-twin bed sheets or regular or is there a chance some people might have full or queen beds?

I'd also like to know this. Do colleges/halls provide linens or do we have to get are own?

Random question about things to bring:

We have to bring our own bed linens - does anyone happen to know if they have the same deal as US colleges, having XL-twin beds? Do we need to bring XL-twin bed sheets or regular or is there a chance some people might have full or queen beds?

European bed sizes ARE different than US bed sizes. I'd just throw that out there.

If you are coming from the US, I would wait until you get there to buy linens. That way you can be sure of the sizing + it won't take up extra suitcase room!

My college actually had a custom pack that included a duvet, a pillow, covers and sheets for (I think) 20 quid or something...great value. I think St Cross has something similar, if you are living on-site, but you have to let the accommodation officer know in advance.

The other option I remember, if you are looking for something reasonably priced, is of course Primark.

What college was that?

Wow. Lucky you. Judging by my dealings with the NHS, I suspect that one of their key strategies is to make people wait so long they either get well by themselves or die... One particular doctor gave me "advice" which would have made me seriously ill had I been foolish enough to follow it (luckily I wasn't).
Anyway, I suppose it's a bit hit and miss, but so far I've had only misses.

Oh, I didn't say Germans were unfriendly, but anything involving paperwork is usually a bureaucratic nightmare. German administrators tend to be fairly merciless* and will make sure you follow regulations and set procedures to the letter (if you don't, they all but shout at you "thou shalt not pass![noparse]")[/noparse]. If you're unlucky you can spend hours chasing after the right person to put a stamp on a bit of paper. It's all very well-organised in theory, but in reality it's maddening.

*I suppose there are a few nice ones, I've just never met them.

Oh cool. If you get into Wolfson, there's a good chance you will get accommodation as well, as they try to house all their first years on-campus. I don't know about St Peters but LMH does not have a lot of on-campus housing for its graduate students so it might be difficult to get a spot there. In any case, good luck with your college placement.

Question on Finance: Anyone else from the US using student loans to finance their studies? If so, did you read that notice about international students bringing a "few thousand pounds" with them to the UK to cover the first few weeks of their stay until their loans are converted into pounds sterling? How much do you think that means?

Alternatively, how much money do you think would be spent on personal expenses (exclude accommodation/college fees/tuition) in the first 2-3 weeks at Oxford? I'm considering the purchase of sub fusc, fresher's week activities, last minute schooling supplies, food, a bicycle and its accoutrements,...anything else to consider?

Alternatively, how much money do you think would be spent on personal expenses (exclude accommodation/college fees/tuition) in the first 2-3 weeks at Oxford?

x

Just a heads-up: Your first loan cheque may take a considerable amount of time to clear. Last year, I had to wait 8 weeks.

poi12: 2 months??? Honestly? Is that the norm?

Yes, it's the norm. Foreign cheques must either go through 'negotiation' or 'collection'. Because the cheques will be a couple thousand pounds, and, at the very least, your first deposit within the UK, the latter will be your only option (if you want to call it that). Unfortunately, it's a very long process to get a cheque through collection. Basically, despite being the 21st century, cheques in collection are sent back to the bank of origination (i.e. back to the US) by post. That bank does whatever it does to certify the availability of funds and sends the approval request back to the bank in the UK (again, via post). It's only then (6-8+ weeks later) are funds cleared.

Good news: your subsequent (2 or 3) loan installments should be handled via negotiation (or, my bank was being nice to me). Basically, the funds are cleared almost immediately (like a normal cheque).

Also, you'll be charged for these wonderful services. It should run you around £15 (at least) a pop (plus whatever commission via exchange).

Do you know if this is true for US Federal Student Loans, would a commission apply for these too?

Firstly, there is nothing special about US federal loans. Secondly, money is money.

No bank is going to give you wholesale exchange rates. By this I mean commission. Of course, something to keep in mind, some banks are 'nicer' than others in this regard. Same goes for the agency fees assessed for negotiation or collection. Shop around.

what bank do you use in the UK and what services do you get from them? Do you have to pay for the debit card? I know there has been some discussion about bank accounts but I couldn't find a single bank in Oxford that gave a debit card for free for international accounts. You got an ATM card for free with a student account but had to pay 5-8 quid for a debit card, depending on the bank. Anyone care to correct me by any chance, please?

what bank do you use in the UK and what services do you get from them? Do you have to pay for the debit card? I know there has been some discussion about bank accounts but I couldn't find a single bank in Oxford that gave a debit card for free for international accounts. You got an ATM card for free with a student account but had to pay 5-8 quid for a debit card, depending on the bank. Anyone care to correct me by any chance, please?