International students: frequently asked questions
Our International Pre-arrival Guide is full of useful information to prepare you for coming to the UK and starting your studies in January 2012. You will also find our guide to visas and immigration useful
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.
When will I know what accommodation I have been allocated?
If you have applied for university accommodation we will email you in December to tell you about the place you have been allocated (subject to you having an unconditional offer from the university). This information will also be available on your personal information page. You will receive your contract and accommodation offer letter when you arrive.
Exchange students only - we have emailed you to tell you about your accommodation and have sent out your contracts.
See our accommodation pages for more information about Brookes accommodation.
Will somebody from Oxford Brookes be at the airport to meet me?
Unfortunately we are not able to meet you at the airports during our January arrivals weekend.
However it is easy to find your way to Oxford if you follow our information about travel by coach, by train and by taxi on page 37-38 of the International Pre-Arrival Guide. Please check the companies websites to find out the cost of a ticket in January.
Where do I go when I arrive in Oxford?
When you arrive at Oxford go straight to your accommodation.
The halls of residence are open 10.00-18.00 on both Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January for arrival weekend. If you are going to arrive outside these times, please contact your hall in advance to arrange to collect your room key. When we let you know where you will be living, we will send you information about your hall and their contact details.
For more information about travelling to Oxford please see page 37 of our International Pre-Arrival Guide.
When do I need to arrive at Oxford Brookes
The Arrival Weekend for new international students is Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January. During the weekend there will be activities to give you useful information, help you make friends and have a fun introduction to living in Oxford and studying at Oxford Brookes. The programme for the International Arrival Weekend will be on the International Student Advisory Service website from early January 2012.
The Welcome and Induction Day on 23 January will include activities and workshops to help you meet other students and find out how to make the most of your time at Oxford Brookes.
We will also help you prepare for your Enrolment and Academic Induction Days (24 - 25 January).
When and where do I have to enrol?
We strongly encourage you to attend the welcome and induction sessions on Monday 23 January. They will introduce you to and help you to plan your Induction and enrolment days, on Tuesday 24 January and Wednesday 25 January.
If you are starting a University English, Foundation or Pre-Master’s course at Oxford Brookes International you will be emailed details of your registration time and a link to a welcome guide. If you have not received this by the middle of December please contact Oxford Brookes International on pathways@brookes.ac.uk. You do not need to attend the induction programme briefings on Monday 23 January because you will be given your induction programme when you register.
When does teaching start?
The teaching period starts on the Thursday 26 January 2011. See our semester calendar for dates for the rest of the year.
The induction and enrolment days (23 - 25 January) will give you the chance to meet staff and other students, as well as find out about the university and living in Oxford.
When do I pay the tuition fees?
- If you are on a one semester course at Oxford Brookes International you will need to pay the full tuition fee for that course at the start of the course.
- If you are starting a degree or a two semester course you can pay your tuition fees for the year in full in January or in two equal instalments at the start of each semester.
If you have a financial sponsor you will need to provide an official letter of sponsorship from them.
You will not be able to fully enrol on the course and access all the university facilities until all the appropriate fees have been paid.
How do I open a bank account?
If you wish to open a bank account you will need to provide evidence to show:
- you are a student on an eligible course
- your address in your home country
- your current address in the UK
- your identity
More details about this are on page 32 of the Pre-Arrival Guide and our information sheet which also includes the address of banks close to Oxford Brookes (Word).
How do I get proof that I am a student to open a bank account or for council tax exemption?
After you have enrolled we can provide you with an attendance letter or council tax certificate.
You can order these:
- online via your Personal Information Portal
- in person at the Academic Management Office, Gipsy Lane site, Headington Campus.
- via email at amo@brookes.ac.uk
It will be available for collection from the Academic Management Office on the Headington Campus.
Can I arrive late?
You should aim to arrive during our Arrival Weekend (21 - 22 January) and take part in our enrolment and induction programme (23 - 25 January).
If you have to arrive after the enrolment days you should contact us for information about late enrolment:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students should contact admissions@brookes.ac.uk
- English language and pathway students at Oxford Brookes International should contact pathways@brookes.ac.uk
If you are late and miss the enrolment deadlines, we will not enrol you and this may affect your immigration status. Please contact our International Student Advisory Service for more information.
If you have a place in university accommodation you should also contact our Accommodation Office on accomm@brookes.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1865 484660. It will only be possible to hold your room for a maximum of two weeks after your contracted arrival date.