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FAQs |
I want to change my core course and/or elective course, is this possible?
If you wish to change your course selections before the start of the programme, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can still change your course selection up until the Wednesday of the first week. However, changes to courses are always subject to availability.
Will I receive a graduation certificate?
Yes, students will be awarded an Oxford Spires Summer School Graduation Certificate upon satisfactory completion of the course. This will be presented in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the course.
When should I arrive for my course?
The day of arrival is Sunday 02 August 2015. You may arrive any time from 12:00 on the day, though we recommend that you aim to arrive before 17:00, as there is a welcome reception for all new students at this time. When you arrive, you will need to register at the Oxford Spires’ administrative office and sign in. At this point, you will receive your room keys and course information.
When should I leave at the end of my course?
Courses will finish on Saturday 15 August 2015 and students should check out and return their keys by 10:00.
Do I need to attend all classes?
Yes, attendance is compulsory. You must reach your classes in time and failing to attend or lateness to classes might lead to extra time in the study hall during your free time.
Will I have to share the room/facilities?
No, all students will have their own single en-suite bedrooms in St. Catherine’s College.
Are there laundry facilities on my campus?
St. Catherine’s College has laundry facilities. Tokens can be purchased from the College lodge or Campus office. Members of our staff are on hand to assist.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
Once your place has been confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Pack, which will contain information on what clothes to bring and a list of other packing suggestions.
August is one of the warmest and sunniest months in Oxford. However, it can still sometimes rain quite heavily, so students should remember to pack some warm clothes and waterproof clothing. Recent weather reports and forecasts can be found online [here] (http://uk.weather.com).
Should I bring a mobile phone?
Yes, definitely. This will allow family and friends, as well as our staff members to contact you when necessary. However, please note that mobile phones are not permitted in classrooms and lessons.
Will I have Internet access in my room?
Yes. Depending on your location the Internet may be wired (requiring an Ethernet cable) or delivered via Wi-Fi. Also, depending on your location you may need to register your computer’s MAC address, an identifier code unique to network adaptors or interface cards (i.e. your laptop).
Will I have the opportunity to visit other places in the UK during my course?
The Oxford Spires offers a variety of trips to sites of historical and cultural interest. Further information can be found in the Welcome Pack.
Do I need to bring money with me, and if so how much?
We recommend students to bring some cash to cover expenses on food and other emergency purchases made on the day of arrival and departure.
Please note that there are many banks and ATM (which may charge you for withdrawing money) cash machines around Oxford. Further information can be found in the Welcome Pack.
What will my meals be like?
Breakfast will be served in College every morning, whilst we will make sure to give you the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines for lunch and dinner. During day-trips, we will provide a packed lunch.
Does the programme accommodate my special dietary requirements?
We are able to cater for any dietary requirements students may have. You will be asked to fill in a form when you receive the Welcome Pack and you must email it back to us at least 30 days before the start date of the programme so that we can cater for your requirements.
Can I be a non-residential student if I am not from Oxford?
No, you will only be classified as a non-residential student if your permanent address is in Oxford, United Kingdom.
What is the difference between residential and non-residential students? The main difference is that residential students board at St. Catherine’s College whilst non-residential students return home after evening activities each night, and re-join the group in the mornings after breakfast.
If I need to cancel my booking, will I get my money back?
We understand that students may be forced to cancel their bookings for a number of reasons. The Oxford Spires Summer School’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:
Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be on the following terms:
• No refund of the deposit will be made under any circumstances.
• For cancellations before the course start date, the remaining balance of the course fee less the deposit amount will be proportionally refunded as per the table below:
| Date | % refund |
|---|---|
| Up to April 1 | 100 |
| April 2 to May 15 | 50 |
| May 16 to June 1 | 10 |
| June 2 onwards | 0 |
Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?
If you are a EU national, you will not need a visa. For all other nationalities, please click [here] (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/do-you-need-a-visa/) to check your requirements. If you do require a visa, we can write a Letter of Invitation to support your application.
What do the course fees include?
- Classes and two-to-one tutorials (15 hours of in-class teaching plus 1.5 hours of two-to one tutorials per week)
- Study materials
- Guest lectures by academic speakers
- Personalised academic reports and graduation certificate
- Accommodation in St. Catherine’s College of the University of Oxford
- Three meals a day (breakfast will be served in the Hall)
- Free WiFi (subject to availability in College)
- Wide selection of afternoon and evening activities
- Coach excursion to London
What’s the best way to get to the UK (London)?
The major London airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are all conveniently located in relation to Oxford. Oxford is only an hour away on the train and roughly an hour and a half to two hours by bus. Students may also consider flying into Birmingham, as it is only one hour from Oxford by train.
Alternatively, students can reach London St Pancras Station on the Eurostar. On arrival at London St Pancras, students can take the London Underground (or a taxi) to London Paddington station, from where they can take a direct train to Oxford.
What’s the best way to get to Oxford?
Students can either take the train or the ‘Airline’ bus (from Heathrow or Gatwick) from London to Oxford. For further information, please refer to your Welcome Pack.
How secure are the campuses?
Our programme takes place in secure, supervised premises. In addition to our residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day, the College entrances are supervised 24 hours a day by college porters. All students under the age of 18 are required to check-in regularly during the day through registers that will be taken at meals, classes and before curfew, which is at 11pm.
There will also be safes on campus where students may deposit valuable items such as passports, travel documents, bank cards and so on.
Are parents allowed to visit?
Parents and guardians are invited to attend the welcome reception for new students between 17:00-18:00 on the day of arrival.
Visits can also be made on weekends when students have free time, but parents and guardians should find out before arriving whether the student will be available on campus or not (as students may be out on day-trips).
What happens in the case of an accident or an emergency?
The Oxford Spires has residential staff, and this means that there is someone on site 24 hours a day. In addition, there is a 24-hour emergency phone number on campus, which both students and family/friends may call. This telephone number will be emailed to all students before the start of the programme, and will also be available on our website during the summer.
We also ask that all students under the age of 18 provide the contact details of one parent or guardian.
If you have other questions about the programme, please contact Ledia Pelivani at info@theoxfordspires.co.uk
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