Find useful information about preparing for EF Academy Oxford—all in one place
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Find out what to pack, get detailed instructions about flying to the UK, and know what to expect during your first days on campus.
Prepare for EF Academy Oxford by reviewing our Welcome Plan, which includes webinar dates and other useful deadlines throughout the year
View Welcome Plan webinar recordings below:
For help in selecting subjects please see our academic guides:
Please also review the School Handbook, so you are aware of this information before arriving to campus:
Make sure to bring the following documents and items with you in your hand luggage:
Valid passport
Printed E-ticket or boarding pass
Charged phone and other electronics
Emergency contact numbers in case of delay or a missed flight
Pocket money (in cash)
Visa documents
Any prescription medicines that you take
Your UK SIM card (see below)
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Important!
Your UK phone number
EF Academy Oxford requires that all students have a UK phone number (UK SIM card) with country code +44.
Students should order one in advance to insert in their phones before travel. If you are not able to do so, you are will be able to purchase a 'Pay-as-you-go' SIM card from a local store.
Please share your UK mobile number with your home admissions office as soon as you have received it.
This list will help you remember the most important things you’ll need as you study abroad. Don’t forget that you’ll always be able to purchase things you need if you forget something important!
Oxford experiences a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters, so be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. It can be quite chilly and rainy, especially in the evenings, so bring a warm coat or waterproof jacket. Ensure your clothing is appropriate for school; think about layering with lightweight, comfortable clothing that suits a school environment. Remember that buildings in the UK often have central heating, so you might need lighter clothing indoors.
Be sure to bring a couple of nice outfits, too. From dances on campus to attending theatres, you will want to have some formal attire for special occasions.
Please mind our school dress code and bring clothes that demonstrate consideration for a diverse international school community of students and teachers.
You can find toiletries just about anywhere you go, but when it comes to your favourite face wash or conditioner, it is always best to come prepared just in case you cannot find the same products in the UK. Eventually, you will find something local that works for you, but for the first few months, you will be happy you have something from home to incorporate into your daily routine.
Of course, when you are going to school, you will accumulate plenty of books throughout the year. But sometimes, you will want a break from studying and other required reading. When that time comes, you will be glad to have a few easy reads. It will also be handy during your travels when you can use extra reading material to pass the time on the plane or train.
We are not going to sugarcoat it: homesickness while studying abroad can get real. Oftentimes, it will be the little things related to your culture, like your favourite foods, that will make you miss home the most. Tuck away some of your favourite snack food for those homesick days. Plus, a great way to start a connection with your new roommate is to offer them something delicious to eat!
It is obvious that while living abroad, you will need to have your passport with you, but some other key documents to have around include your visa, school ID, and flight tickets. You should also keep copies of important details like flight information, school documents, or identification numbers. When it comes to legal documents, nobody ever regrets being over prepared. Keep all your important documents in your carry-on bag when traveling! Just remember to store your information in a safe place once you arrive on campus.
While WhatsApp, Skype, and Instagram are all great ways to stay in touch with people you care about, there is something special about a handwritten letter. You never know if you will want to write to your family back home or start sending postcards. On a day when you are feeling homesick, there is always something comforting about reading a letter in a loved one’s handwriting.
We recommend having some cash when you travel and to get you through your first week of school. There are Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) around the local area and in Oxford, where you can withdraw cash from major debit/credit cards.
If you want to open a UK bank account, this is certainly possible. Many banks, such as Barclays or HSBC, are more than willing to help students set up accounts. To apply, you’ll need to provide a copy of your visa, passport, and a letter from the school confirming your address. There are also several other local banks available that can assist you.
Even if you like to take notes by hand, you won’t be able to do all of your studying without a computer handy. But what good is having a laptop if you forget your charger at home? Take it from your fellow students of the world: running out to buy a new device charger is pricey and annoying in every country, so remember to bring yours with you along with an adaptor.
Your flight information
It is very important that you share your flight details with the local enrollment team by August 1st, so we know when you are arriving. We are also happy to help book the flight for you, so feel free to reach out to your local office for help! If possible, please book your flight for daytime arrival to London so your roommates and staff can be awake to give you a warm welcome!
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When you first get off the plane, you might feel a little lost and disoriented. Don’t worry, this happens to everyone. Airports have good systems in place and it is relatively easy to find your way around. This is what you’ll do:
When you land in the UK, follow the signs that say ‘Immigration’ or ‘Arrival.’ There are usually long lines here, so please be patient. When you get to the desk, the official will ask to see your passport, visa or 30-day vignette (which will be in your passport) and a Passenger Locator Form (printed copy or downloaded copy on your phone). If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (you will have previously had your fingerprints taken when you applied for the Visa) they will check your fingerprints at Border Control. You will also be asked questions about your travels. Be calm and honest. Tell them that you are coming to the UK to study and when you will return to your home country – this last one is very important!
After you have cleared Immigration, you will follow signs to Baggage Claim, where you’ll pick up your checked luggage. To find out which conveyor belt will have your bag, check the flight numbers on the TV monitors. When you get your bag, be sure to check the name tag before leaving – a lot of bags look the same!
From this point on, look out for our airport greeters. All students will be greeted at the airport on arrival day by a professional driver and escorted to campus. Please look for a 'Royal Cars' taxi driver with an 'EF Academy Oxford' board. Students must use the transfer service provided.
If you have any problems when you arrive at the airport, please call the School emergency number:
+44 7908479976
All students will be greeted at the airport on arrival day by a professional driver and escorted to campus. Please look for a 'Royal Cars' taxi driver with an 'EF Academy Oxford' board. Students must use the transfer service provided.
If you cannot see the driver go to the meeting place noted below:
Heathrow:
Terminal 2 - the airport Information Desk
Terminal 3 - WH Smith (a shop)
Terminals 4 or 5 - Costa Coffee
Gatwick North or South Terminals:
Meet at Costa Coffee
St. Pancras Train Station:
Inside the station, go to the 'Meeting Place' - this is a famous landmark and is a statue of a couple embracing.
Wear your EF Academy hoodie. This will make it easier for the professional driver to spot you.
Ensure your phone has enough battery when you land.
Rest on the plane – your first days on campus will be busy!
Your first days will be packed full of activities to help you adjust to the new time zone.
If you have any problems when you arrive at the airport, please call the
On-call phone
+44 7908479976
School Phone
+44 1865 759667
If you miss a flight or have any problems along the way, please call the School emergency number: +44 7908479976
If something happens to your checked bag, you should report this before leaving the airport. Go straight to your airline’s service desk or the desk saying ‘Lost Baggage’. Show them the baggage receipt you got with your boarding pass when you first checked in. You will be asked some questions about your luggage, and they will give you a confirmation which you will need if you are claiming money from your insurance company. Remember, insurance companies usually do not cover any damaged or lost luggage if you don’t report it right away at the airport.
As we welcome students from all over the world, we know what it is like to arrive somewhere new for the first time. Our Welcome Days are designed to help you to settle in and make friends.
Welcome Days for new students are an exciting and immersive experience designed to introduce you to your educational journey. Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, these days are filled with a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and exploration. You are warmly greeted by faculty, staff, and fellow classmates who are eager to extend a helping hand and foster a sense of belonging. From campus tours and information sessions to engaging workshops and social events, Welcome Days offer a comprehensive introduction to the academic resources, support services, and extracurricular opportunities available.
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During your first few weeks on campus, you will make many friends from around the world and discover a completely new way of learning. As part of your first weeks, you will:
Meet the adults who support you in residence, called HPs (House Parents)
Meet your roommate(s) if you are sharing a room
Get a campus tour
Take important placement tests for English and your teachers will assess you in other subject areas
Attend information sessions on activities available
Participate in activities that will help you start making friends. There is a team of returning student ambassadors that will help with all of this, called buddies, in addition to many adults.
Meet your Pathway Manager – the person who will discuss your course schedule, overall support and guidance, and will communicate with parents.
Living on campus is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to take care of yourself while making friends for life. Just like being a solid student, successful and satisfying dorm living requires a high degree of personal responsibility and respect for others.
How rooms are allocated
Room allocations are made by the school before you arrive. Living arrangements are decided based on age and gender. We always try to have students of different nationalities sharing a room; after all, what better way to learn about a new culture than from your roommate!
Policy on room changes
It's not a good idea to switch rooms in the first few weeks of school if you're having problems with your roommate. If you give it some time, you and your roommate end up getting along better. It's important for building relationships and doing well in school to stick it out and try to work things out. If you're having issues with your roommate, the first thing to do is to talk to someone who can help you both find a solution. You can always reach out to your House Parent for support and guidance—they're here to assist you!
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At boarding school, you are the primary person responsible for looking after yourself. Learn to live independently by organizing your responsibilities.
Although your daily meals are covered by school fees, you’ll probably want to spend some money on extra activities and weekends. We recommend a minimum budget of 300 GBP per month.
Parents: Please make sure your child always has access to at least this much money on a monthly basis. We recommend that you bring a bank or a credit card from home.
This might be the first time you’ll need to do laundry by yourself, but there are plenty of people on campus to help you out. Washers and dryers are located on campus and operated through scanning your card, like you would in a shop.
You and your roommates are responsible for keeping your room tidy. Make sure to make your bed, hang up your clothes, and generally keep your room in good order. House Parents inspect rooms for cleanliness on a regular basis but also visit rooms at random intervals without previous notice. The school housekeeping team cleans communal bathrooms daily and student rooms are cleaned twice per week.
Travel to London requires a higher level of vigilance and self-awareness, but our students rarely experience difficulties. When students want to go check out a museum or a new restaurant in London, there are convenient transportation options close to campus. For day trips, students must ensure they’re back on campus in time for curfew. You can always call the emergency number if you experience any difficulties traveling to or from the city.
Leaving home at your age and travelling to study and live in a boarding school with young people from all over the world is exciting and transformative, but it can also be challenging. Don’t worry if it takes you some time to adjust. Adapting to a new environment, schedule, people and even homework takes time and patience. It also takes a support network of adults here on campus, in addition to your family back home, to work together to see you through until you are fully on your feet.
House Parents and Pathway Managers will interact with you most, especially at first. Go to these adults with questions and needs, but always feel free to ask any adult for support. Once classes begin, students also have Academic Tutors, Teachers and Course Coordinators for support.
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Proper hydration, sufficient sleep, good nutrition and exercise form the basis of good health. Keeping your room clean is helpful prevention as well. While residential staff will support you in staying healthy, you must also take responsibility for your own wellbeing.
ERIKA insurance: All students (except US residents) are covered by ERIKA insurance. The ERIKA insurance policy covers all accidents and illnesses.
If you get sick or feel unwell, you must inform your House Parent or Pathway Manager. EF Academy is within walking distance of a medical centre and there are many hospitals in the area. Our school can arrange for you to see a wide array of specialists as needed.
Make sure to let us know if you take any medications. No medication is allowed to be held in rooms unless approved by the school. All medication brought from home should be listed on the Medical Declaration form. Please note that there are many medications that are legal in other countries that are not legal in the UK or that require a prescription.
You must have a Medical Declaration, completed and signed by your parent or guardian, on file. Please note that you may not travel without first submitting the complete Medical Declaration. Make sure it is clearly scanned for us as sometimes students will need to bring a printed copy to an appointment. If you have indicated a current medical condition (which may or may not require medication), you must also provide detailed information about it from your doctor.
Boarding school provides you with a safety net, allowing you to try new things without fear or trepidation. At EF Academy, you are supported not only by teachers, but by House Parents and Advisors, club advisors, Pathway Managers and more.
The role of the Boarding team is to care for you and help you make good decisions. On campus there is a security team whose mission is to keep the school community safe. The security team screens guests and visitors and ensures that the laws are abided by. The way you conduct yourself, both on and off campus, is essential to staying safe. You will learn more about this once you are on campus.
Our professional security team is dedicated to preserving the safety and security of the entire campus community.
We have CCTV on campus, it covers some outside areas, in the residence building stairwells and the Student Lounge, but not in student rooms or bathrooms.
Our blog has plenty of articles about preparing for boarding school. Here are a few you might find particularly helpful.
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