COMPUTERS IN YOUR ROOM OR HOUSE
WISC -- Each house is equipped with a computer and wireless internet access. There will only be one (1) computer line to be shared with 4-5 people at each WISC house.
You will have access to a computer where you live in WISC housing. However, you will not be able to print anything as there are no printers available at your housing through WISC. Also, there is only one (1) computer line and one (1) telephone line available for 4-5 people in each house. You will have to watch your time and share with everyone else there or go to the nearest cyber cafe.
For all USD Oxford students only, the WISC offices at George Street also have computers and printers available for reasonable use free of charge during opening hours, but you can only print 10 pages per day. If you abuse this priviledge, then you will not be able to continue to print there.
New College -- Students with housing provided at New College may use their own laptop computers in their rooms, subject to security approval by the college. Each bedroom in New College has access for laptop computers. Unless you bring your own printer, you will not be able to print from your computer.
Students will not have access to the New College computer room due to heavy demand by other groups.
All students holding Bodleian Library cards (which everyone who is enrolled in our Oxford program will have) may use the computer facilities in the libraries during opening hours. Please respect the restrictions regarding which computers are for research and which are for e-mail access.
Students with housing provided through WISC will have a computer in each house, and wireless access for their laptops.
Note that internet connections, even from your own laptop, are not available to students in the Manor Road Building. There are several computer/internet shops in central Oxford, and details will be provided at orientation. Opening times and charges vary from place to place.
If you are interested in bringing a computer, please read "Getting Online in Europe". There is no requirement of a computer for any academic activity on the summer program. No machine with a memory can be used in the exams. You also must obtain your class professor's approval to bring a computer into class to use.
It is the student that must decide whether to bring their computer and/or printer with them. Some students did not have any problems with connecting and printing, but some students did. So the choice belongs to the student. However, about one-half of last years students brought their computers. You must also be aware that the voltage is 220 and not 110 as in the U.S.. So you will have to purchase adapters in Oxford to make your computer work. It is best to wait until you arrive in Oxford to purchase these adapters as each room and/or building may differ and if you have to return the adapter because it does not work, then it will be easier to return it in Oxford than having to wait until you return back home. Or worse, have to purchase 2 sets of adapters, one from home and one in Oxford and have to lug it back home for a refund.
You should set up a separate free e-mail account for your Oxford trip. This way your real "personal" e-mail account will not be filled with junk mail from Oxford when you return home.
Internet Cafes, as well as commercial printing and photocopying services, are readily available in central Oxford. The price of printing/copies is generally about 10-20pence ($.20-.40 U.S.) per page.
There are no internet, printing or photocopying facilities available were classes are held at Manor Road Building or anywhere nearby. You would have to go into central Oxford for these.
But if you wish to bring your computer, please read this checklist of things to check out before you leave. Checklist for your computer