Oxford airel view
Books: When will I receive my books or class materials for my classes?
For U.S. students: Generally books are mailed around May 1st to the temporary address you listed on your application. Should you change your address, you must notify us of your new address ASAP. If you leave the U.S. before you receive your books, you, the student, will have to pay USD to Fed Ex them to you in Europe. Fed Ex can cost anywhere from $50-$200 depending on your classes. Casebooks are heavy! If you attend school in San Diego, you would pick-up your books and/or photocopied materials at our office, Law School (Warren Hall) room 310. If you fail to pick up your class materials, we will Fed Ex them to your site and bill you.
For students coming from outside the United States, your books and/or photocopied materials may either be sent to you, usually around May 1st or will be at your chosen site. If sent to the site, you will need to pick them up from either the Director, or the Administrative Assistant at that site.
For students coming from outside the United States: If you are attending 2 programs, your books and/or photocopied materials may either be sent to you, usually around May 1st or to your chosen site. If sent to the site, you will need to pick them up from either the Director, or the Administrative Assistant at that site.
FOR ALL STUDENTS:
You will receive the first set of information sheets with your acceptance letter about 1 week after we have received your initial non-refundable amount(s) and the last set of information sheets on your chosen program(s) will be sent out in May. Sometimes it can take 2-3 weeks for air mail to arrive in various countries around the world, so please be patient.
Payments:
If my school and USD sign a Consortium/Visiting Student Agreement, do I still have to make the scheduled payments?
Yes, payments must be kept up. Once you have paid the USD Study Abroad Program a total of $800, which is due at USD by April 20th, for going on 1 program, then your final payment of the balance due must be received at USD no later than June 15th. This includes; tuition balance and any housing costs. If any of the scheduled payments are missed then you will not be able to take advantage of the early pay discount. See
Early Payment Discounts and Payment Due Dates
If you are going to 2 sites, Oxford and to either Barcelona, Florence, or Russia then an initial non-refundable amount of $400 is due with your application or $450 is due with your application, if you wish USD to provide you with housing in Oxford. Then follow the payment schedule. Payment in full for both sites for tuition, housing and any language courses for either Barcelona, Florence, or Russia, must be received at USD no later than May 14th. (we do not provide housing in Barcelona, Florence, or Russia). Remember housing through USD is optional. You can secure housing on your own. However, USD will not be able to help you secure housing off campus.
Credit Cards accepted
USD accepts Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards to pay your costs for tuition, tutorials and housing. USD does not accept Visa credit cards for any types of payments. Please click on this link Credit Card information for more information.
Also, you must initally pay through our office and NOT through USD's Student Accounts or Cashier's office or USD's e-pay system!
After your initial non-refundable payment to sign you up and you are then enrolled, have received your Acceptance Letter and have been assigned a USD ID number, you may then either pay through USD's E-Pay system, paying via e-check or credit card only (Visa credit cards are not accepted). Otherwise, if you will be MAILING or WALKING IN a U.S. dollar personal check or U.S. dollar money order, then these must be sent/brought to our office to: Ms Cindy King, USD Law School, 5998 Alcala Pk LS 310, San Diego CA 92110-2492; or you may bring into our office, Law School 310 and pay either Darlene or Cindy.
Returned Checks: What about returned personal checks?
Should a U.S. dollar personal check be returned back to USD, there is a chance of you being withdrawn from the program for non-payment. USD puts returned checks back through two (2) times before the Study Abroad office is notified of a bad check. USD will not resubmit this check after 2 tries. Re-payment must then be made immediately or arrive at our office within 2 business days by either a U.S. Money Order, U.S. Cashier's Check. If your check is returned back to us for any reason, there will be a $40 bank/administrative fee charged to your account.
Discounts: Will I be able to receive a discount if I pay early?
Yes, go to Early Payment Discounts and Payment Due Dates for more information (discount amount does not apply to Partner School students, Tuition Remission or Scholarship students).
Will I receive 2 discounts if I am taking 2 programs?
No, only one discount applies.
Refunds: If I withdraw from the program, what type of refund will I receive?
Please go to Oxford Refund Policy for more information.
What if I am Academically Disqualified and I decide not to attend the Oxford program, will I receive a full refund of both Tuition and any housing amount I have already paid?
Please go to Oxford Refund Policy for more information.
Course Changes: What if I want to change classes once I have initially signed up?
No problem and no charge if you do this before April 1st. If you change ON or AFTER April 1st, then there is a fee of $50 for each course change, and you may change only if we have the class materials/books for your new classes.
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to change classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change.
Class Additions: Can I add a class once I am in Oxford?
Yes, but you will be charged for the new materials and the add fee. If it is only photocopied materials, and the materials have to be photocopied at your site(s), you will have to pay these charges as well. If books are not on site, you will have to pay for USD-San Diego to Fed Ex the new book(s) to you. You would pay for all extra costs via USD's on-line E-Pay system by either an e-check or via credit card only. (Visa credit cards are not accepted) No payments are to be made on-site to anyone.
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to add classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change. If you increase your class load, you will be charged accordingly.
Law Classes: Can I drop a class once I am in Oxford?
Yes, however, there will be no refund of any monies paid. Be aware that if you took out loans, you may have to repay monies back to your lender. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home school for further information.
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to drop classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change.
Exams: What time do the exams start and finish?
Your exams generally start at 9 am on July 31 and August 1 and can take about 2-4 hours. Do not plan to leave on a flight before 6 pm on Friday, August 1 if you have an exam that morning. EXAMS ARE NEVER GIVEN EARLY.
HOUSING: What about my housing?
Housing in a foreign country is NOT like living in the U.S. Be prepared for the unfamiliar. Housing operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you have been assigned your house room, you will not be able to change it. However, should you have a severe problem with your assigned housing once in Oxford, please contact the Oxford Director or the Oxford Administrative Assistant for help. For budget information, click here: Oxford Budget
Remember, you can stay in your housing until 3:00pm on August 3rd for WISC housing and until 10am on August 4th for New College housing if you wish. Please go to Oxford Housing for more information on both WISC, New College and information on off-campus housing.
Will I have to pay a deposit for housing? If so, how much?
Yes, $50 per person with your application if you want USD to provide you with housing. Also, there may be a deposit required for your room key and if this key is not returned, then you will forfeit your deposit. However, if there is not a deposit and you do not return your house keys, or they are damaged, you will be billed for your room key from USD-San Diego. You will not know if there is a deposit for your keys until you arrive in Oxford to pick them up.
If I withdraw, will I receive a housing refund?
If you paid USD-San Diego, it would depend on when you withdraw since USD is billed for housing on 1 June. So if you withdraw after 1 June, we will have already paid for your room, thus a refund of all but $50 is only available if we can find someone to take your room.
What is the total cost of housing in Oxford through USD?
For housing budget information, click here: Oxford Budget
Will I have to pay utilities?
No, not at housing provided by WISC. Since we are in Oxford during high tourist season, finding an apartment in Oxford proper may be difficult and expensive. A Studio apartment for one (1) person can cost you $3,000+ for the 4-5 weeks you will be there.
Do I have to bring linens?
No, everything is generally provided, but an extra towel and washcloth would not hurt. Also, the towels are a bit small, so you might want to consider bringing your own.
Will I have access to a washing machine and dryer?
Yes you will. Either at your housing or in the area of your housing.
Will I have access to cooking facilities for WISC housing?
Yes, there will be a kitchen for your use per house. Details on sandwich shops, pubs, restaurants and grocery stores will be provided in a student information guide distributed at the orientation session. Additional information will be available in the USD office in Oxford. There is an excellent self-service café at the Manor Road Building, offering continental breakfasts, hot lunches and a variety of snacks at reasonable prices.
Will I have access to cooking facilities for New College housing?
Possibbly, but it may be down the hall. Ask when you check-in. Most Colleges have kitchens set up on each floor, but this set up differs from College to College. Details on sandwich shops, pubs, restaurants and grocery stores will be provided in a student information guide distributed at the orientation session. Additional information will be available in the USD office in Oxford. There is an excellent self-service café at the Manor Road Building, offering continental breakfasts, hot lunches and a variety of snacks at reasonable prices.
What about food?
You will be able to purchase your food and cook at home or eat out if you wish for WISC housing. For New College housing, breakfast is included in the price you pay for housing.
Details on sandwich shops, pubs, restaurants and grocery stores will be provided in a student information guide distributed at the orientation session. Additional information will be available in the USD office in Oxford. There is an excellent self-service café at the Manor Road Building, offering continental breakfasts, hot lunches and a variety of snacks at reasonable prices.
Can I have friends stay in my room with me?
If they are visiting for the day, sure, but they cannot stay overnight with you. If they do, you could be asked to leave with no refund of any monies paid. You would also have to find new housing on your own.
What if I prefer not to live at the WISC or New College housing and want to find my own housing?
This is a decision you, the student, need to consider carefully. When USD is in Oxford, it is high tourist season and it can be difficult and expensive to find housing during that time. A Studio Apartment for 1 person can cost you $3,000+ for the 4-5 weeks you are in Oxford. Call the British Tourist Board at 1-800-462-2748 well in advance and have them send you info on everything they have for Oxford. It's FREE! Or contact, starting in July - The Isis Guest House, 45-53 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1ED ENGLAND, phone, from the U.S. is 021-441-865-242-466 or by fax at 021-441-865-243-492, for prices and availability or check these web sites out: Visiting Oxford or Daily Info or Oxford University Gazette When doing your search, use the words like "short lets" or "self-catering accommodations" vs a Studio apartment or a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. You will have better results in finding housing.
PRIVATELY-ARRANGED HOUSING IN OXFORD: If you have made independent arrangements for housing in Oxford, please be sure you have paid all necessary deposits and bring written confirmation of your reservations with you. USD is not in a position to assist with housing other than that provided through WISC or at New College. Please make your own way to your housing, keeping in mind the need to arrive at the Manor Road building in time for orientation. Bring the address and contact details with you so that we may compile a student register.
Changing Money: What about exchanging money in Oxford?
First, estimate how much cash you will need for the program. Then add $500 in case of an emergency. This is the amount of cash you will need at your disposal.
There are three principle ways of getting the cash you need: traveler's checks, Automated Teller Machine cards, and credit cards.
Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are always accepted, even when traveler's checks in the local currency are not. While the standard charge for traveler's checks is 1% of face value, it is often possible to obtain them free. AAA does this for its members, and many banks provide them free for significant account-holders. When cashing them in Europe, a better rate is often provided than when changing cash. There are both American Express and Thomas Cooke offices in Oxford. American Express is located in City Centre and Thomas Cooke is located at the train station. See below for more information about these 2 locations.
ATM cards are a good way to receive cash. In addition to your card, you need a PIN number valid in Europe. Check with your bank to be sure that you have one. You are limited to the same withdrawal as at home, and it can sometimes involve major math to figure out how much you will be allowed. The major problems with the ATM solution are fees and cash. There may be two fees involved, one from your bank, and another from the bank that owns the ATM machine. The fees can easily total more than $10, so it makes no sense to withdraw less than the maximum allowed, as fees are imposed on each transaction by each bank and/or machine. In addition, you can only withdraw money if you have it in your account. Both the Plus and Cirrus systems are well-represented in Oxford. Check for locations in Oxford for Star systems with your bank.
ATM's at the airports: Gatwick: at Lloyds Bank, Midlands Bank, Thomas Cooke, and at Travelex in the South Terminal.Heathrow: at the Co-operative Bank, Terminal 2.
Both American Express and Thomas Cooke have offices in London. Unfortunately at this time, neither company has an office in Oxford. In London, there are many American Express locations to be found. Contact them prior to your departure and find out exactly where their offices are located in London. Probably at Victoria Station at least.
In Oxford, there is only one location for a CIRRUS ATM, located at 121 High St. But according to CIRRUS there are over 10,000 machines that operate through various banks, such as Midland, Lloyds, or National Westminster to name a few. Check the back of your ATM card symbols and match with the banks. If they match, you can use your ATM card. In London, there are many locations for CIRRUS ATM customers that operate through various banks.
In Oxford, there are many locations for PLUS customers: Co-operative Bank, 13 New Road (going towards or away from the train station, High Street turns into Queen Street which turns into New Road St); Coventry Building Society, 18 New Inn Hall St, (going towards or away from the train station, High Street turns into Queen St, turn either right or left onto St. Ebbes St which will turn into New Inn Hall St.); Girobank, 102/104 St Aldates St (going towards or away from the train station, turn left or right off of High St.; or Lloyds Bank, 1/5 High St.) For London, there are many locations for PLUS ATM customers.
Check with your bank before you leave to obtain a listing of the International branches you can use for both Plus and Cirrus.
One should probably charge as much as possible on a credit card. Visa and MasterCharge are universally accepted; American Express and Diners less so; Discover not at all. The exchange rate is pretty good, however there may be transaction fees involved, check with the company that issues your credit card. The bill need not be paid for at least a month. Using your credit card to take a cash advance will also work if you have a correct PIN number, but interest begins accruing immediately, and there is usually a fee for the loan. So this is the more expensive alternative.
Normally, the best rates for changing money are not found at the airport. However, it is usually better to change at the airport than to buy foreign money before leaving the U.S. Once settled, students exchange information about good places to change money. It is usually disadvantageous to change money at night or on weekends because the number of places open limits the competition. Two factors determined how advantageous the exchange might be: the rate, and the commission. Many places offer exchange with no commission, but usually give less favorable rates.
If you have cash, your best bet is at any bank where the rates are usually more favorable.
Oxford is expensive for US visitors, especially at the current exchange rate of approximately £1=$2.00. You can readily obtain cash by using an ATM machine and a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or other ATM card (with a 4 PIN CODE). Please check with your provider about transaction fees, and be aware that the place of withdrawal may also charge a fee. If you bring US-dollar travelers checks, these should be converted into UK pounds at a UK bank (note that commission charges may apply). Receiving money by wire or cashing US personal checks at a UK bank can be time-consuming and costly, and is not recommended. While US credit cards are widely accepted in the UK and Europe, note that most major banks are now charging their credit card customers an extra 1- 3% fee on all credit card purchases abroad. This is in addition to any interest charges.
You may also wish to alert your credit card issuer about your travel plans, so that purchase authorizations will go through smoothly. Keep a separate list of your ATM, credit card and travelers check numbers, in case they are stolen and you need to cancel them
In general, before your departure we advise you to: 1. Confirm the exact fees, commissions and/or interest that applies to each method of access to funds. 2. Arrange one or two alternative ways to obtain pounds sterling in England in case your preferred method does not work.
Health Insurance: What about health insurance?
U.S. STUDENTS ONLY: All U.S. students must provide to our office evidence of medical insurance valid in England within 2 weeks of enrolling, by mailing or attaching to an e-mail the proper information which shows the places and dates you are covered or a statement from your insurance company stating that you are covered in England during your program dates. Please DO NOT FAX us a copy. Faxing copies of these items never comes out clear on our end.
If you do not have health insurance that covers you in Europe, we recommend the International Students I.D. Card, which provides you with some discount entrance fees and air fares to many sights, comes with some health insurance. It costs about $27.00 which includes your picture. It provides some medical and travel insurance and student discounts. International Student ID cards can be obtained from STA Travel or call 1-858-544-9632 or 1-800-226-8624 or at the USD UC Box Office. If you choose this option, please mail/bring a readable copy of the International Student ID Card to our office. Mail a copy of your proof of insurance to (USD Law School, Attn: Ms Darlene Smith, 5998 Alcala Pk LS 310, San Diego, CA 92110-2492) or scan it as an attachment to an e-mail (no faxes) to Ms Darlene Smith darlenes@sandiego.edu. The USD Campus Card Services office in the Bookstore (Loma Hall) now offers passport pictures - $10 for 2 pictures. Otherwise you can purchase your health insurance coverage commercially, through your parents insurance, through AAA (if you, your spouse or your parents are a member). You should double check that it covers you during your summer trip. For more general travel info contact: STA Travel or call 1-858-544-9632, or 1-800-226-8624. We strongly suggest that you keep any health insurance you have current.
Please double check to ensure that your current insurance covers you while you are in Europe. Ask if they will reimburse your out-of-pocket expense for doctor, prescriptions, etc. when you return to the U.S., if you provide them with receipts. A doctor's visit alone can cost $50 plus whatever medications in case you run into problems. Our USD-Oxford office will have the names of English speaking doctors.
Medication/Glasses: What about my medications and glasses?
We strongly suggest that you bring at least an extra months supply of whatever medications you take. FYI: If you are taking allergy shots, be aware that a doctor in Oxford or anywhere in England cannot give them to you. A doctor is not permitted to give these shots, it is banned in England. You will either have to do it yourself or find a nurse who will give them to you. You will have to pay extra for the nurse to give you these shots. You will also need to bring a doctor's letter with you in case you get stopped by customs if your bringing in your medication and needles with you. You should also bring a prescription from your doctor in case you need a refill. You should also bring a prescription for your eye glasses/contacts as well.
What about program-organized legal events?
In 2007 students visited the Crown Court, judges chambers, visited a law firm, took in various legal lectures, sat for some trials, etc.. Any costs involved were determined by how many students in Oxford signed up for these visits.
In 2007, the Oxford students also took a trip to London to visit the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court as well as having dinner at the Inns of Court. We do ask that you ‘dress up’ somewhat. The luncheon at Middle Temple in London is a bit formal. A suit for men or women, or “business casual” clothing, would be appropriate. Please note that although rules were quite strict a few years ago, you are not now required to wear black or other dark colours, and women are free to wear trousers or pantsuits rather than skirts or dresses.
What about program-organized tourist events?
In the past, students from the Oxford program have taken a trip to Stratford to take in a play, dinner, and some sightseeing. Activities in Oxford included a walking tour of the College and Oxford, pub tours, river barbecue, etc.. Any costs involved were determined by how many students signed up for these trips.
Local transport: Tell me about transportation within Oxford.
Transportation within Oxford is by taxi, bus and bicycle and is easy and efficient. Costs run from $2.00 to $5.00 per trip. There is no underground (tube). If you choose to rent a car, parking is scarce and expensive. If you do find parking it will generally be far from College.
How will I get to Oxford from the airport
Go to Oxford Directions for more information.
References: Names and addresses of former students.
If you would like names and phone numbers of previous Oxford students, send Cindy an e-mail cking@sandiego.edu and she will get back to you with the info.
QUESTIONS:
Send Cindy an e-mail should you have more questions that were not answered in these FAQ's or in the Oxford Tips - General section, e-mail cking@sandiego.edu and she will e-mail you back.
If you find an error, please let Ms Cindy King cking@sandiego.edu or Ms Darlene Smith darlenes@sandiego.edu know, by providing the exact web site address location (www.sandiego.edu/lawabroad/..........) where the problem is located. Cut and paste it into your e-mail, so that it can be corrected. Thank you!