We have been fortunate to arrange such reasonably-priced housing, as Oxford is both very busy and expensive during the summer term. The number of rooms, especially at New College, is strictly limited (only 2 single rooms, with breakfast only, are available). So early registration is recommended. Note that once you have been assigned your housing, you cannot change to different housing.
Should you wish to be housed together in the same house for WISC housing with your friends, or wish to be housed close to each other in New College, all parties involved, must e-mail Ms Cindy King cking@sandiego.edu with their requests and giving the names of the other students you would like to share with. Phone or in person requests will not be considered. You will have until 10am California time on 31 May to send in your requests, because after 10am the housing list will be sent to Oxford and no changes will be allowed.
No overnight guests are permitted at any time at either WISC or New College housing. If this happens, you could be asked to vacate the house and find new accommodations on your own with no refund of any monies already paid.
Students may make any housing arrangements they prefer. It is not a requirement that students must live in the housing provided by USD.
HOUSING INFORMATION:
You will NOT be able to change your housing once you have arrived in Oxford without incurring a penalty fee of $1500. (i.e. if you originally signed up for housing for New College and you change to WISC housing, or you signed up for WISC and you want New College housing, you will be charged this penalty fee, on top of what you have already paid, to change and only if there is availability)
These two (2) choices for housing, have different facilities and costs associated with them. Unfortunately, USD is not in a position to assist with housing other than that provided through WISC or at New College. If you choose housing through USD, a non-refundable $50 housing payment is required to hold your room when you initially apply to USD.
Option #1 housing for the 2008 Oxford session, will be provided through WISC, the Washington International Studies Council, which has organized U.S. study abroad programs in Oxford for 20 years. Located at 21-27 George St, Chester House, Oxford OX1 2AY. Calling the WISC office from the U.S. 011-44-1865-201-132; calling while in England 44-01865-201-132. Remember no one can leave any messages for you at this office and you can only check-in with WISC between the hours of 10:30am - 3:30pm on June 30th. The WISC offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays.
WISC housing is about a 20 minute walk to the Manor Road Building, where the USD law office and teaching rooms are located. It is convenient for Cornmarket, High Street, and other points in central Oxford. While there is an extensive network of local buses in Oxford, note that there is no public transport near the Manor Road area. We suggest you bring some comfortable shoes!
Option #2 housing for the 2008 Oxford session will be provided through New College on Holywell Street. New College is about 5 minutes walk to the Manor Road Building on Manor Road, where the USD law office and teaching rooms are located. There are only 2 spots open at New College and they are given out on a first-come, first-pay basis.
We will provide details on nearby restaurants and grocery stores around Manor Road in a subsequent information packet at Orientation in Oxford; there is also an excellent self-service café at the Manor Road Building. Students may save money by eating meals in their WISC houses, all of which have fully equipped kitchens and dining areas.
1) WISC - $1,300: Students will be accommodated in various houses located in the trendy Jericho area, of central Oxford, a very student friendly neighborhood (close to shops, lots of pubs, cheap restaurants and shops) only a 10 minute walk to the very center of Oxford. Most of these are renovated red-brick Victorian townhouses, providing 4-5 single bedrooms, 1-2 shared bathrooms, a kitchen and living room. Each house is equipped with a television/VCR and telephone. (students will have access to the WISC library of 1000 videos). Almost all have washer, dryers and microwaves. Housing repairs (utilities, etc.) are made reasonably quick by WISC’s own housing staff. The housing is about a 15-20 minute walk to the Manor Road Building, where the USD law office and teaching rooms will be located. It is convenient to Cornmarket, High Street, and bus station, which are also about 15-20 minutes walk away. A map will be sent to you once you have signed up.
You will not know exactly where you will be staying until you check-in at the WISC office on Monday, June 30th between the hours of 10:30am - 3:30pm only. The WISC offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays.
Some of the houses (mostly with 4-5 bedrooms) may also have British Oxford students living in them with some undergraduates from various U.S. Universities.
The houses are what the British students call “digs” and are above average by Oxford student standards. Utility deposits are not required.
Just so you are aware, there is no public transport between Jericho, where most of WISC housing is, and the Manor Road Buildings. Biking is very popular and the USD-Oxford office will have information on that for you at Orientation. Also, there is virtually no commercial activity near the Manor Road Buildings; it is surrounded by playing fields, science park, and some college facilities. There are no internet, printing or photocopying shops near the Manor Road Building where classes will be held. You will have more luck in the center of Oxford or near your housing.
2) New College - $2,400: Residential student hall at New College, one of the most historic of all the Oxford colleges. Located at: Holywell St, Oxford, OX1 3BN, Calling the New College office from the U.S. 011-44 1865 279 555, calling while in England +44 1865 279 555 (only 2 single rooms, with breakfast only, are available)
For the New College option, students will be accommodated in the so-called “New Buildings” which date back to the 18th century. The College itself was founded in the 14th century, and holds great architectural and historical significance. The bedrooms are equipped with a single bed, desk, bookcase and clothes cupboard. A shared shower-room and toilets are located in the hallway. The rate includes a full breakfast, served buffet-style in the grand vaulted dining hall. Students will have access to facilities such as the gardens and grounds, quads, cloisters, and chapel, they will also have evening access to the Junior Common Room (JCR) and the student bar (Beer Cellar). The College is conveniently located in Holywell Street, about a five minute walk from the Manor Road Building.
Please note that for both housing options, the residential rules (regarding security, no overnight guests, noise-levels, etc.) must be obeyed. Failure to observe the rules may result in your being required to vacate the accommodation without a refund of any monies already paid.
Note that neither WISC nor New College housing is suitable for couples or families. For those requiring such accommodation, the following contacts and web sites below may be useful: Oxford Tourist Information Centre, 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AS (01865) 240 261, e-mail: tic@oxford.gov.uk
CHECK-IN PROCEDURES:
$1100 - WISC --- Students staying at WISC housing should proceed to WISC at 21-27 George Street, Chester House, Oxford OX1 2AY. The telephone number, from the U.S. is 011-1865-201-132 and while in Oxford their phone number is 01865-201-132. Messages cannot be left for you at the WISC offices under any circumstances. The WISC offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays.
Xheck-in time is Monday, June 30, 10:30am - 3:30pm only with Orientation at 4:30pm at the Manor Road Building. It is NOT possible to check-in prior to this time, nor are you allowed to "send" items ahead of your arrival, nor is there any place to leave your luggage. There are no lockers or similar facilities at the Oxford train station or coach (bus) station. At WISC, you will be provided with complete details of your housing, house telephone number, keys and security information. If you intend to arrive in Oxford before Monday, please make confirmed reservations at a local hotel, bed and breakfast or youth hostel.
$2400 - New College --- please go to the main gate of the college on Holywell Street, where you will find the porter’s lodge. The telephone number from the U.S. is 011-1865-279-555 and while in Oxford their phone number is 01865-279-555.
Check-in time is Monday, June 30th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm only. Please note that it is NOT possible to check-in prior to this time; however, if you arrive early on Monday you may go to the porter’s lodge and they will be able to store your luggage in a nearby room. Upon check-in, you will be provided with your keys and college information, and then be shown to your room. To walk to New College from the train station (about 25 minutes walk), follow the directions to WISC above, then continue on George St, which becomes Broad St, then Holywell St, otherwise catch a taxi.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES:
WISC -- We have arranged for a “late-checkout” from WISC housing at no additional cost. Students are free to stay until 3:00 pm, Sunday, 3 August, granting them an extra two days after the conclusion of examinations. All luggage and personal belongings must be taken with you. There are no storage facilities. If you wish to remain after this time, please see the USD Program Administrator in Oxford during the first week of classes only. She may be able to make such arrangements.
New College -- You are free to stay in your accommodations until 10:00 am, Monday, August 4th. Please note that all luggage and personal belongings must be taken with you, as there are no storage facilities. If you wish to remain after the check-out date for a few extra days, please see the USD Program Administrator in Oxford, Ms. Kathryn Bevis, during the first week of classes. She may be able to make such arrangements, and will advise you of availability and costs.
ARRIVING EARLY:
WISC -- You will not be able to arrive early and check-in for your housing at the WISC offices prior to 10:30am on June 30th or after 3:30pm on June 30th. The WISC offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays.
For New College You will not be able to arrive prior to 2:00pm on June 30th.
Please make your plans carefully to arrive in Oxford and at WISC and New College between these times.
SENDING LUGGAGE and OTHER ITEMS AHEAD OF THE PROGRAM DATES
You cannot send any luggage or packages to WISC or New College or your other housing ahead of time. There are no storage facilities. If you do send anything, it will be refused and returned back to sender. The WISC and New College offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays.
STAYING IN OXFORD AFTER AUGUST 3rd:
You may stay at your assigned WISC housing location until 3:00pm, Sunday, August 3rd. However, if you wish to stay past this deadline, you must arrange this within the first week you are in Oxford with the WISC office. There is a possibility that you may be able to stay in your housing you originally stayed in, but there is no guarantee of this. The WISC offices are not open on Saturdays or Sundays. Be aware that they may move you to other housing if you stay after 3:00pm, August 3rd.
With New College housing you will NOT be able to stay past the 10am deadline, on Sunday, August 3rd.
If you wish to stay in Oxford after the program has ended, you may consider contacting - 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. Unfortunately USD will not be able to help you find housing outside of WISC, before or after the program.
What if I prefer not to live at the housing provided by USD 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 off campus during that time. A Studio Apartment for 1 person can cost you $3,000+ for the 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
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. Please confirm your private arrangements well ahead of your arrival in Oxford, and bring the written details with you. USD is not in a position to assist with housing other than that provided through WISC or New College.
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING INFORMATION
Various web sites for other housing information:
www.oxford.gov.uk with links to accommodation search:
www.oxfordshortlets.co.uk;
www.dailyinfo.co.uk
www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/
www.gumtree.com/
(like a Craig's list for short term flats - look on the far right side and click on Oxford);
Oxford Student Accommodations
Flash Booking -- Hostels to Hotels with pictures of available places and pricing. Do a search for places in Oxford. Information on all places available will come up.
More Housing (not provided by USD) options for off campus Helpful British terms in conducting an internet search are “short lets” and “self-catering accommodation.” Please confirm your private arrangements well ahead of your arrival in Oxford, and bring the written details with you.
Other Oxford housing links -
Allstays - Oxford Hotels, Hostel's, B & B's, Guest Houses
Hostel World
After you have done your search you should sort through them by "rating." It will sort by highest rated first, then if you click into the hostel and scroll to the bottom it will give you a breakdown of their ratings, and if you click on "click here to view ratings and reviews" then you can read what people have said about the hostel. I wouldn't go through Europe any other way.
Jessica Schroeder-USD student
Oxford Online Discount Price Hotels
Various other links you may need --
Oxford Budget
Oxford Refund Policy
Financial Aid Information-U.S. students only
Consortium Agreement Information-U.S. students only
Installment Payment Due Dates and Early Payment Discounts
Making your initial & future payments
Payment via Credit Card
Oxford Computer and E-Mail Info: Facilities
Oxford Cyber Cafe's