Arriving

Once you’ve fulfilled all your offer conditions and confirmed that you intend to take up your place, you will receive information by email about enrolling as a student at the University. 

Before you arrive

On the Oxford Students website, you can find a checklist of things to do when you are preparing for study at Oxford. This includes information about enrolling as a student at the University. 

Make sure the contact information we hold for you is correct: this will be used to send you important information including our 'Preparing for Oxford' emails until you have your University email account.

You will receive pre-arrival information from your academic department. If you are studying for a matriculated course, your college will also send you information about your college membership, the college’s facilities and services, and arrival arrangements. 

International students

There is plenty of support available for international students before you arrive and during your studies. We aim to make all our students feel as welcome as possible and to help them settle in quickly. 

If you need a visa to study at Oxford, you can find detailed guidance on the University's visa and immigration pages. 

The Oxford Student website offers lots of advice on getting ready to study at Oxford, including information about accommodation, finances, insurance and medical treatment, travelling to Oxford and adjusting to life in the UK. The Orientation for New Students podcast series has insights and advice from current students, and is particularly relevant for students from outside the UK. 

Oxford Online Pre-Sessional English course

If you have been made an offer for entry in 2025-26, you may be able to use the Language Centre’s English language pre-sessional course, which is normally run online in the summer, as an avenue to meet any English language conditions you have been set. 

Term dates

Oxford’s academic year is divided into three terms — Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity — and three vacations. Most of our graduate courses begin in Michaelmas term (October). However, a small number begin in Hilary term (January) or Trinity term (April). 

Some graduate courses do not follow the University’s standard eight-week terms. Make sure you read the pre-arrival information you receive carefully. This may include details about induction events and Freshers' Week, which take place before term starts (see Your first few weeks on the Oxford Students website for more information). Your department will let you know the dates of term for your course, and when you should arrive in Oxford.

For more information, visit the University's dates of term page. 

Orientation

You will also receive a timetable of activities you will need to attend during your first few weeks. Be aware that pre-sessional courses, orientation events, teaching and examinations may be held outside of official term dates.

University-wide orientation events for international students take place at the Oxford Student Union Freshers’ Fair. Here, you will be able to talk to advisors from central University services. Visa presentations are also held at the start of term.