New Students
About St Cross
Nestled in the heart of Oxford, St Cross offers postgraduates a rich and rewarding experience grounded in research, diversity, and community.
Located just a short walk from the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, and most major University departments, the College provides an ideal base for study, connection, and day-to-day life in Oxford. Our beautiful, historic quads offer a peaceful and picturesque setting — a place to focus, reflect, and belong.
At St Cross, students and Fellows come together across academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds — sharing ideas over lunch, collaborating on research, or simply enjoying time in the Common Room or College café. With students from over 70 countries and working across the full spectrum of subjects, you’ll be joining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community that reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of postgraduate research today.
From weekly formal meals and seminars to garden parties and BOP's, life at St Cross is as enriching outside the library as it is within. Whether you’re here for a one-year Master's or a full DPhil, we aim to provide the support, environment, and opportunities to help you thrive — academically, socially, and personally.
Discover more about what makes St Cross one of Oxford’s most welcoming and distinctive graduate colleges on our About St Cross page.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2PyNMH1bSdI
To make sure you have completed all the steps you need to complete registration, we highly reccomend downloading the University's Student Registration Checklist.
It contains all the links to you need to get set up and ready to start your course.
As an offer holder, you are required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission. This aims to ensure that you are fully aware of the expected fees and living costs associated with your chosen course of study at Oxford.
You will be contacted directly if more information is required for your form.
Find more information at the University's Financial Declaration page.
The University's page for International students (under Finances and Banking) has detailed information to help you open a UK bank account.
It is strongly recommended that you register with the College doctors, Drs Leaver and O’Shea at the Jericho Health Centre, unless you are already registered with another doctor in the local area. You can do this online in advance of arriving in Oxford at www.campusdoctor.co.uk/oxford/.
International students are advised to register with the NHS in order to obtain an NHS number.
How to access NHS services in England if you are visiting from abroad - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Overseas visitors - Oxford University Hospitals (ouh.nhs.uk)
Medical Contact Details once you are registered:
Emergencies: If you have a serious medical or mental health issue requiring immediate attention you should call an ambulance or the police on 999 from any phone.
If you have registered with the Dr Leaver and Partners (as recommended by the College) you can reach them on 01865 311234 (Opening hours: 8.30am – 6pm, Mon-Fri).
If you have non-emergent medical or mental health issue outside of the GP’s opening hours you can call 111 (NHS non-emergent helpline). They will ask questions to access your needs and if necessary book you an out-of-hours GP appointment.
If the matter does not require medical assistance or the police, call the Junior Deans on + 44 (0)7585 600441, or the Lodge on 01865 278 490.
Covid-19
We strongly encourage you to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccination, ideally before arriving in Oxford at the start of the autumn (Michaelmas) term. If you are unable to receive it before arriving in Oxford international students in the UK are still eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. This can be obtained through your GP once you are registered or you can request to book your Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice. For more information on the Covid-19 vaccine visit the British Council's FAQ page.
Recommended Vaccinations
The University also strongly recommends that you receive the following vaccines before you arrive in Oxford, if you have not already received them:
- Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) if you are under 25 years of age
- Measles Mumps and Rubella - MMR1 and MMR 2, i.e. the normal two doses
- Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (known in the UK as the 3-in-one teenage booster)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine if you are under 25 years of age
Contact your General Practice to arrange this, if necessary. These immunisations should be available outside the UK for international students.
If you applied for your visa from outside the UK, you’ll need to collect your BRP once you’re in the UK. You must usually do this before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later.
Please refer to this government webpage regarding different options for collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.
We expect students to bring a suitable computer with them to College, and software should be up to date with all security patches, etc installed. Please read the University's guide to IT equipment which offers advice on IT and AV equipment, particularly to use the centrally supported software for online learning - Canvas, Panopto and Microsoft Teams.
It provides equipment recommendations, best-practice on using the software options, and advice on set-up.
With the previous key steps completed, it's time to start preparing for arriving and living in Oxford. This Digital Freshers' Pack includes maps, guides, and a wealth of information about life at the University and across the city. In addition to this digital resource, you will receive a hardcopy Welcome Pack at your in-person College Registration Session.
On arriving at St Cross, you will meet with the Academic Office Team, to complete your registration process and issue your student card and welcome pack.
Dates and time for registration will open shortly and you will be notified how to book via email.
You will also be issued with your Fresher's Welcome Bag with some St Cross Merchandise to help you feel part of the community.
Matriculation
Date for 2025: Saturday 18 October
Matriculation is a formal ceremony in which you are officially admitted to the University of Oxford. It’s a historic tradition that marks the beginning of your academic journey as a full member of the University — and it’s often one of the most memorable moments of your time here.
The ceremony takes place in the Sheldonian Theatre, in the centre of Oxford, and includes all new students across the colleges. You’ll attend as part of the St Cross College group, accompanied by staff and fellow freshers.
What to expect
The ceremony itself is relatively short and quite formal — but don’t worry, there’s no speaking involved! Students are seated while a few key words are spoken in Latin by University officials. It’s more about the tradition and the experience than anything else.
After the ceremony, many students take the opportunity to explore the city with family or friends and take photos around Oxford in their academic dress.
What to wear (sub-fusc)
You’ll need to wear sub-fusc, the traditional academic dress worn for matriculation and some other formal University occasions. It includes:
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A dark suit, dark skirt or dark trousers
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A white shirt or blouse
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A black ribbon or black tie
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A black academic gown (postgraduate gown)
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A mortarboard cap (carried, not worn, for Matriculation)
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Black smart shoes (no open toes, sandals, or buckles)
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If wearing a skirt: black opaque tights
You can purchase your gown and mortarboard from one of the Oxford academic outfitters (we’ll provide more details closer to the time).
What to bring from home
It’s a good idea to bring with you:
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A plain white shirt/blouse
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Black formal trousers or a black skirt
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Black opaque tights (if wearing a skirt)
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Smart black shoes suitable for walking and standing (no buckles)
You don’t need to bring your gown or cap with you when you first arrive — you’ll have the chance to buy or hire these in Oxford ahead of the ceremony.
More information to follow
Closer to the date, we’ll send you:
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Your exact ceremony time
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Instructions on where to meet the St Cross group on the day
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Details of how to buy or hire your gown and mortarboard in Oxford
Freshers
Once all your conditions have been met, it's time to start preparing for living and studying in Oxford. To help get settled at St Cross, please browse the pages below about resources offered by the College.
Fresher’s Fortnight kicks off on Monday 29 September 2025 and runs through to Sunday 12 October 2025. It’s a two-week welcome packed with events, activities, and opportunities to help you settle in, meet new people, and feel at home at St Cross.
The programme is thoughtfully put together by both College staff and your Student Representatives, blending social events with helpful introductions to life at Oxford. Whether you're new to the city or returning for postgraduate study, it's a great way to explore College, make friends, and start building your St Cross experience.
The full timetable will be announced closer to the time — but rest assured, there’ll be something for everyone.
Events
Meet the Academic Office Team
Useful Links
Here you can find information and advice to help you settle into life as an Oxford student: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/new
The Oxford University Newcomers' Club aims to provide an opportunity to meet people in Oxford and to help newly-arrived partners of visiting scholars, graduate students and newly appointed academic and administrative members of the University to settle in.
See more information here: https://www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk/
Full academic dress should be worn at all formal University ceremonies including matriculation and degree ceremonies.
Guide to academic dress can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/dress
University’s Disability Advisory Service provides information and advice on disability issues and facilitates support for those with, for example, sensory or mobility impairments, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions or mental health difficulties.
Find out more about what support is available at https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/disability?wssl=1
One of the essential resources that you will need is the Oxford Glossary.
You can find it following the link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation/history/oxford-glossary
Information on the type of visa you require and how to apply before you arrive, also includes advice and requirements for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. An explanation about your visa conditions, including working, travel, family visits, renewing, extending, and changes to your student status.
See more details here.