New Student FAQs

Academic Life

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Before arriving in Oxford, you will be sent details of the College Registration/Enrolment sessions, where you will be able to book a time to attend a registration session and meet members of the Academic Office Team, Student Helpers, and other members of College staff including IT support etc.  You will complete enrolment and be given a fob to enable you to access student areas of the College. There will also be the opportunity for short tours of College, to enable you to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. For those unable to complete enrolment in person (for example commencing their studies overseas) details of online enrolment will be provided in due course. If you are staying in College accommodation there is a separate process on arrival and more information will be provided nearer the time.  

There will also be a full programme of Freshers activities arranged by the College Student Representative Committee, and full details of this will be published nearer the start of term. Activities take place the two weeks prior to the start of Michaelmas Term in October, and are optional, with the University and College Freshers fairs both taking place during the first week of October.

The formal College Induction which is compulsory for all new students takes place during the first week of October. This date will be sent to you via email and published on our Events page. If you are on a programme that formally starts earlier than Week One, you are expected to prioritise activities in your department, and alternative arrangements will be made for College Induction. Likewise, if your travel plans are disrupted or unavoidably mean your arrival in Oxford is delayed, alternative arrangements will be made for induction information to be shared.

Fresher’s Fortnight kicks off on Monday 29 September and runs through to Sunday 10 October. 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.

The University site lists term dates here. ‘Week 1’ is the first week of Full Term beginning in October.

Your offer from College is unconditional as soon as you have met the financial requirements and submitted these details, but you will still need to meet your academic conditions to enroll on to your course. 

Please contact your department in the first instance, and then the Academic Registrar - academic.registrar@stx.ox.ac.uk.

Accommodation

For all relevent and up to date information about St Cross accommodation options please see our accommodation page.

Finance

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When you enroll you will receive a confirmation of enrolment that can be used for various purposes, such as opening a UK bank account. Requirements will vary from bank to bank, and you may be able to use a signed tenancy agreement. 

Your offer from College is unconditional as soon as you have met the financial requirements and submitted these details, but you will still need to meet your academic conditions to enroll on to your course. 

 

Lunches and Dinners

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Lunch is served in College every weekday (Monday to Friday) from 12.00 noon to 1.30pm, with the Hall remaining open until 2.00pm so you have time to enjoy your meal.

Lunch is available throughout most of the year, with breaks only during:

  • One week over Easter

  • Two weeks during the Christmas holiday

  • A short closure in late August for the annual kitchen deep clean

To help the kitchen plan ahead, students are encouraged to book lunch via the College meal booking system by 2.00pm the day before (or by 2.00pm on Sunday for Monday lunch). A number of walk-in spaces are also available each day, but booking is the best way to guarantee your meal - especially if you have specific dietary requirements.

College lunch is open to all members of the St Cross community — including students, Fellows, staff, MCR members, and alumni. Guests are very welcome, but must be accompanied by a College member, as lunch is not open to the general public.

Guests can be booked in advance via the College meal booking system, especially if they have dietary requirements, but they are also welcome to join as walk-ins if space is available on the day.

St Cross does not serve informal daily dinners, but there are a number of special evening dining events throughout each term that you can book onto:

  • Formal Hall is held every Tuesday during term and always has a fun theme — from international cuisine nights to seasonal menus.

  • Each term also includes two Black Tie Dinners and two Special Dinners, which include a drinks reception before and are a highlight of the College social calendar.

  • A Welcome Dinner for new students takes place at the start of Michaelmas Term — you’ll receive details from the Academic Office.

All evening meals must be booked in advance via the College meal booking system, and places can fill up quickly — so keep an eye on announcements and book early when events go live.

All meals at St Cross — including lunches, Formal Halls, themed dinners, and special events — must be paid for in advance by card when booking through the College meal booking system. This also includes any drinks or extras selected when booking. Please note that there is no option to pay termly.

If you're attending lunch as a walk-in, payment must be made by card at the walk-in desk on arrival.

College Life

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We do not have a dedicated music room, but we do have three pianos that students are welcome to use.  

The College library is 24/7. Pusey Library is open Mon-Fri 09:30 - 17:25.

The most-used outfitters are Shepherd & Woodward or Walters of Oxford. 

Yes, you can join our Students’ Facebook group here, or our Fresher's Whatsapp groups by clicking or scanning the QR codes below:

freshers 2425 whatsapp group
st cross lgbtq whatsapp 2425

 

 

Miscellaneous

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No, but there is a regular coach service into Oxford from London Gatwick and London Heathrow.

The address is: St Cross College, 61 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LZ, United Kingdom.

 

Yes, you can have post delivered to College although we ask that you keep large parcels to a minimum as our Lodge space is limited. If you need to send anything ahead of your arrival, please discuss arrangements by contacting Lara (accommodation@stx.ox.ac.uk).