ACCOMMODATION AND WELFARE
ACCOMMODATION
There is a wide selection of good student accommodation in Oxford and the Student Officer assists students in securing their preferred accommodation placement. All our lodgings have comfortable single study bedrooms; most provide breakfast and an evening meal. We maintain close contact with our students' hosts, and all accommodation is thoroughly checked to ensure that it is of a high standard. Whilst many students enjoy the opportunity of living with a British family, others may prefer to be with other students or in a more self-contained arrangement, such as our hall of residence, which houses self-catering students aged over 18 who are studying for a full year.
A similar option, where meals are provided, offers housing for a number of students and this is suitable for those who prefer to have their catering taken care of, but may be staying at the college for a shorter period. Throughout a student's time at the college, help is given with domestic matters and any difficulties are dealt with quickly by the Student Officer.
Those wishing to take self-catering accommodation or rent their own apartment are free to do so, with parental consent, although they will need to arrange this directly with local letting agents, of whom a list is available on request. Students are asked to discuss arrangements with the Student Officer in advance of their arrival in Oxford.
PASTORAL CARE
Oxford has one of the best-equipped medical teaching centres in the country and any student requiring medical treatment can be assured of excellent care and facilities. Appointments with a local doctor can easily be arranged for more routine treatment. However, it is essential to take out Medical Insurance before leaving home to cover hospitalisation or return home in the event of accident or illness. This can normally be done by extending an existing policy.
Physical and emotional well-being are of paramount importance. The Student Officer is always willing to help with difficulties encountered by our students and will listen to any problem, however trivial it may seem. The college is prepared to give support with practical issues and, when required, independent professional counselling is available to deal with emotional problems. Advice and help on spiritual matters can be arranged with the appropriate minister of religion.
| Not only did I learn about the subjects I was studying, but also about college life, and how to interact with people from all over the world. The program forced me to become more independent, to be self-sufficient, and to manage my time wisely." |
| Jessica Wagner |
With the increasing use of email, it is easier than ever to keep in touch with family and friends and every student enrolled with us is given an email address in the style donald.duck@oasp.ac.uk and has access to email facilities in the college I.T. suite. In this way contact with home can be almost instantaneous.