Things to Bring from Home

Documents:

• Passport

• Driver's License (if you have one)

• Williams student ID

• ISIC Card (if you purchase one)

• Private insurance card (if you have one)

• Debit card for your US bank - you can use it (usually for a fee) at most ATM's here. Remember to tell your bank you'll be traveling abroad before you depart.

• Credit card (if you have one)- some have no foreign transaction fees, although most do. Monitor your account in order to be aware of any foreign transaction or bank fees. You're advised to confirm in advance of your departure what fees you will incur when using your card abroad.

You will need some formal attire for balls, parties, and dinners. There are a lot of opportunities to wear formal clothing at Oxford. We recommend that male students purchase an inexpensive tuxedo before arriving. There are also high-end thrift stores (charity shops) in Oxford that sell second-hand formal wear. The dress code for women is less stringent and less specific than for me. You might consider bringing an old prom dress, or looking at thrift stores in the US before you leave. The following stores sell and hire out suits, tuxedos, ball gowns, formal dress, and accessories:

• Shepherd & Woodward (men’s formalwear): www.shepherdandwoodward.co.uk

• Walter’s (men’s formalwear): www.walters-oxford.co.uk

• Ballroom Emporium (women’s and men’s formalwear): www.ballroomemporium.co.uk

There are also plenty of general clothes shops that sell affordable smart clothing. Visit Cornmarket Street, High Street, Queen Street, George/Magdalen Street, or the Westgate Centre. Summertown and Headington have some thrift stores (charity shops) and a few clothes shops, but the centre of town is likely the best place to look. We will take a group photo during orientation, which isn’t formal, but smart (business casual) dress is expected.

Oxford University Attire

Oxford University and Exeter College have specific dress codes for various events. Formal Halls require 'Sub fusc' and smart dress. You will also need to wear Sub fusc when signing the register and at various events throughout the year.

For Sub fusc, you will need the following:

• • dark (black) suit for men or dark (black) skirt/trousers for women

  • black shoes and socks/tights

  • plain white collared shirt or blouse

  • white bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or black ribbon.

There are plenty of shops in Oxford that will sell a black tie or ribbon should you need one, and that will be easy to get before you need to wear your sub fusc outfit.

General Clothing to Bring

The weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for all seasons. It generally won’t get as cold as it does in Williamstown, so you won’t need snow boots, but you will need a heavy winter coat. It is also damp in the Fall and Spring terms, so you’ll need an umbrella, waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves. We usually get nice weather in the Spring and Summer, so pack a mix of sweaters/long-sleeved and short sleeved tops. Remember that you will probably end up buying some things, and you have access to a washer and dryer in your accommodation, so don’t overpack! We recommend bringing about 1.5-2 weeks worth of clothes for both seasons.

Prescription Medicine

If you have a prescription that you know you will be taking throughout the academic year, please ask your doctor how much of the medication you can get before you leave for the UK. Bring as much of a supply as you can so you don’t need to worry about getting a local prescription right away. If you do need to replenish your prescription, you will need to see your GP here. Ask your doctor at home for the full prescription, including the name of the medication and the chemical compound so that your GP here can find a suitable substitute. When you arrive in the UK, make an appointment with your GP (at 19 Beaumont Street) to confirm your arrival and discuss your prescription. You should be able to set up a repeat prescription and request it via the NHS app once you’ve set everything up. If you know you will be home over Christmas break, you can also refill your prescription in the US.

Electrical Appliances

For many electronics, such as your laptop, cameras, or phone, you will need a US to UK adaptor for the plug to fit in UK sockets. These electronics should automatically convert voltage, but you can double check with the manufacturer. The Programme will lend you one travel adaptor for the academic year, but we recommend that you bring a couple of your own as it’s useful to have a few. They usually come in multi-packs, and are generally inexpensive to purchase online. We recommend that you purchase these before you leave the US, as they can be more difficult to find when you’re already in the UK. All WEPO adaptors must be returned before leaving the Programme, otherwise a charge of £5 will be made at the end of the year.

What Not to Bring

• Clothes Hangers- there are a lot of leftover hangers at WEPO from previous years in your wardrobes. If you do need more, you can ask the Scout if there are spares or purchase some locally, as they are very inexpensive.

• Bedding- the Programme will provide you with pillows, pillow cases, and pillow protectors (x2), single mattress, mattress protector, fitted sheet, single duvet, and duvet cover.

• Towels- the Programme will provide you with a bath towel and hand towel.

• Heat-producing electronics- You should avoid bringing any heat-producing appliances, such as hair dryers, straighteners/curling irons, or clothes irons. Even with an electrical converter, these can overheat with long-term use in UK outlets and are a fire hazard. As you will be here for a full year, we encourage you to purchase these locally if you need them; they are inexpensive to find on Amazon or in local stores.