Packing

Cell Phone Tips 

There are a few different options regarding cell phone plans while you are abroad. It is important to figure out a plan for your cell phone prior to arriving to the UK. 

1. Buy an international monthly phone plan through your current cell phone provider

Pros: One of the more simpler options and your phone/phone number stays the same

Cons: Can be one of the more pricier options depending on what cell phone provider/carrier you may have, and you won't have a UK phone number which can be inconvenient.

2. Buy a SIM Card when you arrive in the UK 

Pros: One of the more affordable options and oftentimes has better service than an international plan. Also gives you a UK phone number, which is useful to have

Cons: Must have an "unlocked" cell phone

3. Buy a "Pay as You Go" Phone when you arrive in the UK

Pros: Pretty affordable, no contract involved, and only pay for what you need 

Cons: Will require you to use a new phone/new number, which can be a con if you prefer to use your current phone 

It's good to consider having a local phone number so that you can easily access emergency numbers or call for a taxi should the need arise. We generally recommend that WEPO students pick an option that gives you a UK phone number. You may need this for things like verifying your local bank account, or ordering on local delivery apps.

You can order a SIM card in advance of your arrival to be mailed to the WEPO office so that you’ll have it once you get to EWH on September 25. Below are many of the local phone companies that you can choose from. They should all offer ‘pay as you go’ SIM cards, and many include enough data for you to use it whenever you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. 

• VOXI

• Vodafone

• EE

• Three

• Smarty

• Giff Gaff

Note that your phone must be unlocked for you to put a SIM card in it from another carrier. If your phone is not unlocked, you can look into using international calling on your current plan, or getting a cheap phone to use with a UK SIM card for the year here.

If you’re going to have any mail sent to EWH, please be sure you use the following mailing address (no matter which building you’re living in). You shouldn’t have any mail sent to 2 or 4 Lathbury Road. 

[Your Name]

145 Banbury Road

Oxford, OX2 7AN

United Kingdom

Credit Cards & Money Tips

• Prior to departure, you will want to inform your credit card company/bank that you plan to travel and use your card abroad. This will prevent any holds from being placed on your card/account.

• While abroad, you should also beware of international ATM fees connected to using an ATM. It can be a good idea to check these fees ahead of time with your credit card company/bank. There are credit cards available with no foreign transaction fees, so it may be worthwhile having one of those.

• Make sure you have several forms of "payment" abroad in case you lose a credit card, cash/card gets stolen, etc. It is a good idea to have at least one debit card, one credit card, and some cash in the local currency on hand. Most credit cards (eg. Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted in the UK. You'll find that American Express is the only credit card that is often not accepted.

• If you're paying using a card or withdrawing money from an ATM, you should almost always decline the conversion if the machine offers to convert currency from you. These conversion rates usually have high fees baked in, and your bank at home will generally offer a better rate.

• Set up ApplePay/Google Pay on your phone- most payments in the UK are now done via contactless payments, and having this set up on your phone before you arrive will be helpful. Contactless payments in the UK don't always work with foreign cards, particularly American cards.

General Packing Tips 

• Less is more! Only pack what you can comfortably carry and transport yourself. You'll be able to purchase your toiletries in Oxford upon your arrival, so you don't need to bring big bottles of shampoo, etc. with you.

• Make sure to check TSA and airline baggage allowances prior to departure.

• Do not pack a lot of clothes that need "special care" such as dry cleaning.

• Make sure to pack an outlet adaptor to fit the outlets in the UK.

• You should not bring any heat-producing appliances, including hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, clothes irons, etc. The voltage in the UK is higher than in the US, and these items are not suitable to be used at EWH. WEPO has some hair dryers available to borrow, or you may purchase these items inexpensively to use throughout the year should you need them.

• Always pack electronics, valuables, and medications (in a labelled container for prescriptions) in your carry on. That way they will be with you throughout the entire trip in case your checked luggage gets lost.

• Do not pack a lot of unnecessary valuables such as jewellery, expensive clothing, etc.

• WEPO will provide you with towels and sheets for your bed. You should not bring these from home.

• The Weather: You will likely experience all seasons of UK weather. When you arrive, you may have some warm days (75°F+), and remember that there is almost no air conditioning in buildings across the UK. You'll also experience winter in the UK, which is admittedly not as cold as it is in Williamstown- usually around 30°F as a minimum temperature. However, it is almost always humid/damp in the winter so you'll need a warm coat (ideally waterproof as well) and scarves/gloves/hats. You should bring at least one pair of good walking shoes, and one pair of shoes that are water proof or water resistant. For the autumn and spring, you'll want a lighter waterproof jacket, as you'll find an occasion to wear one even throughout the summer!

• Packing for Oxford University: There are certain occasions when you'll need to dress formally at Exeter and the University. These include the signing of the register, formal hall (formal, optional weekly dinners), and other events throughout the year. 'Sub fusc' is the outfit that must be worn under your academic gown at most of these occasions. WEPO will provide you with an academic gown, but you must provide your own sub fusc. You will need to wear your sub fusc outfit during the first week. While you will have some free time if you need to shop, it may be easier (and less expensive) to bring these items with you:

  • dark (black) suit (for men and women) 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. Below are examples of a sub fusc outfit with the academic gown.

There are other occasions when you might need a more formal outfit, called 'black tie', such as a gown or tux. You'll find that balls (formal dances) which are black tie events are popular in Oxford and are held throughout the year. This attire can be brought from home, purchased (new or thrifted), or rented when you arrive in Oxford. If you do have these items at home, we recommend you bring them to save yourself having to purchase items upon arrival. If you wore a prom dress, this may be a good option to bring with you! If you do not own black tie attire, WEPO staff can point you in the direction of thrift stores (called charity shops) that may have suitable items for you. Below are some examples of black tie attire: