Freshers Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are some frequently asked questions. If you have any other queries, you can email any member of the committee or post it in the Facebook group and do follow us on Instagram to keep up to date will any and all events.
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Moving In
What is where?
See our maps page for a useful overview of key places in Oxford and College.
When should I arrive?
You should get in touch with your department to know when you are required to start your programme. Most departments organize induction sessions for freshers, which should give you all the information required to start your academic work in Oxford. These sessions usually take place in 0th Week (“Noughth Week”) of Michaelmas term, that is the week before the first official week of the autumn term (usually the first week of October). 0th Week is also known as Freshers’ week and is an important moment in your social life here at Lincoln. During this week, you will get to know most of your fellow freshers, as well as older and wiser members of the MCR, whilst enjoying the wide range of events organized by your MCR committee. Thus, we strongly suggest arriving in Oxford before 0th Week, even if your department does not require your presence before week 1 of term.
I am an International Student – how do I get to Oxford…
…from Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow is the closest airport to Oxford. The airline bus, run by the Oxford Bus Company, will bring you directly to our beloved city.
…from Gatwick Airport?
The airline bus will also bring you from Gatwick to Oxford (via Heathrow).
…from Stansted Airport?
From the coach station at Stansted, take the National Express 757 bus to the Oxford Central Bus Station on Gloucester Green. The journey from Stansted takes around 4 hours. Please check the National Express website for fares and timetables. Be warned – it’s a long, long journey.
…from Luton Airport?
You can catch a bus to Oxford from the front of the terminal building. The journey lasts around 2 hours. Once again, you can find more information on the National Express website.
…from London?
Oxford is extraordinarily well connected to London. If you’re not familiar with London transportation, it is important to note that Victoria Bus Station is not actually the same as Victoria Train Station, even though they are very close to each other (about 10 minutes on foot).
You can also take a train to Oxford from either London Paddington or London Marylebone stations. If booked in advance trains are a similar (or cheaper!) price to the bus, and a lot faster. However, if purchased on the day of travel, trains are quite expensive unless you have a 16-25 Railcard, which is highly recommended if you intend to do any amount of train travel in the UK. Consult the National Rail website for timetables and fares. When planning your journey, select from "London - [All Stations]" to see trains from both Paddington & Marylebone, and enter "Oxford" as the destination.
And how do I reach Lincoln College?
Your destinations in Oxford will be:
From either of these, the easiest way to reach the college is to get a taxi to Lincoln College, Turl Street. You can find taxis waiting both at Gloucester Green Bus Station and at the train station. You can also book a taxi in advance through either https://www.001taxis.com or https://royal-cars.com. In the future, be sure to book taxis through the Lodge as Lincoln gets discounts for these booking.
If you feel adventurous (and don’t have much luggage), you can get to college on foot or by bus. If you are arriving by coach, get off at the stop on the corner between High Street and Queen’s Lane: from here you’re just a few meters (or yards) from Lincoln College.
If you’re arriving by train, you can catch bus number 5 to Queen Street (a couple of minutes’ walk from College). Check the Oxford Bus website for fares and timetables (buses are every few minutes during the day, slightly less frequent in the evenings). Even though it is quite easy to get to the college on foot or by bus, we do advise you to take a taxi on your first arrival.
Once you have arrived, go to the Porter's Lodge (across from Missing Bean on Turl Street) and let them know who you are. Ask them for your key fob, and your keys if you are going to be living in College accommodation. The porters will direct you to your room, but they will NOT help you with your luggage!
I am a UK student – how do I move into Lincoln by car?
Use a website like AA Route Planner to plan your journey into Oxford (the College postcode is OX1 3DR, put this as your destination). The centre of Oxford has a lot of pedestrianised streets, bus-only areas, and frightening one-way systems, so it is wise to work out your route beforehand! It is advisable to approach from the north of the city to reach Lincoln College with minimum hassle (Banbury Road–>Parks Road–>Broad Street–>Turl Street), even if this means going half-way round the ring-road first.
If living in Bear Lane, Little Clarendon St or Queen's Street, you will need to go first to the Porters’ Lodge on the Main Site to pick up your keys and fob – they will then direct you to your accommodation and give you a parking permit that lasts half an hour. If living in the EPA Centre, you can pick up your keys and swipe card directly from the Lodge in the EPA (find a place to park on Museum Road, just off Parks Road – again, the Porter will provide you with a parking permit if you need one).
In either case, it is highly recommended that you bring a parent or friend in the car with you, to navigate Oxford’s roads, wait with the car and stop it getting a parking ticket while you talk to the Porters, and help you unload all your stuff in the rather short half-hour window afforded by the parking permit.
Things you should do once in college
See our maps page for a useful overview of key places in Oxford and College.
When should I arrive?
You should get in touch with your department to know when you are required to start your programme. Most departments organize induction sessions for freshers, which should give you all the information required to start your academic work in Oxford. These sessions usually take place in 0th Week (“Noughth Week”) of Michaelmas term, that is the week before the first official week of the autumn term (usually the first week of October). 0th Week is also known as Freshers’ week and is an important moment in your social life here at Lincoln. During this week, you will get to know most of your fellow freshers, as well as older and wiser members of the MCR, whilst enjoying the wide range of events organized by your MCR committee. Thus, we strongly suggest arriving in Oxford before 0th Week, even if your department does not require your presence before week 1 of term.
I am an International Student – how do I get to Oxford…
…from Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow is the closest airport to Oxford. The airline bus, run by the Oxford Bus Company, will bring you directly to our beloved city.
…from Gatwick Airport?
The airline bus will also bring you from Gatwick to Oxford (via Heathrow).
…from Stansted Airport?
From the coach station at Stansted, take the National Express 757 bus to the Oxford Central Bus Station on Gloucester Green. The journey from Stansted takes around 4 hours. Please check the National Express website for fares and timetables. Be warned – it’s a long, long journey.
…from Luton Airport?
You can catch a bus to Oxford from the front of the terminal building. The journey lasts around 2 hours. Once again, you can find more information on the National Express website.
…from London?
Oxford is extraordinarily well connected to London. If you’re not familiar with London transportation, it is important to note that Victoria Bus Station is not actually the same as Victoria Train Station, even though they are very close to each other (about 10 minutes on foot).
- You can catch the Oxford Tube bus from Victoria Station (both the Bus station and outside the Train station), Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush and Hillingdon.
- Megabus runs a low cost service between London and Oxford. Tickets can cost as little as £1, but have to be purchased in advance online. The service runs from Victoria Bus station only.
You can also take a train to Oxford from either London Paddington or London Marylebone stations. If booked in advance trains are a similar (or cheaper!) price to the bus, and a lot faster. However, if purchased on the day of travel, trains are quite expensive unless you have a 16-25 Railcard, which is highly recommended if you intend to do any amount of train travel in the UK. Consult the National Rail website for timetables and fares. When planning your journey, select from "London - [All Stations]" to see trains from both Paddington & Marylebone, and enter "Oxford" as the destination.
And how do I reach Lincoln College?
Your destinations in Oxford will be:
- By bus: Gloucester Green Bus Station
- By train: Oxford City Train Station
From either of these, the easiest way to reach the college is to get a taxi to Lincoln College, Turl Street. You can find taxis waiting both at Gloucester Green Bus Station and at the train station. You can also book a taxi in advance through either https://www.001taxis.com or https://royal-cars.com. In the future, be sure to book taxis through the Lodge as Lincoln gets discounts for these booking.
If you feel adventurous (and don’t have much luggage), you can get to college on foot or by bus. If you are arriving by coach, get off at the stop on the corner between High Street and Queen’s Lane: from here you’re just a few meters (or yards) from Lincoln College.
If you’re arriving by train, you can catch bus number 5 to Queen Street (a couple of minutes’ walk from College). Check the Oxford Bus website for fares and timetables (buses are every few minutes during the day, slightly less frequent in the evenings). Even though it is quite easy to get to the college on foot or by bus, we do advise you to take a taxi on your first arrival.
Once you have arrived, go to the Porter's Lodge (across from Missing Bean on Turl Street) and let them know who you are. Ask them for your key fob, and your keys if you are going to be living in College accommodation. The porters will direct you to your room, but they will NOT help you with your luggage!
I am a UK student – how do I move into Lincoln by car?
Use a website like AA Route Planner to plan your journey into Oxford (the College postcode is OX1 3DR, put this as your destination). The centre of Oxford has a lot of pedestrianised streets, bus-only areas, and frightening one-way systems, so it is wise to work out your route beforehand! It is advisable to approach from the north of the city to reach Lincoln College with minimum hassle (Banbury Road–>Parks Road–>Broad Street–>Turl Street), even if this means going half-way round the ring-road first.
If living in Bear Lane, Little Clarendon St or Queen's Street, you will need to go first to the Porters’ Lodge on the Main Site to pick up your keys and fob – they will then direct you to your accommodation and give you a parking permit that lasts half an hour. If living in the EPA Centre, you can pick up your keys and swipe card directly from the Lodge in the EPA (find a place to park on Museum Road, just off Parks Road – again, the Porter will provide you with a parking permit if you need one).
In either case, it is highly recommended that you bring a parent or friend in the car with you, to navigate Oxford’s roads, wait with the car and stop it getting a parking ticket while you talk to the Porters, and help you unload all your stuff in the rather short half-hour window afforded by the parking permit.
Things you should do once in college
- Have a look around Main Quad and realize that you actually ARE an Oxford student now.
- Tell the Porters that you have arrived, collect your fob, and also your keys if you are living in College accommodation.
- Get your Bod card (University card) from Carmella Elan-Gaston, in staircase 4.
- Join the Oxford Facebook network, and subscribe to the Lincoln MCR Facebook group.
- Buy a gown. Yes, you really do have to do this. Main retailers include Walters of Oxford, with whom Lincoln students get 10% off, on Turl Street, and Shepperd & Woodward, on the High Street . You can also find second hand ones, both through Oxford Student Union and the internet.
Accommodation
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What's the accommodation like? Do we need our own bedding/towels/furniture? What kitchen facilities are there? What laundry facilities are there? Do we get internet access in our rooms?
All of these questions, and more, are answered here.
Also, check out the housing package available above!
Do I have to live in College accommodation for my first year?
Not at all - although you may find it easier to make friends in College if you do. A useful place to start looking for student housing out of College is www.liveout.co.uk, which aims to list every student house in Oxford from every letting agent. It's also worth trying www.dailyinfo.co.uk, which in addition to a great deal of other useful information about Oxford, has accommodation listings. The most popular resource among students, however, is the OxGradHousing Facebook group. Many MCR members have found their housing thanks to this group.
Is there a curfew?
No. Everyone is issued a swipe-card, which you can use at any time of the day or night to let yourself into the College or its Annexes.
What happens if I lock myself out?
The Lodge is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can let you into your room. The EPA Centre also has its own 24/7 Lodge, so that you don't have to traipse all the way to the College main site in your pyjamas.
Can we use electrical equipment in our rooms?
In general, yes. The college prohibits use of cooking equipment (except kettles) in rooms, but this should not be a problem as all MCR members have access to communal kitchens. Electrical heaters are also prohibited. If you have a query about a particular piece of equipment (e.g. a guitar amp) it's probably best to contact the Accommodation Manager, Annaliese Griffiss ([email protected]).
All of these questions, and more, are answered here.
Also, check out the housing package available above!
Do I have to live in College accommodation for my first year?
Not at all - although you may find it easier to make friends in College if you do. A useful place to start looking for student housing out of College is www.liveout.co.uk, which aims to list every student house in Oxford from every letting agent. It's also worth trying www.dailyinfo.co.uk, which in addition to a great deal of other useful information about Oxford, has accommodation listings. The most popular resource among students, however, is the OxGradHousing Facebook group. Many MCR members have found their housing thanks to this group.
Is there a curfew?
No. Everyone is issued a swipe-card, which you can use at any time of the day or night to let yourself into the College or its Annexes.
What happens if I lock myself out?
The Lodge is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can let you into your room. The EPA Centre also has its own 24/7 Lodge, so that you don't have to traipse all the way to the College main site in your pyjamas.
Can we use electrical equipment in our rooms?
In general, yes. The college prohibits use of cooking equipment (except kettles) in rooms, but this should not be a problem as all MCR members have access to communal kitchens. Electrical heaters are also prohibited. If you have a query about a particular piece of equipment (e.g. a guitar amp) it's probably best to contact the Accommodation Manager, Annaliese Griffiss ([email protected]).
Life in Oxford
Should I bring...
...my computer/laptop?
Yes, but do get it insured, especially if it's a nice one. If you don't have a computer, you can always use the College computer rooms, but most people do bring their own.
...my printer?
It's not necessary. The computer rooms have laser printers and the College provides paper and a £100 free printing allowance. This allowance works for any printers on Lincoln's campus.
...my nice new expensive bike?
It's up to you, but it's probably not the best idea if you don't want it stolen - there is a lot of bike theft in Oxford. It might be advisable to buy a cheaper one for Oxford, and leave the nice bike at home. It is possible to buy bike insurance in Oxford, but it can be fairly expensive.
What is the cost of living like in Oxford?
See the Money page.
What should I wear for...
...MCR freshers' events?
Whatever you like, for most things. Any events with a particular dress code will be noted as such on the Termcard.
...matriculation and University exams?
An outfit called 'sub-fusc' (white shirt, black trousers and jacket, and white bow-tie for men; white blouse, black trousers/skirt, and black ribbon for ladies), worn with the appropriate gown, and a cap which is usually carried rather than worn. You do have to wear the correct clothes otherwise they won't let you in, but there is a certain amount of lee-way (e.g. a suit with pinstripes would be fine, as long as it is dark in colour).
...eating in hall?
For breakfast, lunch, brunch and First Hall, whatever you like. For Second Hall, whatever you like as long as you wear your gown over the top.
...bops/fancy dress parties?
Whatever you like - some people get really into making complicated costumes, others make no effort at all. Fancy dress is generally quite popular at Oxford though, so if you happen to have a costume box or a set of face paints, feel free to bring it with you.
...formal dinners etc?
Men would be well-advised to own at least one suit, and ladies at least one cocktail dress, jumpsuit or equivalent.
...a College Ball?
Black tie or white tie for men and a ball-gown, posh dress or suit for ladies. There is no concept of "too dressed up" for this kind of event at Oxford
...my computer/laptop?
Yes, but do get it insured, especially if it's a nice one. If you don't have a computer, you can always use the College computer rooms, but most people do bring their own.
...my printer?
It's not necessary. The computer rooms have laser printers and the College provides paper and a £100 free printing allowance. This allowance works for any printers on Lincoln's campus.
...my nice new expensive bike?
It's up to you, but it's probably not the best idea if you don't want it stolen - there is a lot of bike theft in Oxford. It might be advisable to buy a cheaper one for Oxford, and leave the nice bike at home. It is possible to buy bike insurance in Oxford, but it can be fairly expensive.
What is the cost of living like in Oxford?
See the Money page.
What should I wear for...
...MCR freshers' events?
Whatever you like, for most things. Any events with a particular dress code will be noted as such on the Termcard.
...matriculation and University exams?
An outfit called 'sub-fusc' (white shirt, black trousers and jacket, and white bow-tie for men; white blouse, black trousers/skirt, and black ribbon for ladies), worn with the appropriate gown, and a cap which is usually carried rather than worn. You do have to wear the correct clothes otherwise they won't let you in, but there is a certain amount of lee-way (e.g. a suit with pinstripes would be fine, as long as it is dark in colour).
...eating in hall?
For breakfast, lunch, brunch and First Hall, whatever you like. For Second Hall, whatever you like as long as you wear your gown over the top.
...bops/fancy dress parties?
Whatever you like - some people get really into making complicated costumes, others make no effort at all. Fancy dress is generally quite popular at Oxford though, so if you happen to have a costume box or a set of face paints, feel free to bring it with you.
...formal dinners etc?
Men would be well-advised to own at least one suit, and ladies at least one cocktail dress, jumpsuit or equivalent.
...a College Ball?
Black tie or white tie for men and a ball-gown, posh dress or suit for ladies. There is no concept of "too dressed up" for this kind of event at Oxford
Life at Lincoln
What are the recycling facilities like at Lincoln?
See this page for information on recycling and other 'green' issues at Lincoln.
Are there any baths in College, or is it just showers?
Mostly showers, but there are one or two baths if you are prepared to search for them (e.g. in the basement of Staircase 22 at Bear Lane).
Are there music practice rooms in College?
Yes - there are two music rooms in the basement of the Berrow Foundation building (under the MCR next to the bathrooms) each with pianos and one with a drum kit (ask porters for more details). You do not technically have to book these rooms in advance, if one is free you can ask the Porters at the Lodge for the keys. However, if you want guaranteed access then you should book in advance at the Porters’ Lodge on the main College site. You will be asked to give them your Bod card in exchange to ensure you return the keys. Students can use the grand piano in the Oakshott room, but this must be booked in advance.
Otherwise, you'd be best off joining the Oxford University Music Society and purchasing a facilities card, which will allow you to book practice rooms at the Music Faculty on Abingdon Road (about five minutes' walk from Lincoln).
Are there any gym facilities?
All MCR members have free gym and swim membership of the University gym, which is located at the University Sports Complex on Iffley Road.
What does it mean for us to have a "Sister" College in Cambridge?
Lincoln's sister College is Downing College, Cambridge. Every two years the MCR committee organises an exchange trip, which is a great chance to visit Cambridge and make new friends (even if they are still our sworn enemies...)
Is there a College pet?
Yes, we have a College tortoise named Tortilla who lives in the MCR. He was recently dubbed the fastest College tortoise in Oxford. Students are welcome to let tortilla out of his enclosure and let him roam the MCR as they see fit. Tortilla’s caretaker, Organ Scholar Matt Foster, can supply with more information on tortilla.
Is there a College ghost?
Not that we know of. Please let us know if you hear of one!
Can I join the MCR Committee?
If you'd like to get more involved in the running of the MCR, the best way to start is by coming along to some MCR meetings and events and getting to know people, including members of the current committee. Elections for the new committee take place the beginning of Michaelmas Term. All members of the MCR are eligible to vote in the elections, either in person or in absentia.
See this page for information on recycling and other 'green' issues at Lincoln.
Are there any baths in College, or is it just showers?
Mostly showers, but there are one or two baths if you are prepared to search for them (e.g. in the basement of Staircase 22 at Bear Lane).
Are there music practice rooms in College?
Yes - there are two music rooms in the basement of the Berrow Foundation building (under the MCR next to the bathrooms) each with pianos and one with a drum kit (ask porters for more details). You do not technically have to book these rooms in advance, if one is free you can ask the Porters at the Lodge for the keys. However, if you want guaranteed access then you should book in advance at the Porters’ Lodge on the main College site. You will be asked to give them your Bod card in exchange to ensure you return the keys. Students can use the grand piano in the Oakshott room, but this must be booked in advance.
Otherwise, you'd be best off joining the Oxford University Music Society and purchasing a facilities card, which will allow you to book practice rooms at the Music Faculty on Abingdon Road (about five minutes' walk from Lincoln).
Are there any gym facilities?
All MCR members have free gym and swim membership of the University gym, which is located at the University Sports Complex on Iffley Road.
What does it mean for us to have a "Sister" College in Cambridge?
Lincoln's sister College is Downing College, Cambridge. Every two years the MCR committee organises an exchange trip, which is a great chance to visit Cambridge and make new friends (even if they are still our sworn enemies...)
Is there a College pet?
Yes, we have a College tortoise named Tortilla who lives in the MCR. He was recently dubbed the fastest College tortoise in Oxford. Students are welcome to let tortilla out of his enclosure and let him roam the MCR as they see fit. Tortilla’s caretaker, Organ Scholar Matt Foster, can supply with more information on tortilla.
Is there a College ghost?
Not that we know of. Please let us know if you hear of one!
Can I join the MCR Committee?
If you'd like to get more involved in the running of the MCR, the best way to start is by coming along to some MCR meetings and events and getting to know people, including members of the current committee. Elections for the new committee take place the beginning of Michaelmas Term. All members of the MCR are eligible to vote in the elections, either in person or in absentia.