Your OIC Boarding Packing Guide

What You'll Find Waiting for You

Your boarding accommodation is fully equipped with the essentials, so there's no need to pack everything from home.

Your room includes:

• Duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase and fitted sheet
• Study desk and chair
• Desk lamp and shelving
• Weekly room cleaning

Please note: Towels are not provided, so remember to pack your own.

Shared kitchen facilities include:

• Kettle
• Oven
• Fridge
• Microwave
• Kitchen cleaning products
• Vacuum cleaner

Everything is designed to help you settle in quickly while giving you a comfortable and supportive environment to live and study.

Essential Documents to Keep in Your Hand Luggage

When travelling, always keep important documents with you rather than in checked luggage.

You should bring:

• Passport (and visa, where applicable)
• Your College acceptance documents and CAS documentation (or any document containing your personal details, College and accommodation address, and emergency contacts)
• Qualification certificates
• Medical and vaccination records
• Paper and digital copies of all important documents

International Student Tip

UK Border Force officers may ask questions about your course or your accommodation. Before you travel, make sure you're familiar with your College details and can confidently explain why you're coming to study in the UK.

Health and Wellbeing

Looking after your health starts before you arrive.

Remember to pack:

• Any prescription medication (with an English translation and doctor's letter where appropriate)
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries
• Health or travel insurance documents, if applicable

Important Medication Guidance

For the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our boarding community, all medication must be declared when you arrive.

Medication kept in student rooms without authorisation will be collected by boarding staff, checked by our nursing team, and safely returned where appropriate. This process helps us provide the best possible care and ensures all students receive the support they need.

Packing for British Weather

The UK's weather is famously unpredictable, so it's worth preparing for every season.

We recommend bringing:

• A warm winter coat
• Waterproof jacket
• Umbrella
• Everyday casual clothing
• Sportswear
• Pyjamas, underwear and socks
• Comfortable everyday shoes
• One waterproof pair of shoes or boots

One smart outfit for College events and formal occasions

Temperatures can range from around 1–5°C during winter to 20–30°C in summer, and conditions can change quickly. Checking the weather forecast before you travel can help you decide exactly what you'll need.

As members of the Oxford International College community, students are expected to dress appropriately, showing respect for themselves, their peers and staff.

Making Your Room Feel Like Home

Many students enjoy adding a few personal touches to make their room more comfortable.

You may wish to bring:

• Your own duvet or bedding
• Towels
• Extra cushions or soft furnishings
• A drying rack
• Family photographs
• Small decorations or posters
• A favourite cuddly toy
• An alarm clock

A familiar space can make settling into boarding life even easier.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Don't forget the everyday essentials:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and shower gel
• Hairbrush
• Hairdryer (UK electricity uses 230V)
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Sanitary products, where needed
• Technology and Study Essentials

To support both your studies and everyday life, remember to bring:

• An unlocked mobile phone (you can purchase a UK SIM card after arrival)
• Laptop or tablet with charger
• UK Type G plug adapters
• Notebooks and stationery
• Backpack or day bag
• Reusable water bottle

Forgot Something? You Can Buy It in Oxford

There's no need to overpack. Oxford has excellent shopping options where you can purchase anything you've forgotten.

Some useful stores include:

• Primark, Argos and John Lewis for bedding and towels
• Boots and Superdrug for toiletries and healthcare products
• Currys for electronics

Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S Food and local markets for groceries and everyday essentials

Many students find it easier to buy larger or bulkier items once they arrive.

Packing Sustainably

At Oxford International College, we're committed to encouraging sustainable choices wherever possible.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the environmental impact of your journey is to pack lighter. A useful rule of thumb is to pack what you think you'll need—and then consider taking only half. Most students discover they return home with more belongings than they originally brought.

You can also help reduce waste by using reusable everyday items such as:

• Water bottle
• Shopping bag
• Coffee cup
• Lunchbox

These can also be purchased locally if you'd prefer to save luggage space.

What Not to Bring

To comply with UK health and safety regulations and ensure the wellbeing of everyone in our boarding community, the following items are not permitted:

• Rice cookers
• Personal kettles
• Hot plates or unauthorised cooking equipment
• Undeclared medication
• Sharp knives
• LED strip lights (which can damage College property)
• Harmful or corrosive chemicals
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Cigarettes, vapes and other smoking materials
• Lighters

These items may be removed during routine room inspections if found.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

Starting at Oxford International College is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. By packing thoughtfully and arriving well prepared, you'll be able to settle into College life quickly and focus on making the most of every opportunity.

We can't wait to welcome you to our global community at OIC.