THE OXFORD FRESHER'S RELOCATION GUIDE © Renee Halliday

THE OXFORD FRESHER’S RELOCATION GUIDE

© Renee Halliday 2011 www.theoxfordfresher.blogspot.com

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Buyer: John Michaux ([email protected])Transaction ID: jg-m2rio25611ebd28



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PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK

“One of the best things about the Oxford Fresher Guide is the reassurances it gives throughout that you’re not making the journey alone”

Jesse Siffledeen, MD, FRCPC, Covenant Health/Grey Nuns Hospital.

From: Edmonton, Canada ………………………………………………………………………………

“The Oxford Fresher Guide has been essential in orienting both myself and my family to Oxford.

Its cheery, practical layout breaks the daunting task of relocation into digestible, readable segments, which are full of handy ideas. As time passes, it becomes clear that this guide is born

of genuine experience, generously divulged to the newcomer.”

Dr Crispin Corte, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. From: Sydney, Australia.

………………………………………………………………………………

"The Oxford fresher Guides were a great help when I first moved to Oxford. Without them, I would have been lost. I recommend them to anyone relocating to Oxford."

Nicolas Vulliemoz

From: Lausanne, Switzerland. ………………………………………………………………………………

"The Oxford Fresher Guides were the perfect resource for me when planning my relocation.

In my opinion, they are essential reading before, during and after the move!"

Marianne Guirgis, Senior Clinical Fellow, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. From: Sydney, Australia.

………………………………………………………………………………

"I came across The Oxford Fresher whilst preparing for our move to Oxford. It was chock full of handy information and fun facts - the perfect primer. I downloaded the "Buying a bicycle" and

"Buying a car" PDFs, and when I sent an additional question about cars to Renee she wasted no time in sending over a quick and friendly reply".

Debbie Wylie

From: San Francisco, CA. ………………………………………………………………………………

“The Oxford Fresher Guide made my transition from Australia to Oxford much easier!

It included so many helpful tips, which gave me an enormous head start, but even better than the wealth of information it gave, was the personal and witty way in which it was written - first hand experience

from the author, and a lot of fun to read.”

“I would recommend The Oxford Fresher Guides to anyone planning a move to Oxford without hesitation.”

Dr Kate Williamson, Senior Clinical Fellow, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. From: Adelaide, Australia.




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For bulk orders and customised corporate editions, please email us at: [email protected]

© 2012 Renee Halliday All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Written by Renee Halliday Copyedited by John Halliday Cover design by Renee Halliday Internal design by Renee Halliday Disclaimer: All of the stories in this book are based on real-life experiences of a real-life expatriate woman living in Oxford. This is a general interest book that aims to provide useful information and ideas to those living, or thinking of living, in Oxford. This book is not comprehensive and does not claim to offer professional advice of any kind. Readers of this book are responsible for consulting their own competent professional advisors for personal, legal, financial or other counsel tailored to their individual circumstances. Theoxfordfresher.blogspot.com, the author, editor, contributors, publishers, sponsors, designers, distributors and promoters will not be held accountable for any errors, omissions or damages arising from information contained in this book. AKNOWLEGEMENTS It is a great pleasure to thank all the ‘Freshers’ who have written to me to share their experiences. Your helpful hints, useful advice and interesting anecdotes continue to inspire me and remind our readers that they are not making the journey alone. A special thanks must also go out to my husband, John Halliday without whom, I would never have made this miraculous journey. Thank you for your patience, editing and encouragement and for all the cups of tea. But above all, thanks for the memories.




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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Renee and her husband moved to Oxford at the beginning of 2010 from Melbourne, Australia for what they thought would be just a one-year adventure. However, like so many that have come before them, they have found their time in ‘Wonderland’ so enchanting, that more than two years later they are yet to emerge from the rabbit hole!

Having relocated several times during her childhood, Renee was no stranger to adventure and her most recent move to Oxford proved to be both an exciting and challenging one. During her first weeks and months in particular, she learnt a great deal about the ups and downs of life in Oxford, most specifically, the shrinking qualities of the British bureaucracy. However, unlike Alice in Wonderland, she did not find a tiny golden key with which to unlock its mysteries Whilst the odd glass of red wine certainly helped (no paper label with the words ‘DRINK ME’ required), there were certainly times when Renee felt helpless. Rather than drowning in her own pool of tears, she pulled out her note pad instead! ‘The Oxford Fresher,’ (www.theoxfordfresher.blogspot.com) was launched in October 2011 as a way for her to share these experiences and help others moving to Oxford. Having seen her blog, you will not be surprised to learn that Renee originally trained as a graphic designer. Whilst she began her career in a small Melbourne studio, her love of fashion soon drew her back to her studies and after completing further qualifications at The Melbourne School of Fashion, she spent many years working for the Australian fashion label JAG. Here in Oxford, she continues to work as a freelance graphic designer with particular interests in fashion, illustration, interior design, photography and travel. More recently, with ever growing requests from friends, colleagues and strangers alike for information ranging from, “where’s the best place to live?” to “what’s an MOT?” Renee decided to compile all her notes into a guide book for others moving to Oxford. She has spent the past 9 months fine-tuning the first edition, which she now updates regularly with the help of feedback from her readers. Renee aptly describes The Oxford Fresher’s Guide as a ‘lonely planet’ guidebook that has decided to stop being lonely… and has instead settled down in one place – a book for living, not visiting!


www.theoxfordfresher.blogspot.com



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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ARRIVE 10

FRESHER FEARS 11

EARLY PREPARATIONS 12

SET UP COSTS 13

RELOCATING YOUR LITTLE ONES 15

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LUGGAGE 18

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN 19

EARLY CHILDCARE & EDUCATION 20

SEARCHING FOR YOU NEW HOME 22

KEEPING IN TOUCH 23

HEALTH 25

TRAVEL INSURANCE 26 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 27

LAST MINUTE DETAILS 27

EMPLOYMENT 28

ARRIVAL SURVIVAL 32

TOUCH DOWN! MAKING YOUR WAY TO OXFORD 33

GETTING YOUR BEARINGS 34

FIRST DAY ESSENTIALS 35

NATIONAL INSURANCE & INCOME TAX 38

SETTING UP A BANK ACCOUNT 40

MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET PLANS 43

HEALTH AND THE NHS 47

THAMES VALLEY POLICE 50

ROYAL MAIL 50 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 52

BANK & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 54

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENTS 54

BRITISH SUMMER TIME (BST) 54




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SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEW HOME 55

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE? 56

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BEGIN 57

WHERE TO STAY WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE 58

SHORT LET PROPERTIES 59

NEIGHBOURHOODS 60

OXFORD CITY CENTRE 60

CENTRAL NORTH OXFORD 65

JERICHO 70

THE WATERWAYS 73

WOLVERCOTE 75

SUMMERTOWN 78

MARSTON 81

HEADINGTON 83

ST.CLEMENTS 88

COWLEY 92

IFFLEY 97

OSNEY ISLAND 101

LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS 103

RENTING IN OXFORD 104

SECURING A PROPERTY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE 105

UPFRONT COSTS 106

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION 106

THE TENANCY AGREEMENT 107 UTILITIES & PROPERTY RELATED EXPENSES 109




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BUYING A BICYCLE 112

HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND? 113

BIKE 2 WORK SCHEME 113

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I BUY? 114

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT 116

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES 117

CYCLE THEFT 118

FAMILY TRANSPORTATION 119

CYCLE SAFETY 121

MAINTENANCE & SERVICING 123

FUN CYCLING EXCURSIONS 125 ANNUAL CYCLING EVENTS IN AND AROUND OXFORD 128

LOCAL BIKE RETAILERS 130

BUYING A CAR & DRIVING IN THE UK 132

SO YOU’RE THINKING OF BUYING A CAR… 133

RUNNING COSTS 133

LICENSE TO DRIVE 133

WHAT TYPE OF CAR SHOULD YOU BUY? 135

BEGINNING THE SEARCH 136

BUYER’S TIPS FOR VIEWING THE CAR 137

INDEPENDENT INSPECTION 138

COMPLETING THE SALE 138

MOTOR INSURANCE 139

SATELLITE NAVIGATION 140 ROAD RULES & SPEED LIMITS – THE BASICS 141

STREET PARKING & PUBLIC CAR PARKS 143

VEHICLE TAX (TAX DISC) 144

MOT TEST CERTIFICATE 145

PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER 146




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I know the term ‘fresher’ is usually reserved for college students, but I use it broadly here for anyone new to Oxford. Moving is stressful at the best of times and moving to a new city or country can take it to a whole new level – trust me, I’ve been through it all myself. The Oxford Fresher is designed to help put you at ease amid this busy and exciting time and provide a place to turn when you are feeling lost or frustrated. Included, you’ll find tips on everything from where to live to buying the perfect bicycle and much, much more. To all the soon-to-be Freshers across the globe. There will be fun times and there will be tough times, but at all times, believe in yourself and know that you are not alone.




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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE




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Fresher Fears Are you making the right decision? Who knows, but to date I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t said their Oxford years were amongst the best in their life. I haven’t lived long enough yet to confirm this. but I can tell you that in the two years that I’ve spent living in Oxford I haven’t had any regrets. As an Aussie, one of my biggest fears was how I was going to stand the cold! Now, having lived through two English winters, I can honestly say they weren’t as bad as I’d expected. You may end up looking like a marshmallow, but with a full-length duvet jacket, woolen beanie and a good pair of gloves you can get through anything… and there isn’t much that beats watching the snow fall while sipping a mulled wine beside a roaring log fire. Will you be home sick? Of course you will - it’s only natural to miss your friends and family. However, at first you may find that you don’t miss them quite as much as you might expect because there will be so many new and exciting things to distract you. Judging from my own experience, I suspect it will creep up on you much later, but when the time does come to call home, being able to Skype and keep tabs on your friends on websites like Facebook really helps to bridge the gap. Making new friends The prospect of making new friends can be daunting for some, but you’ll have no trouble making friends in Oxford. More newcomers arrive in Oxford each year than anywhere else in the UK so you won’t be alone and most of them are as keen to make friends as you are! In Oxford you’ll find loads of organised activities with everything from wine tasting nights to walking groups. There’s always something on, so there’s no reason to sit at home feeling lonely. Go out and have fun and you’ll have made new friends in no time. If worst comes to worst, and you really hate it (which I’m sure you won’t), you can always go home - Better to have tried and failed than to never had tried at all.




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Moving is stressful at the best of times and relocating to a new

country can take it to a whole new level. That said there are lots

of things you can do before you leave to try and alleviate these

pressures and ensure that your move to Oxford is a smooth one.

Early preparations Applying for a UK Visa Make sure you allow plenty of time to obtain your visa and don’t even think about booking flights until you have checked the expected processing times in the country from which you are applying. Pay particular attention to the type of visa you are applying for as processing times vary. You will find everything you need to know about UK visas at: www.ukvisas.gov.uk Applications can be made online within three months of your intended travel date and approximate processing times can be found in the ‘how to apply’ section of the website. Start earning your credit history now! If you have 3-6 months before you leave, consider opening a HSBC bank account ASAP. This will give you a chance to start earning a ‘recognised’ credit rating, which can be transferred on arrival. Without a UK credit rating or recognized international rating you may not be eligible for a credit card or be able to go on a regular 18 month mobile phone plan. As far as I am aware, HSBC is the only international bank that offers this service. However, I highly recommend talking to your bank manager at home to explore your options. For more information or to apply for a HSBC account online visit: www.hsbc.co.uk


www.ukvisas.gov.uk

www.hsbc.co.uk



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Set up costs A move of any kind is not cheap. Add air-fairs, shipping costs and foreign exchange rates and your piggy bank will soon be very hungry. Take good care of him while you can. If you’re planning on renting a property, you’ll be expected to pay the bond and first month’s rent in advance. Keep in mind that the bond is usually equal to two months rent for furnished properties and one, to one and a half months rent for unfurnished properties. Ouch! Don’t forget to factor in the council tax bill, determined by which ‘band’ the property falls in. Band ‘A’ is the cheapest and starts at around £1000 per year, working all the way up to band ‘H’ which will set you back as much as £3100 per year. Aside from your standard phone line rental, Internet connection fees and other utility bills, something that you may not be aware of is that in the UK you are required to purchase an annual television license! This costs around £142 per year and if you fail to pay it you may be fined up to £1000. Ship, store or sell? The idea of arriving in a new place with nothing but a suitcase is daunting to say the least, but if you can muster the courage it can be a very liberating experience... I couldn’t. I packed up all my worldly possessions and put them in storage, except three tea chests of ‘stuff’ that I shipped and arrived six weeks after I did. It only took a day to realise I didn’t really need any of it It’s worth weighing up the costs – storage is expensive and like so many people who move to Oxford (myself included), you might end up staying longer than you think! Space bags If you do decide to ship some, or all of your things, keep in mind that they won’t arrive as quickly as you do. The best advice I can give you as far as shipping is concerned, particularly if you are only sending a few tea chests - are Space Bags! If you haven’t used or seen them before, you’ll never look back.




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Space Bags are reusable vacuum-sealed storage packs, which have the ability to compress and protect even your bulkiest items by up to a third of their original size. You simply fill the bag, seal the zipper, fit your vacuum cleaner hose to the one-way valve and suck out the air. One little trick I discovered is to put the packed bag in your box or tea chest before you suck out the air. Whilst compressing, the bags sometimes contort into strange shapes. By comp-ressing them inside your box or tea chest you’ll ensure they’ll fit when it comes time to pack. Note: As tempting as it is, vacuum-sealed space bags are not recommended for use on flights. If your bag gets opened for an airport check, they’ll never get everything back in! And although they enable you to shrink your luggage by up to a third of its original size unfortunately they won’t make it any lighter Nesting If you plan to rent a furnished property you really won’t need much. In most cases, the only things you’ll need are bedding and towels. That said, be sure to request a full inventory list from the real estate agent as some properties are more ‘furnished’ than others. If you’re on a budget or just need a few basics to tie you over until your shipping arrives, bed linen, duvets, pillows, bath towels and accessories can all be purchased for next to nothing at Primark, located in the city centre. (Hollow-fiber pillows are 2 for £4 and you can buy a double duvet, pillow and mattress protector set for as little as £10!) Rental prices for unfurnished properties are considerably cheaper and if you’re opting not to ship all your belongings, they are reasonably inexpensive to fill. Ikea is usually the first place that springs to mind but unfortunately the closest store is an hour from Oxford. Argos is the UK’s equivalent…well sort of. They offer comparable prices and sell everything you’ll need to get yourself set up (including the kitchen sink!) The only catch is you’ll have to choose them from a catalogue and in my opinion they’re not as well designed or easy to assemble. (Make sure you include a tool kit on your shopping list!) You can view the catalogues in store, but there’s no real need to visit as you can do all your shopping and check out prices at www.argos.co.uk . Best of all, they deliver.

Thinking of buying a car? Second hand car prices are very reasonable. However, insurance, MOT certificates and Tax discs bridge the gap. As a guide, the average price for unleaded petrol in Oct 2011 was 136p/litre - It’s no wonder so many people cycle in Oxford! If you’re buying new, a decent entry level bike will cost around £200 but you should always buy the best bike you can afford – it will cost you less in the long run. For more information, check out the chapters on “Buying a Bicycle” and “Buying a Car & Driving in the UK.” The first three months after you arrive are a killer (i.e. the most expensive), but get through these and it should be smooth sailing from then on.


www.argos.co.uk



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Relocating your little ones

Big or small, moving is tough on kids and they often feel as if they have little or no control. Help make their transition a smooth one by ensuring they are an active part in this big, life-changing event and involve them as much as you can. Breaking the news As difficult as it may be, try to tell your children as soon as you know that you are moving. Allowing them time to digest the idea will better prepare them for the move and hopefully enable you to turn it into a fun and exciting event. I don’t have kids yet, so I can’t say I’ve tried and tested any of these methods but I did get relocated several times as a child! So here are a few tips for delivering the news… Choose a time when you will not be interrupted and are able to answer any questions they may have. It’s possible your children won't want to talk right away or worse still, tell you that they hate you and that you’ve ruined their life. Don’t worry they’ll come round…eventually. When they are ready to talk, make sure you are armed with as much information as possible to put them at ease about all the changes that lie ahead. Be patient and understanding and encourage your children to talk about their fears and feelings and reassure them as best you can. Keeping in touch Leaving friends behind will usually be their first concern. Reassure them that they will be able to keep in touch with friends and loved ones after the move and give them a realistic view of when they may be able to come home for a visit. Whether it is by email, Facebook, Skype or the old-fashioned, snail mail there are now lots of fun ways to keep in touch. A nice way to introduce the idea is to buy them their own address book and help them collect all their friend’s details before you leave. Introducing Oxford ‘Selling’ Oxford should not be a hard task if you mention that your children have most probably already seen parts of it in movies like, ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘The Golden Compass.’ As a special treat, you can even visit the grand dining hall from the Harry Potter movies at Christ Church College when you arrive. Fans of Alice in Wonderland can visit, ‘The Old Sheep Shop’ from Through the Looking-Glass. (Alice's Shop in St. Aldate's) This is where the real Alice - Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice's Adventures used to buy her sweets. Today, you can pick up Alice souvenirs, and have your own tea party in the tearoom.




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Young explorers can search for ancient gold coins at the Ashmolean Museum or visit the stuffed Dodo bird and dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. Animal lovers of the living variety will be delighted with a visit to the deer park at Magdalen College or an afternoon in Port Meadow. Whilst your children are bound to have fun learning about Oxford as a whole, it’s also important that they also get a feel for their new neighbourhood. Start the search together online and look at as many pictures as you can. If possible, take them along on house-hunting trips when you arrive too. This will help them feel as though they have a say in the decision.

The more you can help your kids ‘see’ themselves in the new location, the less anxious they will feel about the move. Starting at a new school If you haven’t already decided on a school, ensure you take your children on the school rounds too. Seeing their new school first hand will help eliminate some of those first day jitters and help them get excited about their new school. If one is offered, encourage your child to attend the orientation day. Meeting other new children and their teachers will show them that they are not alone and provide some familiar faces for their first day as well as help make them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. (For more information see “Early Childcare & Education” later in this chapter).

Did you know that Emma Watson, a.k.a Hermione Granger from J.K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series went to Dragon School in Oxford? Yes, it’s a real school - cool name isn’t it! Timing Try to time your move so that your children can start school shortly after you arrive. Many parents assume it’s best to wait until the end of the school year, but this is not necessarily the case. Arriving in a new neighbourhood with no friends and their entire holidays ahead of them can be a very lonely unsettling time. Making friends If you are fortunate enough to have a job lined up, find out if there are any employees with children the same age as yours. They may prove to be a handy resource when it comes to questions about schools, etc. but most importantly, you may even be able to set up a pen pal correspondence for your children in the lead up to your move. If you will arrive in Oxford during the school holidays look into what holiday programs are available so that your children will have something to look forward to as well as having the opportunity to make some new friends with similar interests before they begin school.




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Packing This can be an emotionally trying for young children in particular as they see familiar and favorite objects disappear into boxes. Try and hold off as long as possible where preschoolers are concerned, and reassure them that their belongings will be going to the new house (or face the difficult task of explaining that their things will be going into storage). For those a little older, this a great opportunity to sort out their belongings - Help them decide what to keep, what to give a way and what to get rid of. For those particularly precious things or anything your children will need as soon as they arrive, give them a special box to decorate and use as their ‘treasure chest.’ A fun activity for children and a shore safe bet for parents that this box will not be forgotten! Another activity you can get you kids involved in, is putting a scrapbook or photo album together with photos of all their favorite people and memories so that they can take them with them where ever you go. Don't forget to take some entertainment for the plane - Things like a portable DVD player, video games, favorite stories, colouring books, crayons, stickers and toys. Saying goodbye For older children, saying goodbye to friends will also be very important when the time draws closer to moving day. Your teen or pre-teen might want to host a going-away party or plan a series of overnights with his or her best friends. Try and accommodate their wishes as best you can. Saying goodbye to friends and family on your final day can be very traumatic, a shift in focus might help - Consider giving your child a special ‘moving gift’ such as a new toy, photo album, travel journal or even a new camera to record their new adventures.




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Getting the most out of your luggage When arriving in a new country with nothing but a suitcase and the clothes on your back every centimetre and kilogram counts! Once you’ve booked your flights, find out what the maximum baggage allowances are. If you don’t already own a suitcase, I highly recommend shopping around for the lightest one you can find. Bigger is not always better – There’s no point having an enormous suitcase, even if it’s within your airlines allowance, if filling it will tip the scales. If you do own a suitcase, pull it out and weigh it – you might want to consider an upgrade. Checked baggage • What is the free size and weight allowance for your check in bag/s? • What are the charges for excess baggage & sporting equipment? • Can you send overweight items?

If you’re planning on doing lots of travel when you arrive, I recommend buying a small carry on suitcase as well, (wheels are a must). Not only are they perfect for mini breaks, they’ll allow you to get the absolute most out of your carry on allowance when you first arrive. I own an Antler New Size Zero 2011 Super Lightweight Cabin Suitcase which weighs 2.4kgs. However, it has since been outdone by the Antler Liquis which weighs only 2kg! The lightest carry on case I could find. The lightweight options are more expensive, but worth every penny. Hand baggage • How many bags can you carry on board? • What are the size and weight allowances for your journey?

Here are a few examples of exceptionally light suitcases I found online: (Prices as at Nov 2011) Large light weight suitcase Dim (cm) Weight Cost (GBP)

Samsonite Cubelite Upright 74cm 74 x 50 x 33 3.2 kg 329.00

Antler New Size Zero 2011 Super Lightweight 77 x 50 x 35/ 38.5 3.6 kg 115.00

Carlton Titanium Large Expandable Trolley Case 80 x 54 x 38/ 44 3.8 kg 99.00

Light weight cabin suitcase Dim (cm) Weight Cost (GBP)

Antler Liquis Cabin 4 Wheel Super Lightweight 56 x 35 x 23 2.0 kg 143.20

Samsonite B-‐Lite Fresh Upright 55 x 37 x 21.5 2.0 kg 135.00

Antler New Zero 2011 Super Lightweight 56 x 35 x 23 2.4 kg 95.00




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Travelling with children

Being aware of your options can make family travel a lot easier and more comfortable. Keep in mind that everyone — even a newborn — needs a passport to travel internationally. Make sure to apply for your child's passport well before your trip. Where to sit Window seats are nice and may keep kids occupied looking at the view for a while, but the aisle seat is your lifeline. It makes taking kids to the bathroom or for little strolls easier for them, for you and for other passengers. If your whole family cannot be seated next to each other (especially if there are more than three of you), consider asking for the additional seat, or seats, across the aisle in the same row, rather than in front or behind. Flying Solo If travelling as the sole accompanying parent, firstly you are very brave! Secondly, it’s worth asking if your spouse or loved one can get security clearance to accompany you to the departure gate if you think you will require assistance. Children 2 and under (lap babies) Babies under the age of 2 are usually allowed to sit on your lap for the duration of the journey without needing their own seat and although minimal, you will still have to pay a fare for your baby. If you would like to purchase a separate seat for your baby, make sure you check to see what discounts, if any apply for under 2’s. • If you are travelling with a newborn, be sure to ask your airline what their minimum

travel age is. In most cases babies are required to be at least 7 days old. • Do lap babies get a baggage allowance? • Are bassinets available on your flight and if so, how can you reserve one? Bassinets are

most commonly found on long haul flights in front of the bulkhead seats (located in the centre of the plane). There are two bassinets available at each bulkhead which collapse and store on the wall in front of the passenger seats.

Bassinets provide infants or very small children with a place to sleep and are a wonderful relief for parents travelling with lap babies. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of seats that can accommodate bassinets, so you may not always get one, but it’s definitely worth asking. • What are the rules and regulations regarding your child's safety restraint during taxi, take

off and landing? • Will it be possible to have your baby's bottle warmed during the flight?




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Children 2 and over Children ages 2 and up must have a ticket for their own seat. • Is there a seat discount for children 2 and older? • Is it possible to reserve seats in a bulkhead row? (Bulkhead seats have more room to

stand and move around, but less room for stowing carry-ons.) • Can your child sit in his or her own car seat? See alternative below. • Does a car seat count as a carry-on? If you have to check it at the gate, does it count

against your baggage allowance? • Can you bring a stroller on board? Will it count as a carry-on? *If your child is still an

infant, consider using a baby carrier instead of a stroller. Carriers are great because they leave your hands free to haul luggage and hold tickets and passports.

• Is it possible to order a ‘children's meal’? Compact child seat alternative The ‘CARES - Child Aviation Restraint System’ is an elegantly designed belt and buckle device for kids 22-44 pounds. It’s easy to use and creates a safe aeroplane seat for your child without the hassle of carrying a 20-pound car seat. For more information visit: www.kidsflysafe.com

Early childcare & education I’ll admit, my husband and I are yet to start a family, but living in Summertown has its advantages…. Pretty much all of our friends have! So having picked their brains, here is everything you need to know when it comes to your little ones (big or small). Nursery State-funded nursery education (or what we Aussies call kindergarten) is available from the age of 3, and may be full-time or part-time. Nurseries usually provide day-care for children up to the age of five and children generally start nursery the September after their third birthday. Primary & Secondary Education The school year is made up of six terms and usually begins in the first week of September. If your child is registered with a state school, attendance is compulsory, beginning with the term following their fifth birthday. Public/ Private / Independent Schools It’s all very confusing! But in the UK they all mean one in the same thing. (I’ll stick to using ‘public’). Put most simply, you must pay fees to attend a Public school. Public schools are also open to students from anywhere in the country, as opposed to State schools which are only open to local residents, or religious schools open only to those which are part of a certain church.


www.kidsflysafe.com



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State Schools States schools are government-run and take pupils free of charge between the ages of 3 and 18. Nearly 90% of state-funded secondary schools are specialist schools and receive extra funding to develop one or more subjects in which the school specialises. Each state school has a designated area, commonly known as a 'catchment area'. If there are more applications than places, priority is generally given to children living in the catchment area for a school. You might need to consider choosing your neighbourhood accordingly. To find more information on all areas of early childcare and education, from primary through to adult learning, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website. Information on topics such as term dates, admissions, and choosing the right school are all covered. University Oxford University is made up of 38 Colleges and 6 private halls and all teaching staff and students studying for a degree at the University must belong to one of these colleges or halls. Which Oxford College should I choose? Again, this is not my area of expertise but the ‘Student Room’ looks like a good place to start. It’s an online student community that covers topics like university applications, official university profiles and what current students have to say about them, health and relationship guidance, post-grad studies and careers. Perhaps a more obvious place to start though is the official University of Oxford website.


http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/education-and-learning

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk

http://www.ox.ac.uk



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Searching for you new home It’s time to don your detective hat and begin the search for your new home! Whilst this would be much easier (and more enjoyable) if you were actually in Oxford and had a Jaguar to cruise around in - Inspector Morse style, there’s a lot you can do before you arrive. Where’s the best place to live? This is the one thing that totally preoccupied me in the lead up to our move. I became obsessed with Google Maps and doing searches for things like restaurants and gyms just to see what was around and became completely addicted to ‘Street View’, what an amazing tool! It’s a lot of fun, but I’ve got something even better – I’ve dedicated a whole chapter to ‘Searching for your new home,’ which includes my tips on Oxford’s best areas and an overview of each neighbourhood including; the types of properties you’ll find, who lives there, how to get around, local amenities, parks and gardens and the shopping, eating and entertainment highlights in each area. Once you’ve got a feel for which area you’d like to live in, start checking out properties online. You’ll be able to tailor your search to the areas of interest. I found Finders Keepers and Find a Property to be the most useful, but there are lots of other on-line real-estate sites. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s also worth getting in touch with local real estate agents in your chosen area. I’ve supplied a list of local real estate agents at the end of the chapter on “Searching for your new home.” Whether you want to soak up some history in the city centre, escape the hustle and bustle in a picturesque rural village or be a part of the action in Jericho or Cowley, Oxford has something to suit everyone. Did you know that many of the episodes of The Inspector Morse TV

series, based on the detective novels written by Colin Dexter were filmed in

and around Oxford? Don’t let the fifth book, ‘The Dead of Jericho’ put

you off though - the real estate in this area is highly sought after!


http://www.findaproperty.com

http://www.finders.co.uk



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Keeping in touch

Life would be much easier if we all had ‘Postal Owls’ like the wizards in Harry Potter, but here are some tips on staying in touch ‘muggle’ style... Redirect your mail Visit your local post office and ask what redirection services they offer. If your move is a temporary one, it’s worth considering redirecting your mail to your parent’s house or a PO box until you return. However, be warned - We redirected our mail to our parent’s place and despite our best efforts, they are still receiving our mail a year and a half later! We had hoped that with all the mail redirection letters we’d sent it would only be a temporary measure, but it has become quite a pain. International redirection is possible and probably the most convenient, but it’s also the most expensive. Send change of address letters If you are lucky enough to know what your address will be when you arrive in the UK (or are redirecting to another address) start sending your change of address letters or emails as soon as possible. Just ensure you include the date from which your details will change. By doing this, you will avoid paying redirection fees for lengthy periods. Don’t underestimate how long this process will take! If your move is only temporary, keep a list of all your contacts to avoid having to find them all again when you return. (This list is also useful to have whilst you are away – include policy numbers and account details for things like your landlord or private heath insurance). If you haven’t already, request to view any ongoing statements online. This is a far more convenient way to access your statements while you are away and will also help reduce the amount of mail you’ll receive while you’re gone. Finally, once you arrive it’s a really good idea to take note of every new organization you give your address to. Record their address, website or email so that you can easily send your change of address details, if and when you move again. It seems pedantic I know, but it really does make life so much easier. Check your international phone numbers I’m not sure if it’s the case for other countries, but in Australia many of the service providers have toll-free help lines (starting with 1800 or 1300 numbers). This is great when you are in the country, but you can’t call them internationally, even if you dial the appropriate international calling code. To avoid frustration, request alternative telephone numbers for these providers before you leave - they don’t display them on their websites!




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‘Unlock’ your mobile phone If you own a mobile phone and plan to use it when you arrive, make sure you get it ‘unlocked’ before you leave. Most phones are ‘locked’ to the country and service provider from which they were purchased. For example, if you bought your phone from Vodafone and you replace your Vodafone SIM card with a SIM from another network whether it is Orange, Virgin, O2, 3 or any other provider, your handset will not work. Unfortunately this extends to SIM cards from the same provider in different countries. Eg. The Vodafone handset you bought in Australia, will not work with a Vodafone SIM card purchased in the UK (unless you have had your phone unlocked). Whilst you may have to pay your network to unlock the handset, the savings should quickly outweigh the outlay. Once unlocked your mobile phone can be used with any compatible SIM card (including foreign SIM cards), on any network. Not only will this give you greater flexibility for prepaid SIMs and pay as you go plans in the UK, you’ll avoid expensive overseas call rates when you’re travelling too. Simply purchase a local SIM card in each new country you travel. You can get your phone unlocked in various electrical stores once you arrive but, beware - this may void your warranty. Skype Gone are the days of waiting six weeks for your letters to sail across the ocean. If you have Skype, an Internet connection and a web cam, you can now talk face to face with your loved ones for free! We also use Facetime on my husband’s iPhone but as I’m sure you know, it only works iPhone to iPhone on a wireless network… for now. Skype is a software application, free to download for both PC and Mac that allows users to make voice calls and video calls over the Internet and Skype to Skype calls are completely free. (You can also use it to make calls to land lines and mobile phones very cheaply using a debit-based user account system). To avoid an ongoing list of excuses, help your friends and loved ones set up Skype before you leave - especially those less computer savvy ones like grandparents. It’s amazingly easy to set up, but you’ll be surprised at how long it takes people to get their act together if left to their own devices and it’s really worth the effort as it makes a huge difference being able to see a familiar face when you first arrive, allowing you to feel as if you are together, even when you’re not.


http://www.skype.com



25

Health

To ensure you are in tip-top condition for your big trip, schedule an appointment with your local doctor several weeks before you leave.

• Make sure you are up to date with all your immunisations and things like pap smears. It’s always nicer to see someone you know and feel comfortable with.

• If you have had any vaccinations, request a copy of your vaccination status (and copies for any children you may be travelling with). This is particularly relevant if you will be working in the health care industry.

• Review your prescriptions and make sure you have enough medication on hand to keep you going until you have registered with your local a doctor in Oxford.

• Take the packaging of any on-going medication with you - many drugs have different brand names in the UK and your doctor may wish to see the ingredients to clarify.

• Collect any medications that you need at the chemist before you leave. (Scripts from abroad are not valid in the UK).

• Not all drugs licensed abroad are available in the UK. If you are on any form of long-term medication or contraception, it is important you discuss this with your doctor before you leave.

Don’t forget to book a check up at your dentist and eye specialist too!

Suspend your Private Health Insurance If you have private health insurance and only intend on being away for a short period, it may be possible to suspend your insurance. Generally, insurers require you to have been a member for at least 12 months before a suspension will be considered. While your membership is suspended, no benefits will be paid and the suspended period will not count towards any Waiting Periods or Restricted Benefits. However, by suspending rather than cancelling you will retain any time earned for waiting periods and restricted benefits up until the time of suspension. Contact your Private Health insurance provider for further details.




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Travel Insurance With so many different insurance companies and policies on the market it’s hard to know which one to choose. But if you remember to purchase yours before you get to the airport you’ll be doing much better than we were. I don’t know what made us remember, especially after having just said our goodbyes, but we got through security and realised we had completely forgotten our insurance! Thankfully we were able to purchase some online in the departure lounge just before boarding our flight. Needless to say, we spent zero time researching our options (we kept running out of coins) and were very lucky to escape our first year with no claims. The last six months have not been quite as smooth. We have had several travel disruptions including heavy snow, an ash cloud and political unrest and now realise just how important it is to check the conditions and exclusions of our policy carefully. If you’re a seasoned traveller most of this will go without saying, but aside from the standard inclusions here is a list of the things I think you should pay particular attention to: Cancellation and curtailment If you need to cancel or cut a trip short, will your policy • Refund the full cost of your holiday? • Cover prepaid expenses such as excursions and accommodation? • Cover any additional costs incurred to get home?

Will it cover the following reasons for cancelling or cutting short your trip? • You are in an accident, fall ill or pregnant (if your condition was not known at the time

of purchase). • You are made redundant or called for jury service. • Strikes or bad weather affect the departure of flights and ships. • Your journey is affected by terrorism. • Lost and stolen possessions cover • Does it cover lost baggage on flights? • Does it cover the full value of your belongings? • Will you receive compensation if your bags are delayed?

Extras Adventure sports like white water rafting, jet skiing, skydiving and paragliding are commonly excluded from standard policies, so, if you plan on being ‘adventurous’ make sure you take out extra cover. The same applies for winter sports insurance, which includes the following activities: Skiing, snow boarding, sledging, tobogganing and ice-skating. It’s definitely worth shopping around as the market is very competitive. However, keep in mind that cheaper policies usually cover less.




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Travel Documents If you only do one thing before you leave, make sure you make copies of all your important documents! Scan them if possible and email them to your own email account. Hopefully, you’ll never face this problem but if you have your wallet or passport stolen or worse still, loose everything, you’ll still be able to access your documents wherever you are. (Photocopies are better than nothing- but be sure to keep them separate from your originals.) At the very lease include your: • Passport, • UK travel visa, • Full birth or adoption certificate, • Full marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable) • Your driver’s license • Your travel insurance policy • Emergency contact numbers

Last minute details Request a no claims history from your car insurer If you are thinking about buying a car in the UK be sure to request a ‘no claims history’ from your car insurer before you leave. Most UK insurers offer significant cost reductions to drivers with a no claim history. Not all of them allow international visitors to transfer their no claim history so it is worth shopping around to find those that do. What you’ll need: • A letter from your previous insurer stating: • How many years you have been a member. • The number of claims you have made. • What year and month each claim was made.

Contact your bank Before you leave, make sure you notify your bank that you will be travelling overseas. The last thing you need is for them to freeze your accounts due to ‘unusual’ activity when you start transferring huge wads of cash to the UK. Ensure that your account is set up to make international transfers online and find out your daily international transfer limit - extend if necessary. Power of Attorney If you are leaving any financial assets behind, consider appointing someone as your Power of Attorney until you return. A power of attorney or letter of attorney is a legal document in




28

which you appoint and authorize someone (usually for a specific period of time), to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf. Obviously appoint someone you trust and know well, so they don’t go selling your house while you are away! Hopefully your chosen person will only hold this power as a safe guard, but should a problem arise, you need to be confident that they’ll act with your best interests at heart. Voting In some countries it is compulsory to vote and failure to do so may result in a fine. Whether you’re relocating for a short time or long time, let your local electoral office know that you will be away from your enrolled address and ask the following question: Is it compulsory to vote while you are overseas? • Can you register as an overseas voter? • Do you need to submit an overseas notification?

Employment Contact your employer If you already have a job secured, congratulations you’re off to a great start. Closer to your start date contact the payroll department and ensure they have everything they need to ensure there are no delays with your first pay. (Except of course your National Insurance (NI) number, which you will need to apply for when you arrive). For more information on applying for a National Insurance Number check out the “Arrival Survival” chapter. Try to get your employer to sort out your contract before you arrive – paperwork tends to take a lot longer in the UK and it is a good idea to get the ball rolling as soon as possible! Take some time to prepare your resume and reference letters in advance so that you can start applying for positions as soon as you arrive. Prepare your resume If you don’t yet have a job lined up the thought of a new start can be even more daunting. Give yourself a head start by doing a little research before you leave. This will give you an idea of possible employees in Oxford and enable you to make the most of any networking opportunities you have at your disposal. If you are applying for the sorts of jobs where you need to prove certain qualifications, make sure you bring the original certificates with you. It is also wise to request written reference letters well in advance. Popular websites to begin your search include: www.monster.co.uk, www.fish4jobs.co.uk, www.recruit-online.co.uk and www.jobsite.co.uk. www.dailyinfo.co.uk/jobs/index.html


www.monster.co.uk

www.fish4jobs.co.uk

www.recruit-online.co.uk

www.jobsite.co.uk

www.dailyinfo.co.uk/jobs/index.html



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Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end - Now all you need to do is plan your farewell party and spend as much time as you can with your friends and loved ones in the lead up to your move. If you have any specific questions about your move or would like to share any of your own tips or suggestions please feel free to email me at: [email protected] I hope this guide has helped to put you at ease amid this busy and exciting time and answered many of the questions I’m sure you must have. When you are ready to move on, The Oxford Fresher’s Complete Relocation Guide will help guide you each step of the way. I wish you all the best for your move,

Bonvoyage!

Renee Halliday


mailto:[email protected]



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