Our useful pre-arrival information to familiarise yourself with before you arrive at St Clare’s, includes guidance on VISAs, supports for under 18s, airport transfers, what to bring, and arrivals day plans.
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Visas
We welcome students from all over the world, and if a visa is needed, we can guide and support you through the application process.
It is easy to check if you need a visa on the UK Government website.
The UK Government have created a leaflet with key information, including required documentation and the application process.
St Clare’s, Oxford is a licensed education sponsor, and we can issue you with the documents to support your visa application, such as a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS).
Types of Visas
The table below outlines the visa type you may need for our programmes.
| Student Visa | Short Term Study Visa | Standard Visitor Visa | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University foundation | x |
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| Undergraduate Programme (P) |
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| x | x |
| English Plus Academic Subjects - Less Than 6 Months |
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| x | x |
| English Plus Academic Subjects (EAS) - Over 6 Months | x |
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| English Language Courses - 6-11 Months | x |
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| English Language Course Followed by EAS | x |
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Visa types may vary according to your individual circumstances. If you are unsure, please go to UK Government Visa and Immigration or contact us.
Student Route Visa
If you are over 18 years old and applying for a Student Route Visa for courses longer than six months, you will need to prove your knowledge of English through a SELT at an approved provider. Please click here for approved tests and testing centres.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Students who plan to study for short-term courses of six months or less and from countries that don’t require a standard visitor visa for the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
| Read More... |
You must provide a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. You may also be asked to prove that:
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Under 18s
Guardianship for Under 18s
If you are under 18 and studying with us for over 6 months, you need to appoint an Educational Guardian based in the UK.
Educational Guardians provide additional support in the event of an emergency, serious illness, or need for accommodation when the college is closed.
The Boarding Schools Association (BSA) lists BSA Certified Guardians and offer an assurance of professional quality.
Travelling Alone as Under 18s
If you are under 18 and travelling alone. You need to provide a letter from your parent or guardian, giving their contact details and consent for you to travel to the UK.
- the details of where you’re staying in the UK
- their consent for you to stay at the College or with the person named in the letter.
We can send you a template if needed.
Airport Transfers
We offer private transfer service by car from all the major London airports, train or bus stations. Our airport transfer prices are given as a guide below.
Airport Transfers
| From/To | Number of Passengers | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport (LHR) | 1-3 passengers | £198 |
| London Gatwick Airport (LGW) | 1-3 passengers | £252 |
| London luton Airport (LTN) | 1-3 passengers | £222 |
| London Stanstead Airport (STN) | 1-3 passengers | £276 |
| Birmingham Aiport (BHX) | 1-3 passengers | £246 |
| London City Airport (LCY) | 1-3 passengers | £300 |
| Southampton (SOU) | 1-3 passengers | £258 |
Other Transfers
| From/To | Number of Passengers | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| St Pancras Railway Station | 1-3 passengers | £300 |
| Central London | 1-3 passengers | £276 |
| Birmingham | 1-3 passengers | £246 |
| Other Destinations | Available on request | Available on request |
*Prices are valid from October 2025 and are reviewed on a regular basis.
Reduced transfer prices apply only when two or three students travel together on the same flight and are booked at the same time in advance. Our dedicated taxi company has the right to group students in the same car without a reduction in the price.
To book a transfer, please email us.
Alternative Travel Options
The Oxford Bus Company runs an excellent bus service between Oxford and Gatwick and Oxford and Heathrow. Please take a look at the most recent timetables and routes. Bus companies also operate between Oxford and Luton and Oxford and Stansted.
If you prefer to travel by train please look at the National Rail website for timetables and prices.
What is Provided by St Clare's
- Wi-Fi access in all buildings
- Washers and dryers in residential accommodations
You will be responsible for washing your own clothes using washing machines and dryers in your house.
- Bed linen and towels (laundered by St Clare’s weekly)
Students may bring their own personal bed linen if desired but will be required to wash these along with clothing
- Kitchen essentials in each residential accommodation
Please note: Do not bring any electrical cookware such as rice cookers or kettles; these cannot be used in boarding houses and will be removed from rooms.
- Textbooks and calculator (purchased through the Library)
- Central heating in all residential accommodations
- Residential students will be given a small safe for storing valuable items (i.e. passport, money, jewellery, etc.).
We strongly recommend that you do not carry large sums of money around with you.
WHAT TO BRING
Did you know you can download a printable packing list?
Arrivals Day
On your arrival day (usually a Saturday or Sunday before courses start on Monday):
| 1 |
PlanningWe send you a link asking for your approximate arrival time in Oxford or your travel details, a week or two before your arrival. It is IMPORTANT for you to tell us because we need to have someone available to meet you. |
| 2 |
ArrivalPlease arrive at St Clare’s, Oxford International College at 3 Bardwell Road, OX2 6SU. |
| 3 |
WelcomeOn arrival, you are greeted by a St Clare's staff member. We give you an ID card, and First Day Pack which includes:
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