Pre-Arrival Information | Adults | St Clare's, Oxford

Students walking outside St Clare's building

PRE-ARRIVAL 
INFORMATION

PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION

JUMP TO SECTION:

    1. Visas
      1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
    2. Placement Test 
    3. Transfers
      1. Airport Transfers
      2. Other Transfers
      3. Booking a Transfer
    4. Alternative Travel Options

 

After booking onto a Summer Course at St Clare’s, there are still a few things left to do before you arrive:

  1. Check if you need a UK visa.
  2. Book your flights, remembering that Arrival Day is normally Sunday, with Departures on a Saturday.
  3. Let us know your travel plans: we will send you an email where you can book airport transfers and let us know your arrangements. Please book transfers as soon as possible to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements for you.

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.

Visa types may vary according to your individual circumstances. If you are unsure, please go to the UK Government Visa and Immigration website or contact us.

If you wish to study beyond the summer at our International College and require a visa for an extended period of time, please contact us.

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).

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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:

  • you’ve been accepted on to a course by an accredited institution, for example, a letter of acceptance on official headed paper stating the course name, duration and cost
  • you’re able to support yourself during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
  • you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else)
  • you’ve arranged accommodation for your stay
  • you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit


Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

It is quick and simple to apply for an ETA. It permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

To apply for an ETA, you need to:

  1. Pay a small fee
  2. Provide contact and passport details
  3. Provide a valid photo, complying with rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
  4. Answer a set of questions

You usually get a decision within 3 working days but may get a quicker decision if you use the UK ETA app, download here for Apple or Android.

You must travel using the same passport used when you applied for an ETA.

To check if you need a visa or ETA please click here.

For more information about the ETA and instructions on applying please click here.

Placement Test 

A few weeks before the start of your course we will send you a placement test to be completed at home.

This test is designed to give us an accurate measure of overall English ability and to ensure you are placed in the right class according to your English level.

It is not a record of achievement, and it is not a pass or fail exam, so please do not worry too much about your performance.

We will combine this information with our spoken interview on your first day to get a better picture of your overall ability. Your test results will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of the academic team.

Transfers

We offer private transfer service by car from all the major London airports as well as train or bus stations. Please book your transfer as soon as possible.

Airport Transfers

From/ToNumber of PassengersCost (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/ToNumber of PassengersCost (one way)
St Pancras Railway Station1-3 passengers£300
Central London1-3 passengers£276

*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.

Booking a Transfer

Airport transfers should normally be booked and paid for at least 3 weeks before arrival.

Please email summer.transfers@stclares.ac.uk to book a taxi to and/or from the airport or train station.

If you are travelling together with friends on the same flight, we can collect you together. It is essential that you provide the names of your friends at the time of booking the transfer.

Please do not book your flights until you have received confirmation of your child’s place on the course.

Alternative Travel Options

The Oxford Bus Company runs an excellent bus service between Oxford and Gatwick and Oxford and Heathrow. 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. 

Unfortunately, no car parking is available on site, so we recommend that you use either public transport or our transfer service.

Clothing

The British climate can be varied and unpredictable, even in the summer. Don’t be surprised if you see rain and blue skies on the same day. Daytime temperatures average around 22 -23°C in the summer but can exceed 30°C at times. We advise you to pack clothes which you can wear in layers, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and a waterproof coat. Students and staff dress casually. Bring sportswear if you want to take part in sports.

Remember that some of the bedrooms have ensuite facilities but some bathrooms are outside the bedrooms so you may want to bring a dressing gown.

You will be responsible for washing your own clothes using washing machines and dryers in your accommodation.

Laptops

All our houses have free WiFi. If you own a laptop, we recommend you bring it with you.

Mobile Phones

You can use your mobile phone from your own country, but calls could be expensive. Many students buy a cheap phone with pay-as-you-go credit so they can call other students or friends and family once here. The cheapest phone will be about £30, and you can buy credit for £10 each time you need it.

Medication

If you take prescribed medications, a copy of the prescription needs to be sent to the College Nurse before arrival at nurse@stclares.ac.uk

If the treatment is ongoing, you need to make sure to have enough supply from your country of origin as it won’t be possible to obtain prescriptions from a UK doctor.

Don't Forget!

Do Not Bring:

  • Bed linen and towels (these are provided for the duration of your stay)

Optional Extras

  • Optional college weekend trips / theatre visits / excursions, etc.
  • Day excursions at weekends
  • Theatre tickets and transport
  • Additional sports and other activities

Other Costs 

WHAT TO BRING

How to Find Us

Our Bardwell Road Campus is the location of our International College and our adult summer programme. We are located in North Oxford just 1.5 km from the city centre.

Address:

St Clare’s International College: 3 Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SU

Adult accommodation is located at:

  • 3 Bardwell Road
  • 382 Banbury Road (Logan House)

How to Find Us