What is the difference between University Graduate Housing and College accommodation?

Each Oxford college manages their own accommodation.  Some colleges have enough accommodation for all their students, others have very little.  If you are offered accommodation from your college, we strongly advise you to accept it.  If your college cannot offer you accommodation, we will try to help you with University accommodation, which is for graduate students from any Oxford college.

If you are here for more than one year it is worth staying on our contact list, because even if your college can house you in your first year, you may not get college accommodation in subsequent years.

Can I apply for University graduate accommodation before I know which college I will be at?

Yes you can.  Please let us know your college as soon as you hear so that we can update your record.  We cannot offer you accommodation until we know your college as we need to check that your funding is in place with them.

Please note, we do not know when you will hear about your college because this office is not involved in the college allocation process, so you will have to wait until you hear.

Unfortunately you won't be able to reserve and pay for accommodation until your college is known.  This is because we will need to check your funding with your college before we can offer you a room or flat.

How long can I stay in University Graduate Housing?

The current policy of the Property Management Committee is that students will normally be provided with University accommodation for a maximum of two years. If the tenant ceases to be a student, for example by submitting their thesis, then the tenancy will be terminated by the Landlord by giving two months notice.

How early should I apply for accommodation?

Apply as soon as you can for the best chance of receiving an offer of accommodation. You must however have been accepted by the University to go onto the waiting list. Some people are on the waiting list for more than a year before they get something, especially if they need accommodation during the summer/autumn for the start of the next academic year.

Should I apply for University accommodation even if I may not need it?

We suggest that you apply even if the chance of needing accommodation is fairly slim. By being on our waiting list you increase your potential options.  Do not cancel your application as you can stay on our list until you finish your degree. 

Can I be on the waiting lists for "Single" and "Couples and Families" accommodation at the same time?

NO. You can only be on one waiting list at a time. If your circumstances change then you can transfer from one list to the other. The date of your first application will apply when you move to the other list BUT you will have to fill in a new application form because the information we require is different for each type.

When will I be contacted next?

The list of  properties available for the next academic year will be posted on our website by the end of May/beginning of June.  It will not be available until then.  We will contact all those on our contact list by email according to the month that they require accommodation once we know what accommodation will be available.  Those who have been on the contact list prior to the previous September will be contacted first.  The list of properties will be protected with a username and password, and these will be emailed to you at the same time.  You will then need to contact us by email only to book the property of your choice.

Pease note that you cannot get the username and password before the list is released.

It is therefore very important that we are able to contact you.  Please make sure we always have your accurate and up-to-date contact information. 

How do I obtain graduate housing?

To book accommodation you will need to look at the list of available accommodation on our website (see above).  Then you will have to email us stating the property of your choice.  Email bookings will be treated on a first come, first served basis.  You should already be placed at a college before you book accommodation as we will need to check your funding details with your college.  Once your funding details have been checked we will email you an offer of accommodation.  We will arrange for you to view the property if possible.  You will then be required to pay the whole balance of the 'opening account' as soon as possible before the tenancy starts.  If you do not have a UK bank account you will be asked to pay an extra 2 months' rent in advance when you arrive - this will then give you time to open a UK bank account.

Because September properties are extremely sought after we cannot hold them for more than 3 days.  The opening account for a September property must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Steps in obtaining Graduate Housing

1. Register to go on to graduate housing waiting list.
2. When list of available graduate housing properties is released, email the Accommodation Office with your choice of property.
3. Accommodation Office checks your funding is confirmed and in place with your college.
4. Accommodation Office arranges viewing (if feasible).
5. Offer letter emailed to you (Typical Accommodation Offer Letter (93kb))
6. Please note that the opening account for a property must be paid in full at the time of booking. Information about this will be on the offer letter.
   
7. Tenant arrives and signs tenancy agreement and other documents.
8. Appointment with caretaker to collect key and check and sign Inventory.

What happens if I cannot view the accommodation?

You can ask a friend to view it on your behalf and report back to you. If you are abroad and you don't know anyone in Oxford who can view it on your behalf, there are some photos of similar properties on our website that you could refer to. If after seeing the photos you decide to take the accommodation we will make the appropriate arrangements for you to move in.

When I am offered accommodation is the start date fixed?

Yes, the date is fixed. Although you do not have to move in on that date, you are liable for the rent from that date.

When do I have to pay the opening account?

When you book a property you will receive an offer letter setting out what you need to pay (the 'opening account').  You will be required to pay the whole opening account immediately.  If this is not done your reserved accommodation MAY BE CANCELLED.  You can now pay online - please ask the Accommodation Office for more information.

If I move into accommodation can I transfer to another unit later?

No. You are in our accommodation for a relatively short period of time.  Our priority is to house students who have no accommodation.

When my tenancy ends on 31 July what happens?

There is some flexibility during the summer with departure dates and we will contact you in the spring of the year your tenancy expires to ask you to supply a leaving date during the summer (usually between 30 June and mid-September). As long as you can supply a CONFIRMED leaving date we will usually be able to accept this rather than 31 July, although it can never be guaranteed.

Will I be able to park my car?

Car parking is very limited and expensive in Oxford so students are strongly advised not to bring a car to Oxford.

We only have three sites where parking is possible.  There is a waiting list for parking at Summertown House.  Parking is usually available at Alan Bullock Close, and there is plenty of parking at Court Place Gardens.  The caretaker of each site issues parking permits to tenants only.

Please note that you cannot request a parking permit at these sites until you are a tenant

 What is the Inventory, and what do I have to do with it?

 The Inventory is a record of the condition of a property and its contents.  You will be asked to sign an Inventory when you are checked in to your room, flat or house.  You should make sure at this stage that you note any damage to the property and contents which is not noted on the Inventory form before you sign it.  This will protect your deposit which will be returned, excluding any costs for damages, at the end of your tenancy.