Practicalities
9.1 Mail and Contact Details
‘Pigeonholes’ at the main College building are adjacent to the Porter’s Lodge. Please note that the College does not have the capacity to accept and store large parcels on site and that the building will not be open 24/7 to accept deliveries.
It is important for students to keep their contact details updated, including any change of address in Oxford, of your permanent home address, or telephone contact details. Please provide a mobile phone number which will work in the UK and which you have regular access to. Update your contact details using the Student Self-Service.
There is no formal requirement to obtain University permission to be away from Oxford, although you should be aware of the formal residency requirements for graduate students (see here) If you are going to be away from Oxford for a term or more, please ensure that you leave a forwarding address and inform the Head Porter (head.porter@reuben.ox.ac.uk). If you are staying in College accommodation, see your accommodation handbook for details on management of personal mail.
9.2 IT
University IT facilities and support
Information about IT facilities at the University can be found on the IT Services’ website. All students are bound by University Regulations on computing use, and should make themselves aware of what these regulations do and do not allow. Breaking the rules for network usage may lead to disconnection from the network as well as disciplinary action.
IT at Reuben College
All members with a Reuben affiliation on their University card are entitled to an email account and address of the form: firstname.lastname@reuben.ox.ac.uk. This account should be created automatically when your card is issued, and activation details will be sent to you. If you have any queries regarding your email account, please contact the Head of IT at it.support@reuben.ox.ac.uk.
IT Support for Reuben students can change depending on which building or service you are needing support for.
Wireless access is provided via the University OWL and Eduroam services in all areas. See the University IT Services pages here.
9.3 Safety and Security
Oxford is generally a safe place to study and socialize in, but please do take care and precaution regarding your personal safety. The University has a helpful guide on this, please do take a few moments to read it.
Please ring 999 in the event of an emergency and if you need the police, ambulance, or fire services.
You can contact the Reuben College Lodge on 01865616477 when emergency services are not required. Contact the Duty Porter about:
- Concerns about someone acting suspiciously or general concerns about the College building
- Any health and safety issues relating to the College building
When the lodge is closed, you can contact the duty College Sub-Dean on 07564 045442.
Alternatively, contact the Oxford University Security Services (OUSS) (24/7) on 01865 289999 for assistance. Please be aware of the “Safe Lodge” Scheme as depicted by a green circle in most college Lodges. You can ask for help to get home from any college lodge. They will contact us and arrange a taxi home for you. You will be able to take refuge in their lodge until it arrives.
9.4 Cycling
Cycling is the most convenient way of travelling around the city, but it can also be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the rules of the road or don’t have the right equipment. For information on how to get cycling safely around Oxford, see here.
Please be aware that when cycling in the dark you are legally required to have white front and red rear lights as well as red rear reflectors. We would also very strongly encourage you to wear a helmet. These measures can be the difference between life and death, or a serious injury, so please do not compromise your safety.
Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a significant problem in Oxford and you are therefore strongly advised to follow the University’s guidance on bike repair and security. It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance against theft and register your bicycle with bikeregister.com. This free register has reunited hundreds of cyclists with their stolen bikes. Outdoor cycle racks (uncovered) are available at the College.
9.5 Emergency Procedures
In the event of a serious accident or emergency, summon the Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service or Police by dialing 999. Immediately after calling the emergency services and during normal office hours, please inform Reuben reception lodge (01865616477). Out of hours, and again only after contacting emergency services, please call the College duty phone: 07564 045442. See the Health, Wellness and Welfare page on the College’s website for further emergency contacts and support.
In the event of a fire alarm or evacuation, please follow the guidance posted in your building.
9.6 Smoke Free Law
It is against the law in England to smoke or vape in all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces – this includes all College buildings. You are respectfully requested to avoid smoking outside the main College entrance at Reuben.
9.7 Council Tax
Students living outside of college accommodation will need to claim a student exemption on receipt of a demand from the City Council. An Enrolment Certificate for this purpose can be obtained from the Student Self-Service section of the University’s website, then signed and stamped by the Academic Office.
9.8 Families
Accommodation
The College is currently able to offer a two-bedroom flat for a Reuben student with family and two couples’ flats, both within its Winchester Road housing. Availability will be advertised to all Reuben students. The University Graduate Accommodation Office also has accommodation for families in sites across the city – see here.
The Oxford University Newcomer’s Club
The Oxford University Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers who aim to help the newly arrived partners of visiting scholars, graduate students and newly appointed academic and administrative members of the University to settle in and meet people in Oxford.
Children at Reuben events
Reuben welcomes children in most parts of the College and at most events. Highchairs are provided in the dining hall, and College members are welcome to bring children for lunches. Formal dining in term time are not usually appropriate events for children of junior school age or under, unless otherwise advertised.
Schools in Oxford
There are many excellent schools for young people in the Oxford area. To find a free school place for your child, make sure you apply before your arrival. See useful links below:
- Applying to School
- School Transfer Application
- Find Your Catchment Area
- OFSTED (reporting agency for schools)
Note: Many state schools have "Church of England" in their name. Despite this naming convention, these schools are run by the state, free to attend, and are open to all.
University Nurseries
It is highly recommended that you apply for nursery care as soon as you can.
Oxford University has five University Nurseries, as well as five independently run college nurseries, and 11 community nurseries.
Apply for these nurseries available here, or email childcare@admin.ox.ac.uk. (Note: College nurseries are separate from University Childcare Services and so you must apply to them directly).
Reuben College has signed up for two priority nursery places in 2023-2025. Whilst this does not guarantee a place, it does mean that a small number of Reuben members will have priority access. Please contact the Senior Tutor as soon as possible if this would be useful and be aware that you need to have already applied for a university nursery place to be eligible.
Oxfordshire Day Nurseries
To find nursery options not affiliated with the University in the Oxfordshire area, see here. Information is also available about crèches, care for disabled children, childminders, toddler groups, out-of-school clubs, etc. here.
9.9 Travel Insurance
Whilst the University can provide travel insurance for students travelling within the UK or worldwide on University business, this cover is not automatic. To arrange insurance please refer to the University’s guidance here. Students travelling on field work are recommended to discuss insurance with their faculty.
