Oxford Travel Forum

My 21 yr old son Christopher will be coming to Oxford Jan 27 to attend school until the 10th of May. He has never traveled outside of California, so this will be a very big change for him. I want to help him be prepared as much as possible, in the way of cell phones (how and what kind?), clothing and items he should bring from home. Can anyone help with some much needed tips for a grateful mom?

Oxford is a very beautiful city, with lots of classic architecture. it will be spring feb--may, maybe he need to bring along an umbrella, but youngsters don't want to be burdened by such, suspect he would prefer an anorak to keep warm n dry! I rely on my 22 yr young son on cell phones n digital cameras etc selection! .. just don't let him 'leave home without it', so that he can 'do more'! welcome to VT, and to the wonderful wide world!!!

Hi
Re mobile phones. All UK Cities and Towns have a number of shops including supermarkets which sell mobile phones. Here is a popular shop website.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/
which will give you some idea of costs involved.
There are various offers on the High Street and as your son is only going to be in the UK for a few months a Pay As You Go phone would probably be best. But be aware that he may have to pay for incoming calls from Home so he will have to check? Phones can be easily be topped up even via some ATMS.
Regards
Alan

There is a Starbucks on almost every street corner in Oxford, so no major culture change there. There will also be plenty of American students to hang out with and plenty of pubs to get to know the locals.Just remember if you are taking over anything electrical then you need an adaptor plug and a converter.

Your son may be better off buying international phone cards (if you meant having a mobile phone to keep in contact with home.) If he does get a pay as you go phone, when arriving in Oxford, to enable you to phone him, make sure that the phone will reach the US, i.e. international roaming, he may need a tri band- make sure he enquires this when at the store.

If the mobile is just to keep in touch with his new found friends locally etc., then a cheap no nonsense pay as you go would be fine.

Hi Karen
The other replies i have read cover everything on mobiles. A few tips though are that dont forget the climate will be very different to California, while we have had a very mild winter so far, he could easily find he arrives to a temp of -3 and with snow on the ground, and we can get snow as late as march so get him to pack accordingly - like wise it is safe to say it will be wet a lot, so a waterproof jacket is a must.
You need to be prepared for the price differences as well. Oxford is about 50% more expensive that the US (It is one of the most expensive cities in the UK.
For any other tips i would need to know more - is he attending Oxford Uni? and if so is he staying in Halls of Residence? Also he may have books to buy, if you let me know what subject i can probably give you some idea of costs

Hi Karen
Have just seen this website re mobile phones abroad which appears to be a US Company.
http://www.cellularabroad.com/
Regards
Alan

Hi Alan,
Thanks for the help! My hubbie and i have decided to send Christopher with a set amount spending card from ame express and let him buy the phone once he arrives. We also found out it will be loss costly for him to use international calling cards to call us rather than the cell phone. I am feeling a little more prepared and already a little sad! We were notified today of his host family (set up through AIFS) , Denise Tyson, and I will be e-mailing her this evening. He will be at the Brookes College with 25 other So. Californian students. Thanks again for your care,
Karen Vesely

Hi Stormy,
Thanks for the help! My hubbie and i have decided to send Christopher with a set amount spending card from ame express and let him buy the phone once he arrives. We also found out it will be loss costly for him to use international calling cards to call us rather than the cell phone. I am feeling a little more prepared and already a little sad! We were notified today of his host family (set up through AIFS) , Denise Tyson, and I will be e-mailing her this evening. He will be at the Brookes College with 25 other So. Californian students. Thanks again for your care,
Karen Vesely

Hi Stormy,
A second question for you! We found a good jacket but I'm wondering what the students wear for shoes in the rainy weather. I've heard of wellies, but wondered if they were just for small children.
Also, the professor going with the kids will be teaching them too so I'm guessing she will set them up with their books.
Thanks again for the reply,
Karen Vesely

Hi Karen
I am no fashion specialist, but definatly not wellies. Personaly, i and lot of mates would were something like caterpillar boots - the tan suede things!, but fashion tastes for a 21 year old will probably be different, though he wont go wrong with them. It might be worth him waiting till he gets here to get them anyway as he will get a better choice here.
Glad you got the mobile sorted. So he is going to Oxford Brookes?? - It is a good college and he will enjoy it. If he does have to buy books, expect to be £30 - 50 per book. Though if he has a main course book he uses at present it might be a good idea to bring it, as being a student myself i know how expensive things like this can be.
If you need any more info, let me know.
Chris

suede boots in the rain, not a good idea.

Caterpillar boots are waterproof, they are a sort of Nubuck material.
You can see what i mean here
http://uk.shopping.com/xGS-caterpillar_clothing~NS-1~linkin_id-3063301
Hope this helps
Chris

I really wouldn't worry too much about the weather - it will probably rain a bit and might be a bit chilly some days. Any shoes will be fine - I just wear trainers in summer and winter.

More importantly, does he like live music? If so, The Zodiac is the main venue and a list of upcoming gigs can be found here:
http://www.the-zodiac.co.uk/shonkweb/zodframe.html

I'm sure he will really enjoy Oxford!