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St Catherine’s College
MCR Handbook 2015
The Graduate Student’s Guide to the Oxford Universe
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Welcome to the St Catz MCR
Hello, and welcome to St Catz!
We are so glad to have you join us and hope that you have a wonderful time at
St Catherine’s College (also known as St Catz or, simply, Catz) and within the
MCR community. As this guide will shortly explain, MCR stands for Middle
Common Room and is the graduate study body at St Catz.
This handbook aims to help you understand and navigate your time at Oxford,
by providing information and resources on the academic, social and practical
aspects of life as a graduate student at Catz. The recently redesigned MCR
website also hosts a wealth of information on life, activities and events at
Catz, so please do have a look around!
In addition to the MCR Handbook and website, the St Catherine’s College
website also contains a lot of information about academic, welfare and
practical matters at the College. The University of Oxford website is also a
great resource for information about University life and living in Oxford.
We hope you will find this guide useful. If you have spot any errors, omissions,
or have any suggestions for things you’d like to know more about, please get
in touch with the MCR Secretary, Alice Wang, by email at
Sincerely,
The MCR Committee 2015/16
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD .......................................................... 4
1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 4
1.2 Administration ................................................................................... 4
1.3 Academic Year ................................................................................... 5
1.4 Facilities ............................................................................................. 5
1.5 Student life at Oxford ......................................................................... 6
1.6 Oxford terms and phrases ................................................................... 7
1.6 Living in Oxford .................................................................................. 7
2 ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE ............................................................... 8
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 8
2.2 Administration ................................................................................... 9
2.3 Academia ......................................................................................... 12
2.4 Facilities ............................................................................................ 13
3 THE MIDDLE COMMON ROOM (MCR) .............................................. 17
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 17
3.2 MCR Committee ................................................................................ 17
3.3 Social Activities ................................................................................ 18
3.4 Facilities ........................................................................................... 18
4 PRACTICAL THINGS ....................................................................... 21
4.1 Accommodation ............................................................................... 21
4.2 Finance ............................................................................................. 22
4.3 Health .............................................................................................. 24
4.4 Student Representation.................................................................... 25
APPENDIX: COLLEGE MAP .................................................................. 26
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1 THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
1.1 Introduction
Each year, the University of Oxford brings together a community of over
22,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 140 different
countries.
Every student at the University of Oxford is also a member of one of Oxford’s
38 colleges. Colleges are an integral part of life at Oxford and bring together
students and academics with a diverse set of interests from around the world.
The University has historically been responsible for the academic side of
student life. It issues degrees, sets exams, and funds departments. Colleges,
on the other hand, are responsible for accommodation, meals, and the
general welfare of their students. This is still largely true today, although the
central administration is increasingly taking on more responsibility over issues
such as student health, sexual harassment, general misconduct and housing,
and with colleges taking a more active role in monitoring academic progress.
The University of Oxford website contains useful information and advice
about academic matters, fees and funding, visas and immigrations, health and
welfare, and life at Oxford.
1.2 Administration
Wellington Square, off Little Clarendon Street, is where the University Offices
are located. The University Offices are synonymous with the central University
administration, and are the bureaucratic heart of the University. It is
important that you take very seriously, and reply promptly to, all
communications that you receive from the central University administration.
The University Offices issue and regulate all degrees, membership of the
University and controls student status. They also provide course information
and graduate prospectuses.
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1.3 Academic Year
The academic year is divided into three terms of eight weeks. Michaelmas
Term typically lasts from October to December; Hilary Term from January to
March; and Trinity Term from April to June. Graduate students are usually
expected to continue their work during the three vacations (known as the
Christmas, Easter and Long Vacations).
Internally, at least, dates in term are often referred to by a number in
reference to the start of each full term. The first week of any full term is called
"1st week" and the last is "8th week". The numbering of the weeks continues
up to the end of the term, and begins again with negative numbering from the
beginning of the succeeding term, such as "minus first week" and "noughth
week", which precedes "1st week". Weeks begin on a Sunday.
Students are required to return to Oxford by the evening of Thursday of 0th
week and need to reside in Oxford for at least 6 of the 8 weeks of term.
Dates for the 2015/16 academic year are as follows:
Michaelmas 2015: from Sunday, 11 October to Saturday, 5 December
Hilary 2016: from Sunday, 17 January to Saturday, 12 March
Trinity 2016 : from Sunday, 24 April to Saturday, 18 June
1.4 Facilities
Computing
As with most things in Oxford, the responsibility for providing computer
facilities and services is shared by various bodies. The Oxford University
Computing Services (OUCS) at 13 Banbury Road provides central courses such
as program teaching courses (e.g. Endnote and Excel courses), provides
students with general computing facilities (including Apple and IBM
compatible computers) and, most importantly, has a cheap computer and
laptop repair service and a shop catering for various hardware and software
needs.
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Colleges also provide computing facilities (facilities at St Catherine’s College
are explained in a later section). Many faculties and departments, particularly
science departments, also provide facilities for students.
Internal mail
The University operates its own internal postal service, also known as ‘pigeon
post’. This saves you from walking across town to leave notes for people in
other colleges, and makes sending mail to University Offices or departments
very quick and easy. The service is free unless you mail in bulk. You can send
mail via internal post at the Lodge, and mail usually arrives by the following
working day.
Libraries
Other central University institutions include all subject faculties with their
associated libraries; science departments; and the Bodleian Library, which
consists of the central library facility and subsidiary libraries scattered
throughout Oxford.
University Card
Your University Card, which you will receive on arrival, is used to gain access
to College facilities, the Bodleian and other libraries as well as faculties. It also
allows you to borrow books.
This card also gets you free entry to facilities such as the Botanical Gardens,
various museums, the Careers Service, Oxford University Sport and the
Oxford University Language Centre.
1.5 Student life at Oxford
The University of Oxford website has a comprehensive section for students
with information, services and resources to help you navigate your first few
weeks at Oxford and to get the most out of student life. There are numerous
clubs and societies that you can join and be involved with. You can find out
more about them at the annual Freshers’ Fair.
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1.6 Oxford terms and phrases
Oxford has a few peculiar terms and phrases. For example, you might need to
use your bodcard, asked to wear subfusc, told to pay your battels, or invited to
attend a bop!
A glossary of key words can be found on the MCR website and, for some of the
more formal terms, on the University of Oxford website.
1.6 Living in Oxford
Oxford is a wonderful place to live, with beautiful colleges, architecture, and
parks. There is a lot to explore outside of the classroom.
For more information about living in Oxford, the Daily Info website provides
up-to-date information and listings for what is going on in the city.
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2 ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE
2.1 Introduction
St. Catherine’s College is one of the few modern purpose-built Colleges at
Oxford. It was designed by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in the early
1960s and has a very distinctive appearance with its ochre bricks and
prominent bell tower. St. Catherine’s buildings have been awarded a
prestigious Grade 1 listing for preservation by English Heritage. There is also a
new section of modern blocks completed in 1995 and 2004, which entails the
new Lodge and student rooms for second year undergraduates.
St. Catherine’s is situated between Magdalen College’s deer park and Merton
College’s grounds, providing for a fairly peaceful location. It is also only a short
walk away from the centre of town, where the two main shopping streets
(High Street and Cornmarket Street) are located, as well as the major
University library (Bodleian Library). The English, Law and Social Science
buildings and libraries are located right next to Catz and most science
laboratories are only a five minute walk away.
The College Structure
Every college is an autonomous unit of the University, working alongside each
of the departments and central facilities. Each college acts as a kind of ‘mini-
university’, catering to most of your most immediate needs in a relaxed and
informal setting.
The College provides many of the practical facilities for students, both in
terms of food and accommodation for its members as well as administrative
support. The College is also the centre of many of its members’ academic
lives, as it holds numerous rooms where they can choose to work.
College membership is broken down into three ‘Common Rooms’ which are
the Senior, Middle and Junior Common Rooms (SCR, MCR, JCR respectively).
These common rooms have members who interact both academically and
socially.
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The SCR consists of Fellows and other academic staff, including tutors,
university lecturers, and professors. Members of the SCR are responsible for
the academic life of the College. The SCR is located between the College
Offices and the Hall.
The MCR consists of the graduate students. Visiting postgraduate students,
fourth year undergraduate students and mature full-time undergraduate
students (i.e. JCR members over the age of 21 at matriculation) are also
entitled to MCR membership. All MCR members also belong to the JCR. The
MCR is located in the Bernard Sunley Building (see the College map).
The JCR consists of all the undergraduate students (and MCR members) at ST
Catz. The JCR is located next to the Hall and the College Bar.
2.2 Administration
Porter’s Lodge
The Porter’s Lodge is arguably the most useful part of College and is always
open. The Lodge provides you with the following services:
Postal services, via the pigeon hole and luggage rooms and the internal
and external mail service;
Key issuing services for your College room, MCR lockers, the Music
House and Punt House;
Security and first aid.
The Lodge is also where noise, disturbances and security problems are
reported to and where lost items are reclaimed from. Should you lose your key
(for which you will be charged £25 for a replacement), a porter can let you into
your room.
Internal or external post sent to your College address will be placed in your
pigeon hole in the post room. Please check this regularly for notification of
events, activities and academic commitments (such as letters from the
Examination Schools).
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College Offices
The College Offices is the collective term for the whole complex of offices that
house the administrative staff. It is located in the next to the SCR. The General
Office distributes grant cheques and lecture lists and deals with the payment
of battels. College officers and their secretaries have offices in this building.
Opening hours are from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Monday
to Friday.
General Office
The General Office is at the entrance to the College Offices and, in addition to
the Porters’ Lodge, is a first port of call for many enquiries. The Home
Bursar’s/Dean’s Secretary, Lizzie Andrews ([email protected]),
handles guest room bookings and supplies application forms for University
and College hardship funds on request. The General Office is open during the
normal College Offices opening hours.
Academic Office
The Academic Registrar is Cressida Chappell and the Deputy Academic
Registrars are Kathryn Williams (Access and Administrations) and Anne Smith
(Tutorial). The Academic Office deals with the administration of all academic
related matters in the College and is open to students during the opening
hours of the General Office. The best way to contact the Academic Office is
via email ([email protected]).
Accommodation Office
The Accommodation Office allocates rooms to students. You should contact
this office if you experience difficulties with your College accommodation or if
you wish to book a room for a meeting. Contact the Accommodation
Secretary, Kath Wondrak ([email protected]) for room booking
enquiries. The Accommodation Office is open during the normal College
Offices opening hours.
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Door Access and UPay System
The security card system is an important feature of College life. Your
University Card opens staircase doors, which cannot be opened any other way
between 10:30 pm and 7.00 am, provides access to the MCR, the Computer
Room in staircase 18 and the Library. It also acts as an identification card. For
instance, you will need to show it when you attend Catz Entzs and bops.
Your University Card can be ‘charged’ with money via the UPay system that
you can then use to purchase meals in Hall, drinks at the JCR and MCR bars,
and in the Laundry Room. You will be given account details that enable you to
register online for UPay. You can load your UPay account with a debit card
(free of charge) or with a credit card (for which there is a small charge).
College Closure
Closure happens once during each vacation and may last for up to two weeks.
Closure periods typically coincide with Christmas and Easter, as well as the
first two weeks of August. During these periods almost all College facilities are
shut down. This includes Hall, the JCR, all of the College Offices, pigeon post
and the College library. The MCR will remain open but there is no cleaner, so
graduates staying during closure need to keep the lounge clean and tidy.
During closure it is possible that heating will be disrupted as the Maintenance
team undertakes work on boilers at these times. However, the College will
inform graduates as to when works are planned as early as possible.
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2.3 Academia
College Advisor
Every graduate student is assigned a ‘College Advisor’ who serves as a point of
contact to the general College structure and provides both a social and
academic link with the College. Your College Advisor normally will not be your
academic supervisor, but could be related to your research group. We
recommend that you get in touch with your College Advisor and meet up with
them as soon as your schedules allow. They can provide an invaluable contact
for when things go well and when things do not quite go according to plan.
Tutor for Graduates
The Tutor for Graduates is Mr Ashok Handa ([email protected]). The
Tutor for Graduates oversees graduate matters in the College. Responsibilities
include the College side of graduate admissions and course administration,
organization of academic and related matters affecting graduates within the
College, graduate scholarships, monitoring of academic progress,
representation of graduate interests on College committees and liaison with
the MCR. He is available to meet with you to discuss matters related to these
responsibilities, or any other matters.
Library
The College library is called the Wolfson Library. There is a photocopier in its
foyer, and a computer catalogue inside is connected to the central Bodleian
and most departmental libraries. The library contains a well-equipped
computer room, a decent reference section, and carries some literary and
scientific journals as well as newspapers and magazines. Graduates can take
out up to 10 books. During term time, the library is open from 8 am to
midnight on week days and from 9 am to midnight on weekends. Opening
hours are slightly restricted out of term.
The University also contains various faculty libraries and the university wide
Bodleian Library, which contains one of the largest book and journal
collections in the country.
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2.4 Facilities
Common Rooms
All MCR members are entitled to use the JCR and MCR. You should only enter
the SCR by invitation or when you take up your opportunity to dine on High
Table once a year. Please see the MCR website for details on how to use your
dining right.
The JCR’s financial and physical resources tend to be larger than the MCR, and
MCR members are encouraged to use their facilities and to join in the various
activities, clubs and societies run by the JCR. During term time there are
“Entz” (discos) which take place every couple of weeks, as well as various
other functions such as a barbecue and charity fundraising events.
There is also a lively bar (open to all College members) open in the evening
from 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm. The JCR houses a television with access to SKY TV,
two pool tables, several game machines, a dart board and a table football
tables. Finally, the Laundry room is equipped with vending machines that
dispense chocolate, snacks and soft drinks.
Computing
MCR members can use a number of computing facilities at the College. The
library contains the biggest resource of computers in the College, with 10
computers and a black and white printer.
The MCR shares a computer room with the JCR, which can be found at the
bottom of staircase 18 and is open 24 hours a day. This facility contains several
windows PCs and one printer. There is also a computer room next to the JCR,
which is open daily from 8 am to midnight, and contains a colour and black
and white printer. All computers have Ethernet connections that give you
access to the Internet, and you can access your departmental computer
systems, as well as the central computing facilities supported by the OUCS
from College. All computers in College are connected to networks printers, so
you can print from anywhere, even your room. You can also access the
wireless network with your laptop anywhere in College.
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For general College IT information and enquires, contact the College IT
Manager, Mr Jamie Keats ([email protected]).
Dining Hall
St. Catherine’s College Hall is the largest in Oxford, seating 380 people. All
College meals – breakfast, lunch, the buttery, scaf dinner, formal dinners and
MCR guest table dinners – take place in Hall. Most meals are paid for via the
UPay system using your University Card and up-to-date meal times, as well as
the lunch and dinner menu for each week, can be found on the JCR website.
On Fridays during term-time, the MCR host a fantastic formal guest dinner.
Typically this is a four course formal affair (no gowns, but jacket + tie) followed
by cheese and port in the MCR. Please see the MCR website for more details.
Times for dinner and lunch vary during the weekend and vacation. Emails will
be sent to your College email address if there are any changes.
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Graduate Study Room
Graduate students have access to a study room for study and work during the
evenings. The Graduate Study Room is located above the MCR and is available
from 8 pm until 8 am during term time. The room can be accessed using your
bodcard. Please leave the room tidy and turn the lights off after use.
Laundry and Ironing
The College launderette is a lot cheaper than those in town, and is located
behind the JCR and is accessed using your bodcard. Laundry detergent is
available from the Lodge, although it is cheaper to head to the supermarket
and buy in bulk. There are also free ironing facilities in staircase 2.
Security
Although the College is a safe and friendly place, security is an issue that the
College takes very seriously. You should not leave valuables unattended, nor
should you leave the door or windows of your room unlocked when you leave,
even for a few minutes. Double D-lock your bicycle at all times in and away
from College and use the secure bicycle shed to store your bike when in
College (the combination code is available from the Lodge). Please be
especially vigilant around College during the first few weeks when College
staff are still trying to ascertain who is who.
Please report anyone acting suspiciously to the Lodge immediately.
Welfare
College Welfare is under the general direction of the Dean, Richard Bailey. The
Dean acts as Senior Treasurer of Clubs, advising on sporting and other clubs in
College and as custodian of the clubs finances, in consultation with the
student captains or organisers of the clubs. The Dean also deals with
disciplinary matters, such as antisocial behaviour, in which he is assisted by
resident Junior Deans who also often act as a first line of communication
between the students and the Dean and are trained Peer Supporters who deal
with many aspects of personal welfare.
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Your first point of contact for welfare (or to make an appointment with the
Dean) is the Dean’s PA, Mrs Lizzie Andrews ([email protected]).
Four Junior Deans assist the Dean and other College Officers in the smooth
running of the College. They are usually fellow graduate students currently
studying at Oxford and in the MCR. They are available for welfare matters and
act as confidential welfare supporters. For further details on the Junior Deans
and their responsibilities, please see the Junior Deans Poster displayed on
each staircase in the College.
There are also two MCR Welfare Officers who act as a liaison between
members of the MCR and the College. They meet with College administrators
and can pass on any comments/concerns of a welfare nature. If you have any
concerns or comments that relate to how the College runs from a welfare
perspective, they can be contacted on [email protected]. Along
with the MCR Peer Supporters, they are also here to listen to any welfare
concerns that MCR students may have.
Individual contact details for the Welfare Officers and Peer Supporters can be
found on the MCR website.
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3 THE MIDDLE COMMON ROOM (MCR)
3.1 Introduction
The MCR is the graduate student body of St Catherine’s College. It acts as a
social community, a representative body, and a central physical space within
the College where you can relax and meet fellow students. The MCR is located
in the Bernard Sunley Building (see map in the appendix) and is accessed using
your bodcard.
Catz MCR is well known as one of the largest and most culturally diverse
graduate bodies in Oxford. It aims to be welcoming and inclusive by offering a
wide variety of social activities and events at which you can meet and mingle
with fellow students. These events include welfare brunches, pizza evenings,
and our renowned weekly guest night dinners.
Academically, we also offer a series of graduate seminars in which our
students have the opportunity to present their own research to fellow
members of the MCR and other academics within College.
There is a lot more that we have on offer for you and we really hope that you
make the most of your time at Catz by getting involved in the life of the MCR.
For more information about the MCR and its activities, please see the MCR
website. It is also worth joining the Catz MCR Facebook group where details of
upcoming events and activities will also be advertised and where you can
interact with other MCR members informally.
3.2 MCR Committee
The MCR is run by a committee of fellow students. Information about the roles
and responsibilities of the MCR Committee, as well as profiles, photos and
contact details of the current Committee can be found on the MCR website.
The MCR Committee is led by two Co-Presidents. The current Co-Presidents
are Elizabeth Smethurst ([email protected]) and Peter
Forsyth ([email protected]).
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The Executive Committee is responsible for the day to day running of the MCR
and representation to other bodies within the University. The Executive is
elected in 5th week of Hilary term and holds office from 8th week in Hilary.
The Regular Committee looks after specific portfolios. These posts can be
increased at the will of the Executive to ensure that roles within the MCR are
delegated appropriately.
3.3 Social Activities
The MCR organises a range of social events and activities over the year, such
as themed bops, music nights, pampering nights, exchange dinners with other
Colleges, games nights and our yearly garden party. Details about upcoming
events will be released ahead of time, and please also see the MCR website for
more details.
3.4 Facilities
The MCR room is managed by the MCR with the assistance of the College
Officers. If you would like anything to be added or changed in the MCR, please
get in contact with your committee.
Bar
We have an extensive selection of soft drinks, juices, spirits, beers, and wine
behind the bar at very reasonable prices. You can either pay by cash or if you
are a member of College you may also pay on your bodcard. The bar is open
for weekly guest dinners and for most other organised MCR events. It is also
possible to volunteer to work behind the bar. Bar training will take place at the
beginning of Michaelmas term.
Garden
The MCR has the exclusive use of an enclosed garden right outside the MCR.
There are a number of benches, a picnic table, a lawn and flowerbeds. It is, of
course, used mostly during spring and summer. We also have a remarkable
bust of Einstein…
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Kitchen
The MCR has a kitchen with a microwave, hot water dispenser, a coffee
machine and a dishwasher. The MCR also provides tea, coffee and milk.
The MCR is a shared space, so please wash up and return any dishes after use
and remember to keep the kitchen facilities clean.
Lockers
The MCR has a number of lockers available for use, which operate on a sign-
out system. If you would like to use a locker, you will need to go the Lodge to
sign out a key. While here, you will leave an identity card as a deposit. The
lockers each have a coin-shaped token inside of them that you will need to
hang onto in order to lock up when you are finished and this can be attached
to the keyring that you will be given to ensure that you don't lose it.
Lockers should be for temporary use (i.e. maximum of 24 hours). In order to
ensure that the sign-out systems continues to operate, it is important that the
system isn't abused so please use responsibly.
Mailing List
The MCR operates a mailing list ([email protected])
through which notices and upcoming events are disseminated.
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Newspapers and Magazines
The MCR subscribes to a number of newspapers (including the Sunday Times
and the Observer) as well as a number of magazines (including the Economist,
Private Eye, the New Yorker and New Scientist). These can be found in the
MCR’s magazine rack.
Notice Boards
Notices concerning events and activities taking place in Oxford, as well as
scholarships and grants are posted on the notice board in the MCR. Anyone is
welcome to hang up notices on the board.
Sports
The College offers a wide variety of sporting teams and clubs including
rowing, athletics, tennis, basketball and punting. More details can be found on
the MCR website.
The College also has a gym with weights (free and fixed), treadmill, elliptical
trainers (cross trainers), rowing machines, ellipsis trainers, squash courts, a
snooker table and table tennis facilities. The gym has 24 hours access. To use
the gym you must sign up for a short induction course which takes place in the
beginning of each term (it will be published well in advance by email).
The MCR provides its members with Squash and Tennis racquets which are
stored in a number locked cupboard behind the bar. Please ask one of the
presidents to obtain the code for it.
Telephone
There is a telephone in the MCR from which you may call any other internal
network phone for free. You will not be able to make external calls. The MCR
internal phone number is (+44) 1865 271763. It accepts calls from outside.
Television
We have a large 46-inch Sony flat-screen television with FreeView, a DVD
player, a PS3 and a Nintendo Wii. Please feel free to use this as you wish.
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4 PRACTICAL MATTERS
4.1 Accommodation
College Accommodation
St. Catherine’s College offers limited graduate accommodation. Rooms are
typically offered in graduate-only staircases on the main site (staircases 2, 3
and 10) or at Catz House. Catz House has newly refurbished rooms and
facilities, and is located just off St Clements Street.
On the main site, rooms come with a bed, linen, desk, desk chair, comfy chair,
coffee table, desk light, shelves and cupboards. A number of rooms also
contain a wash-basin. Internet access, electricity and heating are also
provided. Each staircase typically has 10 people per floor sharing kitchen and
bathroom facilities. More information about College accommodation can be
found on the MCR website.
Most students, however, live in non-College owned accommodation.
University and Private Accommodation
The University provides accommodation for postgraduates in a number of
complexes located around the city. If you are interested in living in University
accommodation, you should apply as soon as possible. Application forms and
information can be obtained by contacting the Accommodation Office or by
visiting them in person at Ewert House on Banbury Road. If you are staying
here for more than a year, then it is likely that you will have to rent privately at
some time or other.
When renting, you will also be expected to pay a deposit of at least a month’s
rent and possibly a security bond. If you do not mind living with strangers,
then it is fairly easy to find housing at almost any time of the year. A useful
place to find people looking for house sharers is the OxGradHousing Facebook
group. If, however, you wish to rent a house with others that you know, then
start looking early – houses start to come on the market from November
onwards.
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For information on how to find accommodation in Oxford, please see the MCR
website and the MCR Accommodation Guide. Oxford University Student
Union (OUSU) also produces a useful guide to the private rental market called
The Living Out Guide.
4.2 Finance
The basic guidance here is to sort your finances out before you arrive. You will
have to have guaranteed that you can pay for your course and have enough to
cover your living expenses before your course starts. There is also some
general financial guidance on the College website.
There are funds available for you to apply to for help with research expenses, a
number of scholarships, and a hardship fund for unexpected problems. There
are many other funds both within Oxford and externally available for
conferences and other academic needs.
From the College you can apply for money from the ‘Graduate Research
Expenses Fund’ for fieldwork, conference attendance, visiting libraries, books,
printing, etc. You are entitled to claim £185 per year of fees (i.e. up to three
years’ worth for a standard DPhil). You can submit this claim via the College
Office at any time during the academic year and your supervisor will need to
write in support of your application. You will also need to write a brief write up
and provide receipts for your claim.
Other sources of financial support may be available within the individual
Divisions, Departments or Faculties. Applicants to the Graduate Research
Expenses Fund are expected to apply to the relevant Division, Department or
Faculty for financial support.
There are a number of options available for students who are in, or who run
into, financial hardship while studying at Oxford. All graduate students are
required to provide evidence of sufficient funding prior to arrival, but there are
resources available for unexpected hardship. If a student is having financial
difficulties, their first port of call should be the College Office. St. Catherine’s
College has a hardship fund which is available to graduate students.
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The other main options for financial hardship and for childcare support include
the Access to Learning Fund, the Vice-Chancellors’ Fund Awards and the
University’s Hardship Fund. Further details can be found online. Details of the
Disabled Students’ Allowance can also be found online.
Lastly, DPhil students should not usually need to pay for any extra teaching
they receive (e.g. language lessons). In such cases, the supervisor should make
a claim for special tuition expenses on behalf of the tutor. Supervisors usually
claim for 8 hours per term, but may claim up to 16. PRS (Postgraduate
Research Students) students may only claim for a total of 16 hours until they
transfer to the DPhil. Any problems over a Supervisor's support for teaching
requirements of graduates should be referred to the relevant Graduate
Studies contact for your subject.
Employment and Council Tax
The University’s general line is that students should not be working during
term-time, as studying should be a full-time pursuit. However, for students
who do want/need to work, there are usually suitable jobs to apply for around
the University. These included work in College bars, College or faculty
libraries, Junior Deanships, fundraising for Colleges during vacations, teaching
(contact your department about this option) and help during interviews and
collections.
Students who are registered at the University on a full-time programme of
study are exempt from council tax. The student self-service system allows
registered student to print an enrolment certificate which the council will
accept as proof of exemption from council tax. Students living out will receive
a council tax bill and should send their exemption certificates in response.
Banking
If you are staying for more than 6 months in England, most major banks will
allow you to open an account with them. It is advisable to shop around when
you get here. Most banks request the following to open an account in person:
letters confirming your Oxford address and course acceptance, proof of
funding and past bank statements if you are coming from overseas.
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4.3 Health
All overseas students who will be resident in Britain for more than six months
and all British and EU nationals are entitled to full and free health care through
the National Health Service (NHS) and should register with the College Doctor
on arrival.
The College Nurse, Mrs Ennis Frankum, is available in College every day during
term-time and is the initial contact in cases of minor illness or accident. She
acts in consultation with the College Doctor. Her hours and location can be
found on the noticeboards in each staircase and on the St Catz website.
University Counselling Service
The University Counselling Service is independent of the colleges and
University. The service is impartial and confidential, and staffed by
professional, trained general counsellors. They help students deal with a wide
range of emotional and psychological issues that a student may be facing and
affecting their quality of life as a student. There are one-to-one sessions and
group session available to suit students’ needs. To find out more about the
Counselling Service, please visit their website.
Nightline
Nightline is a helpline run by students for students. It operates at night from
8.00 pm to 8.00 am during term time. Students can phone them on (2)70270
or visit them at 16 Wellington Square. They can call you back if you are calling
from Oxford or a mobile phone. The service Nightline provides is confidential,
impartial and non-judgemental, and there is no religious, political or social
bias. Students can ask to talk to a male or female volunteer and can talk for as
long as they want. The MCR also has Welfare Officers and Peer Supporters
who can help you in welfare issues.
Self-Help Groups
There are many self-help groups available in Oxford for different health and
welfare issues. Please see the OUSU website for more details.
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4.4 Student Representation
The MCR constitutes the most obvious and directly accessible representative
body for students at Catz. The Committee looks after both the MCR as a
physical space and also attempt to act on the behalf of its members with
regards to both matters in the College and across the University. If you wish to
find out more, contact a member of the Committee or come along to an Open
Meeting.
Formally, it is the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) that represents
students at the university level. OUSU is run by fellow students and sabbatical
officers. There are six full-time sabbatical officers working at OUSU. They are
elected in a cross campus election and serve for one academic year. The
OUSU Graduate Committee and OUSU Vice-President (Graduates)
specifically represent postgraduates. The VP-Grads can be contacted at
St. Catherine’s College MCR is affiliated with OUSU and you are a member of
this body as an individual (unless you choose to opt out). You are free to utilise
their services and get involved. OUSU operates a confidential student advice
service, many support groups and ‘autonomous campaigns’ (e.g. Women’s,
LGBTQ and Mature Students). OUSU also have extensive information for
students on their website. OUSU’s graduate handbook also contains
complementary information to this one.
Finally, most departments also have some form of graduate committee to
represent you at the departmental level. They should introduce themselves
during Fresher’s Week, get in touch with your department administrators for
more information.
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APPENDIX: COLLEGE MAP
MCR