UK Power Adaptors

The standard power plug and socket design used in the UK is the BS1363, which consists of two horizontal, rectangular pins at the bottom and a larger, vertical pin at the top. 

If your move to Oxford is an international one and you're planning on packing items such as your camera, mobile phone, laptop, hairdryer or electric shaver, don't forget to buy a couple of UK power adapters at the airport before you arrive. Depending on where you are traveling from, they can be much harder to find once you've entered the country and a lot more expensive!

The BS1363 design is also used in Ireland, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Botswana, Ghana and Zimbabwe as well as several of the former British Caribbean colonies such as Belize, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada.

Moving is stressful at the best of times, but relocating to a new country can take it to a whole new level. That said, there are lots of things you can do before you leave to alleviate these pressures and ensure that your move to Oxford is a smooth one. Check out The Oxford Freshers guide to Everything you need to know before you arrive, for lots of helpful tips.

The Oxford Fresher's Relocation Guide

   

The Oxford Fresher is now very 

pleased to provide a FREE downloadable 

sample of our Relocation Guide 

Download your copy here

.............................................

After flipping through its table of contents, 

learning more about the author and reading the first chapter, 

"Everything you need to know before you arrive," 

we're sure you'll soon be back for the full edition! 

Still not sure? Check out our Customer Reviews 
 

(The term 'fresher' is usually reserved for college students, but I use it broadly throughout this guide for anyone new to Oxford).

Getting the most out of your luggage

When arriving in a new country with nothing but a suitcase and the 
clothes on your back every centimetre and kilogram counts!  

 

Is it time to put your suitcase on a diet?

When was the last time you weighed your suitcase? Probably before your last big trip, right? 

How many of you have ever tried weighing it empty? After checking your airline's maximum weight allowances, you might be surprised to see just how many valuable kilograms you've lost before you've even begun.

 

Lightweight suitcases

If you don’t already own a suitcase, or can afford to buy a new one, I highly recommend shopping around for the lightest one you can find. Be sure to keep your airline's maximum baggage dimensions in mind and remember that as far as luggage is concerned, bigger is not always better. There’s no point having an enormous suitcase, if filling it will tip the scales. 

 

After doing a quick search online, the lightest check-in-size case I could find was the Samsonite Cubelite Upright 74cm (74 x 50 x 33), which weighs just 3.2kg. It's by no means the cheapest on the market, but just think of all the extra shoes you could pack!   

 

Antler Liquis International Cabin Case Colour: Graphite Size: 56 x 35 x 23 cm Weight: 2.0kg

  

Lightweight cabin cases 

If you’re planning on doing lots of travel when you arrive, I also recommend buying a small, lightweight cabin case. Not only are they perfect for mini breaks, they’ll allow you to get the absolute most out of your carry on allowance when you first arrive.

 

Before moving to Oxford, I purchased an Antler New Size Zero 2011 Super Lightweight Cabin Suitcase, which weighs 2.4kgs, but it has since been outdone by the Antler Liquis, (pictured above). Not only does the Liquis have the added benefit of having 4 wheels, it weighs just 2kg!  While the debate continues over which is better, 2 wheels or 4?  I think four-wheeled suitcases are far easier to pull through crowded airports and subways. Which do you prefer?

Moving to Oxford: Unlock your mobile phone

For those of you traveling from abroad, if you own a mobile phone and plan to use it when you arrive, make sure you get it 'unlocked' before you leave. Unfortunately, most phones are 'locked' to the country and service provider from which they were purchased, which can be a real hassle. For example, if you bought your phone from Vodafone and you replace your Vodafone SIM card with a SIM card from another network whether it's Orange, Virgin, O2, 3, or any other provider, your handset won't work. 

 
Unfortunately, this also extends to SIM cards from the same service provider in different countries. For example, the Vodafone handset you bought in Australia, will not work with a Vodafone SIM card purchased in the UK (unless you have had your phone unlocked). 

 
Once unlocked, your mobile phone can be used with any compatible SIM card (including foreign SIM cards), on any network. Not only will this give you greater flexibility for prepaid SIMs and pay-as-you-go plans in the UK, you'll also avoid expensive overseas call rates when you're traveling. (Tip: Purchase a local SIM card whenever you travel abroad). 

 
Where can I get my phone unlocked?
If you've already arrived in Oxford and forgot to have you phone unlocked, Benny's on St Aldates should be able to help you out. They generally charge between £5-15 depending on the make and model of you phone, but this may void your warranty. 

Tip: Buy yourself a prepaid or pay as you go SIM card as soon as you arrive. Setting up your mobile phone with a plan or contract is far more challenging and frustrating than you will ever anticipate! Until you can provide an English bank account, bankcard and statement from the same account (including a minimum of 5 transactions) and a permanent UK address, I'd save yourself the headache.
 
 
Don't you just love these gorgeous tin can telephones? I found them at madebyjoel and they reminded me of all the fun I used to have as a kid. Such simple pleasures. Joel's website is full of fun and creative projects, perfect for keeping your little ones occupied whilst you prepare for your move. Check it out here.

Moving to Oxford: Top tips for keeping in touch

Life would be SO much easier if we all had 'Postal Owls' like the wizards in Harry Potter, changing address is a drag. If you're planning a move to (or from) Oxford, here are a few 
tips for staying in touch 'muggle' style...

Send change of address letters

If you're lucky enough to know what your address will be when you arrive in the UK, (or plan to  redirect to another address), start sending your change of address letters or emails ASAP. If you haven't already, it's also worth requesting to receive any ongoing statements digitally. 

Tip: If your move is only temporary, keep a list of all your contacts to avoid having to find them all again when you return. (This list is also useful to have whilst you are away. Include policy numbers and account details for things like your bank account, insurance policies, accountant and property manager).

Redirect your mail

For those of you that don't have time or simply can't be bothered writing a squillion notifications, your local post office may be able to help. Most offer redirection services for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or up to a year at a time. Tip: If your move is a temporary one, redirecting your mail to your parent’s house or a PO Box until you return might not be a bad option. International redirection is possible and probably the most convenient, but it’s also the most expensive. 

Make a list

Finally, once you arrive, make a list of every new organisation you give your address to. Record their address, website or email so that you can easily send your change of address details, if and when you move again. It seems pedantic I know, but it really does make life SO much easier.

Wouldn't it be fun to surpirse a Harry Potter fan with this awesome Owl Post Gift Box I found on Etsy? I have to admit I'd probably squeel with delight if I found one in my mail box!

Making friends as a 'grownup'

Alex Williams wrote an article for last Sunday's New York Times about how hard it can be making new friends in you thirties and forties and judging from the amount of comments it's received, it has really struck a chord. 

Read the story here, if you'd like, and weigh in: Have you, too, found it hard to make new friends as an adult? What about during you time here in Oxford? Do you ever find it awkward to "ask someone out"?

If you're new in town or still struggling to get out and mingle, the Oxford University Newcomers' Club might be a great place to start. You'll also find an extensive list of organised activities, clubs and classes on the Oxford Daily Info website.

  

(Illustration by Roman Muradov for the New York Times).

Introducing The Oxford Fresher's NEW aStore!

Hello boys and girls! This is just a quick note to let you know that I’ve recently created an Amazon Associates Store. Nothing much to fuss about, but every once in a while, I receive emails from readers asking me to recommend various travel and Oxford related products, so I thought it might be useful to have a list of all the things I love in one place for your perusal. 

For easy access, I’ve also added a snazzy new, circular 'a' button to the header which will take you directly to the store. So head on over, take a look, and maybe you’ll see something you like!

There are currently nine categories in my little shop which include: Travel Essentials, Travel Electronics, Travelling with Children (including everything from inflight entertainment to baby slings and Trunki the Trunkisaurous!), Out of the Blue (books by or about famous Oxonians), Movies & Dramas (filmed in and around Oxford), Wonderland (Oxford inspired books and DVDs for little ones), Cycling & Driving, The Best of British, and a Miscellaneous category containing everything I simply couldn't leave out! 

Here are a selection of products from my Travel Essentials page:

1.  Sony MDR-NC500 Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones 

2.  Inflatable Neck Pillow 

3.  Travel Adaptor Plug: Worldwide / European Visitor To Uk 

4.  Antler Liquis Cabin Case - Navy 

5.  Airline Approved Onboard Toiletry Bag 4 Bottle & Funnel Set 

6.  Cabin Max Digital Portable Travel Luggage Scale 

7.  Go Travel Case Tidy Bag Packers - 3 Pack

Disclaimer: I have not been paid or received any sort of compensation for placing any of these products on my store or blog page. I do however receive a small commission, (4-6%) on all products purchased from my Amazon aStore.

You might also like: Getting the most out of your luggage, The Oxford Fresher's Relocation Guides, UK power adaptors.

The Oxford Colouring Book

I stumbled across this colouring book whilst browsing in the Oxford University shop this morning and thought what a fantastic gift it would make for all the 'little' fresher's out there. After all, it's not just us big kids that find moving stressful.

Moving is tough on kids as they often feel as though they have little or no control. Help make their 

transition a smooth one by talking about your move as much as possible - The more you are able to help your kids 'see' themselves in their new location, the less anxious they will feel. Little Ox and his friends might be just the ticket!

Oxford Colouring Book - £3.99.

Expat Survival Food Supplies

So the saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but perhaps it should have included expats as well. Whilst food may be the last thing that springs to mind when you are packing up all your belongings, nothing will remind of home quite like a dish or favorite treat from your past.  

As an Aussie expat, some of the treats that I miss most from home are Tim Tams, Mint Slice biscuits, Cadbury's Top Deck chocolate and Cherry Ripes - just thinking about them all is making my mouth water! For Kiwis it's Manuka Honey and Whittakers Peanut Slabs and for South Africans it's Peppermint Crisps, but whatever your soft spot, be sure to include an emergency stash in your suitcase before you leave. (The cutoms and quarantine regulations in the UK are not as strict as those in countries like Australia, so you'll have no trouble getting them across the boarder, the only challenging part will be making them last!)

Unfortunately chocolate of any description doesn't last very long in my household, so making our supplies last was never really an option. Thankfully, a recent trip home to Australia enabled me to stock up on all my favorite supplies. I was even able to teach all of my English friends the art of a Tim Tam slam on my return. The only problem was that they were all such naturals I've had to beg my mum to send me some more! 

If like me your supplies have run low, the following UK based websites are an absolute godsend: Australia Shop, Canada Shop, South Africa Shop, New Zealand Shop, American Soda, Italian Deli Online and Sanza  (which caters for South Africans, New Zealanders and Aussies). Please email me the details of any other stores you'd like to share with your fellow expats.

For more arrival survival tips, check out The Oxford Fresher's Arrival Survival Guide.

The Oxford Fresher's 'Arrival Survival Guide'

Arrival Survival -  £2.99  

If you thought packing and saying goodbye to your loved ones was the hard part, I'm sorry to tell you that arrival can be the most challenging part of your adventure. 

Your first weeks and months in Oxford are bound to be crazy no matter how well you've prepared. Jet lag alone is enough to challenge the best of us, so if your first thought is, "What am I doing here?" Don't panic, I've got some great tips to help you settle in.

The 'Arrival Survival' chapter contains everything you need to hit 

the ground running, from where to buy your first day essentials, to registering with the NHS (National Health Service). Check out the contents pages of our FREE sample chapter for a full list of what's included.

Welcome to The Oxford Fresher

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance,

you must keep moving.  ~Albert Einstein 

Hi my name is Renee and I moved to Oxford (from Australia) at the beginning of 2010. I started the Oxford Fresher as a way to share my experiences and help others moving to Oxford. I know the term ‘fresher’ is usually reserved for college students, but I use it broadly here for anyone  'new' to Oxford. 

Moving is stressful at the best of times and moving to a new city or country can take it to a whole new level. I hope The Oxford Fresher will help to put you at ease amid this busy and exciting time and provide a place to turn when you are feeling lost or frustrated. I’ll be including tips on everything from where to live to buying the perfect bicycle and hope to take all of the bumps out of the ride to ensure you’re move to Oxford is a smooth one.

Please check back regularly or enter your email under 'FOLLOW' at the top, right hand side of this page to receive an email whenever I add a new post.

If you have any specific questions about moving to Oxford that I haven't yet covered please feel free to email me and hopefully with the help of The Oxford Fresher, we’ll have your feeling like a local in no time.