Moving to Oxford
Congratulations! You are coming to live in one of the UK’s oldest and youngest cities! Architecturally speaking, Oxford’s origins can be traced back to the 8th century, but largely due to our student population, we have a very youthful demographic with 30% of the city’s population aged 18-29. You are joining 165,000 Oxonians, over a third of whom were born outside the UK. Our diversity is a result of Oxford’s global academic pull, and thriving education, science and IT, healthcare and research sectors and reflects our status as a historic yet evolving city.
Being this popular means that housing in Oxford is in high demand year-round, but especially during university terms, so plan as far ahead as possible. You will find guidance below on some basics: visa applications, voting, importing pets or cars and support for partners. You can access more in-depth information on the housing market – both renting and buying – via our Housing page and for money matters visit Money and banking.
You’ll find Oxford easy to explore as its centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, plus of course, ideal for cyclists, and renting a bicycle makes it easy to explore the 24 different neighbourhoods that make up the city; each of which has its own unique character. If you want to go further afield, you’ll find Oxford is very well connected, with direct coach and rail links to London, Birmingham and beyond. Once you’ve picked a place to be, use the NHS GP finder to locate your nearest NHS doctor’s surgery and if you’re moving with children, apply for a school place via Oxfordshire County Council.
Good luck, we’ll see you soon!
Essential guidance
You can register to vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen or if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or you do not need permission and you’re a:
- Commonwealth citizen
- citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain
- citizen of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break.
If you are eligible to vote, you will need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections and referendums - apply to vote here. Make sure you keep your electoral registration up to date by notifying your local council if you change address.
For general Government guidance on moving belongings to the UK please read the regulations for moving your personal possessions to the UK. This offers specific guidance for importing: goods, money, food, plants, animals and vehicles plus advice for anyone wishing to sail here.
Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief allows anyone moving their primary residence to the UK to bring household items (eg furniture, bedding), personal effects (eg clothing, accessories), vehicles, pets and portable instruments for personal trade or professional use without incurring customs charges. This relief is specifically designed for those who intend to make the UK their permanent home.
You can obtain a Transfer of Residency reference number by completing a T0R1 relief application form (found at the bottom of the page). Your removal or shipping company will ask you for this reference number so they can arrange for your possessions to clear UK customs.
The University of Oxford sponsors more visas for international staff than any other UK University and we have a dedicated Staff Immigration Team offering guidance and assistance with applications. The department/college employing you, with support from the Staff Immigration Team, will advise which visa route is appropriate and assist you as much as possible with your application. We offer advice on record keeping while you are here and hold regular briefings to update you on changes to visa regulations and reporting requirements.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing physical visas with an online, digital record of your immigration status called an eVisa. A UKVI account must be created and the eVisa linked, this allows you to view and prove your rights in the UK, update your personal details and link your travel document(s). For instruction on creating a UKVI account, visit the Staff Immigration Team's Access your eVisa page.
The pre-employment screening process includes presentation of your original documents or a sharecode to show your visa details, to establish your right to work in the UK before any work commences. This check applies to anyone taking up a role at the University including British staff.
Finding professional and social opportunities for partners is an important part of ensuring everyone feels settled in Oxford.
The University Newcomers' Club supports partners with a wide-ranging calendar of social activities and events, along with special interest groups holding talks on a variety of topics including volunteering, career development and employment opportunities.
Use the links here to access resources on careers, courses, learning and improving English language skills, volunteering and building a social network.
