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Blackfriars Hall > Moving-In Guide

Moving-In Guide

Blackfriars Hall Moving-In Guide

For residents of 16–17 St John Street and 33 St Giles, Oxford

 

Welcome to Blackfriars! This guide will help you plan your arrival, complete your inventory for your room, and settle in smoothly.

 

**Are you going ot need help moving in or having items or boxes delivered? Be sure to contact the Bursary (bursary@bfriars.ox.ac.uk) and Junior Dean (Facilities) well in advance so that we can organise support.

 

1) Before You Travel

Tell us when you’re arriving.
As soon as your travel is booked—at least 3 working days in advance where possible—please email the Junior Dean (Facilities) with:

  • Your full name and programme
  • Arrival date and approximate time
  • Arrival mode and point (e.g., Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station, car drop off)
  • Mobile number reachable on the day
  • Accessibility or other needs

The Junior Dean (Facilities) will confirm arrangements and meet you at 17 St John Street to hand over keys/fobs and assist with access.

 

2) Getting to Oxford (Domestic and International)

 Tip: Always allow extra time for airport procedures, delays, rail/coach connections, and Oxford city traffic—particularly at the start of term.

 

  1. From UK Airports (International Arrivals)

 

Heathrow (LHR) to Oxford

  • Coach: Direct coaches (often branded “The Airline”) run to Gloucester Green Coach Station (Oxford city centre). This is usually the simplest door to door public transport option.
  • Train: Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line or Tube into central London to national rail to Oxford (not “Oxford Parkway”).

 

Gatwick (LGW) to Oxford

  • Coach: Direct coaches to Gloucester Green Coach Station.
  • Train: Rail via Reading or London to Oxford.

 

On arrival at Gloucester Green or Oxford Railway Station, it’s a short walk or taxi to 17 St John Street (see “How to reach 17 St John St” below).

 

  1. From London (Domestic)
  • Train from London Paddington or London Marylebone to Oxford (city) station.
  • Coach from Victoria Coach Station to Gloucester Green Coach Station.

 

  1. From Elsewhere in the UK
  • Rail: Aim for Oxford (city) station.
  • Coach: Most long distance services arrive at Gloucester Green Coach Station.

 

If driving, be aware Oxford has limited parking and controlled zones. Drop-off is possible, but do not rely on long-stay parking near the accommodation.

 

3) How to Reach 17 St John Street

 

From Oxford Railway Station:

    • Walk (about 10 to15 minutes; luggage dependent): Exit the station, head towards Hythe Bridge Street, continue to Beaumont Street, then turn onto St John Street.
    • Taxi: 5 to 10 minutes in light traffic.
  • From Gloucester Green Coach Station:
    • Walk (about 5 to 10 minutes): Exit onto George Street, continue to Beaumont Street, then turn right onto St John Street.
    • Taxi: 3–5 minutes.
  • From 33 St Giles:
    • It’s a short walk south to Beaumont Street, then left onto St John Street.

The Junior Dean will meet you at No. 17, St John Street (the entrance for 16–17 St John Street). If running late, please text/email the updated ETA.

 

4) What Blackfriars Provides (Inventory Overview)

 

Blackfriars ensures all accommodation is equipped as described and in a clean, habitable condition with no material defects on arrival.

 Typical bedroom provision

  • Bed and mattress
  • Any bedding we have arranged with you
  • Desk, chair, and comfy chair
  • Wardrobe / hanging space and hangers
  • Chest of drawers or built-in storage
  • Bookshelf
  • Lamps x 2 and overhead lighting
  • Waste bin
  • Curtains or blinds

 

Typical kitchen (shared) provision

  • Oven and hob
  • Fridge and freezer
  • Microwave
  • Kettle and toaster
  • Kitchen bins
  • Shared storage
  • Basic cleaning tools (e.g., vacuum, mop, dustpan/brush) — may vary by property
  • Laundry facilities (at no extra cost to you), ironing board and hob

Please note – we start our students off with dish soap, hand soap, and sponges at the start of the year, but it is up to each household to agree and purchase your soaps and any shared kitchen cleaning materials on an ongoing basis. 

 

Bathroom (shared or en-suite, if in 33 St Giles)

  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Washbasins
  • Mirrors
  • Toilet brushes
  • Bathroom bin
  • Anti-slip mats
  • Toilet roll is provided throughout the accommodation

 

Communal Areas

  • Dining table and chairs (if applicable)
  • Sofa/soft seating (if applicable)
  • Fire safety equipment

 

If your pre-arrival information lists something specific, you should expect to find it as described. Any material difference will be recorded on your inventory (see next section).

 

5) Your Inventory

You will receive an Inventory and Condition Report for your room and relevant shared spaces. It lists items and notes their condition on the day you move in.

 

Within 48 hours of moving in, you should please:

  1. Check every item listed: confirm it is present, working, clean, and matches the description.
  2. Note any issues on the form, including:
    • Missing items
    • Damage, disrepair, or malfunction
    • Cleanliness concerns
    • Anything that differs materially from the inventory description
  3. Return the completed report in hard copy to the Junior Deans or to the Bursary, or email a copy to: bursary@bfriars.ox.ac.uk.
  4. You are welcome to attach any photos you think are helpful for clarity.

 

Submitting the report within 48 hours protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues at checkout and helps the Hall resolve any problems quickly.

 

6) Reporting Issues After Submission

If you discover an issue after the 48-hour window:

  • Report it to the Junior Deans promptly with a description and any photos.
  • They will advise next steps and help coordinate repairs through the Bursary.

 

7) What to Bring (Checklist)

This list excludes kitchen equipment (which is already provided) and excludes bedding if you have asked Blackfriars to purchase bedding for you or to lend bedding.
If you have not arranged bedding through the Hall, remember to bring your own duvet, pillows, sheets, and mattress protector.

 

Essentials

  • Passport/ID, visa/BRP (if applicable)
  • University and Hall offer letters/confirmation for the border officers
  • Wallet, bank cards, any cash you wish to bring
  • Mobile phone and UK-compatible charger/adapters (Type G plug)
  • Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
  • Any required medical documentation (e.g., vaccination records)

 

Room and Study

  • Towels (bath, hand, face) – unless you have requested bedding and towels through us
  • Laundry bag and supplies
  • Stationery (pens, notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes)
  • Extension lead if you will need one (UK-compliant, no cube adaptors)
  • Small lamp or task light (if you prefer your own)

 

Clothing and Personal Care

  • Weather appropriate clothing (layers for autumn/winter; waterproof jacket)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Toiletries and grooming kit
  • Reusable water bottle and coffee cup are recommended for sustainability!

 

Cleaning and Comfort – when you arrive, we recommend the following;

  • Antibacterial wipes / surface spray for personal use
  • Microfibre cloths

 

Documents and Set-Up

  • Letters for GP registration and any required immunisation info
  • Insurance details (contents/valuables) if you choose to arrange it – see our guidance here
  • Copy of your licence agreement, for future reference

 

Optional Nice to Haves

  • Small décor (photos, pinboard items – please note we don’t allow blu tac or other fixings on our accommodation walls)
  • Compact umbrella
  • Backpack/daypack

 

If you plan to bring any battery operated devices (laptops, power banks, mobile phones, tablets), please refer to our safety guidance here and let us know if you would like to have these items PAT tested for safety.

 

Please remember, e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries are NOT permitted anywhere in Blackfriars buildings or gardens.

 

Do not bring: candles, incense burners, electric bar heaters, or any prohibited/high-risk appliances. Always check Hall guidance for permitted electrical items.

 

8) On Arrival Day: Quick Steps

  1. Head to 17 St John Street at your agreed time.
  2. Meet the Junior Dean for key/fob handover and access briefing.
  3. Drop your luggage, walk through your room and shared spaces together for an induction.
  4. Start your inventory check (don’t forget photos where helpful).
  5. Note any issues and submit your report within 48 hours.