Oxford Pre-Arrival Information

The following information was posted March 6, 2023.

Passports and Documentation

It is important to obtain a valid passport at once (if you don’t already have one), as this process can take a month or more. You can obtain a passport application from your post office or town clerk, or by going to travel.state.gov. If you already have a passport, please note that for international travel, some countries now require that a traveler’s U.S. passport be valid at least six months beyond the date of the return trip.

You may also need to prove your student status to immigration officers; bring your enrollment letter for the Oxford program with you when you travel to Bread Loaf/Oxford. US citizens will not need visas if staying in the UK for less than six months.

Please review current information on  requirements for international travel at travel.state.gov as well as for entry into the UK.

Arrival and Departure

London’s Heathrow Airport is roughly an hour from Oxford by public transportation.  Plan to arrive at Lincoln College in Oxford on Monday, June 26.  Seminars begin meeting on Wednesday, June 28. Early arrivals cannot be accommodated. Tutorials will conclude by Friday, August 5.   The commencement ceremony will be held late afternoon, followed by a special graduation dinner. We expect to be able to open commencement events to faculty, staff, seniors, and up to four invited guests per senior. Other students may attend as space permits.

You are expected to vacate your Lincoln College room after breakfast on Sunday morning, August 6.

Once you have booked your flights, please complete the Itinerary Arrival Form in your student enrollment portal.

Travel to Lincoln College

Oxford Map

Lincoln College Virtual Tour

Lincoln College is located on Turl Street, between Broad and High Streets. 

It’s a 10-minute walk from the bus and train terminals at Gloucester Green (Gloucester Street): take a left to George Street. In about a block George Street will turn into Broad Street. Walk one block on Broad and turn right on Turl Street. Ship Street and Market Street are on the right; the entrance to Lincoln College is on the left.

From London Heathrow International Airport (the closest airport to Oxford):Heathrow is linked to Oxford by the Airline bus service, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Airline buses leave from Heathrow every 30 minutes (approximately). You can pick up the bus at the Heathrow Central Bus Station or at Terminal 5 (there is free inter-terminal rail service from Terminal 4 to both). The trip takes roughly 80-90 minutes.

From other airports:  Gatwick Airport is linked to Oxford by the Airline bus service, which runs hourly service and takes approximately 120 minutes. Stansted Airport is linked to Oxford by the National Express 757 bus service, which runs approximately every two hours.

Airport bus service: For airport travel, you should purchase a period return ticket, which is good for 3 months and will get you back to the airport at the session’s end (it’s also the best deal). A “return” (round-trip) ticket expires in 24 hours. You’ll need to pay the driver in cash upon boarding. Luggage allowance is two suitcases per person in the hold and a small piece of hand luggage inside the coach.

The bus will make several stops in Oxford: you want Gloucester Green, the last stop.

From Victoria Station: The Oxford Tube leaves London’s Victoria Station every 20-30 minutes, making stops at Marble Arch and Baker Street before heading to Oxford’s Gloucester Green. Travel time is approximately 100 minutes during off-peak times.

Train: National Rail trains from London leave Paddington every half hour, taking approximately one hour. For inquiries, call 08457.484950.

Taxi and Car Services: Standard taxis run between the airport and Oxford (tip is 10%).  You can also hire car services (with drivers) with fixed airport rates; rates are similar to taxi fares and can be high. Airport Direct – 0208.6482899 CCB Airport Cars – 01865.876699 or 01865.765566 Oxfordshire Chauffeurs – 01865.238204.  

Travel Registration

Middlebury requires that all students, faculty, staff, and affiliates register their travel plans. The online registration process only takes five minutes. Middlebury needs this information in order to respond effectively in emergency situations. Please complete the Travel Registration form using your Middlebury.edu email at: http://www.middlebury.edu/international/travel

Housing

Please complete your Housing Confirmation form, found in your student enrollment portal, at your earliest convenience. 

We assign housing by seniority, honoring your preferences when we can. Please let Gail Borden know about any conditions that might necessitate special housing arrangements. In case of medical needs, you may need to supply documentation.

Summer Address and Mailing Info

(Your name)

Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English

Lincoln College

Oxford OX1 3DR

United Kingdom

If you plan to ship anything ahead by UPS or regular mail before the session begins, allow a minimum of three weeks for delivery (FedEx is faster but very expensive). Mark “HOLD FOR ARRIVAL: June 26, 2023” on all packages. Neither Bread Loaf nor Lincoln College can assume any responsibility for items lost either in transit or after arrival at Lincoln College.

During the session, mail arrives once a day and is distributed in the Dining Hall at lunch.

COVID-19 Policies

(updated March 31, 2023)

Middlebury has ended its COVID-19 requirements for its campuses in Vermont and California; this policy applies to the Bread Loaf School of English at all locations. While testing, masking, and vaccination are not required, we encourage students, faculty, and staff to follow guidance from the CDC, state health department, and their healthcare providers for best prevention and treatment of the virus. You will find details of Middlebury’s policy and recommendations at https://www.middlebury.edu/office/covid-19-updates.