What's the accommodation like? Do we need our own bedding/towels/furniture? What kitchen facilities are there? What laundry facilities are there? Do we get internet access in our rooms?

All of these questions, and more, are answered here.

What do I need to do on the day I move in?

See this page.

Do I have to live in College accommodation for my first year?

Not at all - although you may find it easier to make friends in College if you do. A useful place to start looking for student housing out of College is www.liveout.co.uk, which aims to list every student house in Oxford from every letting agent. It's also worth trying www.dailyinfo.co.uk, which in addition to a great deal of other useful information about Oxford, has accommodation listings.

Are there any rules about staying out of College for the weekend, or about having people to stay?

Technically you should let the Porters know if you are going to be away from College for more than a night or two (in case there is a fire), but there are no real restrictions on MCR members regarding when you must be in Oxford.

As for having people to stay, you are not officially allowed to have them sleep in your room (again due to fire regulations) but in practice many people do. If you do wish to stick to the rules, you can book a guest room by contacting the Steward.

Is there a curfew?

No. Everyone is issued a swipe-card, which you can use at any time of the day or night to let yourself into the College or its Annexes.

What happens if I lock myself out?

The Lodge is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can lend you a spare key and/or swipe-card. The EPA Centre also has its own 24-hour Lodge, so that you don't have to traipse all the way to the College main site in your pyjamas.

Can we use electrical equipment in our rooms?

In general, yes. The college prohibits use of cooking equipment (except kettles) in rooms, but this should not be a problem as all MCR members have access to communal kitchens. Theoretically you should have any electrical appliances P.A.T. tested and give the documentation to the Steward on your arrival, but in practice hardly anyone does. If you have a query about a particular piece of equipment (e.g. a guitar amp) it's probably best to ask the Steward.

Should I bring...

...my computer/laptop?

Yes, but do get it insured, especially if it's a nice one. If you don't have a computer, you can always use the College computer rooms, but most people do bring their own.

...my printer?

Probably not necessary unless you really want to. The computer rooms have laser printers and the College provides paper and a large free printing allowance. However, there aren't any colour printing facilities for students.

...my nice new expensive bike?

It's up to you, but it's probably not the best idea if you don't want it stolen - there is a lot of bike theft in Oxford. It might be advisible to buy a cheap crappy one for Oxford, and leave the nice bike at home. It is possible to buy bike insurance in Oxford, but it can be fairly expensive.

What is the cost of living like in Oxford?

Oxford is a relatively expensive place to live. Approximate prices for going out would be:

Pint of beer at a pub £3
Meal at a pub £6-9
Meal at a restaurant £7-15
Cinema £6
Nightclub entry £2-6

If you're strapped for cash, you can save a lot of money by going to Deep Hall rather than to pubs, and by eating in Hall or cooking with friends rather than going out.

What should I wear for...

...MCR freshers' events?

Whatever you like, for most things. Any events with a particular dress code will be noted as such on the Termcard.

...matriculation and University exams?

An outfit called 'sub-fusc' (white shirt, black trousers and jacket, and white bow-tie for men; white blouse, black trousers/skirt, and black ribbon for ladies), worn with the appropriate gown, and a cap which is usually carried rather than worn. You do have to wear the correct clothes otherwise they won't let you in, but there is a certain amount of lee-way (e.g. a suit with pinstripes would be fine, as long as it was dark in colour).

...eating in hall?

For breakfast, lunch, brunch and First Hall, whatever you like. For Second Hall, whatever you like as long as you wear your gown over the top.

...bops/fancy dress parties?

Whatever you like - some people get really into making complicated costumes, others make no effort at all. Fancy dress is generally quite popular at Oxford though, so if you happen to have a costume box or a set of face paints, feel free to bring it with you.

...formal dinners etc?

"Smart" generally really does mean smart at Oxford. Men would be well-advised to own at least one suit, and ladies at least one cocktail dress or equivalent.

...a College Ball?

Black tie or white tie for men, a ball-gown or posh dress for ladies. There is no concept of "too dressed up" for this kind of event at Oxford.

What are the recycling facilities like at Lincoln?

College provides recycling facilities for paper, tins and cans, and glass, but not cardboard or plastic. The MCR is currently in negotiations with College to improve the recycling facilities.

Are there any baths in College, or is it just showers?

Mostly showers, but there are one or two baths if you are prepared to search for them (e.g. in the basement of Staircase 22 at Bear Lane).

Is there a piano I can play in College?

There is a rather nice grand piano in the Oakeshott Room. To play it you must book the room, and also get permission from the Senior Organ Scholar.

There is also a not-quite-so-nice upright piano in the Lower Lecture Room. Again, you would need to book the room, but you don't need any special permission to play the piano.

Otherwise, you'd be best off joining the Oxford University Music Society and purchasing a facilities card, which will allow you to book practice rooms at the Music Faculty on Abingdon Road (about five minutes' walk from Lincoln).

Are there any gym facilities?

There is a small gym at the EPA Centre. You must complete a gym induction before you are allowed to use it.

You might also consider joining the University gym, which is located at the University Sports Complex on Iffley Road.

What does it mean for us to have a "Sister" College in Cambridge?

Lincoln's sister College is Downing College, Cambridge. What this means in practice is dependent on the JCR and MCR of the two colleges (for example organising exchange visits). In recent years the twinning of the Colleges has not really had much effect on the life of the MCR or JCR, but this could change if members are keen to forge links between the Colleges.

Is there a College pet?

Not at present, unless you count the Rector's wife's dog.

Is there a College ghost?

Not that we know of. Please let us know if you hear of one!

Can I join the MCR Committee?

If you'd like to get more involved in the running of the MCR, the best way to start is by coming along to some MCR meetings and events and getting to know people, including members of the current committee. Elections for the new committee take place towards the end of Hilary Term, with duties handed over between the end of Hilary and the start of Trinity. All members of the MCR are eligible to vote in the elections, either in person or in absentia.