activated to allow entry to the Gym. Training courses are held at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the first term <strong>of</strong> the year,and you will need to sign up for the course in advance. There is an annual Gym membership fee.Details <strong>of</strong> other <strong>College</strong> and <strong>University</strong> sports facilities and activities are on the <strong>College</strong> Web site athttp://www.some.ox.ac.uk/sport.13. Cycling in <strong>Oxford</strong>Getting around <strong>Oxford</strong> is <strong>of</strong>ten easiest on a bicycle (and research has shown that the more people cycle,the safer it becomes).There are bicycle racks within the <strong>College</strong> grounds where you can store your bicycle. You will need to lockyour bicycle when it is stored in <strong>College</strong>.If you are not used to cycling in traffic, there are some important things you need to know to keep yourselfsafe. Please find below a few helpful hints and tips.1. Make sure you have all the right equipment before you arrive in <strong>Oxford</strong>; the absolute minimumsare a mechanically sound bike that fits you, front and rear lights, rear reflector, and a good qualitylock. Most experienced <strong>Oxford</strong> cyclists also decide, after a few near misses, to wear a helmet (if youdo decide to wear one, make sure it is fitted correctly), and outer clothing which is highly visibleand reflective, particularly at night.2. When you arrive in <strong>Oxford</strong> you must register your bike at the <strong>Somerville</strong> Porters' Lodge. Bicyclesshould be left in bicycle racks and not left in the traffic entrance, or in rooms or common areas.Whilst on your bike:1. Ride in a good visible position. If you’re going to remember one thing, this is it. A good visibleposition means riding at least a car door distance from parked cars, not weaving into gaps (youdisappear), and means getting good eye contact with other road users (it humanises them and youknow if they have seen you).2. At junctions, either make sure you can get to the front <strong>of</strong> the traffic and be visible, or remain inyour place in the queue in the centre <strong>of</strong> the lane. Get into the habit <strong>of</strong> only overtaking on the righthandside. One <strong>of</strong> the most common causes <strong>of</strong> accidents is being cut up by left turning vehicles.3. Make sure you are mentally prepared. Never cycle after drinking (the same rules and limits applyfor people in charge <strong>of</strong> bikes and cars); brush up on the Highway Code (again, the laws about howand where you can ride a bike are more like the laws for cars than people <strong>of</strong>ten think).4. Stay <strong>of</strong>f the narrow <strong>Oxford</strong> pavements. Many streets are pedestrian-only – obey all ‘cyclistdismount’ signs and walk bikes in these areas. Be considerate <strong>of</strong> pedestrian during heavy trafficperiods, and dismount and walk bikes near schools and crowded crossings. In addition, you mustnot ride your bicycle within <strong>College</strong> – always dismount and lock your bike in any <strong>of</strong> the designatedbike racks.If things go wrong:If you are involved in an accident, make sure that you notify the <strong>College</strong> Porters (+ 44 (0)1865 270600) sothat they can alert the Junior Deans, and get pr<strong>of</strong>essional help either at the John Radcliffe Hospital (+44(0)1865 741166) or from the <strong>College</strong> Nurse or Doctor.To report a stolen bike in <strong>Oxford</strong>, contact the local Police station (08458 505505) and also, once your bike isregistered, the <strong>University</strong> Security Services (+44 (0)1865 272944).You can get your bike checked and repaired cheaply at the <strong>Oxford</strong> Cycle Workshop, 39 Magdalen Road(www.oxfordcycle<strong>work</strong>shop.org.uk; + 44 (0)1865 204799) or at a bike shop in town.20 <strong>of</strong> 26
14. Cars<strong>Oxford</strong> is an old city which is not designed for modern traffic. Car-parking spaces in the city centre arelimited, and the <strong>College</strong> has no provision for students to park cars (although, if you have mobilitydifficulties, please do contact us to discuss your needs).Students are therefore not permitted to keep a car in <strong>College</strong>.15. <strong>Paid</strong> <strong>work</strong> <strong>while</strong> <strong>studying</strong>If you undertake paid <strong>work</strong> <strong>while</strong> <strong>studying</strong>, you will be asked by your employer to give them your NationalInsurance Number (NIN). National Insurance is deducted from the pay <strong>of</strong> those whose earnings exceed acertain amount; it funds social security benefits including the State Pension.Most UK residents are automatically issued with a National Insurance Number when they are a teenager oryoung adult.If you don't already have a NIN and intend to undertake any kind <strong>of</strong> paid <strong>work</strong> during your studies in<strong>Oxford</strong>, you will need to apply for a NIN. Detailed information about the application process is available onthe Web athttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersGuideToBenefits/DG_10014073.An interview forms part <strong>of</strong> the application process. In <strong>Oxford</strong>, these are arranged by the Jobcentre Plus:7 Worcester StreetGloucester Green<strong>Oxford</strong>OX1 2BXTel.: + 44 (0)1865 44500016. <strong>Oxford</strong> <strong>University</strong> Student Union (OUSU)<strong>Somerville</strong> is affiliated to the <strong>Oxford</strong> <strong>University</strong> Student Union (OUSU). The Union's Web site is athttp://www.ousu.org/.17. Official term dates 2013-14The <strong>Oxford</strong> academic year is divided into three terms — Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity.In <strong>Oxford</strong>, a week runs from Sunday to Saturday. Weeks during the standard undergraduate term-time areknown as 0th Week, 1st Week (which is the first standard teaching week <strong>of</strong> term), 2nd Week etc.The standard dates <strong>of</strong> these terms, which are <strong>of</strong> most relevance for undergraduates, are given below.Please note that graduate taught courses will likely require you to be in <strong>Oxford</strong> outside these term dates.For graduates <strong>work</strong>ing towards research degrees, term dates may be <strong>of</strong> little relevance.Michaelmas (autumn) term Sunday 6 October–Saturday 7 December 2013(Sunday 0th Week–Saturday 8th Week)Hilary (spring) term Thursday 16 January–Saturday 15 March 2014(Thursday 0th Week–Saturday 8th Week)Trinity (summer) term Thursday 24 April –Saturday 21 June 2014(Thursday 0th Week–Saturday 8th Week)21 <strong>of</strong> 26