A Brief List...
LGBTQ+ Society’s International Reps will hold fortnightly teas where other members of the international LGBTQ+ community will join. Typical food fare include: various biscuits, chocolates, chips/crisps, hummus and bread; there’s always vegan and gluten-free options provided.
The “Oxford LGBTQ+ International” Facebook group is where events targeted at LGBTQ+ International Students will be advertised, which is the primary reason why you might want to join – it’s the key to knowing what events are going on!
Non-LGBTQ+ specific groups for International Students:
Non-International Student specific groups for LGBTQ+ students:
Other important organisations - The university has a number of support systems specifically for international students. Here are the main ones:
LGBTQ+ Society’s International Reps will hold fortnightly teas where other members of the international LGBTQ+ community will join. Typical food fare include: various biscuits, chocolates, chips/crisps, hummus and bread; there’s always vegan and gluten-free options provided.
- Special events are occasionally held but they may be less regular – it depends on what your international rep decides. But these may include: cross-cultural cuisine events with the Racial & Ethnic Minority (RaEM) reps, or tie-ups with other societies like the International Society or various Country-specific Societies
The “Oxford LGBTQ+ International” Facebook group is where events targeted at LGBTQ+ International Students will be advertised, which is the primary reason why you might want to join – it’s the key to knowing what events are going on!
- Note: The Facebook group is secret to the general public but the group’s members can see who you are. While I can assure you that it’s a safe space and that everyone understands the importance of not outing someone, if you’re still not comfortable with your Facebook profile being in a LGBTQ+ group – please just let one of the reps know!
- Similarly, while pictures are rarely taken, please do inform your reps if you don’t want your name or face to be at all associated with the group; we’ll understand!
- To be added, just Facebook message or email the international reps at ouinternat@gmail.com and ouinternat02@gmail.com
Non-LGBTQ+ specific groups for International Students:
- Country/cultural societies e.g. Afro-Caribbean Society, Japan Society, Hong Kong Society, Australian Society, Brazilian Society, American Society à you don’t have to actually be a citizen of that country to join any of these groups!
- Regional societies e.g. Asia-Pacific Society
- Your college may also have a JCR/MCR International rep who will put on events for international students at your college to meet and mingle
Non-International Student specific groups for LGBTQ+ students:
- Check out all of LGBTQ+ Society’s other events – they’re a really good way to meet new friends (the trick is to go to the same events fairly regularly and perhaps arrange to go again with someone you’ve just befriended!). Some of the events are identity-specific (i.e. if you identify as bi/pan, asexual/aromantic, or transgender), but others are open to all LGBTQ+ students (e.g. welfare events like Open Mic nights and Board Game nights, weekly Tuesday drinks)
- LGBTQ+ Campaign is the cousin organisation of LGBTQ+ Society. They are more focused on… campaigning. In practice, this means advocacy –
- Your college’s JCR/MCR LGBTQ+ reps will put on events for LGBTQ+ students in your college too!
Other important organisations - The university has a number of support systems specifically for international students. Here are the main ones:
- The Student Information and Advisory Service provides advice for issues regarding international students like immigration questions and extending visas.
- OUSU (the Oxford University Students Union) runs Student Advice, which runs drop in sessions at their Worcester Street buildings between 2-4pm every Wednesday between 1st and 8th Week. You can also book appointments.
- The University also offers a Counselling Service, which your college Welfare reps and nurse can give you more information about. Your college may also offer in-house counselling services, but this is not commonplace.