Frequently Asked Questions

 

I am getting ready to book my housing. Which nights should I reserve in each city?

We will be staying in Oxford from July 26 to 30 and Cambridge from July 30 to the evening of August 3. We will provide bus transportation between the two cities on July 30th.

The Summer Institute begins midday on the 26th and ends late evening on August 3rd. More specific details on the schedule will be available as they are confirmed.

 

I am booking my registration by the Super Early / Early Bird deadline but I would like to only pay the registration fee of $395 at this time. Can I still receive the discount?

The discount only applies to those who have paid in full by the deadlines. However, there is no time limit or full payment requirement on association discounts if they apply to you (student, faculty, clergy).

 

If I pay my registration fee, but not the full amount until later, do I still get my association discount?

Yes. The association discount stays consistent.

 

Why isn’t housing included with registration this time? What should I to do to book accommodations?

In the past, we have booked and paid for housing for our registrants directly with the colleges. So that registrants have more options - housing type, room type, cost, food, and location - we have decided to have registrants reserve their own accommodations. This allows you to book whatever accommodations you wish—hotel, B&B, or various colleges in Oxford and Cambridge—according to your budget and comfort.

Those who wish to stay in-college at our Summer Institute headquarters at Keble College (Oxford) and Robinson College (Cambridge) may do so by reserving their rooms on the colleges' respective websites.

Most colleges in Oxford and Cambridge offer a B&B package, often a less expensive alternative, and some colleges are located closer to our venues than others.

Please note: In order to create a communal dining environment, we are paying for six in-college meals, including our opening and closing reception dinners, our dinner and dance evening at Chilford Hall, and three other dinners in-college. Conferees are responsible for all other meals.

Click here to view lodging options.

 

What are the meal options for the conference?

In order to create a communal dining environment, we are paying for six in-college meals, including our opening and closing reception dinners, our dinner and dance evening at Chilford Hall, and three other dinners in-college. Conferees are responsible for all other meals.

Our registrants from previous conferences felt that by the end of each week in Oxford and Cambridge, they wanted to go out to eat at a local restaurant or pub, like the Eagle and Child (where the Inklings regularly met). We have a few afternoons and evenings freed up for registrants to eat where they like before meeting up again for our evening programming.

 

What should I expect to receive after I register?

Soon after your register, you should receive an e-mail confirmation with your registration information and a confirmation code to use on our online registration site.

 

Is childcare available?

There are no children’s tracks or childcare programs available at the 2011 Summer Institute.  If you have more questions concerning bringing children under eighteen to the Summer Institute, please email our Registrar by replying to your confirmation email or by using our contact page.

 

Do I need to arrange transportation from the airport to Oxford/Cambridge?

Yes, all registrants will need to make arrangements to travel from the airport to Oxford or Cambridge and vice versa at the end of the conference.  However, we do handle the transportation midconference from Oxford to Cambridge. 

 

Will I be able to use my laptop/hairdryer/iron or other electrical appliances?

Yes, however you will need a voltage converter and a three prong adapter.

 

Will I have access to a washing machine and dryer?

Registrants have access to college laundry/ironing facilities, which are coin operated.  However, you many wish to bring your own travel iron.

 

What kind of weather will there be?  What kind of clothes should I pack?

England is beautiful in the summertime; however, it can often be cool, damp and overcast, so plan for daytime temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees.  Layering is recommended due to variations in climate. Semi-casual dress and comfortable footwear will serve most occasions and a raincoat and/or umbrella are a must.  For church services, woman may wish to wear a skirt and blouse or dress while men may wish to wear a sport coat, shirt and tie—no formal or semi-formal events are planned.

 

Which airport should I chose to fly into, Heathrow or Gatwick?

While Heathrow is a half hour closer to our conference sites, access to the university cities is fairly convenient from either airport. Your destination airport will depend largely on the airline you have chosen to fly.

Please see our Travel Tips document for more specific recommendations concerning flights, buses, and trains operating between major airports and Oxford and Cambridge.