England EDIA Resources

England has been striving to make progress in promoting accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities in the past years. Legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 provides legal protections against discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments. This Act covers various aspects, including physical access to buildings, public transportation, employment, and services. Public buildings, transport hubs, and tourist attractions have been adapted to provide accessible facilities and services. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provides information on disability rights, accessibility standards and regulations, and legal resources. 

The transportation system in Oxford is reliable and efficient, while providing accessiblility options for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility issues. Multiple train and bus networks connect Oxford to surrounding major cities, including London, Birmingham, and Cambridge. Train networks include Great Western Railway and Chilterm Railways, while bus networks include The Airline (for transportation to Oxford from Heathrow Airport), the Oxford Tube which provides 24-hour coach service between Oxford and London, the Oxford Bus Company, and Stagecoach. All Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company buses are wheelchair accessible. All Stagecoach buses have low floor and easy access buses that can carry a limited number of wheelchair and approved mobility scooters. Passengers with disabilities are also able to get a Journey Assistance Card to signify to Stagecoach bus drivers that they require support to get on the bus. 

 Advice centers, transport services, and travel aids are available to provide assistance and support at most sites. Accessible Britain at VisitBritain offers dedicated information on accessible tourism in the UK, including resources on accessible attractions, accommodations, transportation, and general travel tips. Oxfordshire’s County Council has an Accessible Transport webpage which shares more information about community transport services in the area, and information about their bookable transport service for individuals who are not able to access suitable public transport. 

Worcester College at the University of Oxford: Efforts have been made to enhance accessibility in public spaces . The information below has been obtained from Worcester College’s Access Guide: 

The College is located on a multi-level site. See the Worcester College Map. The main entrance into the College and to the Porters' Lodge have flat access, from where you can access the Dining Hall and Chapel via ramp or stairs. Accessible toilet facilities for visitors can be found in the Pump Quad and at the base of Staircase 6. The College has a large range of buildings of different ages and styles. Some of these buildings are more accessible than others. There is no lift provision to other floors of the oldest parts of the College, and currently the libraries, computer rooms, bar and JCR are up or down a steep flight of stairs. 

Worcester College is across the street from the main bus station, and a 10-minute walk away from the train station.  

As Oxford is in southern England, the climate in the summer is mild and rainy, with the weather generally remaining cool. The average humidity in August is about 72% which is milder than Toronto summers. However, it is important to always prepare for hot weather and research methods on how to stay cool, including wearing breathable layers and staying hydrated, as air conditioning is not that common in England. 

The terrain in southern England is mainly flat, with some low hills and plateaus. It is important to wear safe and comfortable footwear when walking outside. 

Bringing a service dog to England will require a great amount of research and preparation, including research on whether your service dog is recognized, finding an airline that accommodates your service dog, and making sure your service dog has the proper vaccination and microchip requirements. Please click here to view the UK Government’s guidelines on bringing service dogs into the country.  Bringing a service dog to England will require organizing alternate accommodations, as Worcester College’s residence may not allow service dogs. In addition, many field trips and site visits may not allow service dogs as well. If you have a service dog for a disability, it is advised that you contact your Accessibility Advisor and the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator so that we may assist you in researching this process thoroughly. 

If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by resources available at Worcester College, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the accommodation at Worcester College would cost.  If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, it is advised to research accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to Worcester College. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website). 

We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs. 

In recent years, the UK government has made concerted effort to prioritize mental health on the national agenda, including policies and initiatives to address mental health concerns, such as the National Health Service (NHS) Mental Health Services and the Mental Health Act. Although it is still possible for some individuals to encounter stigma due to their mental health concerns, the overall climate for supporting mental health in England is increasingly supportive, and there are legal protections in place to safeguard individuals against discrimination. You may get urgent help for mental health or seek information and support for your mental health from NHS while you are in England. However, while accessing NHS services as a visitor, you may be required to pay medical fees in advance.  

If you are bringing medicine with you into the UK, remember to check if your medicine contains a controlled drug. You need to prove your medicine is prescribed to you if it contains a controlled drug and you have it on you when you are entering the UK. The type of proof you need depends on the category of drug and how much of it you are bringing in. You may check the government guidance for travelling with medicine containing controlled drugs for more information. 

If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS, which has a partnership with U of T, who will connect you with a network of health professionals in your area. If you require a doctor or counsellor in Seoul, iSOS will be able to help you find a mental health professional in your area. 

If you are sick and require medical attention, please notify the Oxford On-Site Staff who will be able to provide you with support and guidance, including helping you find a nearby medical clinic or hospital to visit. International SOS will also be able to help connect you with a medical practitioner in the area, where your health and travel insurance will be valid. 

Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad. 

The overall climate for 2SLGBTQ+ people in England is generally inclusive and positive, as the British government has made significant progress in promoting LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and protection in recent years. For example, the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which came into force in 2005 across the UK, recognizes same-sex civil unions. Additionally, the Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows people with gender dysphoria to change their legal gender, and the Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various areas of life. Cities like London have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities with numerous LGBTQ+-friendly spaces, events, and organizations. While gender-neutral bathrooms are slowly becoming available, most public facilities contain single-gender bathrooms. Non-binary status is not yet legally recognized in the UK, but society is gradually becoming more accepting. Non-binary pronouns are also being introduced, although not widely used yet. 

Following the Equality Act 2010 and the Gender Recognition Act 2004, Worcester College and the University of Oxford developed related policies, such as the Equality and Diversity College Policy, to provide support and understanding the university community regarding gender identity and orientation issues, aiming to create an inclusive environment with dignity and respect that is free from discrimination, harassment, or victimization. 

However, it is important to note that individual experiences can vary. In rural areas or smaller communities, the level of visibility and acceptance may differ from larger urban centers. It is always recommended to exercise personal judgment and consider local customs and laws when navigating LGBTQ+ issues in specific locations, especially while exploring the country on your own. Being aware of local attitudes and customs can help ensure a safe and positive experience during your time in England. 

As a U of T Summer Abroad student participant, you are encouraged to express your preferences and specific needs, as we are committed to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all students to the best of our ability, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity. If you have any concerns or need support related to 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will assist you in finding the necessary resources and available accommodation options. 

England is relatively a safe country for women travellers, but it is important to remain cautious and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Violence towards women is always a risk when travelling and may take different forms dependent on the local context, laws, history, and culture. 

If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 

The UK's commitment to gender equality is evident in the active participation of women in various fields. The country's strong legal protections address sexual violence and harassment, criminalizing rape, including spousal rape. While society generally understands the unfairness of treating people differently based on sex/gender, there is a need for increased sensitivity to broader sexual discrimination issues. As a visiting female student to England, you can expect to be treated with respect and equality in academic settings and beyond. However, individual experiences may vary based on personal circumstances and the specific environment. 

Access to feminine products and contraceptives in England is quite accessible, with availability in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers. Some pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill without a prescription, and you can view a list of pharmacies that offer this service by clicking here. Some pharmacies do not require a prescription for the emergency contraceptive pill (plan B) as well.  

While the majority ethnic group in England is White British, the local population is made up of diverse ethnic backgrounds with substantial communities representing South Asian, Black, East Asian, and other ethnicities. Although there is a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, the general racial climate in the country varies, and like any society, England is not immune to racial challenges and disparities. Instances of racial discrimination and inequality can occur, but the UK government and many institutions actively work to have policies and initiatives in place to address these issues to promote the awareness of multicultural perspectives and experiences. When approaching discussions about race and ethnicity, we suggest being respectful and open-minded regarding different cultural norms and practices. 

According to the 2021 census, Christianity remains the largest religion in England, accounting for 46.3% of the population, with the Church of England being the established state church. Despite England's rich Christian heritage, there is a growing number of individuals identifying as non-religious or embracing alternative spiritual beliefs. Over the years, the religious landscape has become more diverse, with communities of individuals who practice Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, People in England generally have the freedom to practice their religion or belief systems openly. In the UK, religion does not heavily influence the government or legal system, and the government actively promotes religious freedom, supporting the right of individuals to practice their faith and belief systems without discrimination. The varied religious and ethnic history of England has left a rich legacy of religious buildings and notable places of worship. 

If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience. 

Kosher food is widely available in England, with kosher food options being available in supermarkets. For restaurants and cafes, it is advised to do your research and call ahead, if necessary. Online resources are available to help guide individuals and find available kosher food options, including the Oxford Chabad Society’s kosher guide, and the Oxford Jewish Congregation’s kosher guide. 

As the Muslim population continues to grow in the U.K, halal food continues to grow in popularity. There are various halal food options in supermarkets including cafes and restaurants with halal meat. There are online guides and resources that provide halal food options in Oxford, including Zabihah’s guide to halal food and supermarkets in Oxfordshire, and the Oxford University Islamic Society’s Halal food in Oxford guide. 

It is very easy to access vegetarian food in England, and the Happy Cow website is a great tool to filter restaurants in the area which have vegetarian options. It is advised to always seek clarification if you are unsure, such as ordering a soup and making sure that the broth is vegetarian. There are multiple online guides that provide vegetarian restaurant recommendations in Oxford, such as “The Definitive Guide to Oxfordshire’s Best Veggie/Vegan Restaurants” as well as Oxford’s Top 10 Vegan and Vegetarian Spots.