8. Additional Charges. There are a certain number (as reference to Handbook, [Chap. iii], will show) of not inconsiderable charges, which might be classed collectively as ‘fixed charges’ were it not that they vary in different Terms, or as ‘establishment charges’ were it not that that term differs in its comprehensiveness in different Colleges. In this class we may collect those charges which are made by each College under some or all of the following designations.
Establishment charges:—Strictly speaking, for maintenance of College buildings and current expense of the College plant; library fund; building fund; College dues; porters; bed-making; shoe-cleaning; percentage charged on kitchen and grocery bills, rates, taxes[70], increased in direct proportion to totals of other parts of battels which cover optional items.
9. Gratuity to College servants. The Colleges recognize a ‘tip’ to the scout, and scout’s boy; and small tips to porters, messengers, boot-cleaners, &c., are customary. In-College students may reckon about £2-£3 per term for these gratuities.
10. Amalgamated Clubs. The membership in College clubs is one of the ‘not compulsory but obligatory’ items in College expenses. Students are not required to join, but every man who is active in the College life becomes a member of the Amalgamated Club. Initiation fee averages £2 (paid, of course, once only); Terminal dues average £2, three times per year (generally included in Terminal battels).
These are what may fairly be considered the necessary items of current expense, exclusive of University charges, degree fees, the sum which is laid down as caution money, and investment in furniture, furnishings and repairs.
The total of Terminal battels will amount, for a man who lives comfortably without extravagance, to between £40 and £55 per term (three times per year) according to his College. This is exclusive of books, clothing, and any ‘not-College’ expenses.
11. Degree Fees. Each College charges a fee, varying from £1 1s. to £7, when a student takes a B.A. degree; from £1 1s. to £8 4s. when he takes an M.A., &c. (see [Table, p. 105]). This is exclusive of and in addition to the degree fee charged by the University.
In addition to these necessary College expenses it may be as well to have in mind other probable expenses.
Athletics. Athletic life, almost universal in Oxford, involves the purchase of one’s own costumes and outfit. Entrance into various contests costs small sums ranging from 2s. 6d. in College tennis tournaments, to £3 10s. before one may enter inter-College boat races.[71] To the man who is successful in athletics expenditure for ribbons and blazers involves some outlay, often considerable. Needless to say, such expenses should be very welcome.
Clubs (other than the Amalgamated Clubs). Membership to the Union costs £1 1s. entrance fee, and £1 5s. per Term; or life membership may be commuted at £10 10s.