You will not be able to email from your houses as there is only one phone line which is shared. Computer and email facilities are relatively limited in Oxford and will be less sophisticated compared to most American universities. There are also a couple computer centers in and around Oxford from which you can email at a cost. Once the term stars in October, you will be able to email and access the Internet from your college computer room. Every Oxford college has computer terminals connected to the internet and through these students are able to browse the web.
Most students make use of free e-mail accounts through the internet in order to communicate.
You may also telnet to your own account at GMU if you wish and use it as if you were back home.