It was a sunny start yesterday as St Catherine’s welcomed its first arrivals of the Summer. There were clearly nerves as the students arrived in their new environment, as should be expected. However, it didn’t take long at all before everyone was settled and enjoying the good weather with one another and, of course, the ping pong!

Famously Oxford’s most modern campus, St Catz has been a hub of innovation for over 50 years, with alumni including novelist Joseph Heller and The Labour Party’s Peter Mandelson. During their time here, those enrolled will have the opportunity to explore everything that this fantastic campus has to offer, as well as the beautiful City of Oxford that surrounds it.

Once the ice was broken and ping-pong games were played, everyone headed over to the dining hall. The consensus among the students appeared to be that the main course was a success but that the pudding, which was incredibly popular, was a triumph.

First days are in some ways the most daunting for new students, but in others they can be the most exciting, with everybody meeting and socialising with new people from all around the world.

Today brings with it the first lessons for the students and more opportunities to get to know one-another heading into the rest of the week. With masterclasses, excursions and debates packing the schedule for the week ahead, there is plenty for everyone to look forward to. Hopefully they’ll still be able to make time for ping pong!