Sunday might not have been the sunniest day in terms of weather, but it was certainly full of sunny students! From the moment our new cohort walked through the gates, it was obvious this group of students was a friendly one.

The wonderful campus staff helped with luggage and finding refreshments while the students began searching out potential new friends and comparing travel experiences. Soon it was time to head inside for a short word from the programme director.

There were some vital serious points covered, like remembering to work hard and respect all their new international friends, but also some lighter topics, like a reminder to get out and see as much of Oxford as possible! Filled with anticipation for what the next two weeks will bring, the students cheerfully waved goodbye to their parents and headed to the dining hall for their first meal at St Peter’s.

The counsellors were on hand to help whenever the conversation slowed, but the students hardly needed any help as they excitedly chattered away. By the time icebreaker games began in the evening, there was hardly any ice left to break! Between The Name Game and the Human Knot, any last awkwardness quickly melted away and the cohort spent the rest of the evening chatting or playing table tennis and foosball.

Everyone headed up to bed full of excitement for their session to begin and with a dozen blossoming friendships on their hands.