It was not the typical day of rest for everyone on our 19 + programmes on Sunday, as staff at Merton were on hand to welcome a wonderful new cohort of students into the city of Oxford for the start of our final session!

The weather was perfect for the occasion, with the sun yawning over the dreaming spires to cast an idyllic light on college, as everyone entered into the quad warmly. There was time for refreshments as people arrived throughout the afternoon, and it was great to hear light chatter as students introduced themselves to one another.

Following their arrival, students headed for welcome talks with our staff here, keen to establish the expectations of the programmes. This was also a chance for everyone to get the know the routine for the courses a little better and to find out about any fun activities that they could be expecting during their stay.

It was an informative start to proceedings for everyone, and it was brilliant to note the atmosphere of discussion and respect that had already been fostered by everyone in college. We look forward to everything this session has to bring, and we hope these students will immerse themselves fully in the experience of living, dining and studying in this renowned academic epicentre.

Heading into the evening, students enjoyed a few informal ice breaker games with the counsellors and junior deans, before retiring to their rooms. The group was keen to get an early night in preparation for a busy day of classes on Monday.