The first full day in college started bright and early on Monday, as all of our new students were eager to get going with their programmes. Over a hearty full English breakfast to fuel them for the day, students were given a little induction into their timetable before they began their very first classes.

It was a positive start to the programme, and as everyone was shown to their classrooms by our group of counsellors, they began to chat about their courses and why they had chosen their subjects to study. It was nice for students to begin getting to know their classmates as they set off to start lessons.

Teachers eased the new cohort into lessons with some fun activities to get them interacting with their peers. Understandably, a few of our students were a little nervous, as it can be a little overwhelming to be in a new place with new people. However, after a few activities students relaxed into their classes, as teachers began to outline their plan of learning over the next two weeks.

Following lessons, there was a chance to explore the city as counsellors and junior deans lead the group on a tour of Oxford. It was a good introduction to the history of this academic city, and the students got to stop along the way to see landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum and the Radcliffe Camera.

After their tour, students chose a more active way to end the day as they headed for University Parks for some sports. Sport has been a really key element to bonding for all of our students so far, and Monday was no different as everyone forged friendships in their teams. Those who preferred not to take part went to Christ Church to admire the architecture and do some sketches of their own. The evening closed with an interactive quiz, before it was time for bed after a busy day.