Students from all over the globe have been arriving all day at Balliol College Oxford. The early arrivals spent their morning finding their rooms, settling in and meeting new friends. Students were greeted with their individual welcome packs including their timetables, a map of the city centre, a portable phone charger and even an Oxford Royale Academy t-shirt.

A traditional English tea and cake was served in the Common Room for parents and students to start integrating with the staff and most importantly with each other. Students began a game of ‘round the world’ table tennis, quite a fitting ice breaker game for such an international group of students!

Students then gathered in the Great Hall for a warm and informative welcome talk led by Programme Director Steve Flavin. Students were encouraged to grab every opportunity and fully embrace the lifestyle in the City of Dreaming Spires.

For the parents, it was time to say goodbye and allow the students to begin their journey with us. Steve then gave a further, more informative talk laying out the ground rules to ensure students upheld respect for their beautiful surroundings, before going onto announcing dinner in the Great Hall. Students enjoyed the first of many fantastic meals, providing the perfect opportunity to chat and further get to know their new found friends.

Counsellors were standing by, eager to begin taking the students through some ice breaker games out on the lawn. Two Truths and a Lie, a brilliant opportunity for students to find out more about each other whilst having a great deal of fun!

After a long day of travelling and getting settled, and many names to now remember, the students went to bed tired, but ready for what tomorrow brings.