The students have arrived! Session 4 here at St Peter’s College is now firmly underway, under a typically cloudy British sky to greet the new students here in Oxford. Despite the grey day, there was a real buzz around campus, with all students eager and excited to begin their summer school experience. Afternoon tea provided a great opportunity for staff to meet parents and reassure them that the students are in very safe hands and will be very well looked after.

Programme Director, Bob Barnes, gave a welcoming and informative introductory speech in the St Peter’s Chapel, making all students aware that all staff are always happy to help with any issue great or small. Students were also guided through some of the week’s upcoming highlights to further build the excitement and provide talking points for this evenings icebreaker exercises. Bob urged students to “fully immerse themselves in the experience” and take in as much of Oxford as they can in their short stay with us.

With rooms found and bags dropped, Counsellors and Junior Deans didn’t hesitate to lead students into numerous ice breaker exercises, encouraging students to meet new friends. All 154 students gathered for dinner, where many new friendships could be seen forming already.

After many long flights and a busy afternoon, there were some very weary faces. Students were keen to rest up in anticipation for a full morning of lessons followed by their first opportunity to get out and explore the city on the Oxford walking tour. The sun is forecast to come out tomorrow, tune in again to find out how they got on.