The week began with fresh faces and bright skies at Oxford College, as a new group of students joined the programme, alongside five familiar ones staying on for a second session. From the moment they arrived, the energy across campus has been upbeat and friendly, helped along by warm weather that made walking tours and outdoor activities especially enjoyable.
With everyone settling in, the first official day kicked off with a set of welcome games at the accommodation. Designed to get students talking and feeling comfortable, these included everything from Human Bingo to forming a birthday line and debating whether cereal counts as soup. These simple but lively ice-breakers helped students make connections quickly, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds in a relaxed, humorous setting.
The afternoon was dedicated to the Oxford Orientation—a short walking tour around the local area and its landmarks. Students were shown where they’d be spending time outside of lessons, including Westgate shopping centre and the gourmet deli where they’ll use their lunch vouchers. This not only familiarised them with their surroundings but gave them confidence to explore independently during free time. It’s always great to see how fast students begin to feel at home here, and this orientation helped that process along.
In academic sessions, Business students began exploring some core ideas around quality and reputation. They watched a clip of Steve Jobs discussing how marketing may attract buyers, but the product must ultimately live up to the promise. The class unpacked the balance between advertising creativity and truthful messaging—what happens when those two aren’t aligned, and how that can affect customer trust. It led to some thoughtful conversations around branding, expectations, and customer experience, and encouraged students to consider not just how to sell, but what makes something truly worth buying.
Later that day, attention turned to Societies Evening, a chance for students to unwind while exploring shared interests. Activities on offer ranged from football and yoga to bracelet making, book reading and debates. Each option created its own pocket of calm or buzz, depending on the activity. The debate society in particular sparked some stand-out moments, with topics such as “Is TikTok a good alternative to education?” and “Should billionaires be celebrated?” giving students the chance to flex their reasoning skills. Regardless of their personal opinions, students were split into ‘For’ and ‘Against’ teams, with 30 seconds to present arguments in turn. The discussions were sharp, well-articulated, and often entertaining, and staff noted how quickly students found their voice.
So far, the atmosphere across Oxford College has been one of curiosity and enthusiasm. The combination of structured sessions, gentle social introductions, and light-hearted activities has helped build a warm and supportive environment. There’s already a strong sense of community, helped by the continued presence of returning students who offer friendly guidance and reassurance to new arrivals.
The first few days have laid a solid foundation for the weeks ahead. Whether through classroom conversations or a spontaneous argument about breakfast foods, students are learning, connecting, and beginning to make the most of their time at Oxford College.