It’s been an energising couple of days here at Oxford College, where the weather has stayed perfectly summery—bright, warm, and ideal for enjoying the stunning college gardens and green spaces around the city. The sunshine has helped keep spirits high, with students continuing to form close friendships while soaking up everything Oxford has to offer. Whether it’s engaging in academic challenges or enjoying some downtime in University Parks, the atmosphere on campus has felt positive, social and relaxed.
Earlier this week, students were treated to a particularly fun and light-hearted evening. Activities included a game of Kwik Cricket out on the grass in University Parks, a peaceful yoga session, and classic party games hosted in the gazebo in the college garden. The party games brought plenty of laughter, with rounds of pass the parcel and musical statues getting everyone moving—especially when sweets were up for grabs. It was a simple but joyful evening, with students of all ages and backgrounds taking part and getting to know each other better through shared silliness.
Wednesday brought a shift in pace, with a full day of hands-on academic learning, where students across Science & Technology and Medicine had some standout experiences. In Science and Technology, students spent the day exploring robotics, guided by a visiting expert. They began with an introduction to drones, learning how they’re increasingly used in various industries today—from logistics to emergency services. Students had the chance to fly drones themselves in the classroom, a hands-on opportunity that was both exciting and educational. The day continued with programming activities, where they learned how to write and input instructions for a robot to follow. It was a great opportunity for students to see the impact of their coding in real time and better understand how robotics function in everyday scenarios.
Medicine students focused on gastroenterology, exploring the workings of the digestive system and the kinds of issues doctors in the field manage. From heartburn and IBS to Crohn’s disease and liver conditions, students were introduced to the scope of the specialty. A guest speaker session on neuroscience added depth to the day, covering the body’s nervous system and how it connects to so many functions we take for granted. The Q&A session afterwards sparked some interesting student-led discussions, showing just how engaged they’ve become in their subject.
Perhaps one of the most impactful sessions of the day came during the First Aid course in the afternoon. All students had the chance to learn CPR using practice dummies, guided by professionals who respond to real-life emergencies. What made this session particularly memorable was the insight into what it’s like to deliver CPR in challenging environments—such as a patient’s home with distractions all around. These real-world scenarios helped students think practically and empathetically, adding another layer to the learning.
After such a full day, the evening offered a chance to slow things down. With free time in the city during the afternoon, many students returned to campus already energised by their strolls and shopping in Oxford. For the evening, a relaxed gathering in University Parks was planned, complete with picnic blankets, snacks, sweets and music. Some chose to play football on the grass, while others tried their hand at bracelet-making or simply sat and chatted with friends. The setting sun over the park made for a peaceful and heart-warming end to the day, reminding us of the value in these quieter moments too.
As the week continues, there’s a strong sense of balance developing among the students—between learning, relaxing, and connecting with each other. The variety of activities, from coding and medicine to yoga and music in the park, reflects the holistic approach here at Oxford College. It’s clear that students are not just learning new things but also learning about themselves and others in a safe, supportive and inspiring environment.
We’re looking forward to sharing more soon as this final stretch of summer continues to offer so many memorable moments for everyone here.