Exploring, Creating, and Connecting at Oxford College

The past few days have seen Oxford College bathed in warm sunshine, and it’s had a clear effect on the mood across campus. Students have embraced the good weather, often choosing to enjoy lunch outside or take relaxed strolls into town during their free time. The hot days have made iced lattes a very popular choice, and there’s already a shared sense of excitement about what lies ahead. The campus atmosphere is upbeat, with students visibly growing in confidence and connection with each other.

The first full day of the programme began with orientation sessions and a welcome to academic life here in Oxford. Students explored the stunning grounds of both Wycliffe Hall and Wadham College, which they’ll be using throughout their stay. Wadham, in particular, left quite an impression—“a lot of students were impressed by the size and how stunning the campus is,” noted staff. These initial introductions to the academic environment helped ease nerves and set a strong foundation for the days ahead.

As students settled into their classes, their engagement deepened. In Business class, they debated what makes companies successful, comparing the benefits of simple versus complex branding. In Global Leadership, students got into character as political leaders, pitching why they should be trusted, before forming alliances with other groups they admired. The task sparked some lively discussions and imaginative campaigning.

Midweek brought even more immersive experiences. Students in the Medicine course participated in a hands-on first aid session led by two visiting paramedics. They learned how to place someone in the recovery position and practised CPR using dummies, gaining crucial life skills in a memorable and practical way. Over in Business, a guest speaker gave insights into negotiating difficult conversations and building a successful entrepreneurial mindset.

Another highlight came with a guest speaker from Silicon Valley, who offered a look behind the scenes at global tech companies like Apple and Google. The talk sparked plenty of curiosity during the Q&A session, with students asking questions about pathways into the industry, the importance of sustainability in business, and the evolving role of AI. The session helped students connect their learning to real-world applications in a meaningful and inspiring way.

Alongside their academic experiences, students have had plenty of opportunities to enjoy social activities and build friendships. The first evening activity set the tone for creativity and teamwork, with a photography challenge in the nearby University Parks. Students had to complete various themed photo tasks—from recreating scenes from films to building the SBC logo and capturing the perfect group selfie. With sweets on the line for the winners, there was no shortage of enthusiasm.

Evenings have continued to be full of energy and variety. Students have had the freedom to choose how they unwind after classes and free time in Oxford. Some opted for a visit to a local basketball court, others took part in bracelet-making during arts and crafts, and some joined a creative writing group led by the college mentors. Out in the garden, students played “Human Bingo” and “You’ve Got GOT”—a playful game involving trick questions that sparked plenty of laughter.

One of the most memorable evenings was Taskmaster night, inspired by the British TV show. Students, split into groups of ten, rotated around different challenge stations run by the mentors. There was a silent challenge to line up by name and age, a synchronised group activity (featuring a lot of Macarena), and a drawing task where teams had to illustrate a scene described only in riddles—The Gruffalo produced some very unique interpretations. Perhaps most cleverly, during the paper aeroplane challenge, one group scrunched their paper into a ball and earned bonus points for their lateral thinking.

These past few days have seen students immersing themselves not only in academic learning but in the full experience of living and learning in Oxford. The strong start to the programme has been matched by beautiful weather, helping everyone settle into a rhythm that balances classroom focus with fun and friendship. From thought-provoking classes and inspiring guest talks to light-hearted group games and relaxed town visits, students are making the most of their time here—showing early signs of the independence, collaboration, and creativity that the summer will continue to develop.