Over the weekend, students at Oxford College enjoyed an exciting change of pace, swapping classrooms for cultural adventures. With warm sunshine setting the tone, there was a real sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in the air—students were energised, laughing with one another, and soaking up every moment of what felt like a classic British summer weekend.
Saturday saw everyone up bright and early for our much-anticipated trip to London. The journey was smooth and quick, and spirits were high as we arrived in the capital just an hour after setting off. After gathering at our meeting point in Leicester Square, students had some free time to explore SoHo and the surrounding areas. With a chance to browse local shops and experience the lively London streets, the students quickly got into the swing of city life.
Lunch brought everyone together at Seven Dials Market, where the variety of food options kept everyone happy. It was also a lovely surprise to bump into our fellow SBC students from Cambridge—our lanyards made us easy to spot and added to the shared community feel of the day.
In the afternoon, students chose from three cultural experiences, each led by College Mentors. One group opted for a walking tour that took them through some of London’s most iconic landmarks—Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and across the river to Southbank. Another group explored the British Museum, while the third took in the art of The National Gallery. Each group had a tailored experience, allowing students to dive into areas that interested them most, and they came away with new knowledge and plenty of stories to share.
Everyone reunited at Jubilee Gardens, just beside the London Eye, before taking their turn on one of the capital’s most famous attractions. With clear skies and the city skyline laid out beneath them, students made the most of the many photo opportunities—lots of smiles, excitement, and a sense of achievement having navigated such a full and vibrant day.
Back at campus, we kept the evening simple with Domino’s Pizza and some well-earned downtime. After a busy day in the capital, it was lovely to see students relaxed, chatting about their favourite parts of the day, and sharing photos with one another.
Sunday started gently, with a well-deserved lie-in and a late morning house assembly. The atmosphere was calm but cheerful—everyone appreciated the slower pace. After the morning check-in, students had a couple of hours of free time to explore Oxford at their own leisure, grab lunch in town, and enjoy the surroundings.
In the afternoon, students again had two options for their excursion. Some headed to Bicester Village for an afternoon of designer shopping and retail therapy, which proved very popular. Others chose a cultural experience closer to home: a visit to the Ashmolean Museum followed by a traditional cream tea. Both groups returned with stories of their outings—whether they’d discovered something in an exhibition or found a great bargain, everyone seemed content and refreshed.
To round off the weekend, we had a scenic evening of punting down the River Cherwell. With the golden evening light casting a gentle glow on the water and Oxford’s historic buildings reflecting around them, students quietly took in the beauty of the city from a different perspective. It was the perfect end to a weekend that balanced energy with calm and culture with community.
Overall, the past two days offered a lovely mix of excitement and relaxation. From the hustle and history of London to the gentle rhythm of Oxford life, students had the chance to see more of the UK, spend meaningful time together, and take a pause from the usual routine. With more adventures ahead, they’ve returned to campus ready for the next chapter.