Reading information about our Oxford summer school can sound boring on paper, but what better way to picture a real day on our programme than through the voices of those who’ve lived it?

At Immerse, our Oxford summer school is shaped by moments that feel exciting, challenging, and genuinely memorable, both in academic sessions and beyond the college walls.

In this article, we’ll take you on a mental tour of a typical day at our Oxford summer school, guided by the experiences of previous participants.

So, let’s take a trip to Oxford and step into a day filled with discovery, conversation, and friendships that form faster than you expect.

Morning: Living Like an Oxford Undergraduate

Mornings at our Oxford summer school don’t feel rushed. Between 07:30 and 08:30, you wake up in college accommodation where historic buildings meet everyday student life. You step out onto quiet staircases, cross the quad, and start to realise this is where your day truly begins.

By 08:30, the dining hall fills with familiar Immerse faces. 

Breakfast becomes a shared moment rather than a formality. You sit with friends, talk through what’s ahead, and ease into the rhythm of college life. Some people are already animated about their subject. Others are still waking up, coffee in hand. Either way, it’s a calm, grounding start.

Those first mornings can feel unfamiliar. As one participant reflected, “When I first arrived at Oxford, it felt quite overwhelming… however, the mentors were extremely helpful and lovely.” That early support makes it easier to settle in and feel comfortable.

Before heading to class, you may find yourself forming small routines. Ahana described how “sitting in the cloister garden, sipping my beverage while chatting with my friends before we went to our classes, had become my daily ritual.” These quiet moments often become the ones you remember most.

At 09:30, academic sessions begin. From 09:30 to 11:15, you learn in small groups with expert tutors, where discussion flows naturally and every voice is encouraged. By the end of the morning, you’ve already found your footing, both academically and socially, ready for what the day brings next.

Midday: Learning, Lunch, and a Change of Pace

By late morning, your focus deepens. Academic sessions continue or shift into personal project time, where ideas explored earlier start to make more sense. This part of the day feels purposeful. You’re encouraged to question, discuss, and think independently, with tutors guiding rather than directing.

Learning happens in conversation. As Jake, an international relations participant, shared, “I have had the unique privilege of engaging in academic and intellectual dialogue with a very attentive tutor and eager peers.” It’s here that confidence often grows, as you realise your voice matters.

Around lunchtime, the pace changes. For participants aged 13 to 15, lunch is provided and enjoyed together, offering a relaxed break and time to recharge before the afternoon. For those aged 16 to 18, lunch becomes an opportunity to step into the city. You’re encouraged to head out, explore, and experience Oxford beyond the college gates.

As Devon, a Medicine participant, described, “At lunchtime, my friends and I strolled through the city and found ourselves returning to Art Café.” Moments like this turn lunch into part of the experience, whether that’s discovering a favourite café, trying a local spot, or simply wandering with friends.

By the time lunch ends, you return feeling refreshed, ready to move from focused learning into exploring Oxford itself.

International Relations

In-person

Analyse global dynamics in Oxford, a city that...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
International flags
Ages: 16-18

Medicine

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Explore cutting-edge medical science in Oxford, home to...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Student participating in a medicine summer programme
Ages: 16-18

Afternoon: Learning, Then Exploring Oxford

Afternoons at our Oxford summer programme begin by returning to academic focus. Once lunch finishes at around 13:15, you head back into sessions until 15:00, building on the morning’s discussions and developing ideas further through projects, debate, and reflection.

After 15:00, the pace softens. You get a short break to reset before the afternoon opens into something different. From around 15:30 to 17:30, no two days feel quite the same.

Some afternoons might see you joining a walking tour through Oxford’s historic streets, learning the stories behind colleges you pass every day. On others, you could find yourself solving clues in a murder mystery challenge, getting competitive during a sports afternoon, or preparing something creative for the talent show. 

Occasionally, the afternoon shifts indoors, with a guest speaker sharing insights from their field, personal project supervision sessions offering focused guidance, and space opening up for questions and conversation.

As Tura, an International Relations participant, put it, “We also have the independence to discover the college surroundings and the city by ourselves.” Whether guided or free, these hours give you the chance to experience Oxford in ways that feel fun, social, and unexpected.

By the time the afternoon draws to a close, you’ve balanced focused learning with shared experiences, ready to head into the evening with energy and stories to tell.

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Evening: Traditions, Community, and Unforgettable Moments

Evenings at our Oxford summer school are where the day comes together. After returning to college and taking time to freshen up, you gather for dinner, often in a setting that feels distinctly Oxford. Some nights are relaxed and informal. Others are marked by formal dinners in historic halls, where long tables, candlelight, and tradition create a sense of occasion.

On formal dinner nights, you dress up and step into a candlelit college dining hall, taking your seat beneath high ceilings for a three- or four-course meal. Conversation flows as courses are served, and for a moment, you feel part of a tradition that generations of Oxford students have shared before you.

As one participant reflected, “Our afternoon and evening activities were very interesting, especially the Oxford formal dinner last Wednesday.” Dressing up, sharing a meal, and sitting together in such a setting is an experience many describe as a highlight.

After dinner, the focus turns fully to community. Evenings are filled with social activities designed to bring everyone together. 

You might join a quiz night, watch a film, or take part in group games that quickly turn strangers into friends. On other nights, the energy shifts towards creativity, with talent show rehearsals and performances giving everyone the chance to share something they enjoy.

These evenings aren’t about pressure or performance. They’re about laughter, confidence, and feeling comfortable being yourself. Conversations stretch on, inside common rooms or across college grounds, as the day winds down naturally.

By the time you head back to your room, you’re not just thinking about what you learned that day. You’re replaying moments, inside jokes, and shared experiences that make the Oxford summer school feel complete.

Weekends: Immersing Yourself in Oxford and Beyond

Weekends at our Oxford summer school are designed to broaden your experience and give you time to explore beyond the city. Saturdays are full-day excursions, offering the chance to see a different part of the UK and experience it as a group.

As one mentor described at the start of a London visit, “Saturday promised to be one of the most exciting days yet, with the first excursion of the course: a trip to London.” Early starts and shared anticipation set the tone for a day built around discovery.

Once you arrive, the city quickly opens up. “Before long, we had arrived at the British Museum in central London, where students set off to explore some of the exhibits.” Visiting places like this brings history, culture, and learning together in a way that feels immediate and memorable.

Sundays are full days of city-based activities back in Oxford. These are designed to help you experience traditional Oxford life at a slower pace. You might visit local museums, explore historic landmarks, or take part in guided walking tours that reveal the stories behind the streets and colleges.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll have not only seen more of the UK. You’ve added depth to your Oxford experience, returning to the academic week with a fresh perspective and shared memories.

FAQs

Do I get free time each day?

Yes. Free time is built into most afternoons and evenings, giving participants space to relax, explore Oxford, or catch up with friends.

What’s the food like?

Meals are provided daily, including breakfast and dinner in college. Highlights include formal, candlelit dinners with three- or four-course meals. Dietary needs are catered for.

Will this help my child prepare for university life?

Yes. The programme builds academic confidence, independence, and critical thinking, helping participants understand what university-level study and student life are really like.

Who supervises students in the evenings and overnight?

Trained mentors live on site, supervise evenings, and are available overnight to ensure participants feel safe and supported.

Conclusion

A day at our Oxford summer school is more than a schedule of sessions and activities. It’s a rhythm that blends academic focus with independence, curiosity, and shared experiences.

From small-group discussions in the morning to exploring the city in the afternoon, each part of the day builds confidence and perspective. Learning feels purposeful, not pressured.

What often stays with you most are the moments in between. Conversations over meals, laughter during activities, and friendships that form naturally.

Now that you’ve had a sneak peek into a day at our Oxford summer school, it’s time to experience it for yourself. Take a closer look at our Oxford summer courses and imagine where this summer could take you.