Oxford Freshers’ Week is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming introduction to university life for new students at the University of Oxford. It typically takes place the week before the official start of term and is designed to help first-year students settle into university life, get to know their college and fellow students and prepare for their academic and social journey at Oxford.
Oxford Freshers’ Week is a blend of fun, tradition, and practical introductions to university life. While there are plenty of social events and opportunities to meet new people, it’s also a time to get familiar with the academic and support systems in place. Whether you’re bonding over a pint at a college bar, attending your first formal dinner, or exploring the city, it’s an exciting time full of new experiences and opportunities to lay the foundations for your Oxford life.
Here’s what you can expect during Oxford Freshers’ Week.
College-Specific Freshers' Activities
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College Integration: Since Oxford is made up of a number of independent colleges, each college organizes its own Freshers’ Week activities. These include introductions to the college facilities, tours, and events that help new students get familiar with their immediate environment. For example, if you’re curious, you can check St John’s Unofficial Freshers’ Guide 2024 to get an idea of how your college might welcome you. St Hugh’s College also has an online Freshers’ Guide you can see here.
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Welcome Talks and Information Sessions: Colleges typically hold meetings where new students learn about the history and traditions of their college, how the academic system works, and how to navigate life at Oxford. You’ll also meet your college tutors, who will be your academic advisors throughout your studies.
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College Parties and Socials: Many colleges host welcome parties or informal social events. These could range from casual get-togethers to themed nights and larger parties, giving you a chance to meet other freshers and older students in a relaxed setting.
Oxford-Wide Freshers’ Events
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Freshers’ Fair: The university organizes a huge fair, typically held in a central location like the Oxford Union or the Examination Schools, where you can sign up for various student societies, clubs, and activities. There are hundreds of societies at Oxford, covering academic subjects, sports, arts, volunteering, and much more. It’s an excellent way to explore what extracurricular opportunities are available to you.
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Guided Tours of Oxford: Many colleges and student organizations offer tours of Oxford to show freshers around the city, including landmarks, libraries, museums, and hidden gems. These tours help you get acquainted with your new surroundings.
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Introduction to the Oxford Union: The Oxford Union, a debating society that plays a key role in student life, often hosts a special welcome session for new students. You may get the opportunity to attend debates, talks, and events at the Union later in your time at Oxford.
Social Events and Pub Crawls
Oxford has a vibrant student social scene, and Freshers’ Week often includes a variety of pub crawls, bar nights, and other social events organized by colleges or student unions. The aim is to help new students meet others and bond over shared experiences.
Many departments and student groups also organise social mixers, where students from the same course or interest group can meet up and start forming friendships.
Getting to Know Oxford’s Traditions
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Formal Hall Dinners: One of the most famous Oxford traditions is dining in the college’s Hall. Freshers will often be introduced to this tradition during Freshers’ Week, where they might have the opportunity to experience their first Formal Hall dinner. These are formal, three-course meals that take place in the college’s dining hall.
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Introduction to the Bodleian Library: Oxford’s main library, the Bodleian Library, is one of the oldest and most famous libraries in the world. Freshers’ Week may include tours or briefings on how to use this and other university resources for academic work.
Freshers' Welfare and Support
Freshers’ Week is not only about fun and socializing but also about looking after your well-being. College welfare teams organize events that introduce students to the support services available, including mental health resources, disability support, and academic guidance.
You’ll likely receive a Freshers’ Handbook or a welcome pack filled with useful information about Oxford, your college, student services, and tips for settling in. Some colleges also operate a buddy system, where older students (sometimes known as “JCR” members or “peer supporters”) are paired with freshers to offer guidance, advice, and friendship throughout the first term.
Potential Challenges
Freshers’ Week can sometimes feel overwhelming, given the amount of socialising, information, and change happening all at once. It’s important to take things at your own pace, ask for help when needed, and remember that many other students are going through the same experience.
Moving to Oxford from different parts of the UK or abroad can be emotionally challenging. Freshers’ Week events and welfare services are designed to help you settle in and combat homesickness, and you’ll likely find many others who feel the same.
Eplore Oxford with a Tour
If you’re moving to Oxford, an excellent way to get more familiar with the city is to do a guided tour. You can use this self-guided walking tour to explore at your own pace if you prefer or keep scrolling to see some highly rated tours.
