The day began at St Catherine’s College, a unique example of Danish architecture, where the students were guided through the requirements of an application to Oxford University and what factors are important when choosing a college. After this, the students were introduced to three current undergraduate students and were free to ask questions about life at the university, from which arose some interesting answers regarding grades, accommodation, work-life balance, and extracurricular activities. Finally, we were shown around the college, which allowed the students to envisage what life at St Catherine’s would really be like.

During the afternoon session we were fortunate to have Dr Max Lau (OS 2001 - 2006) take us on two informative tours around Oriel and Worcester Colleges; of interest was St. John Henry Newman’s office in the Oriel Chapel and the spectacular gardens hidden away in Worcester College. Dr Lau then led a session on interview technique and preparation which was highly valuable due to Dr Lau’s current experience with the admissions process.

Throughout the day, the students were engaged and interested, taking every opportunity to ask questions, and finished the trip with a thorough understanding of what a successful application to the University of Oxford involves.