University of Oxford
Supporting an Oxford applicant – A parents’ and carers’ guide
This version was produced by the Oxford University Accessible Resources Acquisition and Creation Unit in 2016.
[Copyright notice]
This copy has been made for the use of people with print impairments and may not be further copied (including any electronic copying or transmission), without permission of the copyright holder, save as may be permitted by law.
[Transcriber's Note]
To ease navigation, heading levels 1 and 2 are used throughout the document. 
Print page numbers are recorded at the point where they occur and are given on a separate line enclosed in square brackets.
Contents list
Contents [print version]
Why come to Oxford?
Who studies at Oxford?
What are the entrance requirements?
How do you apply?
How do you choose a course?
How do you choose a college?
What is the selection process?
What’s the work like?
What study support is there?
Where do students live and eat?
What about welfare support?
What do students do in their spare time?
How much will it cost?
How does Oxford help with careers?
Starting at Oxford
Ways for you and your child to visit us
Finding out more
University of Oxford
[1]
Contents [print version]
Why come to Oxford? 3
Who studies at Oxford? 5
What are the entrance requirements? 6
How do you apply? 7
How do you choose a course? 8
How do you choose a college? 9
What is the selection process? 10
What’s the work like? 11
What study support is there? 12
Where do students live and eat? 13
What about welfare support? 15
What can you do in your spare time? 16
How much will it cost? 17
How does Oxford help with careers?	19
Starting at Oxford 21
Ways for you and your child to visit us 22
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“As well as being the Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, I am the mother of two teenage sons; I know that young people seem to have more choices than ever before. It’s not always easy to know how best to help them navigate their options. My approach is always to make sure I’m as informed as possible - at least then I have half a chance of being listened to! We have written this guide to give you as much information as possible about studying at Oxford University – especially how your son or daughter can choose their course, and then make the strongest possible application. We want you to know that students are in safe hands at Oxford, so we have given details of all the support we offer, both during their time here, and after they have graduated. There’s support for you too: if you’ve got any questions, please get in touch. We really are happy to help.” Dr Samina Khan Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
“There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there, and your child may need some sort of parental magic to sort through it all. Just make sure they find out the truth, that Oxford students are a normal bunch of brighter-than-average students, who oversleep, waste time slouched in front of the TV, leave their work to the last minute and have friends from every kind of school, social background and area imaginable – just like students everywhere else!” Alison, 3rd year
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Why come to Oxford?
Oxford is recognised as one of the most exciting and rewarding places to study by many of the best and brightest students in the world. The University has been famous for its academic and research excellence for hundreds of years and it retains a special place in the hearts of those who live, study and teach here. These are just some of the aspects of Oxford that make the University a great place to spend your student years:
World-class teaching and resources
Find out more about these at www.ox.ac.uk/oxfords-resources
Cutting-edge research
Oxford makes significant contributions to society - regionally, nationally and internationally - through its research.
Hundreds of course options
Oxford offers traditional courses and more unusual ones, some of which are unique to us.
Generous financial support
Oxford spends around £6m a year on student bursaries to ensure that UK students are not put off from taking up their offer of a place for financial reasons.
Top career outcomes
Oxford graduates are highly valued by employers for their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. See p.19 [print version page number] and www.careers.ox.ac.uk
College communities
Oxford’s colleges give the University its character. They make up the heart of Oxford, and are a source of pride and loyalty for staff and students. These small academic communities foster and facilitate the learning and development of Oxford’s students, as well as carefully monitoring their welfare.
The Oxford experience
There are around 40,000 students at Oxford’s two universities, making up a big part of the city’s 150,000 population. The city is youthful and cosmopolitan and well suited to students who like to play as hard as they work. See p16 [print version page number].
“I didn’t know what to expect from Oxford other than a great education. In fact those three years have stayed with me in all sorts of ways. But perhaps most importantly I left university feeling able to choose who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I still feel lucky to have been there.” Matthew, graduate
“Oxford gave me confidence to argue my point and think for myself, and opened doors to the best employers in the country.” Gary, Managing Director CD (UK) Ltd
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•	No. 1 in Europe and no. 2 in the world Times Higher Education world rankings 2015–16
•	Nearly 250 courses
•	In groups of 2 or 3 for specialised tutorial teaching
•	From over 30 faculties and departments
Oxford and Cambridge: similarities and differences
Oxford and Cambridge are very similar in many ways, but there are some differences too.
For more information, please see www.ox.ac.uk/oxford-and-cambridge. You can’t apply to both Oxford and Cambridge at the same time.
Uniq Summer School
Oxford’s flagship access programme offers around 850 free summer school places for UK state school students. Typically 40 % of UNIQ students who apply to Oxford are successful – against an overall success rate for Oxford applicants of around 20 %. Applications for UNIQ are open from late December and close in February each year. See www.uniq.ox.ac.uk
“Oxford helped make me who I am today. Yes, that’s corny but it’s true and it’s wonderful.” Heather, 4th year
Whoever you are wherever you’re from, Oxford wants to welcome you. See p.5 [print version page number] and ox.ac.uk/equality
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Who studies at Oxford?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no Oxford type. There are nearly 12,000 undergraduate students here from all types of UK school, and from more than 140 countries. Oxford is committed to recruiting the very best students nationally and internationally through an equitable process based on achievement and potential.
Does it matter where my child is at school?
Definitely not. We currently spend over £ 5m a year on outreach activities to encourage able students to apply, whatever their background. We run events in Oxford, across the UK and around the world to make sure that potential applicants know how to apply, and how to make the most competitive application. See p22 [print version page number].
Contextual data
Oxford believes that, where possible, it is important to consider a student’s application within the context it is made. When considering each application, we take into account the performance of the candidate’s school at GCSE and A-level; socio-economic circumstances by home postcode; and whether an applicant has been in care. For more information please see www.ox.ac.uk/context
Would Oxford be the right choice for my child?
There is no simple answer to this question but it might be helpful to ask yourself the following about your son or daughter:
•	Do they have a good academic record, and often come top in their class?
•	Do they love to talk about their favourite subject with their teachers and friends?
•	Do they spend time reading beyond their school syllabus?
•	Are they keen to be taught by world experts?
If this sounds like your child, then they would probably enjoy studying at Oxford.
Oxford has over 1,800 students registered with our Disability Advisory Service. We welcome applications from those with disabilities and make reasonable adjustments to facilitate their access to our courses. Find out more at www.ox.ac.uk/swd
Oxford is committed to supporting students from a care background to ensure that they receive the help they need in order to have a successful university experience. Find out more at www.ox.ac.uk/students/shw/careleavers
Top tips
Your child might like to listen to Oxford students talk about their experiences at www.ox.ac.uk/100faces
Encourage your child to talk to tutors at our open days www.ox.ac.uk/opendays
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What are the entrance requirements?
Choice of A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) can be critical in determining which university courses will be open to your child. This means it is really important they think ahead to what they might like to study later and make sure they are taking the right combination of subjects. Your child will need to get top grades to be able to make a strong application, so encourage them to study subjects they enjoy and where they are likely to do well.
•	A-levels: ranging between A*A*A and AAA depending on the course, excluding General Studies.
•	Scottish Advanced Highers: AA if taking two subjects, AAB if taking three.
•	Pre-U: ranging between D2, D2, D3 and D3, D3, D3 depending on the course.
•	International Baccalaureate: 38-40 points including core points and depending on the course.
Other equivalent qualifications are also acceptable. For further information please contact us or see www.ox.ac.uk/enreqs
For specific subject requirements see www.ox.ac.uk/courses
Do extra-curricular activities help?
Some universities look for applicants who demonstrate a wide range of skills and interests such as sport, drama or music. Oxford tutors are only interested in applicants’ academic ability and potential. Extra-curricular activities are only taken into account in so far as they demonstrate the selection criteria for the course.
How many subjects should my child study?
Oxford offers are usually based on three A-levels, or equivalent qualifications. Some candidates take a fourth or fifth subject as this can be one way of demonstrating the academic abilities required for an Oxford degree. However, this may not be the best way for your child to demonstrate their abilities. Tutors may prefer a candidate who has read around their subject beyond their school work and who can discuss this with enthusiasm and depth.
Conditional offers
If your child applies to us in their last year at school or college, any offer they receive will probably be conditional on their final grades.
Age and Stage
We support the general principle of an accelerated curriculum but still expect students to achieve at the highest level.
Top tip
Advise your child against spreading themselves too thinly across too many subjects if they risk dropping a grade or two in their results.
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How do you apply?
The final deadline for applications is 6pm UK time on 15 October in the year before the course begins. This is earlier than most other universities. All international applicants also apply in the same way.
1. Choose a course
Your child needs to choose their course (www.ox.ac.uk/courses) and find out:
•	The entrance requirements
•	How to apply (is there a test or written work?) – www.ox.ac.uk/apply
•	Which colleges offer it (you can give a preference, or make an open application) – www.ox.ac.uk/collegechoice
2. Submit an application by 6pm UK time on 15 October
They need to submit an application at www.ucas.com any time from early September – make sure they don’t leave it to the last minute.
3. Register for any admissions tests
This needs to be done before the 15 October deadline. Tests take place in November, usually in your child’s own school or college, (except the LNAT for Law which is earlier). See www.ox.ac.uk/tests
4. Attend an interview
If shortlisted, your child will be invited to interview in December (set dates for each subject – www.ox.ac.uk/interviews).
5. Receive an offer
By mid-January your child will be told whether or not they have an offer of a place.
6. Final decision
By August, your child will complete their qualifications, get their results and will receive a final decision about their place.
“I found applying for a subject without an obvious career path (as is the case with most humanities subjects) quite daunting, but the truth is few people know where they’re going to be in three years’ time.” Nikita, 2nd year
Top tips
•	Have a look at the UCAS Parent Guide at www.ucas.com and sign up to receive their parents’ newsletter.
•	If your son or daughter is thinking of taking a gap year, make sure that they have some plans in mind. Tutors will want to see that students will be working, travelling or doing further study, rather than just wanting to take time out.
•	Encourage your child to leave lots of time to write their personal statement.
[8]
How do you choose a course?
Choosing their course is the most important decision that your child will need to make about applying to university. They will spend the next three or four years studying for their degree so it is really important that they are doing a course they love. All courses have some compulsory topics plus lots of options to suit every student and their particular interests. There are more details on our course pages, including videos of tutors and students talking about their subjects.
Will course choice affect my child’s employment prospects?
Students and parents often believe that vocational degrees like Medicine and Law offer better career outcomes. However, employment surveys show that Oxford graduates in all subjects are highly sought after for their valued skill sets. Most graduate job adverts do not specify a degree subject. See p.19 [print version page number] and www.ox.ac.uk/courses for more on the exciting range of careers that Oxford graduates go on to do.
Are some courses easier to get into?
The average success rate is around one in five but this does vary – for example, it’s around one in ten for Medicine. However, fewer candidates does not mean weaker candidates: all courses at Oxford are very competitive.
Joint courses
These offer the chance to study two or more subjects together and an opportunity to examine the connections between them.
We’ve provided videos online for each course so that you can hear more from Oxford students and tutors. www.ox.ac.uk/courses
Top tips
•	Suggest your child reads about lots of courses, including some subjects they haven’t considered before. See www.ox.ac.uk/courses and www.ucas.com
•	If possible, bring your child to one of our open days so that they can talk to tutors and students about their courses. See www.ox.ac.uk/opendays
•	Make sure your child checks the subject requirements for any course they are interested in. See www.ox.ac.uk/courses
•	Encourage them to choose something they love. Tutors look for enthusiasm and commitment to the chosen course.
“If a course requests an A-level which your child doesn’t like, advise them to think about whether they would enjoy it if that subject forms a key part of the degree.” Alex, 1st year
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How do you choose a college?
Most students love their college, and will tell you that theirs is the best. All colleges have signed up to a Common Framework on Admissions which means the same application process for each course at every college. Whichever college your child goes to, they will be studying for the same degree at the end of their course. Most colleges offer most courses but it’s a good idea for them to check which colleges offer the course they want to study.
Your child can express a preference for one college by entering a college campus code on their UCAS application. Each college is different so they may like to consider their:
•	size and age
•	location: how close to the city centre, their department, the park, the river, the sports centre
•	accommodation: number of years of college accommodation, where it is, how much it will cost
•	grants or other funding: as well as any support provided by the University
•	facilities: all colleges have a library, dining hall and common room but other resources do vary (all students can also use the University’s facilities)
•	access: most colleges have facilities and accommodation for disabled students; however, given the age of the buildings, some areas of some colleges are not accessible for students with mobility issues.
Even if your child does specify a college, other colleges may also interview them, and any of the colleges may offer them a place.
What if my child can’t choose?
No problem. Your child can make an open application, which is just like saying ‘I don’t mind’. They will then be allocated to a college which has relatively fewer applications for their course. Almost one in five applicants makes an open application. This does not affect their chances of being offered a place.
“Don’t let your child stress about this - I ended up flipping a coin. The tutors will never ask why you chose their college.” Rohan, 1st year
“I found choosing a college really hard! I chose one to apply to but was interviewed at two colleges and ended up being offered a place at the other one.” Imogen, 4th year
Top tips
There is more detailed advice about choosing a college at www.ox.ac.uk/collegechoice
You can also explore colleges online at www.ox.ac.uk/ugcolls
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What is the selection process?
College tutors consider around 18,500 applications and make approximately 3,500 offers each year. They look carefully at each, taking into account any existing and predicted grades, the personal statement, academic reference, and performance in any test or written work required for the course. Around 9,700 candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview in December; most will be interviewed at least twice.
Interviews
Interviews are an important part of the selection process as they are designed to assess academic ability and potential – not manners or etiquette, appearance or background. Rather like a mini-tutorial, they provide tutors with a valuable opportunity to assess students’ potential in person.
“By far the best way to prepare for an interview is to do a few trial runs with a friend or teacher.” Physics tutor
“Fundamentally the question is: can we teach this person in a tutorial situation and will they thrive in this environment?” Italian tutor 
“I interview to find what we call ‘potential’ and disentangle it from poor schooling or coaching.” Physics tutor
We understand that interviews do concern people so we offer plenty of guidance including sample questions and videos of mock interviews. See www.ox.ac.uk/interviews
“The interview weekend was a nervous, adrenaline-filled but ultimately (and unexpectedly!) very fun experience. I met friends who I am still in contact with now - in fact, just last week I met up with a girl that I met from the interview process, and she doesn’t even go to Oxford.” Louise, 1st year
What happens next?
By mid-January, all shortlisted candidates receive a letter or email telling them whether or not they have been successful. For more information please go to www.ox.ac.uk/outcomes
Top tips
•	Encourage your child to read around their subject. Tutors are looking for candidates who show this level of commitment and enthusiasm for their course.
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What’s the work like?
Oxford students do work hard, as there is a lot to pack in to each eight-week term. Students need to prepare an essay or other work for weekly tutorials as well as going to lectures, classes and lab work (depending on their subjects).
Teaching
Tutorials are central to teaching at Oxford. They give students the chance to discuss their subject with a tutor who is an expert in the field. Tutors encourage students to develop their full potential. See www.ox.ac.uk/tutorials
Assessment
Most courses have examinations at the end of the first year. Students have to pass these exams to continue into the second year. Colleges also set their own tests to assess progress but it is the University which sets and marks formal exams and awards degrees. So, all colleges are working to the same syllabuses, and preparing students for the same exams. Many courses also offer the chance to write a dissertation (an extended essay) or carry out a research project, normally during the final year of study.
Studying abroad
Some courses offer opportunities to study abroad, whether for a full year, as with some language courses, or on shorter field trips. All students can apply for a range of international internships and other opportunities during the vacations. See www.ox.ac.uk/students/goabroad
“The most unexpected thing about my course has been the level of support provided. Maths at university is very different to maths at school (and more interesting because of it!). The support from the tutorial system and the regular meetings with approachable tutors ensure that you never fall behind and are given more individual help if needed.” Niloy
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What study support is there?
Tutorials are at the heart of study support at Oxford, as students discuss their work with tutors every week. If your child needs any extra help with their course, their tutor will know immediately. Oxford also offers its students unparalleled study support through its extensive facilities and resources.
Museums
Oxford has seven world-class museums and collections which benefit students in many subject areas. See www.museums.ox.ac.uk
Libraries
Oxford is home to over 100 college and department libraries, including the world-famous Bodleian Library. Your child will have free access to every book they will ever need and plenty of inspiring places to study. See www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
IT services
All colleges have computer rooms, and the central University IT services also offer computer facilities and support including free training. The University Wi-Fi network covers most of central Oxford. See www.it.ox.ac.uk
Language Centre
All students may use the Language Centre, even if they are not studying for a language degree. It provides study materials for over 190 languages as well as English language support for international students. See www.lang.ox.ac.uk
“Sitting in the Bodleian Library at the same desk that might once have been occupied by John Locke and Robert Hooke, I feel part of the University’s rich history.” Olinga
“I have never needed to buy my own textbooks.” Alex
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Where do students live and eat?
All students are guaranteed accommodation in college for the first year of their course. This is arranged by the college, so your child won’t need to sort it out themselves. All colleges offer accommodation for at least one other year, and some offer accommodation for the whole of a student’s course. This may be in the heart of the college or off-site somewhere nearby. College rooms are good quality, furnished and may have their own bathroom. Students never have to share a bedroom in college accommodation.
Living out
Some students decide to share a house with friends in rented accommodation, normally during the later years of their course. This can be a good option if your child wants to live with friends from another college. It does tend to be more expensive as houses are normally rented for a year; during the vacation periods as well as term time. However, it means that your child would have somewhere to stay if they wanted to study out of term time or take a holiday job in Oxford. Rental accommodation is rarely more than a few minutes from the centre of Oxford and students still have use of all their college’s facilities including regular hot meals and washing machines. Many parents feel it is the perfect way for their child to experience a first taste of independent living. The University Accommodation Office helps students find suitable houses to rent.
Regular meals
All parents know that busy children (whatever their age!) sometimes forget to eat or prefer to spend their money on socialising. However, you may be reassured to know that colleges offer three meals a day; generously subsidised. All colleges have dining halls and most colleges also have kitchen facilities where students can prepare their own meals.
Out of term
During the vacations, colleges may be able to provide storage, particularly for international students. If your child wants to stay in Oxford, they may be able to arrange to stay in college, or to stay with friends.
Some people use this time to work; others just enjoy being in Oxford.
Particular requirements
It is important to let the college know as soon as possible if your child has particular needs.
Read our booklet Supporting your move to Oxford at www.ox.ac.uk/swd
Contact our Disability Advisory Service for an informal chat or come and talk to them at an open day. www.ox.ac.uk/students/shw/das
www.ox.ac.uk/opendays 
“In the first year it’s nice to have the support of living in college: it’s very easy to meet people but then when we lived out we all lived on the same streets anyway. It’s liberating, you feel like you grow up a bit, having to do the washing up and pay the bills. You also get to see a whole other side of Oxford.” James
Go to www.ox.ac.uk/ugcolls for more about college facilities.
[14]
[Transcribers’ Note: page 14 is fully occupied by a photograph; photograph deleted; no caption provided]
What about welfare support?
Student support and welfare are important priorities for Oxford. We are committed to maintaining an environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the University community are respected. We are proud that our drop-out rate is around 1.6 %, compared with the national average of 7.0 %. Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2015
A ready-made support network
One of the benefits of being part of a college community (see p.3 [print version page number]) is that there is always help on hand if your child runs into difficulty. People available for support would normally include their subject tutor, student ‘peer supporters’, staff in designated welfare roles, a National Health Service doctor and a college nurse. Colleges are very safe environments. Each has a lodge staffed by college porters who fulfil reception and security duties 24 hours a day.
Counselling services
The University has a counselling service staffed by fully trained counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists (www.ox.ac.uk/students/shw). Confidential listening, information and support services called ‘Nightline’ (users.ox.ac.uk/~nightln) and the Student Advice Service (www.ousu.org) are run by students for students.
“The welfare reps at my college are amazing. And the counselling service is there too. There’s support in every direction – it’s brilliant. The welfare service was one of the things that I was most impressed with – as was my mum – it definitely put her at ease!” Isla, 2nd year
“I am one of six trained peer supporters in my college…Oxford is an incredibly welcoming and supportive environment, and my job is to make it even more so.” Daniel, 2nd year
“I was convinced somebody had made a mistake letting me into Oxford…My counsellor helped me to understand why I felt a fraud and we worked on how I could change the way I thought about myself. I got a first in Finals!” Zara, Oxford graduate
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What do students do in their spare time?
Oxford students are known for playing hard as well as working hard. There are so many clubs and societies to choose from, that the challenge generally lies in not signing up for too many rather than finding one that is interesting. Many of these opportunities help students acquire useful life skills that will enhance their CVs.
Clubs and societies
All students are invited to attend a ‘Freshers’ Fair’ at the start of their first term so that they can join any clubs and societies that interest them. These include societies for music, drama, debating, student journalism, volunteering activities and the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU), as well as groups for students from particular countries or religious backgrounds. See www.ousu.org 
Sports
All colleges have a wide variety of sporting teams that students of any ability can join. If your child wants to represent Oxford, they will also have the chance to compete against other universities in some very successful teams. As well as college sports facilities, there is a large University sports complex with an all-weather running track, an Olympic astroturf pitch and a 25-metre swimming pool. Oxford is currently ranked amongst the top universities for sport. See www.sport.ox.ac.uk
[17]
How much will it cost?
Oxford is committed to ensuring that any UK student offered a place can afford to study here. Oxford’s reputation for excellence sometimes leads people to assume that Oxford must be more expensive than other universities. In fact, our tuition fees are in line with other top universities and the excellent resources provided by the University and the colleges can actually help to lower students’ living costs.
Tuition fees
What students pay each year is determined by their fee status (based on their nationality and where they usually live). UK/EU students do not have to pay any tuition fees upfront.
For up-to-date information go to http://www.ox.ac.uk/funding
Living costs
In addition to tuition fees, students will need to budget for living costs such as food, accommodation, personal items, social activities and study costs. These will obviously vary depending on lifestyle but for approximate figures go to www.ox.ac.uk/uglivingcosts
Some students may also need to make additional provision for: a student visa, international travel to and from Oxford, and fieldwork.
Government support for all UK and EU students
•	A loan to cover the full cost of tuition fees
•	A maintenance loan towards living costs for UK students
There are also non-repayable supplementary grants for UK students with dependants or a disability.
Oxford support for UK and EU students
Oxford is committed to offering generous non-repayable bursaries for UK and EU students from lower-income households. Students who are eligible for support from Oxford are notified from mid-September before their arrival at Oxford.
In order for your child to be considered for the Oxford Bursary you will be required to support their student finance application with information on your household income.
“I think the big realisation for me was that you actually don’t need to buy that much. So much is provided for you, for example as a History student I’ve never ever had to buy a book or course materials. Everything I need is in a library somewhere!” Chloe, 2nd year
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Moritz-Heyman Scholarships
UK-resident students from lower-income households may be eligible for enhanced support from Oxford. The Moritz-Heyman Scholarship programme provides funding, opportunities for volunteering, and access to internships during the summer vacations. There is no specific application process – students who meet the criteria will be automatically considered. For more information go to www.ox.ac.uk/mh
“The rise in fees makes it doubly important to receive a good-value education in return for spending such large amounts of money. What better place to ensure good returns than at Oxford? Socio-economic barriers are not a handicap in the Oxford application process, and can in fact present opportunities.” Hibba, Moritz-Heyman Scholar
“The bursary has offered me the financial security I’ve needed to be able to focus on the academic and social sides of my degree without fear of becoming overdrawn or needing to seek employment during term time.” Matthew, 2nd year
“Funnily enough, Oxford was actually the cheapest place for me to go to university. Even before I was aware of the Moritz-Heyman Scholarship, the Oxford Bursaries scheme was the most comprehensive one at the time of my application.” Bertrand, 4th year
Top tips
•	To access government support, your son or daughter should apply to your regional funding agency, e.g. Student Finance England.
•	If your child has a disability, either seen or unseen, please find out more about financial support available to them by visiting www.ox.ac.uk/swd
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How does Oxford help with careers?
Oxford graduates are highly sought after by employers – whatever their degree subject. Undertaking an intellectually demanding academic course will ensure your child has extensive career options. Employers report that Oxford students are ‘better’, or ‘much better’, than the average UK student at key employability skills such as problem solving, leadership, and communication. Hundreds of recruiters visit the University each year, demonstrating the demand for Oxford students. Our Careers Service offers support to students and alumni for life, free of charge, to maximise your child’s opportunities in a competitive job market.
Skills for the workplace
Our tutorial system will teach your child to research, summarise, present and defend an argument. Time spent with student clubs or societies can also be really helpful: an elected position in a society is an easy way of showing leadership and teamwork. Juggling academic study with extra-curricular activities is powerful proof of time management and organisation. Throughout their time here, Oxford students have numerous opportunities to prove or improve other employability skills – such as communication, financial numeracy, and business awareness.
“For the past five years we’ve sponsored interns from Oxford… Without exception, they’ve all been absolutely fantastic: hard working, agreeable, and fun to have around. You’ll be surprised the insight you’ll gain seeing your business through the fresh eyes of a young Oxford student.” Morgan Murphy Media
“Oxford students are self-starters, who are able to intelligently apply themselves to a range of tasks – they are often able to manage their time effectively, and confidently present themselves in professional situations.” Academic Research Think Tank
Careers Service
Our Careers Service is an invaluable resource that helps all Oxford students with almost anything to do with their career, at and after Oxford. They can help your child find work experience, make job applications and get inspiration for the future.
They organise careers fairs, as well as workshops and clinics on CVs, cover letters and interview skills. Their experienced careers advisers help with all aspects of making job applications. Each year the Careers Service advertises thousands of opportunities on CareerConnect – a job board that can only be accessed by Oxford students and alumni. For more on careers go to www.careers.ox.ac.uk
“I had never been to the Middle East before and it was a fantastic experience. I spent my weekends in the desert, the Dead Sea, Petra and Jerusalem. I feel very privileged to have had such an amazing time thanks to the Oxford University International Internship Programme.” James, intern, Umniah Mobile
[20]
“I had an amazing two months teaching in Thailand and the internship was honestly of the best experiences of my life… I’ve become a lot more independent and adventurous” Intern, British Council, Thailand
“I had a very good insight of Ocado’s business and the current market in the UK, and got a very engaging project to work on. In the end what makes it better was that I was offered a full-time job with them (and I took it).” Son, intern, Ocado
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Starting at Oxford
If your child receives an offer from Oxford, and meets the conditions of that offer, their place will be confirmed. Their college will be in touch with lots of useful information about what to bring, reading lists, IT services, library membership and many other things. This should answer many of your child’s questions, though at this stage you may have more questions than they do. You can always ask their college if you need more information.
The first week
Your child will be sent a timetable of events for Freshers’ week which will include orientation activities for new Oxford students including the annual Freshers’ Fair, introductions, registration, tours, and social events.
Term structure
Each academic year at Oxford is made up of three eight-week terms: Michaelmas term in the autumn, Hilary term in the spring, and Trinity term in summer. You can find the term dates online.
“It was a glorious sunny day and on arrival at college he was greeted by a welcome party of students. We barely had time to help him in with all his belongings before he was whisked away to enjoy the first of many events organised for Freshers. He had worked so hard and it felt wonderful to leave him in the place he most wanted to be.” Alex’s mum
[Transcribers’ Note: text box displaying an email message; text is transcribed below]
Compose
From: James
To: Mum and Dad
Subject: Hello from Oxford!
I can’t quite believe it’s almost the end of term – it’s been a rollercoaster. I’ve barely stopped to think since that morning inFreshers’ Week when I said goodbye to you: I’ve just been hurtling from essay to tutorial to lecture to the pub to dinner to the cinema to the sports ground to essay and then briefly to bed basically! That might sound exhausting but it’s been absolutely incredible. I’ve met so many people: some great friends; tutors who are terrifyingly clever but also lovely ina deeply nerdy way, and the college staff, like porters, who have looked after me and kept me from missing anything - well, almost.
So excited to see you next week!
James
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Top tips
•	Direct your son or daughter to our online pages for new students at www.ox.ac.uk/students/new 
•	Find out more before they arrive at www.ox.ac.uk/students/new/beforeyouarrive 
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Ways for you and your child to visit us
Open days
Two in June or July and one in September, with smaller events throughout the year. See www.ox.ac.uk/opendays 
Audio tours
Download an mp3 and take your University tour whenever you want. See www.ox.ac.uk/audiotours
College visits
Most colleges welcome visits from potential applicants all year round. See www.ox.ac.uk/ugvisit
“I came to Oxford, daunted that I would fail and not fit in. My fears were soon put to rest, as I met fellow Geographers, my college parents and became part of my college community My new ‘parents’, two second-year students chosen by the Junior Common Room to look after me and support me through my Oxford career, took me out for a meal early on. They talked me through the tutorial system, and gave me hints and tips as I settled down to my first essay. At the end of Freshers’ Week I went to the much-anticipated Freshers’ Fair and signed up for way too many societies.” Rachel, graduate
Finding out more
Undergraduate Prospectus
More detailed information about Oxford’s courses, colleges and how to apply.
Your guide to Oxford interviews
Explains Oxford interviews and gives advice on how to prepare.
International students’ guide
Oxford’s application process is the same for all students, but if you live outside the EU there are some extra things you need to know.
Mature students’ guide
If your child will be 21 or older when they start their course, they will be a ‘mature student’.
Supporting your move to Oxford
If your child has a disability or a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, Oxford wants to offer them extra support.
To download our prospectus or any of the above guides, see www.ox.ac.uk/moreinfo.
Alternative Prospectus
Produced by the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU), this is written entirely by students, for students, to give an inside view of living and studying at Oxford. To download, see www.ousu.org/applying.
Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
Tel: +44 (0)1865 288000 study@ox.ac.uk; www.ox.ac.uk/study
University of Oxford
Available on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter
Produced by the University of Oxford Public Affairs Directorate and the Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach Office University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Photographs: Oxford University Images.
Contributing photographers: Emily Alexander, John Cairns, Rob Judges,
Gurinder Punn, PS:unlimited, Phil Sayer, Greg Smolonski, Whitaker Studio.
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