Supporting your transition to Oxford
Helping you make the most of Oxford
Starting at Oxford is an exciting time, but it's normal to feel some anxiety about making this move. We are committed to working with you to set you up for success at the University.
Oxford degrees give you the skills to think critically and analytically, and to apply these skills to solve new problems. We will help you develop these intellectual and study skills across the teaching you engage with throughout your course.
We will also provide support on making the most of your wider student experience, for example, taking advantage of student-led activities such as clubs and societies and Oxford SU; and information on the welfare support available to you.
Throughout your degree you will be supported by your tutor and/or supervisor, who can give you advice on academic and other parts of your journey at Oxford.
The official University of Oxford student app, MyOxford, is designed to be your digital companion to student life for on-course students. The app is designed to support you throughout your time at Oxford, and provides quick and easy access to essential University systems and services, anytime, anywhere. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student, MyOxford helps to enhance your Oxford experience.
What our students have to say
We asked some current students to talk about their experiences on arriving at Oxford, and adapting to study here in their first year. Hear how they got on with making the transition from school or college, and what support they valued most, both for their academic progress and personal wellbeing.
Support for your arrival
Support for your academic studies
Support from your college
Support for your wellbeing
Support for your self-confidence
Taking charge of your University experience
While the University and colleges are here to support you, it's equally important for you to actively engage in shaping your academic journey and overall Oxford experience.
Here are some important steps you can take to help enrich your overall experience:
- Attend all your scheduled teaching (tutorials, lectures, practicals, etc) – even where recordings might be available
- Further your academic studies beyond the core parts of your course such as by visiting Oxford’s world-class libraries and museums, or attending departmental seminars
- Make use of feedback received on previous work
- Read course information such as in handbooks or in Canvas
- Establish a good routine which supports your wellbeing, including getting enough sleep
- Learn where to find support now so you know where to go if you need it, be it academic or non-academic.
You can:
- Make use of the wide range of free study skills and welfare support available to you
- Ask for advice and help from your college tutor, teaching and/or support staff when you encounter challenges
- Draw on advice and support from the Careers Service, such as individual careers advice and internship opportunities
- Engage with Oxford’s wide range of societies and sports clubs
We know it’s not always easy to ask for help – but all students need support during their studies in one way or another, so you should feel confident in doing so.
Colleges and departments will consult with students on aspects of Oxford life that affect you, such as how you will be taught and assessed. However, final decisions about your course will be taken by teaching staff.
Read more about Oxford tutorials and personalised learning on the Oxford Students website.
Being part of a community
Oxford is a diverse and thriving community, and students play an important role in university and college life.
Academic and professional staff are here to support you. We ask that you are respectful at all times to them, as well as other students - so we can maintain Oxford’s positive and supportive environment.
Universities thrive on freedom of expression. During your time at Oxford, you will likely encounter views or materials that you find controversial and unsettling. However, it’s important that you engage in open, constructive and civil debate and that you are open to others’ views.
Visit our Inclusive student life page for more information.
Resources
These resources will be particularly useful for new undergraduates. However, you may also wish to explore them if you are a returning student, or if you are new to the UK education system.
Your college, course and department
Explore your undergraduate or graduate college to learn more about the support and resources available
Find your undergraduate or graduate course to learn more about the support and resources from your department
Getting to know Oxford
Advice for freshers - a specially recorded podcast to help you through freshers’ week in Oxford
Know Your Oxford - a guided audio tour for new and prospective Oxford students
Glossary - some of the words or terms used at Oxford and their meanings
Study skills
Plagiarism - top tips on avoiding plagiarism in your work
Research and library skills - brush up on your reading, note-taking and IT literacy to get ahead in your assignments
Remote study - advice about what you’ll need to think about if you need to study remotely
Tutorials at Oxford - what to expect from Oxford's unique tutorial system
Teaching Management System (TMS) - review tutor reports and valuable feedback at the end of each term
Exam wellbeing and preparation - Resources to help you navigate exams and support your wellbeing
Past exam papers - Use OXAM (SSO required) to search and view past University of Oxford examination papers online
Time management and planning
Managing your time - a short video guide on managing your time
Managing your workload - advice on how to work independently to manage your workload
Language Support
The Language Centre - enrol in one of our in-term courses offering support with your Academic English (spoken and written)
Careers Support
The Careers Service - Advice, resources and guidance for your career planning, plus opportunities to gain skills through internships and meet recruiters
Welfare and wellbeing
Supportive welfare resources - a range of supportive resources to help you confront any challenges you might be facing
Welfare and wellbeing - Oxford’s exceptional system of welfare and personal support
Disability Advisory Service - individual adjustments and study support available for disabled students
Other resources
Digital resource hub - online resources, to help you follow your passions and interests, and discover more about Oxford
There are some other resources that you may find helpful, such as the Jumpstart University hub developed by The Open University with the Russell Group.
These resources were current at the time of publication. The directory is not exhaustive and new/updated materials will be added as and when available.
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