After choosing your summer school, confirming your accommodation and finally arriving at your destination, the adventure really begins. Your first 24–48 hours are the perfect opportunity to settle in, get organised and make the most of your experience from day one.
Whether you’re attending a university summer school in the UK or studying abroad elsewhere, these practical tips will help you feel confident, safe and ready to enjoy every moment.
Before heading off to explore, take a few minutes to complete the essentials. Check into your accommodation, attend any welcome sessions and make sure you know where your classrooms, dining facilities and common areas are located.
Most summer schools now use student apps or online portals to share timetables, announcements and campus maps. Download these as soon as you arrive and enable notifications so you don’t miss important updates.
It’s also worth checking your Wi-Fi access, collecting any student ID cards and confirming that your emergency contact details have been recorded correctly.
Many students say that a well-organised arrival helps them settle in quickly. Students regularly praise the friendly staff, smooth organisation and welcoming atmosphere, while Oxford Royale students often highlight supportive mentors and a welcoming induction process.
One of the first things you should do is save all essential contact details in your phone. This includes your programme coordinator, accommodation staff, emergency contacts and any student support services offered by your summer school.
If you’re travelling internationally, make sure you know the emergency number for the country you’re visiting. In the UK, you can contact the emergency services by dialling 999 or 112, both of which connect you to police, ambulance or fire services.
Consider sharing your accommodation address and itinerary with a family member or trusted friend at home, and keep copies of important documents such as your passport and travel insurance securely stored online as well as offline.
Getting familiar with your local area will help you feel more confident and independent. Spend some time walking around the campus and nearby neighbourhood so you know where to find supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, banks, transport links and other useful services.
If you’re new to the city, stop by the local visitor information centre if one is available. These centres often provide free maps, event guides and recommendations for attractions, walking tours and local experiences.
Many destinations also have city tourism apps that highlight upcoming events, discounts and hidden gems worth exploring during your free time.
Exploring your university city is often one of the most memorable parts of a summer school experience. Laura, a Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship student at Oxford Royale, says,
I have never been to Oxford before, and now I love it.
She also describes Oxford’s history as “incredible” and says experiencing the city with new friends made the programme even more memorable.
The first few days are often the easiest time to make new friends because everyone is looking to meet people.
Attend welcome events, orientation sessions and social activities organised by your summer school. Introduce yourself to classmates, invite people to explore the city together or simply ask someone to join you for lunch after class.
Remember that many students may feel just as nervous as you do, so even a small conversation can lead to lasting friendships.
One of the biggest themes across student reviews is friendship. Students frequently describe making lifelong friends from around the world and say the social activities helped everyone settle in quickly.
Although summer schools are packed with exciting social activities, the academic experience remains at the heart of the programme.
Before your first lesson, check your timetable, review any pre-course reading and make sure you have everything you need, including stationery, a laptop or tablet if required and any course materials.
Arriving prepared allows you to participate confidently from the start and helps you get the most value from your classes.
While summer schools offer plenty of opportunities to socialise and explore, many students say the academic experience is what leaves the biggest impression. Approaching your classes with curiosity, asking questions and taking part in discussions will help you make the most of this unique opportunity and gain valuable experience before applying to university.
The balance of rigorous academics, cultural exploration, and lasting friendships made this program truly enriching and memorable. Lady Margaret Hall
One of the best parts of attending a summer school is discovering a new destination.
Before you arrive, you may already have researched famous landmarks, museums, parks, restaurants or cultural events. Keep a shortlist of places you’d love to visit and share it with your new friends.
Many summer schools schedule free afternoons or weekends for independent exploration, so having a plan means you can make the most of your time without feeling overwhelmed.
At the same time, leave room for spontaneity—you’ll often receive recommendations from teachers and classmates that aren’t found in travel guides.
Some of the best memories are often the unplanned ones, whether that’s discovering a hidden café, visiting a famous museum or exploring the city with friends you’ve only just met.
Settling into your accommodation can make a big difference to how quickly you feel comfortable.
Rather than living out of your suitcase, unpack your belongings and organise your space as soon as possible. A tidy room creates a relaxing environment for studying and resting after busy days.
Simple touches like displaying family photos, bringing a favourite book or using familiar toiletries can help reduce feelings of homesickness and make your temporary home feel much more personal.
Students often say that once they unpacked, met their roommates and established a routine, they quickly began to feel at home. If you experience homesickness during your first few days, remember that this is perfectly normal and that summer school staff are experienced in helping students settle in.
Starting a summer school can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, especially during the first few days when there is a lot of information to absorb.
If you’re feeling anxious or homesick, don’t keep it to yourself. Speak with your programme staff, accommodation team or student support services—they are there to help throughout your stay.
Students frequently praise residential staff, mentors and course coordinators for being approachable, supportive and always available to help. Knowing support is available allows students to settle in more confidently and focus on making the most of their experience.
Take plenty of photos and videos to remember your summer school, but don’t spend the entire experience behind your phone.
Some of your best memories will come from conversations, cultural experiences and unexpected adventures. Balance documenting your trip with being fully present and making the most of every opportunity.
Your first few days at summer school set the tone for the rest of your experience. By getting organised, exploring your surroundings, meeting new people and preparing for your classes, you’ll settle in more quickly and feel confident from the very beginning.
Across leading providers students consistently describe the same benefits: inspiring teaching, supportive staff, international friendships and unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s building friendships from around the world, discovering a new academic passion or experiencing life in one of the UK’s historic university cities, your summer school is an opportunity to challenge yourself, grow in confidence and create memories that will stay with you long after the programme has finished.
A pioneering and historic college of the University of Oxford with its own intellectually-challenging summer school, taught by academics of the University itself.
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Our top-rated summer school in Oxford, Oxford Royale offers a premium academic and cultural summer experience at historic colleges of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as in London and Yale in the USA.
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A well-established summer school offering a diverse range of academic, career-focused and English language courses, set in inspiring venues including the University of Oxford and King’s College London.
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