The Oxford Experience Frequently Asked Questions

Summer 2025

When will courses be available for summer 2025?

We are currently planning the summer 2025 schedule and plan to open enrolment in November. If you would like to be notified about enrolment opening, please sign up to the summer schools mailing list.

Bookings and enrolment

Can I book a single room or a non-residential place via the enrolment form?

The quickest way to secure your place on a course is to enrol online and as such we request that all single accomodation or non-residential bookings are made via the website. If you are not able to pay online and instead need to pay via an invoice, please contact: oxfordexperience@conted.ox.ac.uk.

I would like to attend with a partner or friend, how do I book shared accommodation?

If you would like to book a twin or double room, please complete and return an enrolment form. See "How to enrol" on our main website for details. Shared rooms are charged per person and cannot be booked by individuals, or shared with strangers. 

I'm not able to book single accommodation online, is it available?

If the single accommodation fee option is showing as 'Unavailable' online, this means the accommodation is full during that week of the programme. Non-residential participants are welcome to contact oxfordexperience@conted.ox.ac.uk, and the programme administrator can add you to a waiting list for accommodation in Christ Church.

Useful websites for alternative accommodation around Oxford are:

I am under 18 years old, can I attend?

The Department for Continuing Education is not able to enrol anyone under the age of 18 on any summer course, without exception.

The course I would like to book is full, can extra places be added?

Class sizes are restricted by the size of the teaching rooms, and we are not able to add extra places to a course. It is recommended to add yourself to the waiting list, and we will be in touch should a place become available.

What happens if I need to cancel my enrolment?

Please refer to the cancellation and refund policy.

Can these courses be taken online?

No, all Oxford Experience courses are taught in-person. The Department offers a large and varied selection of online courses: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/online-courses.

Can this course be taken for credit?

No, Oxford Experience courses are not accredited. The Department offers accredited summer schools through another programme: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/oussa.

Before your arrival

Where do I go on the first day?

Registration on the first day of your course will be at Christ Church. Please arrive at the College Porter's Lodge, 'Tom Tower' on the map below, where you will be directed to the Oxford Experience welcome desk.

The address is: Christ Church, St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DP, United Kingdom.

Is it possible to have accommodation before and/or after my course?

This cannot be organised through The Oxford Experience, but you may be able to book bed and breakfast accommodation directly through Christ Church or another Oxford college. Useful websites for this are:

What type of visa should I apply for?

Programme staff are not able to advise on visas. Please refer to the Department's advice on visas at: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/international-student-visas. A visa support letter can be provided, please contact: oxfordexperience@conted.ox.ac.uk.

During the programme

What is the schedule for the week?

A detailed schedule is provided following enrolment. The general schedule for the week is as follows:

The welcome desk is open 11am-4pm on the Sunday of your arrival. Orientation is at 5.30pm, and is followed by a drinks reception and dinner, and an informal meeting with your tutors after dinner.

Classes take place Monday-Friday, 9.15-10.45am and 11.15am-12.45pm. Lunch is 12.45-1.30pm and afternoons are free for social activities or field trips. Dinner is at 6.30pm/6.45pm, except on Friday when it is later to allow for a 6.30pm farewell drinks reception.

There are no activities/classes on the final Saturday of your course.

When must I check out of my accommodation?

You must check out by 10am on the final Saturday of your course.

Does Christ Church have a luggage store?

Christ Church has a large luggage store, if you wish to store your luggage on Sunday if you arrive before 11am, or on Saturday after checking-out.

Can I bring guests to lunch or dinner?

We are no longer offering the option to bring guests to meals. If friends or family are interested in seeing Christ Church, they can book tours at: www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visit/tickets-and-information.

Will I be given a Bodleian Library Card?

No, as Oxford Experience courses are not accredited. If you have a particular need to use Bodleian resources, you may be able to apply as an independent researcher. For details please see: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/join-the-libraries/apply.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants will receive a physical certificate of attendance at the end of the course, and be eligible for a digital badge of attendance. The digital badge, which can be shared on social media and in emails, will include the participant's name, the course title and dates and a link to an online page with more information about the programme.

Upcoming courses