Freshers

Welcome to Somerville!

Congratulations on joining (in our humble opinion) the best college in Oxford! Starting university can be both exciting and uncertain. This guide provides the essential information you need to navigate your first weeks at Somerville.

Your first week will include:

  • Induction events
  • College briefings
  • Social activities
  • Welfare introductions

A full schedule will be provided prior to arrival.

What to Expect

Academics

Coming into Oxford, academics can be very different. It’s normal to feel worried, but know that your tutors are not trying to catch you out, but rather to help you learn!

→ To learn more, check out the College’s guide to study

JCR Facilities

The College has a whole suite of facilities, from

→ To learn more, visit our Facilities page here

Accommodation

Somerville has three primary accommodation buildings for Fresher’s: Vaughan, Penrose, and Darbishire. Each building has its own history and personality.

→ To find out more about where you’ll be living, visit our Accommodation page

Helpful Guides

For more information, check out the following guides below:

Freshers Guide (2025)

International Students Guide (2025)

Oxford A – Z