The Oxford Experience: Frequently Asked Questions

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 accommodation 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:

• universityrooms.com/en/city/oxford/home
• experienceoxfordshire.org

What is the difference between room types?

Our standard rooms have shared bathroom facilities with other rooms, separate from the bedroom.

Our en-suite rooms have a private bathroom attached to the bedroom.

Our single rooms contain single beds and are for one occupant only.

Our double rooms have one UK size double bed to be shared by two occupants.

Our twin rooms have two single beds and are for two occupants only.

Please note that we are unable to accept single-occupant bookings for rooms designed for double occupancy.

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 terms and conditions for open access courses.

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.

Can this course be taken for credit?

No, Oxford Experience courses are not accredited. The Department offers accredited summer schools through another programme – the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA)..

I am on a waiting list, how likely am I to get on the course?

It is difficult to predict whether places become available on waiting lists, as it depends on cancellations from other enrollees. Should a place become available before 1 May 2026 we will contact waitlisted individuals via email. If you have not heard from us by 1 May 2026, you should assume that no places have become available and we will not be able to enrol you on the course in summer 2026.

How will those on the waiting list be contacted?

From the opening of enrolment until 31 March 2026, individuals will be contacted on the waiting list individually and given at least 3 days to respond on whether they wish to take up the place. From 1 April 2026 until the close of enrolment, when a place on a course opens all those on the waiting list will be contacted at the same time and directed to book the place online on a first-come first-served basis.

Whether you’re here for a week or a longer stay, make sure to explore the city of Oxford. We’ve drawn together some of our favourite sights, tips and resources, to help you get to know – or re-acquaint yourself – with our wonderful city.

Joining one of our summer programmes? By taking part you’re part of a long-standing tradition: since 1888, adult learners have been expanding their horizons with summer learning in Oxford.

Interactive map

The University’s online interactive map lets you explore colleges, museums, parks, and green spaces across Oxford.

Things to see and do

GLAM

Oxford’s gardens, libraries and museums – collectively known as ‘GLAM’ – are a must-see during your stay.

• Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM)
  

Individual members of GLAM include:

• The Ashmolean Museum – the UK’s oldest university museum.
• Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum – founded in 1621.
• Museum of Natural History – scientific research and exhibitions.
• Pitt Rivers Museum – anthropology and world archaeology collections.
• Museum of the History of Science – historic scientific instruments.
• Bodleian Libraries – major university library system.

Colleges

College visiting information helps you explore Oxford’s historic colleges.

Punting and river cruising

Oxford’s rivers – the Thames (Isis) and the Cherwell – are perfect for punting and boat trips.

• Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
• Cherwell Boathouse
• Salter’s Steamers

More things to do

• University events
• Daily Info listings
• Experience Oxfordshire
• Oxford at a Glance provides key facts and figures about the University.

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, 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 or 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 available if you wish to store your luggage on Sunday before 11am or on Saturday after check-out.

Can I bring guests to lunch or dinner?

We are no longer offering the option to bring guests to meals. Friends or family who wish to visit Christ Church can book tours here:

Christ Church tickets and information

Will I be given a Bodleian Library Card?

No. As Oxford Experience courses are not accredited, participants are not eligible for a Bodleian Library card.
If you require access to Bodleian resources, you may be able to apply as an independent researcher:

Apply to join the Bodleian Libraries

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance at the end of the course and a digital badge of attendance.
The digital badge includes your name, course title, dates, and a link to an online verification page.