Your First Week
Arrival times, Freshers Week timetables, and admissions ceremonies.
Arrival at Merton
New graduate students are asked to arrive at Merton on Friday 4th October 2024 by 5:00pm. If your department requires you to be in Oxford earlier than this, please contact the Accommodation Office as soon as possible for further details and to arrange an arrival date.
International students - please read the separate page for international students for more information about arrivals.
If you're travelling to Merton by car, it is best to enter the High Street from the east, turning left into Rose Lane. Please be aware that the Botley Road, the major route into Oxford from the west, will still be closed in October.
If you are living in Merton accommodation this year, details on Merton’s location and where to collect your room key can be found in the MCR First Days Checklist and Freshers' Guide.
- Oxford Park & Ride - information from Oxfordshire County Council
- Car parking in the city centre - information from Oxford City Council
Freshers' Week Timetables
The Freshers’ timetable shows all of the events organised by College. Some of the events are compulsory, and these are clearly marked on the timetable. Whilst we have done all that we can to avoid timetabling clashes, you may find that two or more events overlap or are scheduled at the same time. It goes without saying that the academic activities and meetings should be prioritised over the (optional) social ones.
The MCR Freshers' Guide and First Days Checklist will let you know what to expect in your first week at Merton.
College Admission Ceremony
The College Admission Ceremony is held at 6:30pm on Monday 14th October in the Chapel, and marks your formal admission to the College. It will be followed by the Admissions Dinner on the same evening.
The Admissions Dinner is a (free) celebratory meal. All freshers and those classified as 'readmissions' (i.e. those who were undergraduates at Merton) are automatically signed up for the meal. If you are unexpectedly unable to attend the meal (e.g. because of illness), please notify the Graduate Officer as soon as you can in Freshers' Week.
Remember to complete the Food Allergies Form by 30th September 2024.
University Admission Ceremony (Matriculation)
The University Matriculation Ceremony takes place on Saturday 19th October. Matriculation is the technical term for your official admittance to the College and University.
You will need a gown for formal events, although most students wait until arriving to buy one. There are a number of stockists of academic gowns in Oxford, including:
