Now that admissions interviews are conducted online, many applicants who are offered a place at Balliol for their undergraduate degree (subject to meeting their offer conditions) may not have visited Balliol, if they have not been to an Open Day. So the event held on 25 March was a chance for this year’s offerholders to visit College, have a look round, ask questions and allay any nerves before starting their courses in October 2024.
The day began with a talk by the Tutor for Undergraduate Admissions, Lisa Walker, and other College staff, who spoke to the offerholders about academic matters, welfare provision and Oxford Transition Support, a hub of resources from colleges, departments and the University to help Freshers make the most of their time at Oxford. Balliol complements this academic help with the Bridging Project, a coaching programme to which disadvantaged new students can apply.
After current students had taken them on tours of the College, the offerholders met their subject tutors for the first time in person, with other students on their course.
At lunch in Hall – their first meal at Balliol – they were able to get to know some of their fellow-students-to-be, some saying afterwards that they would keep in touch with each other. Next they went on group walking tours to visit faculty buildings and key points of interest in Oxford. Finally back in Hall there were refreshments and an introduction from the JCR Officers. If they wanted to, the offerholders could then bring in their parents to have a look round.
For many, the best thing about the day was chatting to tutors and current students, and meeting other offerholders, especially those on their course. Some appreciated practical aspects of the event, such as seeing the accommodation and facilities. As a result of attending the day, 95% (of 40 respondents) said they felt more confident about accessing any personal support they might need when they come to Balliol; 88% more confident about asking for help; and 80% more confident about coping academically. 83% said they felt more confident about fitting in and making friends.
‘I particularly enjoyed the college tour in small groups because we got to learn quite a lot about the Balliol community, which left me with a sense of belonging,’ said one. ‘I always felt able to ask students and staff any questions I had,’ said another, ‘and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Thank you!’
But with their places not assured until they have achieved the required A‑level grades, some mentioned that the day also served to motivate them – as one put it – to ‘revise well and seal the deal’.