Guidance for Parents, Carers & Supporters: Supporting a student on the Foundation Year

If you are supporting someone considering an application, see our guidance on applying.

Supporting a student during their time at Oxford

University is an exciting and challenging time. Students develop independence, confidence and academic skills, but there may also be periods of pressure or adjustment. 

This page explains what support is available and what to do if you are concerned about a student. 

Term dates and teaching weeks

Oxford has three terms each academic year: 

  • Michaelmas (autumn) 
  • Hilary (spring) 
  • Trinity (summer) 

Each term is eight weeks long, which are numbered from 1 to 8. There are also weeks before and after the eight-week term when students may be required to take part in activities. The week before term officially starts is week 0, and the week after term finishes is week 9.  
 
Students on the Astrophoria Foundation Year are required to be in Oxford for teaching during weeks 0–8 of each term. 

In Hilary and Trinity terms, some assessments may take place in week 0 or week 9, depending on the course. 

You can find the Official University term dates here. 

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Accommodation

Undergraduate accommodation is arranged by each student’s college. Colleges provide: 

  • Student rooms 
  • Welfare support 
  • A pastoral team 
  • A community environment 

 If you have questions about accommodation, please contact the college directly. 

Explore the Astrophoria Foundation Year participating colleges.

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Living in Oxford

Oxford is a relatively small city, and most students live within walking or cycling distance of their college and teaching buildings. The city has good public transport links, including regular train and coach services to London and other parts of the UK. 

Colleges provide accommodation during term time, which means students are part of an established community with welfare and pastoral support available. 

Many students studying at Oxford are living away from home for the first time. Colleges and University services are experienced in supporting students as they settle into a new environment. 

You can find general information about the city here. 

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Academic and disability support

If a student requires additional academic or disability-related support, they should contact the University’s Disability Advisory Service.  
 
The Astrophoria Foundation Year Welfare Lead provides support and encouragement for students on the programme to access the University’s Disability Advisory Service, but students must initiate contact themselves. 
 
Colleges and departments can also provide academic guidance and welfare support.

Explore the Astrophoria Foundation Year participating colleges

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Careers support

The University’s Careers Service offers: 

  • One-to-one guidance 
  • Events and workshops 
  • Internship advice 
  • Graduate career planning 

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If you are worried about a student

It can be distressing to feel concerned about someone at university, particularly if they are living away from home. 

The University provides advice for parents and supporters or you may also contact the Astrophoria Foundation Year team. We will listen to your concerns and explain what support is available. 

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Confidentiality and information sharing

All the information students provide to the Astrophoria Foundation Year is treated confidentially in line with the University’s  rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Guidance on Confidentiality in Student Welfare. This means we cannot normally share information about a student without their explicit written consent. 

This includes: 

  • Academic progress 
  • Attendance 
  • Welfare matters 
  • Details of any support being provided 

This is in line with UK data protection legislation (GDPR). 

We understand this can feel frustrating. Please be assured that: 

  • All concerns shared with us are taken seriously 
  • Students are encouraged to access appropriate support 
  • Action will be taken where there is serious risk to a student’s safety 

With a student’s consent, we are happy to work in partnership with families and supporters. 

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External support for supporters

Supporting someone who is struggling can be stressful. The following organisations provide advice and guidance:

 If you are concerned about an immediate risk to someone’s safety, you should contact emergency services. 

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