FAQS
Below are some answers to questions we are often asked but, if there is anything you’d like to ask us that isn’t covered here, please email us at info@oxfordcatalyst.com with your query or to arrange to speak to us in person.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING
WITH ME?
We provide all students with a suggested packing list when they enrol on a course, which includes: smart clothes for Formal Hall, some sportswear including clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, summer clothing and sunscreen, warm clothing in case the weather turns (the British summer is notoriously unpredictable), some spending money for any shopping you may wish to do.
WHAT WILL THE FOOD
BE LIKE?
The conference team at Lady Margaret Hall will be responsible for all catering during the course. Students will have breakfast, lunch and dinner on-site every day (with the exception of four outing days, on which simple packed lunches will be provided). The quality of meals at Lady Margaret Hall is outstanding, and each lunch and dinner will include a hot option, a vegetarian main dish and a selection of fresh salads. We can accommodate special dietary requirements - just let us know in advance.
DOES IT MATTER IF I DON’T KNOW ANYONE ELSE ON THE COURSE?
Not in the slightest, the vast majority of people attending courses will not know anyone else at the outset. There will be all manner of social activities throughout the course organised around lesson times to help you make friends, starting with our ice-breakers evening on day one.
IS THIS COURSE ENDORSED BY LADY MARGARET HALL OR OXFORD UNIVERSITY?
No, this is an independent course hosted at Lady Margaret Hall. The core team behind Catalyst all studied at Lady Margaret Hall as undergraduates and all teachers on the course are Oxbridge graduates but none of the Catalyst staff or teachers are currently employed by Oxford University.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INCLUDE?
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Accommodation in single rooms on-site
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Three excellent meals a day
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All lessons and workshops
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One-to-one mock interview and tutorial-style engagement
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Ad-hoc academic support sessions with course directors
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Evening activities e.g. movie night, theatre trip, BBQ, karaoke
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Adventure afternoon of group-based challenges including abseiling and crate-stacking
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Trips in and around Oxford to museums and famous landmarks
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Formal hall dinner
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End-of-course report
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS NOT MENTIONED HERE?
The course price does not include flights to the UK or travel to Lady Margaret Hall. Otherwise everything is included although you may like to bring a small amount of spending money if you would like to take back souvenirs.
HOW DO I PAY FOR THE COURSE?
We require a deposit to secure the booking with the balance of the course fee due three months before the start of the course. If you are booking a course after this date, the balance must be paid in full on booking. Deposits can be made online through our booking form and will require a Debit or Credit Card payment of at least the deposit amount. If you would prefer to pay by International Bank Transfer please email info@oxfordcatalyst.com.
I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND, CAN I GET A REFUND?
There is a 14-day cancellation period during which you can apply to have your course deposit fully refunded. After that period, the deposit is non-refundable but, if you pay the full course fee up-front and then inform us more than three months before the course begins that you are not able to attend, we will refund you the full course minus the deposit. You can read our full cancellations policy here.
WILL I HAVE TO SHARE
A BEDROOM?
No, all students are housed in individual college bedrooms. You will share shower and toilet facilities with other students on your floor. Male and female students are housed on different floors.
DO I NEED TO BE FLUENT IN ENGLISH TO ENROL ON A CATALYST COURSE?
The course and all activities are conducted in English, and the course content will be challenging for students whose English is below 'upper intermediate' level. When you are completing our online application form, fill in the section on language level as accurately as possible and if you have any concerns or queries about this, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.