Anyone done an adult (not teen) summer school (Oxbridge or similar)?

[PlimptonInSummertown]

Not a higher education question, I’m just curious. Wondering what it would be like to spend a week or more playing student, with serious instruction and of course a beautiful setting. Ever done it?

I did a classics one as a 6th former, but was aimed at adults and there were a handful of 6th formers.

It was thoroughly delightful. Definitely worth looking at the accommodation, tutors details etc.

I’ve done a few. I had the opposite experience to ScaryM0nster - I did a week of classics as an adult, but the majority of the other students were school age and I didn’t especially enjoy that aspect. I did learn a lot as that course involved very full-on study days.

Others I’ve done have attracted more adults, included free time in the day and been residential. I prefer that format since I still work FT and need some rest and relaxation!

Do you mind if I ask the university, college etc? I understand if you don’t want to share that here of course. I’m just curious to know a bit more.

I’ve left it a bit late for this year but I’m seriously considering applying for next summer. Although I’m not convinced I really want to work that hard!

Mine was residential and had some free time in the day, so that would reinforce that those are good characteristics.

I think the minimum age might have been 16 with a reference and 18 otherwise.

I think it was this one.

www.durhamglss.org

While looking for it, I found a few others which might have included one like the other poster mentioned.

(University college accomodation without en-suite isn’t as basic as you’d first think).

So interesting! I actually think my son would benefit from something like this, although he’d probably hate me for it which would defeat the purpose. Maybe I can convince him for next year.

He does really well with people of all ages, rather than just his peers (can’t blame him really).

If you’re interested, the non-residential course I mentioned was the Summer School in Homer at UCL. The course itself was excellent - and cost under £200! This included a trip to the British Library to see papyri, something I couldn’t have done otherwise.

The residential courses have been at Cambridge on a variety of subjects.

I'm tempted by the choral ones, but not sure I can justify spending that much on what would essentially be a solo holiday. I would go if I were single and less budget-conscious.