When you picture an Oxford summer school, you might think of old libraries, college courtyards and thought-provoking classes. But for many students, one of the most unforgettable moments happens away from the desk, out on the River Thames with an oar in hand.
Rowing in Oxford: More Than a Sport
Rowing has been part of student life in Oxford for over a century. College crews, early morning outings, races on the water, it is woven into the rhythm of the city. For a high school student joining a summer school, stepping into a boat on the Thames is not just trying a new sport. It is stepping into a tradition that generations of students before you have experienced.
Why Rowing Matters for Teenagers
Beyond the atmosphere, rowing is one of the most powerful activities you can do as a teenager. Physically, it works almost your entire body and builds real stamina. Many coaches and sports scientists point out that rowing improves strength, posture and cardiovascular health, but also helps reduce stress and anxiety through steady, repeated movement and being outside on the water. It is demanding, but in the best possible way.
Teamwork, Rhythm and Confidence on the Water
The real magic, though, is what happens between the people in the boat. Rowing only works when everyone moves together. You have to listen, match the rhythm, trust the person in front of you and keep going even when your muscles are tired. Studies on team sports like rowing suggest that this kind of shared effort builds higher levels of trust, cohesion and confidence than more individual activities. Those are exactly the skills that help you later at university, in group projects, internships and future work.
There is also something quietly special about seeing Oxford from the water. The boathouses, the trees along the bank, other crews gliding past, it feels less like a sightseeing trip and more like you are part of the place, not just visiting it.
Choosing a Summer School That Offers Real Experiences
If you are looking at summer schools right now, it is worth asking not only “what will I study?” but also “what will I experience?”
Some of the most important lessons you learn over the summer may come from moments like this, far away from a classroom.
At the Oxford Scholars Programme, rowing on the Thames is one of the exclusive experiences Scholars can choose, alongside others such as flying. It is part of a carefully designed summer school that blends academic rigour with real opportunities for growth beyond the classroom.
Applications for our Summer 2026 programme are now open, with limited places available as it is an intentionally exclusive experience.
