Venue and Accommodation
Our Summer School is recognised internationally as a unique event in the astrological calendar, attracting students and tutors from around the world.
The programme caters for a range of levels, from relative beginners through to students and practitioners at advanced or professional level. With our world-class team of experienced guest tutors providing an exciting and dynamic programme of study, Summer School offers you a chance to work in depth with astrology, developing knowledge of new subjects and techniques, and deepening your understanding of existing ones. The Faculty will do its very best to make you feel welcome and at home. Our conference team ensures the smooth running of the School, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy astrology, the community atmosphere and the beauty of Exeter College.
Our Venue - Exeter College, Oxford
Exeter College is one of Oxford's oldest and most picturesque colleges, founded in 1314 and located in the heart of the city. It offers a historic and inspiring setting for our Summer School, with its early 15th-century Palmer Tower, neo-Gothic chapel, and Jacobean dining hall.
Within its walls are peaceful gardens perfect for quiet contemplation, while the main quadrangle is one of the most beautiful in Oxford. Delegates can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the chapel, where we traditionally hold a Thursday evening piano concert, a truly magical experience.
Many well-known figures have studied at Exeter College, including J.R.R. Tolkien, William Morris, and Philip Pullman, who based the fictional Jordan College in His Dark Materials on Exeter College.
📌 The Faculty of Astrological Studies is an organisation that contracts with Exeter College, Oxford for the use of facilities, but has no formal connection with the University of Oxford.
Accommodation
Accommodation Options
We offer two residential options, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Summer School experience:
1️⃣ Stay in the Historic Exeter College (on-site)
🔹 Single standard rooms & en-suite options available
🔹 Twin en-suite rooms – Two small bedrooms with a shared study/lounge area and private bathroom
🔹 A true Oxford experience, staying within the historic walls of Exeter College
🔹 On-site, so a few steps from lecture rooms, the dining hall, and gardens
2️⃣ Stay at Cohen Quad (10-minute stroll away) – Premium Option
For those looking for a more modern, premium experience, Cohen Quad offers high-quality, single en-suite rooms just a 10-minute walk from Exeter College.
🔹 More spacious and modern en-suite rooms
🔹 Refrigerator in all rooms
🔹 Lifts to all floors
🔹 A quieter, more private setting for restful evenings
🔹 Short, pleasant walk through Oxford’s historic streets between venues
📌 Cohen Quad is our premium accommodation option, and we highly recommend it for those looking for extra comfort during their stay.
If you prefer to stay elsewhere, Oxford has many hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs to choose from.
🏡 Inside Cohen Quad – Premium Accommodation
You can also explore beautiful images of Cohen Quad and its stunning teaching spaces on the Alison Brooks Architects website:
https://alisonbrooksarchitects.com/project/fitzhugh-auditorium/
🚶♂️ Walking Route Between Exeter College & Cohen Quad
Cohen Quad is just a 10-minute stroll from Exeter College, taking you through Oxford’s charming historic streets. The route is easy to navigate, making it convenient for those staying at Cohen Quad to access lectures, dining, and social events at Exeter College.
Walk with us to Cohen Quad from Exeter College...
Catering and Meals
Delegates can choose from full-board, half-board, or bed & breakfast options during Summer School:
🍳 Breakfast & lunch – A generous selection of hot and cold options
🍲 Dinner – Enjoy delicious evening meals in Exeter College’s beautiful dining spaces
🌱 Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated (please book in advance)
☕ Morning & afternoon tea/coffee breaks are included
Note:
🗓️ Weekend attendees (15–17 August) will have all meals at Cohen Quad, including Friday dinner to Sunday lunch.
🗓️ Five-day attendees (17–22 August) will dine at the historic Exeter College Dining Hall (Turl Street site), except for breakfast on Sunday 17th, which will also be at Turl Street.
The Gala Dinner – A Summer School Highlight
Held on Thursday evening (21st August), the Gala Dinner is a celebratory evening of great food, conversation, and live music.
✅ Included for full-board and half-board (breakfast + dinner) bookings
✅ Can be added separately if not included in your booking, although spaces are limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer School Gallery 2024
