A Day in the Life of an Oxford Royale Cybersecurity Student

The world is more connected than ever—so how do we keep it safe? If you’re fascinated by hacking, encryption, digital forensics, and cyber warfare, our Cybersecurity Summer School in Oxford is your chance to step into the role of a cybersecurity specialist. 

Through hands-on workshops, engaging discussions, and real-world challenges, you’ll explore the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Here’s what a typical day looks like for a 16–18-year-old cybersecurity student in Oxford…

Rise and Shine – 8:00 AM

The morning starts with a hearty breakfast in the college dining hall. You grab a plate of eggs and toast, chatting with friends about last night’s activities, weekend plans, and who’s best at punting. After a quick coffee, you’re ready to take on the day, heading off to your first class!

Morning Lesson – 9:00 AM

Today’s first session is Simulate and Defend: Cyber Attack. You step into the shoes of both an attacker and a defender, experiencing first-hand how cybercriminals try to exploit system vulnerabilities—and how cybersecurity professionals stop them. Working in teams, one side launches a simulated attack while the other builds defenses in real-time. Every move matters, and quick thinking is key! A short break gives you a chance to grab a snack, analyse what worked (and what didn’t), and strategise for the next challenge.

Break – 10:00 AM

Time for a well-earned pause! You grab a coffee and a snack, chatting with classmates about the morning’s seminar. Some students take a stroll around the college grounds, while others find a quiet spot to relax before the next session begins.

Cyber Threat Analysis – 11:00 AM

Now it’s time to analyse real-world cyber threats. You examine high-profile security breaches and dissect how they happened—was it human error, weak encryption, or a sophisticated phishing attack? Working in teams, you piece together clues from a digital forensic case, just like a real cybersecurity analyst. By the end of the session, you have a deeper understanding of cyber risks and how to mitigate them.

Lunch Break – 1:00 PM

After a morning of problem-solving, you and your classmates step out into Oxford to grab lunch. Some head to a local café on Broad Street for a sandwich and coffee, while others find a spot near the Radcliffe Camera to relax in the sunshine. The conversation jumps between today’s lessons and weekend plans—the weekend excursion to London, some souvenir shopping, or another round of punting!

Afternoon Workshop – 2:00 PM

Back in class, it’s time for the Encryption Challenge. You explore cryptographic techniques used to protect sensitive data, from classic ciphers to modern encryption algorithms. After learning the basics, you and your team compete to crack a series of encoded messages, racing against the clock to decrypt hidden information. The challenge is intense, but you love the rush of solving problems under pressure!

Time to Unwind – 4:00 PM

After an exhilarating afternoon, it’s time to relax. Some students head down to the river for punting, a classic Oxford experience where you navigate the waterways (some more successfully than others). Others take a stroll through University Parks, stopping for ice cream and a chat before dinner. Whether it’s sightseeing, shopping, or just relaxing in a bookshop, there’s always something to do.

Dinner on Campus – 6:00 PM

Back at the college, dinner is served in the historic dining hall. You and your friends swap stories about the day’s adventures, debate the best places to go Oxford, and discuss what evening activities lie ahead! You still can’t believe you get to spend so much time in this incredible college! 

Evening Activities – 8:00 PM

The fun isn’t over yet! Tonight, you and your friends enter a table tennis tournament, while others opt for a chilled-out evening with a movie night at the Campus Cinema. For those feeling competitive, the Oxford Royale Big Quiz is in full swing, testing teams on everything from pop culture to general knowledge. As the night winds down, some students relax in the common room, playing cards and chatting until curfew.

Lights Out – 10:30 PM

Curfew arrives, and it’s time to recharge for another exciting day. As you head to bed, you can’t help but think about the week ahead—new challenges, new skills to learn, and new friends to make. One thing’s for sure—this summer is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Now it’s Your Turn!

Are you ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity? Join our Oxford Royale Cybersecurity Summer School and take your first steps toward a future in Cybersecurity!

Learn more about our Cybersecurity Couses

16 to 18

Oxford 

12 to 15

Oxford