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This is done at a few universities in the UK (if you have any experiences of specific universitities that offer this please write a comment on here!). In larger univerisities with multiple colleges, it is a good way for students to get to know each other by having a set of college 'Parents' as a fresher, and then when you are in your second year you will become a parent! This also means that you have various brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles etc. the more the family tree is established! In other universities, students can have 'marriage' ceromonies (another good excuse for a social..)

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What about your partner, who puts you together?

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What about your partner, who puts you together?

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When you transition as daughter or son to becoming a mum or dad, and you need a 'partner' i.e. husband/wife who can either be decided upon by you, or towards the end of the year we will send out a survey for you to recomplete and if you haven't put down a name in the 'partner' slot, we can help match you to someone so it's not an issue!

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Whilst the traditional names used in this scheme are 'husband', 'wife', 'boyfriend', 'girlfriend', 'marriage' - these are entirely optional and if you would rather use language which you feel is more gender-inclusive and applicable to your personal situation, there will be an opportunity for you to change this on the survey sent out at the beginning of the year. Partner has been quoted elsewhere in the thread as a way of aiming for increased inclusivity, but if you have any alternatives that you would prefer to see - please write them below.

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Prior to the first week of term, all students will be sent out a survey asking if they would like to be added to the scheme (it will NOT be mandatory, only for those that want to participate!). This will ask them certain questions such as:

- Do you want to be a parent?

- Do you want a partner on the same course or a different course?

- Do you want children on the same course or a different course?

- What do you feel you can best provide for your children:
> Uni advice
> Nights out/socials!
> Nights in (movie nights, Netflix)
> Course help (for those on the same course)

Etc..

This means, it will be tailored for each individual family, cue my responsibilities at ensuring everyone is matched up super quickly! The parents can then reach out to their children and ensure they settle into their new envrionment well.

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It is a great way of students making friends outside of their courses, tutor groups or accommodation households. It also allows them to settle in with a 'parent', create platonic relationships and will help them navigate their first year and beyond!

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Student Room thread on the Oxford Family experience:

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Student Room thread on the Oxford Family experience:

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https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5317186

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Article for Cherwell College explaining how it works:

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Article for Cherwell College explaining how it works:

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The college family is a huge part of Oxford life. It not only helps you get to grips with what Oxford is like before you come, but also provides you with a network for academic and welfare support throughout your time here.

Extended college families can also form great social groups. They often go for meals, drinks and activities together and act as a great way to forge friendships between academic years.
College parents
The chances are your college parents will be the first people you here from in Oxford. They weren't randomly assigned to you, but chosen for you because it was believed they could best help you flourish here. One of them almost certainly studies the same subject as you, this means that they can provide great informal academic help. College parents are good for asking all those questions you don't want to ask your tutors, and you may often get a far more truthful answer from them as well. Adjusting to the Oxford workload can be difficult, if you need a hand with notes, problem sheets or essay structure, they should be more than happy to help you out.
Getting married
The idea of getting "college married" maybe seem strange to some, but the institution has some great benefits. The first thing to stress is that they are usually completely platonic and act as the basis of long lasting friendships. There's also very little need to conform to the traditional view of marriage. College marriages come in all shapes and sizes- three or four-way marriages are not unheard of.

Different colleges have different rules regarding who you can and can't marry. Its generally advised against marrying someone who does the same subject as you, as it limits the range of children you can be assigned. It's also advised against getting married too early on in Michaelmas, as you don't know if you and your spouse will still be friends later in the year.
How it works
If your college parents are doing their job right, they should take you and your siblings for a meal early in Freshers' Week. This acts as a good way for you to meet each other properly. Asides from this your relationship with them works both ways. drop them a message asking if they want to go for a coffee if you know they are having a tough week, or pidge them some chocolates and a card if they have exams coming up. You are very much there for each other. When it comes to having your own children, you'll be expected to write letters welcoming them to college much the same way you received them.

It may all seem a bit bizarre at first, though it is honestly a fantastic network that is the basis for many friendships, stories and escapades-just remember it's all a bit of fun.

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Meet the Parents: College Families Explained - Cherwell

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The college family is a huge part of Oxford life. It not only helps you get to grips with what Oxford is like before you come, but also provides you with a network for academic and welfare support throughout your time here. Extended college families can also form great social groups.

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How the college families scheme is a massive benefit!

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How the college families scheme is a massive benefit!

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https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/news/college-families

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Why you shouldn't get involved with your college parents..

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Why you shouldn't get involved with your college parents..

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https://thetab.com/uk/cambridge/2016/09/30/functioning-college-family-79926

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not a question but just wanted to say that this is such a great initiative and i hope this happens! :)