A 19-year-old Ukrainian refugee has secured a place at Oxford University to study music, four years after arriving in the UK with his mother following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Dmytro said being accepted by one of the world’s most prestigious universities still feels “surreal”.

Arriving in the UK at 15

Dmytro came to the UK when he was just 15 years old. At the time, he spoke very little English.

“I barely spoke a word,” he told BBC Oxford, explaining that he could initially only introduce himself by saying, “hello my name is Dima”.

He and his mother moved to Oxford through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which connected Ukrainian refugees with British families willing to provide accommodation.

Host Family Helped Them Settle

A couple in Oxford offered Dmytro and his mother a place to stay and helped them adjust to life in a new country.

Dmytro said his hosts helped them learn English and welcomed them into their home.

Their support played an important role as he and his mother began building a new life in Oxford.

Adapting Was Difficult

Despite the support they received, Dmytro said adjusting to a completely new environment was challenging and frightening.

Moving to another country at such a young age meant learning a new language, adapting to a different culture and starting again far away from home.

“It was really hard to adapt to everything,” he said.

Now Heading to Oxford University

Four years after arriving in Britain, Dmytro has achieved a major milestone by earning a place to study music at Oxford University.

For the teenager who arrived in the UK speaking almost no English, the university offer represents a remarkable personal achievement.

He said he still finds the news difficult to believe.

“I felt like I’m dreaming, I’m sleeping still… it still feels surreal,” he said.

His journey from arriving in Oxford as a teenage refugee to securing a place at the university highlights the challenges faced by young people rebuilding their lives after being forced to leave their homes.