Frequently Asked Questions

What is NoviceNations?

NoviceNations is OG’s dedicated beginner conference, held each February in the city of Oxford. It provides an accessible introduction to Model United Nations (MUN) for students with little or no prior experience. The conference combines beginner-focused committees with interactive workshops and activities, creating a supportive environment where delegates can practice debating, develop their skills, and gain confidence. Designed to make MUN exciting and approachable, NoviceNations is the perfect starting point for students beginning their MUN journey.

Who should attend NoviceNations?

NoviceNations is designed first and foremost as a beginner-friendly conference. If you are new to MUN, it provides a welcoming space to learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and develop your public speaking and debating skills. At the same time, we also offer one or two intermediate committees each year for delegates looking for an extra challenge. These tend to be more specialised in focus or run as crisis committees, offering a faster-paced and more demanding debating experience.

What is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations and other international organisations. It aims to discuss important issues of our world in an organised forum. In MUN, students can learn about contemporary global challenges, practice public speaking, learn about diplomacy and debate a wide array of topics, from scientific development and the challenges of technological advancements to economic policy and gender equality.

What age groups can attend the conference?

OG conferences are for high school students aged 14-18. However, we can accommodate exceptions in special circumstances. Please contact us if you have any questions about this.

How many delegates are assigned per country position?

We typically have one student per country in most of our committees. Occasionally we run double delegation committees where country positions are represented by a team of two delegates. More detailed information about NoviceNations committees will be posted on our website nearer the time or communicated to participants via email.

Can I attend as an individual delegate?

You may certainly apply as an individual delegate; simply create an account on OG Hub and click to apply to the conference: select ‘Delegate’ in registration Step 1 and ‘As an individual’ in Step 2.

When will delegates be assigned their country/committee?

Participants will be able to make their own committee and country selections when they are accepted to the conference. If you are applying as a faculty advisor on behalf of a delegation, you will be able to make these selections for your delegates. Please note that positions are only confirmed and reserved upon payment and are therefore subject to change up until your payment has been received.

What kind of workshops do you offer?

In our 2026 edition, we ran workshops on public speaking and debating, alongside Rules of Procedure (RoP) training. We’re excited to continue offering enrichment opportunities both before and throughout our conferences. If you’d like access to more supporting resources, explore the OG Shop.

Can you help me book accommodation?

On occasion we can offer discounts on accommodation in the city of Oxford. However, as a basic principle all delegates, Faculty Advisors, and Assistant Directors are responsible for sourcing their own accommodation.

What do you recommend doing for meals?

On occasion we can offer meal packages for one or more meals, however apart from these all delegates, Faculty Advisors, and Assistant Directors are responsible for sourcing their own meals. Our venues are located in the centre of Oxford with many restaurants and supermarkets nearby, with food options for all price brackets available.

Who should I contact in an emergency?

For any urgent enquiries during the conference, please contact one of our secretariat members. These contact details will be shared closer to the date of the conference.

What is OG’s affiliation to the university?

OG is a social enterprise that works in collaboration with some of Oxford’s colleges, especially relating to access. All of our staff members are university affiliates or alumni, but the organisation has no official ties to the university. Most importantly, the university is not responsible for the content or delivery of the conference.

Can I put ‘University of Oxford’ on my CV if I attend one of OG’s events?

No. You do not receive any university credit for attending one of OG’s conferences.