Ukrainian refugee wins place at Oxford University

"I felt like I'm dreaming, I'm sleeping still… it still feels surreal."

Nineteen-year-old Dmytro has been accepted to study music at Oxford University, four years after coming to the UK as a refugee.

"I left Ukraine and came here when I was 15. I barely spoke a word [of English] and could just say 'hello my name is Dima'," he told BBC Oxford.

He moved with his mother to Oxford through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, where a couple offered to host them in their home.

Dmytro said they helped them adapt to their new environment, teaching them English and "welcoming us in their house".

But he said starting a new life in the city was challenging and frightening at the beginning, adding: "It was really hard to adapt to everything."

A singer and composer, Dmytro's love of music helped him adjust to his new surroundings.

"Music is an amazing world that connects people from different countries," he said.

"Even without the language it is quite easy to understand."

"It's just so good to sing in a choir, compose for people, work with people that are just so artistic, amazing and friendly."

Much of Dmytro's family still remains in Kyiv, including his father and grandmother.

"It's really hard to have a family back there and being here, disconnected from them," he said.

"It's kind of turned into routine of everyday life. When you wake up just turn on the phone, read the news and if something happened call them and whenever there is no signal and you do not receive an answer straight after you start to worry."

Dmytro said his music could also be an escape for him, putting him into "a different world".

"It helps me forget about the day routine life and everything that happens in the world," he said.

"And just escape there onto a stage or onto a rehearsal with people that the only thing you'll be talking about and doing together is music."

He said it also connected him with his home city of Kyiv, where he still keeps in contact with his teachers.

"Actually I've messaged a couple of them today saying I got into Oxford," he said.

"My conducting teacher back in Kyiv, she was really happy to see that."

After successful A-level results in maths, music technology and music he said he was excited to be starting at Lincoln College in October.

"I'm so thrilled to join many choirs that are there, I'm so thrilled to join a lot of other activities that they have and of course to learn more about music."

But he said it was "really hard to talk about future after what I've been through and I would never say never in my life again".

"I would just love to keep working with amazing people and compose, create and share music with everyone," he added.