Well done to both of you for making it. As Airbus said, it is hard work and at times will seem to go on forever, but it is oh-so worth it!
The meet and greet date is usually the same as the start date. You go directly from Cranebank to Oxford. It is (or used to be) an optional day, but I heartily recommend that you go if only for the chance to have a play in the sim. Those 5 minutes will keep you going during those dark exam-hell nights.