Charles recalls the circumstances that led to his first visit to Brideshead. Many women have arrived at Oxford for “Eights Week,” an annual regatta. He and his servant, Lunt, lament the disruption to their studies; Lunt blames the increased pressure to meet social obligations on the First World War. As he complains, he notes the arrival of Lord Sebastian Flyte, who asks Charles about the hubbub and invites him to an undisclosed location (later revealed to be his ancestral home, Brideshead). They leave Oxford, Sebastian chattering whimsically.

Charles recalls meeting Sebastian, the date from which he marks the beginning of his “Oxford life.” His memories travel further back to his father’s decision to give him a yearly allowance of 550 pounds a year, a sum significantly higher than the 300 per year recommended by the warden of the college. Charles’s cousin, Jasper, advises him to change his rooms, as ground-floor rooms on the front quad would render Charles too vulnerable to visitors. Charles does not follow his cousin’s advice.

In his first term, Sebastian immediately captivates Charles with his penchant for whimsy and romanticism (he is known for carrying a large teddy bear around campus).