Access to UWE Bristol
Access to UWE Bristol is designed to help you feel confident as you make the move to university life.
Helping you prepare for university life
Access to UWE Bristol is a support package designed to help you feel more confident and ready as you start your university journey.
You don’t need to apply – eligibility is based on the information you provide on your UCAS application and is offered to applicants who receive a contextual offer.
If you're eligible, we’ll let you know. You’ll be automatically enrolled and given access to a range of activities and resources to help you settle in and succeed, including:
- Online webinars
- Summer School
- Guidance to help you transition smoothly into higher education.
Access to UWE Bristol webinars
A series of live, interactive webinars designed to give you an insight into life at UWE Bristol, help you prepare for university, and connect you with current students who’ve been in your shoes.
- Relaxed, friendly sessions with plenty of practical advice.
- A chance to ask questions using the chat function.
- Some short interactive activities using Mentimeter (anonymous and easy to use).
Please note: eligible students will receive an invitation by email to attend these events.
To get the best experience, we recommend joining on a laptop or PC if you can, as the interactive tools work best on those devices.
Webinar 1: Navigating uni support for a confident start
Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Time: 16:30-17:15
Find out more about the Access to UWE Bristol programme and the wide range of support available. Hear from current students about their own journeys and ask questions in a relaxed, friendly space.
Webinar 2: Study skills for success
Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
Time: 16:30-17:15
Discover practical tips and tools to help you manage your time, stay motivated and study effectively. Our students will share what’s worked for them and how they’ve made the most of academic support at UWE Bristol.
Webinar 3: Helping your young person prepare for university
Date: Thursday 2 July 2026
Time: 16:30-17:15
This webinar is for anyone supporting a young person as they get ready to start university, including those eligible for contextual offers or additional support. We’ll explore how you can help with the transition, understand student finance, bursaries and accommodation, and learn about the support services available. You’ll also hear about resources for parents and carers, and there will be time for questions at the end.
Webinar 4: Making friends and finding your community
Date: Tuesday 7 July 2026
Time: 16:30-17:15
University is about more than just studying—it’s about finding your people. Learn how to build friendships, connect with others on the Access to UWE Bristol programme, and feel part of a supportive community from day one.
Webinar 5: Managing your time effectively
Date: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Time: 16:30-17:30
This session explores how to balance your time at university, including studying, working part time, and making space for life outside your course. Find out what kinds of jobs are available to students, how to look for them, and what a typical week might look like. You’ll also hear from current students about their experiences and have a chance to ask questions.
Access to UWE Bristol Summer School
The Access to UWE Bristol Summer School is a free, on-campus experience for contextual offer holders. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for university life, meet other future students, and start building your confidence ahead of September.
Summer School is open to offer holders from a range of courses, so you'll have the chance to chat with students from different subjects. The School lasts for four days and you might get to visit more than one UWE Bristol campus.
What you'll do at Summer School
- Stay in en-suite accommodation in our Student Village, or
- Attend each day if you’d prefer not to stay overnight
- Practise independent living skills
- Make connections with other offer holders
- Meet university support staff and current students
- Explore the campus and facilities
How to apply
You will need to sign up for Summer School — we will let you know via the Welcome portal when applications are open to explain how to apply. You’ll need to be aged 18 years or over on 3 August 2026 to attend.
Summer School is very popular, so places will be allocated randomly. We’ll let you know after the deadline if you’ve been successful.
Summer School timetable
Find out what you can expect from our Summer School this year. It’s packed with fun activities and useful sessions that’ll help you prepare for university life. You’ll also have access to 1:1 information, advice and guidance slots throughout the summer school.
If you choose not to stay over, then your timetable will remain the same, and we encourage you to join as many activities as possible.
Please note timings and activities may change.
Timetable
- 11:30 – Arrive on campus and enjoy lunch
- 13:00 – Welcome session and induction
- 15:00 – Move into halls and take a campus tour
- 17:00 – Evening activities (options may include a cooking class, badminton or board games)
- 20:00 – Quiet time in your flat.
- 10:00 – Campus scavenger hunt (Bower Ashton and Glenside applicants will have the chance to visit their campus)
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 13:00 – Study skills and finance talks
- 15:00 – Picnic challenge and free time (a fun budgeting activity)
- 20:00 – Film night.
- 10:00 – Support Services networking event
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 13:30 – Afternoon activities (options may include climbing and a mindful art session)
- 16:00 – Trip into Bristol city centre and a meal out.
- 08:00 – Check out of halls and breakfast
- 10:00 – Reflection and next steps if you’re coming to UWE Bristol
- 12:30 – Summer school closes.
Contact us
Got questions about Access to UWE Bristol? Just drop us a line, we’re here to help: Widening.Access@uwe.ac.uk.
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