Starting Block
Supporting your transition into and through university.
What is Starting Block?
To help you get settled into university-level education, we’ve developed Starting Block – a series of activities for you to get to know your teaching team and your coursemates.
Being well-prepared and focused at the start of something leads to success. And that's what Starting Block is set up to do – brace you as you stride forward with your university experience.
Whether that's being prepared for the start of your new university life, getting ready to build on your skills, or looking towards your postgraduate life – starting every year in the best way means you're most likely to succeed.
Starting Block: preparing you for success
Starting Block Festival
Taking part in the Starting Block Festival will help you feel comfortable, connected and confident before your studies begin.
How to take part
Everyone’s Starting Block is different – and because it’s different, you need to make sure you’re engaging with Blackboard and your university email.
Enrol in MYUWE
To access Starting Block, you’ll need to complete your university enrolment in MYUWE. We’ll email your username and password to your personal email address after we’ve confirmed your place – from the start of August. Look for the Enrolment tab where you can add or confirm your personal details.
Get your IT set up before you start
You’ll want to choose a suitable laptop or computer for your course. You can download Office 365 for your computer using AppsAnywhere so you can access them wherever you are – including campus computers.
What to expect from Starting Block
Your programme team will provide you with an experience that is exciting, meaningful and completely tailored to your course. They will:
- help you understand the structure of your programme, such as key course dates and assessment methods
- explain which elements of the course will be on campus/online
- show you your course-specific facilities, such as laboratories or studios
- provide a tour of campus spaces that are relevant to your studies
- guide you through our foundation blocks – these are core elements to being a student at UWE Bristol.
The content is tailored to you, so the content will vary depending on what you’re studying.
You’ll start practising the skills you need to make your year more successful, build relationships with your coursemates and teaching staff, and feel a lasting connection to your programme and the UWE Bristol community.
We'll also make sure you have an understanding of all the digital tools you’ll be using as part of your course.
Laura’s Starting Block experience
Hear from Laura, a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science student, about her experience of Starting Block.
Digital Learning induction course
Familiarise yourself with the digital tools you’ll be using at UWE Bristol, to start confidently and be well-prepared for study.
Starting Block events
View our upcoming Starting Block events.
Mon 14 September 2026, 10:00
Transport in Bristol
Global Lounge, Room 2P4, P Block, Frenchay Campus
Explore Bristol with confidence using local transport tips from Global Buddies.
Mon 14 September 2026, 11:00
Campus Tour International
Bench outside P Block, Frenchay Campus
Discover the campus, meet friends, and settle in with ease.
Mon 14 September 2026, 12:00
Student Life Drop In
Purdown View Cafe, Frenchay Campus
Come along and meet the friendly Student Life team.
Mon 14 September 2026, 17:30
Games and Pizza Night at Glenside
Glenside Campus Library, Glenside Campus
New to campus? Meet people, play games, enjoy free pizza and discover Student Life events in a relaxed, friendly welcome social!
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
Neurodiversity drop-in
4D24, Frenchay Campus
Meet the support team, ask questions and discover how UWE Bristol can support you throughout your student journey.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
Make your mark with zines
Level 2, Library, Frechay Campus
Design your own zine, share your story and connect with other students in this fun, hands-on DIY publishing workshop.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
Craft and Chill Zone
Library Gallery Space, Bower Ashton Campus
Enjoy mindful activities, simple crafts and quiet time in a calm, welcoming space.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
Imagine Your Future Self
Careers Lounge, Library level 2, Frenchay Campus
Imagine your future career, discover opportunities and see how your time at UWE Bristol can help you get there.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
AI and your learning: using AI responsibly at UWE Bristol
3D42, Frenchay Campus
Learn how AI can support your studies, check AI-generated content critically and use tools ethically while maintaining academic integrity.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
First year at uni: what I wish I'd known
2B006, Bower Ashton Campus
Hear from other students about their first-year experiences, with practical tips on workload, support and making the most of university life.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:00
Craft and Chill Zone
Level 2, Library, Frenchay Campus
Enjoy mindful activities, simple crafts and quiet time in a calm, welcoming space.
Tue 15 September 2026, 10:30
UK Study Unlocked Tips for International Students
4D26, Frenchay Campus
Get confident with UK study. Explore critical thinking, time management and communication in a multicultural classroom.
Hear more about Megan's experience"Going into a new year at university can be a nerve-wracking time for anyone and there are lots of ways you can prepare. As a student going into higher education for the first time last year, I was very apprehensive about the new way of learning and all the new challenges I would face. Fortunately, we had a Starting Block."
Megan student
Starting Block is a great opportunity to set yourself up for the year ahead and make sure you’re prepared with the skills you will need for university life.
Before Starting Block I felt nervous about the year ahead as well as new aspects of learning I had never had to consider before. Thankfully Starting Block was a great opportunity to test all of this out, so when it came to the first week of term I felt fully prepared and comfortable.
Five secrets to success
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