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.
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.
Register in MYUWE
To access Starting Block, you’ll need to complete your university registration 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 Registration 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.
Tue 16 September 2025, 12:00
Drop in sessions for neurodivergence and mental health study support
Bower Ashton Library, City Campus at Bower Ashton
The Specialist practitioners are available in the library to answer your questions or support you with any issues impacting your studies.
Tue 16 September 2025, 12:00
Drop In sessions for neurodivergence and mental health study support
Glenside Library, Glenside Campus
Specialist practitioners are available in the Library to answer your questions and support you with issues impacting your studies.
Tue 16 September 2025, 17:30
Introduction to Blackboard
Online
Blackboard is an important part of your learning. Come along and find out how to access it, what to expect and how to use it for the best results.
Wed 17 September 2025, 09:00
Global morning coffee
Global Lounge, 2P4, P Block, Frenchay Campus
A morning welcome from the Global Student Support Team to provide you with all the support and guidance you need to help you to settle into student life!
Wed 17 September 2025, 10:00
Life in the UK: What to know
4X113, X block, Frenchay Campus
Join us for a valuable and interactive session featuring expert guest speakers.
Wed 17 September 2025, 17:00
Drug and alcohol harm reduction
Purdown View HUB, Frenchay Campus
Support and information about drugs, including alcohol.
Thu 18 September 2025, 11:00
Transport in Bristol
Global Lounge, 2P4, P Block, Frenchay Campus
New to Bristol and unsure how to get around? Join our Global Buddies for top tips!
Thu 18 September 2025, 14:00
How to plan and structure your writing
Online
This workshop looks at what written assignments are asking you to do, and how to go about planning and structuring an assignment.
Thu 18 September 2025, 17:30
Craft club: Mug painting
3S501, S Block, Frenchay Campus
Join Student Life for a fun-filled evening of mug painting!
Thu 18 September 2025, 17:30
Introduction to Blackboard
Online
Blackboard is an important part of your learning. Come along and find out how to access it, what to expect and how to use it for best results.
Fri 19 September 2025, 18:00
Welcome Social: Marketgate and Phoenix Court
Marketgate, Bond Street
A welcome event for our students in city centre accommodation.
Sat 20 September 2025, 15:30
Pop Up Queer cafe
Purdown View Student Hub, Frenchay Campus
LGBTQIA+ community and allies. A safe and inclusive environment for all of our students.
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.
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