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.
Fri 12 September 2025, 11:00
Campus highlights: Explore Frenchay with Global Buddies
Outside P Block, Frenchay Campus
Join our friendly Global Buddies - current international students just like you - for a fun and informal tour of UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus!
Sat 13 September 2025, 10:00
Transport in Bristol
Global Lounge, 2P4, P Block, Frenchay Campus
New to Bristol and unsure how to get around? Join us for top transport tips.
Sat 13 September 2025, 10:45
Bristol city tour
Ka:Fei (blue shipping container), Colston Avenue
The Global Student Support Team are excited to take you on a fabulous sightseeing trip around Bristol!
Mon 15 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, 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!
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!
Sun 21 September 2025, 10:45
Bristol street art tour
Ka Fei (blue shipping container), City centre
Join the Global Student Support Team exploring Bristol's amazing street art culture.
Tue 23 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!
Tue 23 September 2025, 18:00
Boat trip with cream tea
Bristol Packet Watershed Pontoon, Bristol Harbour
Join us for a mini cruise down the beautiful River Avon from Bristol harbourside. See some amazing Bristol sights and meet new people.
Thu 25 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!
Sun 28 September 2025, 11:00
Museum and steam train experience
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay
Wander through interactive exhibits showing Bristol’s culture and heritage, then hop aboard a real historic steam train for a scenic ride along the harbour.
Wed 01 October 2025, 12:00
Global Café British Bake Off fun
Global Lounge, 2P4, P Block, Frenchay Campus
Join us for a fun and delicious Global Café where you'll get hands-on decorating classic British treats like scones, cookies, cupcakes, and fruit tarts.
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
Often, the way we think determines how we feel. By understanding your own motivations and taking the time to be self-reflective, you'll be able to take ownership of your wellbeing. And being able to manage the stresses of everyday life will help you be successful not only during your studies, but also throughout your life.
Secrets to successYou may also be interested in
UWE Bristol Welcome events
A series of events and activities to welcome new and returning students back to UWE Bristol.
Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing services for students at the University.
Discover Bristol
Things to do in Bristol, location and city life.