Flying Start
Flying Start helps you meet other students, discover opportunities across the University, build your confidence and access extra support.
On this page
Who it’s for
Flying Start is for UK (Home) undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds. This includes students who may have experienced barriers to higher education.
You may be eligible if one or more of the following apply:
- you are from a Global Majority background
- you are a mature student (aged 21 or over when you start your course)
- you live in an area with lower levels of higher education participation
- you were eligible for free school meals
- you have a declared mental health condition
- you are from a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen or Boater community
- you have spent time in care or are estranged from your family
- you have refugee or asylum seeker status
- you are part of the Bristol Scholars or Sanctuary Scholars scheme
If you’re eligible, we'll automatically add you to the Flying Start programme before you start your course.
What you’ll get
Arrival support
You’ll be invited to a welcome event and tailored interactive sessions to help you prepare for university, build your academic confidence and meet other students.
Events and activities
Take part in social events, workshops and wellbeing activities throughout the year. Some events are open to all students, while others are designed for specific groups.
See what's coming up in the events calendar.
Monthly newsletter
You’ll receive the Flying Start newsletter before you arrive and throughout your time at Bristol. It includes:
- upcoming events
- opportunities
- Information about support available to you.
Careers support
You’ll have access to additional careers support, including:
- tailored careers information and advice, relevant to your circumstances
- the opportunity to apply for Bristol Mentors, giving you mentoring to explore ideas and gain sector insights
- ring-fenced funding for SME (Small and Medium Employer) internships
If you're disabled, neurodivergent, or have a mental health condition, we offer specific tailored support. This includes extended career guidance appointments (when you’re ready), with the option for follow-up with the same adviser.
Flying Start Summer Research Internships
You can apply for Flying Start Summer Research Internships to gain experience working on a research project and develop your skills.
Tailored support
You can also access tailored support depending on your background:
- Global Majority students
- students from forced migration backgrounds
- mature and part-time students
- care experienced students
- estranged students
Contact us
If you have questions about Flying Start or you're not sure whether you're eligible, email us at flyingstart-uob@bristol.ac.uk.
Data protection
For more information about how your data is used, visit our Data protection statement page.