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
Get extra help with career planning, applications and finding opportunities, including:
- tailored careers information and advice
- 15-minute careers appointments (online or in person)
- the opportunity to apply for Bristol Mentors.
If you’re disabled, neurodivergent, or have a mental health condition, you can also access:
- careers support for disabled and neurodivergent students, including advice on adjustments for job applications and in the workplace
- support through the Careers Service request form.
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.