Academic coaching for Flying Start students

Get support to build your academic confidence and develop effective study strategies.

We offer two coaching programmes for first-year Flying Start students who would benefit from additional academic support.

Coaching can help you:

  • settle into university study
  • build your confidence in seminars and group work
  • understand what is expected in your assignments
  • develop study habits that work for you
  • manage your time effectively and stay organised
  • feel part of the university community

Flying Start coaching

Delivered by University of Bristol staff, this programme focuses on reflection, goal setting and building academic confidence.

Starts: December 2026.

Who it’s for

You can apply if you are a first-year Flying Start student.

We prioritise students who:

  • were eligible for free school meals
  • receive the University of Bristol Bursary
  • live in an Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile 1 or 2 area. We’ll use your home postcode to check this.

What you’ll get

  • Up to five one-to-one coaching sessions from December 2026 to April 2027
  • Online or in-person sessions
  • Support to develop study approaches that work for you
  • Help to set goals and track your progress throughout the programme

How to apply

Complete the Flying Start coaching sign-up form.

Application deadline: 2 November 2026.

Join the Dots coaching

This programme is delivered by University of Bristol PhD students in partnership with The Brilliant Club. It includes feedback on your academic work and a group session with other students.

Starts: October 2026.

Who it’s for

You can apply if you are a first-year Flying Start student.

We prioritise students who:

  • were eligible for free school meals
  • live in an Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile 1 or 2 area. We’ll use your home postcode to check this.

What you’ll get

  • An online launch event to help you get started
  • Four 45-minute one-to-one coaching sessions with a PhD coach from November 2026 to March 2027
  • A small group session with students studying similar subjects
  • Personalised support to develop your study skills and academic confidence
  • Feedback to help you improve your coursework, academic writing and exam preparation
  • Opportunities to connect with other students and share experiences

How to apply

Complete the Join the Dots coaching sign-up form.

Application deadline: 28 September 2026.