Head Start programme for undergraduates
Our Head Start programme helps prepare undergraduate students for their first year at Ȧ. Find out more about Head Start and how you can book a place.
Head Start at Ȧ
Join us for an immersive Head Start event to find out what being a student at Ȧ is actually like.
The programme is a great opportunity to connect with other new students and familiarise yourself with the University before your course begins.
Our guidance will help you feel confident and academically ready for your degree. There will also be information on what you can get involved in alongside your studies.
The Head Start programme
Our Head Start programme takes place each summer between July and September. It is made up of a mixture of three-day and one-day events. Most of the events take place in person at Ȧ, but there is one online event. All events are free to join.
Accommodation is provided for those on our three-day programme. Students will stay free-of-charge in our halls of residence.
By taking part in Head Start, you'll feel more confident and better prepared to start your course. Here's a taste of what you can do at Head Start:
- Talk to current students about what it's like to study at Ȧ
- Make friends with other new students starting in September
- Take part in panel discussions with our Accommodation, Health and Wellbeing, and Money Advice teams
- Attend useful advice sessions about budgeting and finding part-time work
- Find out how to join clubs and societies with Ȧ Students' Union
- Discover how we assist mature learners, and provide mental health, disability and dyslexia support
- Learn about our libraries and the facilities they offer
- Get valuable study tips and advice about studying at degree level
Head Start three-day events
To take part in our three-day Head Start programme, you must be a Home student with a Firm offer for an undergraduate course at Ȧ.
Our Head Start three-day events include the option for two nights' free accommodation in our Clayhill halls of residence. Places for these rooms are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If the rooms are oversubscribed, they will be prioritised for attendees unable to commute to the event each day. If you are travelling a long way to us, we have a small number of rooms available for the night before each event.
You must be 18 or older at the time of the event to stay in the halls of residence.
Dates for Head Start three-day events in 2025
- Head Start 1: 2, 3 and 4 July
- Head Start 2: 16, 17 and 18 July
- Head Start 3: 6, 7 and 8 August
- Head Start 4: 27, 28 and 29 August
Head Start Express one-day events
To take part in our one-day Head Start Express events, you must be a Home student with a Firm offer for an undergraduate course at Ȧ.
If you can’t make one of our main Head Start programmes, we offer a condensed version. Our one-day events still offer lots of valuable information and support to prepare you for starting your degree. Staff and current students will be on hand to answer questions too.
We also hold an exclusive Mature Learner Preparation Day for applicants aged 21 and over.
Dates for Head Start Express one-day events in 2025
- Head Start Mature Learner Preparation Day: 8 July
- Head Start Express 1: 30 July
- Head Start Express 2: 19 August
Head Start online
Our online Head Start event is available for Home and International students with a Firm offer for an undergraduate course at Ȧ.
If you can’t join us in person for Head Start, then we will bring Head Start to you. Our online programme shows you what Ȧ has to offer. You’ll also receive the same great information and support as our on-campus events.
Date for Head Start Online in 2025
- Head Start Online: Wednesday 3 September
Frequently asked questions about Head Start
Head Start helps prepare you for life as an undergraduate student at Ȧ. You will:
- Ask any questions you have about starting higher education
- Make new friends who are also starting at Ȧ
- Chat to staff and current students about university life
- Get to know the University and the local area
- Feel more confident about starting in September
- Learn how to improve your study skills
- Get an idea of what's expected of you academically
- Head Start 1: 2, 3 and 4 July
- Head Start 2: 16, 17 and 18 July
- Head Start 3: 6, 7 and 8 August
- Head Start 4: 27, 28 and 29 August
- Head Start Mature Learner Preparation Day: 8 July
- Head Start Express 1: 30 July
- Head Start Express 2: 19 August
- Head Start Online: Wednesday 3 September
At each event, there will be lots of sessions focusing on different elements of University life. Here are some of the themes covered in our sessions:
- Developing academic skills
- Accommodation information
- Student money advice
- Health and wellbeing support
Alongside these informative sessions we have lots of fun activities. You’ll meet other new students and have the opportunity to ask us questions.
No, attending Head Start is optional. However, our previous Head Start students have found the event very valuable.
Yes, student ambassadors take part in the Head Start programme. Our ambassadors are all current students and from a variety of different backgrounds and subject areas. This means you are sure to meet somebody who you can really relate to.
You can take a look at some of our current students' profiles. The students are available to chat to you if you have a specific question. Or you can just say hello before joining one of our events.
It is completely free to take part in Head Start. All you need to do is complete our booking form to register.
If you are attending an in-person event, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Dinner will also be available for those taking part in the evening activities.
Financial support is available to help with travel costs. Further information on how to apply for this support will be provided after your booking has been confirmed. However, if travelling costs might prevent you from booking and attending Head Start, email [email protected] for advice.
You may wish to bring some money with you to buy additional food and drinks.
For those staying in halls of residence, your accommodation will be paid for by the University. However, if you do not stay for the full three days of the event you may be charged for your accommodation.
We recognise the importance of supporting mature students through their transition to university. If you are aged 21 or over on 1 September before the start of your course, then you are considered a mature student.
Each year, we welcome a significant number of mature learners to our Head Start events. There will be information specifically targeted towards mature students, so please take part.
We also host an exclusive Mature Learner Preparation Day if you would rather attend this.
If you can no longer attend Head Start, you must let us know in writing five working days prior to the event. Failure to let us know may result in you being charged for your room.
There is likely to be a person on our waiting list who would like to attend the event in your place.
Our in-person events are only open to Home applicants. However, if you are an international applicant with a Firm offer to study an undergraduate course at Ȧ, you will be able to join us for our Head Start Online programme.
Firstly, you need to submit your application to register for our Head Start events. The Head Start team will then be in touch to confirm your place. You’ll also be provided with further details about the event.
You will be staying in our Clayhill halls of residence.
Yes, you will have your own room with en-suite facilities. However, a mix of female and male students will be sharing the flat with you. These students will also be attending the Head Start event.
You will need to bring clothes, toiletries and a towel. You do not need to bring bedding or kitchen utensils as these will be provided.
We will do our very best to accommodate everyone who wants to stay in halls. But if rooms are oversubscribed, priority will be given to those who live more than 15 miles away.
Contact the Head Start team
If you would like more information about Head Start, get in touch with our friendly team via email.
