Experience University of Southampton Residential

To be eligible, you must be taking relevant and required subjects in relation to the taster degree subject session chosen.

You must also meet at least one of the following Widening Participation criteria:

• You are an estranged student
• Your current home post code shows that you live in an area with low levels of progression to Higher Education. (Postcodes within the lowest 2 POLAR4 or TUNDRA (MSOA) quintiles: Q1 or Q2). Postcodes can be checked for eligibility on our Postcode Checker.
• Your current home postcode falls within the lowest 20 per cent of the Index of Multiple Deprivation - identified as IMD Quintile 1 on our Postcode Checker.
• In receipt of a 16-19 bursary or similar grant OR received Free School Meals after the age of 14
• You live or grew up in Local Authority care
• Are a Young Carer

Our Experience UoS residential is open to Year 12 or equivalent, UK home students only. We prioritise students from state schools or colleges in the UK.

 

Applications for the summer 2025 residential are now open. Applications will close at midnight on Friday 25 April 2025.

“The residential made me realise what I enjoy and am interested in” Joshua

“It was amazing! I loved the balance between social activities and subject activities” Isabella

“It was an incredible experience, it was definitely one of a kind experience. It was lovely to get the feeling of day-to-day life of university” Bethany

“It was such a great opportunity and I really enjoyed it, it helped me so much in better understanding what uni will be life in a way that otherwise I wouldn’t have found out until I arrived. I really enjoyed getting to see Southampton but especially spending time in my subject with some lecturers. I had such a great time.” Elliot

“The residential was such a great experience as I was able to get out of my comfort zone and meet so many new people, interested in similar subjects to me and also other subjects. The mentors (both day and night) were also so amazing and they were so helpful whenever we had any questions. Was such a great 4 days!” Lewis

When asked what their favourite part of the residential was students said:

“Getting to live in halls and really understand the university experience.” Nathan

“Meeting PhD students and getting a tour around a laboratory setting.” Afria

“Meeting new people and the cooking activity was great fun!” Caitlin

“The taster subject lecture because it really allowed us to see what the teaching is like and how learning would be structured.” Gavin

“I really enjoyed the bowling, as it allowed me to make new friends and spend time getting to know each other in a fun way!” Libby

Is there a charge for this event?  

No, this event is free of charge, all food and accommodation is included and travel can be prebooked by the university for applicants.

I am an international student, can I apply?  

Our Experience UoS residential is only open to home UK students, this is due to the funding we receive to deliver this activity.

I am a homeschooled student, can I apply? 

Yes, we accept applications from homeschooled applicants.

I only meet 1 of the Widening Participation eligibility criteria, can I still apply?  

Yes, participants need to meet 1 eligibility criteria to be considered for a place.

Do I need to provide a teachers reference?  

Yes, we need a reference, to support your application, from a teacher, school guidance counsellor, principal or head teacher, head of year or sixth-form or careers advisor at your current FE institution.

The reference must clearly state how you meet the academic and Widening Participation criteria.
Applications submitted without a reference will not be considered.

Please speak to your teacher and ask them to provide a reference, there is guidance for you teacher in the useful downloads section on this page.

The reference should be completed on official letterhead with school logo, signed and dated. A copy should then be given to you to upload onto your application form or emailed directly to talk2us@soton.ac.uk.

If your referee has any questions please ask them to contact us on talk2us@soton.ac.uk.

Due to the numbers of applications we receive for this residential opportunity, we are unable to contact individual teachers for references.    

What should I write about in the supporting statement?  

The supporting statement is the chance to explain to us why you wish to attend the residential and what you hope to learn from the experience. We suggest you make the most of the word count to explain and reflect on why you have chosen the subject area and the University of Southampton. In order to provide us with a clear picture of you as an applicant.  

I cannot attend all the dates can I still apply?  

No, participants must confirm their availability for ALL dates to be considered for a place.  

Do I need to be studying certain subjects or qualifications, to take part in the residential?  

Yes, to be eligible participants must be taking relevant and required subjects in relation to the taster degree subject chosen. Details of the required subjects can be found on the course finder page.  

The subject I am interested in is not available, can I still apply?  

Yes, however applicants interested in studying one of the subjects on offer are given preference due to the spaces available and the programme.  

Where is the residential located?  

The residential is based at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ.

Where will I be staying?  

You will stay in our halls of residence in your own fully equipped room with your own ensuite bathroom. You will not share a room. All bedding and towels are provided. Access Team staff and students will also be staying overnight in case of any emergency.  

How do I get there?  

The University can book your train travel for the residential. If you prefer to book your own travel, you can claim up to £100 back, but this cannot be used for travel on first class trains.
If you are arriving by train our current students will meet you at the station.
If you are arriving by car we'll provide parking information closer to the time. Our student ambassadors will meet you at the car park.

What will I eat?  

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for the duration of your visit, and there will be multiple options to choose from at every meal. We will ask for dietary requirements in advance which will be taken into consideration and suitable meals will be provided.  

What will I be doing over the 4 days?  

One day is subject focussed, the other three days are a chance to explore the university, the life of a student and the City of Southampton through a range of activities including alumni sessions, workshops and social activities. A detailed programme will be emailed to successful applicants prior to attendance.  

Does this event count towards contextual admissions at Southampton?  

Yes, this event counts as an outreach activity (Criteria d. Participation in a recognised outreach or widening participation programme).  

Will I get a certificate of attendance?  

Yes, all participants who attend will receive a certificate at the end of the programme.  

Are parents and carers invited for any parts of the residential?  

Yes, we welcome parents/ carers to join us on campus on the final day to have lunch, meet the academics, hear from our financial support team and see their young person reflect on their time during the residential.