Experience University of Southampton Residential
Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 July 2026.
Applications are open from 12 January to 5 March 2026.
What is Southampton Summer School?
This year you can join us on campus for a 4-day, 3-night programme. You'll get to meet our enthusiastic team of current students studying the courses you are aspiring to. You'll also meet with academics, researchers and alumni.
This residential is free and open to Year 12 or Level 3 (Year 1) students who meet our academic and Widening Participation eligibility criteria (see below). You'll have free accommodation and meals for the duration of the residential.
We understand that travel costs can be a barrier when invited to attend a University residential. The university would therefore like to offer you the option of purchasing your train ticket on your behalf or a travel reimbursement of up to £100 for mileage costs.
Southampton is one of the Sutton Trust’s partner institution. As a student you will have access to support and resources from the Sutton Trust, including the Sutton Trust Online platform and the Alumni network.
What the Summer School includes
Our Summer School is a great opportunity to get a taste of student life and degrees offered at UoS ahead of your university application.
During the 4 day programme you will:
- experience student life through clubs and societies, activities, tasters and tours
- receive information and guidance around the topic of finance, student maintenance loans the cost of living as a student
- have opportunity to socialise with other and meet likeminded individuals through variety of social activities
- stay in student halls
- plan a meal on a budget
- tour the city of Southampton with a current student
- have a taster lecture and group workshop or practical in a degree programme or subject area
- experience teaching and research within a subject area
- hear an alumni talk to find out where our graduates ended up after they studied at UoS
- explore our main campus
This experience will help you make decisions about a university course.
Degree programmes and subject areas for 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible for our Summer School, you must:
- attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee paying school or college
- be studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland
- be studying qualifications and subjects relevant to the subject area you are applying for
You must also meet one of the following Widening Participation criteria:
- be the first generation of your family to attend university
- have received free school meals while at secondary school
- attend a school or college with below average attainment or a low rate of progression to the top third of higher education institutions
- live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
- be or have been, looked after or in care
Meeting more criteria increases your chances of securing a place, but not meeting them all will not disqualify you.
If you are, or have been, looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the age, school and academic requirements.
Application process
Applications are open from 12 January to 5 March 2026.
What our previous participants say
“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
FAQs
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 Southampton Summer School is only open to home UK students, this is due to the funding we receive to deliver this activity.
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?
We will ask you to nominate a teacher to verify your application. We will then email you teacher to confirm the following details to the best of their knowledge:
- your grades, including past and current qualifications
- if you have ever been eligible for free school meals
- if you are the first generation in your family to attend university
- if you are in care or have ever been in care
- if you have received the 16 to 18 bursary
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.
Contact us
For further information on our Summer School, please contact the residential coordinator:
Email: c.e.bolton@soton.ac.uk
