We are finalising dates and initial details for the 2024 Learn with US Residential. Please check back here in the autumn term for updates.
Details below are for the 2023 Learn with US Residential and are indicative of what to expect but please note all is subject to change, including eligibility and financial support available.
What is the Learn with US Residential?
The Learn with US Residential is a three-day, two-night residential where you will immerse yourself in university life and experience what it’s like to study at university.
You’ll experience our world class facilities, stay in our halls of residence, get involved with taster sessions, and find out what student life is really like.
This is a free opportunity for Year 10 students who meet our Widening Participation eligibility criteria. Your meals, accommodation, and all activities for the duration of the residential are included. We will also reimburse the cost of your travel to and from the residential.
Aims of the Residential:
- Have an authentic experience of university life with like-minded students – both academic and social
- Talk with current university students who will share their own journey to higher education
- Opportunities to ask important questions
- Gain an insight into the wide range of study and research options available at university
- Advice on the pathways you can follow to access those opportunities
- Build your confidence working with new people in a new environment
What you will be doing:
- Experience your choice of subject taster seminars
- Explore our range of courses by talking to subject specialists
- Engage in activities designed to highlight the diverse nature of student life, both on and off campus
- Begin to define your own unique experience
- Complete a group project based on your residential experience
- Live like a student in university accommodation (in your own ensuite room)
Feedback from the 2022 Learn with US Residential?
Those who attended the 2022 Learn with US Residential described their experience as exciting, fun, and enjoyable. Many students enjoyed the taster lectures that gave them a chance to experience university courses first-hand, and the social activities taught attendees that ‘there is more to uni than just ‘study study study’’.
Am I eligible to attend?
The Residential is for Year 10 Students living and studying in the United Kingdom.
Applicants should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be in receipt of Free School Meals, or have been in receipt of Free School Meals, at any point during secondary school studies.
- Be in local authority care OR have been looked after for three months or more.
- Be a Young Carer.
- Have a current home post code showing that you live in an area with low levels of progression to Higher Education (Postcodes within the lowest 2 POLAR4 quintiles)
- Have a current home post code showing that you live in an area that falls within the lowest 20 per cent of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
- Be in the first generation of immediate family to go into higher education, excluding brothers or sisters.
FAQs
How much will the residential cost me?
The residential is a free opportunity. Your accommodation, meals, and all activities during the residential are included. We will also reimburse your travel expenses to and from the residential.
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 student ambassadors will also be staying overnight in case of any emergency.
What do I need to bring with me?
You only need to bring yourself! Pack clothes with some weatherproof options, sensible shoes, personal hygiene products, and any necessary medication. All bedding and towels are provided, as is all of your food. Although you will not need any money, we would suggest having access to some, especially if you are travelling to the residential alone. Please note: Highfield Campus is a cashless campus so although there shouldn’t be the need to spend anything, shops and vending machines will only accept card payments. We will provide further guidance on what to bring closer to the time.
How do I get there?
The residential is based at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. There is a bus stop on campus with buses from all over Southampton including Southampton Airport Parkway and Southampton Central train stations. If you are arriving by train or bus we will ensure you will be met by our student ambassadors. If you are arriving by car we will provide parking information closer to the time, and again you will be met by our student ambassadors. Your transport costs will be reimbursed.
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.
How many people will be attending?
There will be a maximum of forty Year 10 students attending the residential. There will be staff working for the duration of the event, including overnight, and you will be accompanied by our student ambassadors during all activities.
Contact Us
If you want to ask any further questions before submitting your application, please contact Joe Cunningham (J.A.Cunningham@soton.ac.uk) who will be happy to help.