THRIVE Programme
Please note, applications for academic year 2024/25 are now closed however we still have other support programmes available to all of our students which you may find helpful. You can find out more by visiting out student support services page.
If you’re starting your undergraduate degree at Edge Hill in September 2024, and you identify with one or more of the Widening Participation criteria listed below, you are eligible to be part of our THRIVE Programme!
Starting University can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what to expect and that’s why we’re excited to introduce our THRIVE Programme!
What is THRIVE?
THRIVE is a welcoming and inclusive programme that provides enhanced support to students from backgrounds that are under-represented at university.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with current students out of a recognition that for some students, there may be additional challenges in their journey to and within higher education.
THRIVE aims to support equality of opportunity, and to help all students to get the most out of their university experience.
THRIVE also aims to:
- help students prepare for and settle into university life
- increase awareness of, and access to, the wide range of support services across the University
- support students to meet and make friendships with other students who may have a similar lived experience
- increase students’ confidence in their ability to succeed
- support students to apply for paid work opportunities, and access fully funded career enhancing trips.
Undergraduate students who identify with one or more of the below Widening Participation characteristics are eligible for our THRIVE Programme:
- Students who are the first in their family to go to university.
- Students who are care experienced and estranged (CEES)
- Students who are carers
- Disabled students, including those with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) or a mental health condition
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
- Students who were service children
- Students returning to learning aged 21+ (mature students)
- Students with parental responsibilities
- Commuter Students
- LGBT+ students
- Students entering university from a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education
- Students from low-income households
- Students who were eligible for free school meals
THRIVE is made up of a variety of exciting activities and opportunities that span across the first year at university and aim to give you the edge when it comes to navigating university life as a first-year undergraduate. You can opt into the opportunities and activities that are in line with your interests and are at times that work for you.
There are 4 main components to THRIVE;
THRIVE student stories
Below are our students’ thoughts on taking part in our THRIVE Programme last year.
“It is a good program to help you prepare for starting university and provides good support during your first year at university.“
THRIVE student feedback
“[It’s] an extra support system, there if you need it but with no pressure.“
THRIVE student feedback
“It is a good program to help you prepare for starting university and provides good support.
THRIVE student feedback
“Being part of THRIVE gives you comfort to know that there is a network and system which has been created to help you and your needs, and you’re not alone with what you are struggling with. You can meet people with the same concerns, worries, and fears as you, people who have the same experiences or disabilities as you, gain help and support with navigating university as a student who is part of an underrepresented group, and more. It’s good to know the option is there but there are no expectations or requirements to meet anyone or signup to anything.t during your first year at university.“
THRIVE student feedback
“And, all the staff were amazing and provided great support and activities over my first year at university.”
THRIVE student feedback
How to register
If you are starting your degree at Edge Hill in September 2024, and you identify with one or more of the Widening Participation characteristics above, you can register for THRIVE by completing our registration form. We are looking forward to hearing from you and supporting you to THRIVE!
If you have any questions, please email the THRIVE Programme team who will be happy to assist you.
Please note we offer a guaranteed place on our THRIVE Programme to care leaver, care experienced and estranged students.