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THRIVE Programme

Are you starting your undergraduate degree at Edge Hill in September 2023? Do you identify with one or more Widening Participation criteria listed below? If so, you are eligible for the THRIVE Programme.

Flyer advertising THRIVE Programme. It shows several students in a lecture theatre making notes. The text tells us that applications are open to first-year full-time undergraduate students.

What is THRIVE?

THRIVE is a holistic package of timely support, offered to you, to enhance your university experience. This programme has been designed by frontline staff in Student Services and Learning Services in collaboration with current students. 

This type of work is often referred to as ‘widening access’ or ‘widening participation’.

Examples of Widening Participation characteristics

Some examples of Widening Participation characteristics are:

  • students who are or have been eligible for pupil premium funding/Ever6 free school meals
  • students from low participation neighbourhoods (where very few people go on to higher education)
  • students who are the first generation in their family to go to university
  • students who have experience of being in the care of their Local Authority
  • Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES)
  • students who have caring responsibilities
  • disabled Students including those with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) or a mental health condition
  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
  • students who have refugee status
  • students from military families
  • individuals who are returning to learning as mature students.

Some current students have described feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’, as well as finding the student support offer overwhelming and tricky to navigate. THRIVE breaks down the stigma attached to seeking support, empowering you to make the most out of your university experience. THRIVE gives you the edge when it comes to academic and university life as a first-year undergraduate.

Third-year student Paige Pickles on campus

We spoke with third-year student, Paige, who identifies as a first-generation student. She’s shared how she felt when she was about to start university.

“I struggled to visualise what to expect as I had no one in my immediate family with university experience to discuss this with. I had to rely on information given to me by my sixth form rather than hear about first-hand experiences. I feel like students who aren’t the first in their family to attend university have a better insight into what they can expect from university life”.

Third-year student, Paige.

If you have family and supporters that haven’t been to university, you’re likely to have many different types of questions. We’re here to provide advice and information on how best to support you through the next stage in your academic journey.

“I was very nervous before starting university, but I was also excited to start living more independently in campus accommodation. I was worried about whether my experience would live up to my expectations but speaking with university staff helped me a lot. They explained how university works and gave me general tips on how to make the most of university life”.

Third-year student, Paige
Third-year student Paige Pickles on campus

For students like Paige, university can often seem like an unachievable goal. We’re here to show that you can thrive at university and go on to achieve career success.

Applying for university and getting ready to take that next step can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what to expect. THRIVE is the perfect support network to assist you to confidently take on the full university experience.

What can you expect?

  • Bespoke talks, workshops, events, drop-ins and appointments with colleagues from Careers, Student Engagement, Student Experience, The SU, The Money Advice Team, and more.
  • Early access to University events (such as the Careers Fair).
  • Enrolment onto Extra Edge, an employability award to encourage students to partake in extracurricular activities such as ambassador roles, part time jobs, and volunteering.
  • THRIVE Coach who can act as a main point of contact throughout the programme offering professional support and signposting. Coaches are allocated on a first come first served basis. Please list your preference on your application. We offer up to two meetings per term.
  • Access to the THRIVE Microsoft Teams channel.

Why take part?

A careers advisor is stood up talking and smiling to a student
  • Meet other students with similar lived experience to you.
  • Learn vital employability, networking and study skills.
  • Make connections with services that can continue to offer support beyond THRIVE for the remainder of your course.
  • End of year celebration to mark your achievements from across the year.

“My confidence has grown so much over the sessions I’ve had with the various support teams. Especially the Careers Team who have helped to build my confidence. They’ve encouraged me to apply for opportunities that I would otherwise be hesitant about. And I’m now doing a part-time job I love thanks to their reassurance and ongoing support”.

Third-year student, Paige

THRIVE will help you settle into university life calmly and smoothly. Support is accessible all year round and our teams are always happy to help.

How to get involved

If you are starting your degree at Edge Hill in September 2023 and you identify with one or more of the Widening Participation characteristics above, you can apply for THRIVE by clicking the link in the application email*. If you wish to get involved with THRIVE and have not received this email, please contact [email protected] and we will look into this for you. We are looking forward to hearing from you and supporting you to THRIVE.

*All Care Experienced and Estranged Students are guaranteed a place on THRIVE once a completed application has been received.