We appreciate that the transition into university can come with challenges and that these challenges will look differently depending on a student’s background and life experiences.

The Ignite Your Spark programme at the University of Suffolk is a brand-new programme launching in Summer 2024 which has been designed to support students who are transitioning into their under-graduate studies with us through to the end of their first year. The programme aims to enhance the overall student experience and encourage student success in their studies and student life, through a range of support and activities including:

• Ignite Your Spark Preparing for University July event (TBC Online or in-person) and September (In-person, on campus) Welcome induction activities
• 1-1 Coaching with dedicated staff member and peer group mentoring opportunities
• 1-1 Appointments with in-house careers and academic services
• Bespoke workshops to enhance employability and networking skills
• Academic skills review and workshops specifically tailored to need and course
• Pre-induction guidance from course leaders
• Regular/Monthly social events
• Student participation fund
• Signposting and guidance on how to access support services

Eligibility

This programme is for full time, first year undergraduate students from one or more of the backgrounds listed below. Students must be home-fee status, based at the Ipswich Campus. Students must identify with one or more of the priority groups listed below to be eligible for the programme:

• Students whose home address is a IMD Q1 Postcodes (area of deprivation)
• Students that have received free school meals (FSM) at any point in their education
• Global Majority Students (a person who does not consider themselves or is not considered as white)
• Students who are estranged from their parents and/or family
• Students with care experience (anyone who has spent time in care)

Please note: Indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) is a measure of relative deprivation for geographical areas in the UK. IMD defines these areas into five quintiles (IMDQ1-5) based on relative disadvantaged. Office for Students and universities in the UK uses this classification in order to identify and better support students who live in IMDQ1 postcodes, and who therefore may encounter more barriers when accessing, attending and succeeding in Higher Education. Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Bath University Lookup Guide & English indices of deprivation 2019: Postcode Lookup.

How to Apply 

Please fill in our Expression of Interest form.

Other Support 

Other support is available for students from widening participation backgrounds.

• Disability and Wellbeing