Joining UCW in September 2026? You are invited to attend our successful Headstart programme!
Headstart is a 2-day programme of short, friendly workshops. It is ideal for students returning after a break in their education or stepping up from level 3 study as it includes bite-sized sessions on key academic skills for university. Headstart enables new students to meet lecturers, professional services staff, fellow students and familiarise themselves with our support services and learning environments.
To book both days, please sign up for each day separately.
Please email heart@ucw.ac.uk with any queries.
Day 1: Wednesday 8th July – Getting Started & Feeling Prepared
Day 1 is all about helping you settle in and feel confident about how university learning works. You’ll meet staff and students, learn what to expect academically, and find out how UCW will support you.
You’ll explore:
- What lectures are like and how to take useful notes
- Reading, research and writing for university assignments
- Getting organised before your course starts
- Meeting your lecturers and other students on your course
- Boosting motivation, memory and managing your time
- Understanding support, inclusion and reasonable adjustments
- Student services, wellbeing support and managing money
Timetable:
9:30 – 10:15: Welcome to UCW
Come to Winter Gardens Reception for registration. UCW staff will welcome you as you settle in and meet other attendees in our Learning Zone before we start our workshops.
10:15 – 11:15: Academic Skills – Learning from Lectures
This session will introduce you to the style of lectures at UCW. We will explore academic reading strategies, notetaking and preparing for independent study.
11:15 – 11:30: Break
11:30 – 12:30: Academic Skills – Planning Research and Writing
An introduction to assignments to help you effectively plan your time and research. This session will also explore academic writing techniques and ways to structure your writing.
12:30 – 13:00: Lunch
Mingle with lecturers, support staff and students over lunch. Familiarise yourself with the environment and explore the spaces available in the open zones.
13:00 – 13:45: Academic Culture & Community – Meet the Lecturers and Students
Join smaller breakout groups with fellow students from your subject area. Hear top tips on what you can do to get organised and focused ahead of your course starting.
13:45 – 14:30: Support and Inclusion – Cognitive Load, Memory and Motivation
An introduction to differences that influence cognitive load, working memory and motivation. A chance to explore what university environments, systems or uncertainties might increase mental effort and what choices, support and spaces might reduce overload. Students can identify strategies for engaging, learning and thriving at UCW
14:30 – 14:45: Break
14:45 – 15:30: Academic Culture & Community – Supporting you beyond your course
Meet the UCW HEART Team, where you’ll discover key student support services designed to help you succeed. Learn about managing finances and budgeting, accessing pastoral and careers support. This session will provide valuable information to ensure you have the resources and support you need throughout your university journey.
Day 2: Thursday 9th July – Building Confidence, Balance & Study Skills
Day 2 focuses on looking after yourself while studying and building the skills you’ll use throughout your course. You’ll also learn how to use UCW’s digital and library resources.
You’ll explore:
- Wellbeing, resilience and finding a healthy study‑life balance
- Managing stress and staying positive during your studies
- Thinking critically and reflecting on your learning
- Using the library and online resources confidently
- Essential digital skills for studying at UCW
- Making the most of feedback, group work and peer support
- Reflecting on what you’ve achieved and planning your next steps for September
Timetable:
9:30 – 10:15: Welcome – Reflect and Reset
Return to Winter Gardens Learning Zone for registration and a gentle start to help focus for day 2.
10:30 – 11:15: Support and Inclusion – Resilience and Life Balance
Join the Welfare and Wellbeing team for a practical session focused on managing stress, staying resilient, and prioritising your wellbeing throughout your studies.
11:15 – 11:30: Break
11:30 – 12:30: Academic Skills – Thinking Critically and Being Reflective
University will not teach you what to think but it can teach you how to think. This session will explore both critical and reflective thinking and how we can delve deeper into what we read, hear, see and experience to explore the meaning and significance of the world around us.
12:30 – 13:00: Lunch
Bring your own lunch and get a flavour for the events and activities that take place at UCW.
13:00 – 14:00: Academic Culture & Community – Making Sense of Sources
Get familiar with the library and learn some techniques for spotting misinformation. Build your confidence in finding and choosing good resources for your course.
14:00 – 14:30: Academic Culture & Community – Digital Jumpstart
We’re here to help set up your tech with everything you will need for your first week. Bring along your phone and laptop (or borrow one of ours) for help setting up your account ahead of your course.
14:30 – 14:45: Break
14:45 – 15:30: Academic Culture & Community – Feedback and Celebrating Success
Unpick the importance of peer support, group work and using feedback to support success. Individually reflect on your Headstart milestones and plan your next steps for September.
