Higher Education Preparation Days
Designed for students currently working towards Level 3 qualifications, our Higher Education Preparation Days provide an inspiring insight into university life.
Get your students ready for their next steps with a Higher Education Preparation Day at University of Gloucestershire.
Designed for students currently working towards Level 3 qualifications, these days provide an inspiring insight into university life. Through interactive workshops and tailored experiences, students will build confidence, deepen their understanding of higher education, and feel prepared to take their next steps.
Each Higher Education Preparation Day begins with a welcome and an introduction to university and concludes with a Student Q&A. The day can be tailored by selecting up to three sessions from the following options:
An overview of the key steps to higher education, including how to choose a course, apply through UCAS, and understand student finance and accommodation options.
NB: This could also be offered before or after your visit at your school or college by a member of our team.
Experience a university subject first-hand by working with academic experts in hands-on sessions. Tasters give students a real feel for degree-level study and spark ideas for future course choices.*
*Subject tasters depend on staff and facilities available, and may vary by event.
Take a guided tour of the campus with a current student ambassador and explore key facilities such as libraries, lecture theatres and specialist teaching spaces. Get a true insight into university life at Gloucestershire.
Step into the shoes of an undergraduate and discover the realities of student life beyond the classroom. Through an interactive activity, students explore accommodation, local amenities and budgeting to plan a typical day.
What does it take to set up a society at university? In this creative workshop, students design their own society and take part in a mock freshers’ fair, competing to recruit the most members.
Specialist guidance to help students prepare for interviews, auditions or portfolio reviews. This session equips them with practical tips to showcase their talents and stand out in competitive applications.
A clear introduction to student finance covering loans, budgeting, and part-time work. Students will also take part in an interactive activity to practise managing money while at university.
A practical session to boost confidence in applications and interviews. Students reflect on their experiences, identify key skills, and practise applying them to interview questions for jobs, apprenticeships and university courses.
Top tips on how to make the most of a university open day. Students learn what to look for, which questions to ask, and how to gather the right information to make confident course and university choices.
A clear guide to writing strong personal statements – what to include, how to structure it, and common pitfalls to avoid.
All Higher Education Preparation Days meet Gatsby Benchmark 7.
We deliver Higher Education Preparation Days across all our campuses throughout the year. To register your interest, please complete our Booking Form.
View all upcoming activities & events
Testimonials
“It was an excellent day”
“I thought it was an excellent day and really felt the changes from last year were positive ones that improved an already good day.
We particularly enjoyed the activity looking for a course for a student scenario and the taster sessions also added to the day. Thank you so much for your time and input – it is much appreciated.”
Chosen Hill School, September 2025
“The sessions were thoughtfully planned”
“We thoroughly enjoyed the day – the sessions were thoughtfully planned and far more interactive than similar visits we’ve attended at other universities.
Too often, outreach events can become quite passive, with an officer simply talking at the students. Your team clearly made an effort to actively engage them, which made a noticeable difference.”
Sixth Form Supervisor, Henley Bank High School, July 2025
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Travel funding
We recognise that rising costs can make organising travel challenging. To help, funding is available to support travel to and from campuses for our activities. Please get in touch to discuss what your school or college may be able to claim.*
*Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and must be claimed within 30 days of your visit. Schools and colleges are responsible for arranging travel directly with a provider. Reimbursement will be made to the school or college, subject to minimum student numbers and all paperwork being completed correctly within the timeframe.
Get in touch
You can get in touch with the Outreach Team using the options below.
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