How we create an inclusive student community
We are committed to creating an inclusive learning community where all students, from all backgrounds have an enriching and stimulating experience.
We work to create an inclusive student community in a number of ways, including specific support for students from underrepresented groups, a strong policy on bullying and harassment, and an institutional commitment to anti-racism. Learn more about the support we offer and how you can be involved in making campus a welcoming environment for all.
- Inclusive support for all students
- Specific support for underrepresented groups
- Be an active supporter of inclusion
- Report discriminatory behaviour
- Find your community
- Contact
Inclusive support available to all students
Peer mentoring
Peer mentoring is a way for new students to receive support from a student in a higher year.
The scheme runs from September until late January and you can apply for a mentor from the time your place at Bristol is confirmed until late November. All first year undergraduate students are eligible. You can ask for your mentor to:
- be of the same gender
- belong to the same faith group as you
- belong to the LGBTQ+ community
- be a mature student
- or another characteristic
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
Peer assisted study sessions (PASS) are weekly or fortnightly study sessions during teaching weeks, led by trained higher year students, where you can work together with your peers to further you understand of your chosen subject.The study sessions are friendly and informal and open to all students, so they are an ideal way to participate in and become part of your student community.
Specific support for underrepresented groups
Mentoring for trans and non-binary students
Our mentoring scheme for trans and non-binary students allows you to be supported by a peer mentor with similar lived experience.
Counselling services
Culturally appropriate counselling services for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students with our partner, Nilaari.
Mature and part-time students
Support for mature and part-time students, including social events, a student network and a dedicated Student Inclusion Officer.
Care leavers and estranged students
Sign up to the monthly newsletter to learn about the available services.
Students affected by forced displacement
The University of Bristol has achieved a 'University of Sanctuary' award in recognition of our work to welcome forced migrants into our community and promote a culture of inclusion. The Sanctuary Scholarship offers eligible applicants funding for tuition and living costs and the University provides specialised pastoral support for all Sanctuary Scholars once they begin their studies. All students from asylum seeker and refugee communities can also access all of the University support services for students.
Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is a national a national network of students building a more understanding and just society where refugees are welcomed and can thrive in the UK. The University of Bristol STAR group offers support for students and runs information evenings, open days for potential students, and volunteering programmes to support refugee communities in the wider city.
Our Student Inclusion Team runs events for Sanctuary students, and those affected by Global conflict.
Bristol has City of Sanctuary status, and there is a wealth of community support an organisations working to support the forcibly displaced community in our city. Browse our interactive Bristol City guide and map for further information.
Support for progression to postgraduate study for underrepresented groups
The Widening Participation Research Summer Internships, including the WP Summer Internships and Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarships provide eligible undergraduates from underrepresented groups with hands-on experience of research during the summer holidays, to help you consider the possibility of postgraduate study.
The Bristol Master's Scholarship and the Bristol Black Master's Scholarship offer support for talented UK postgraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Supporting an inclusive student community
You can learn how to be an active supporter of an inclusive student community by completing one of our courses.
University community induction course
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion e-learning course
Union Black anti-racism training
Report unacceptable behaviour
Report discriminatory behaviour and get advice.
Find your community
Join a student group and find your community at Bristol. The SU hosts societies for students from all backgrounds.
Contact
General enquiries: student-inclusion-services@bristol.ac.uk
Support for care leavers and estranged students: care-leavers@bristol.ac.uk
Support for part-time and mature students: mature-students-adviser@bristol.ac.uk