Chelsea's story

‘Returning to education after nineteen years, I started my adult-learning journey right from the beginning. I studied for and passed Functional Skills, then proceeded to do my GCSEs again. With this newfound confidence and excitement for learning, I realised I could study at a level I'd never thought possible.

‘I knew that if I wanted to pursue my dream career, I would have to go to university. The thought of going to university made me anxious. When I became aware of the Building Up to Higher Education course, I was enthusiastic to attend.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the course. It was lovely how welcoming all of the tutors were. Everyone who attended the course was extremely friendly. There were people with different backgrounds, dreams and aspirations. The balance of collaboration and independent work was perfect.

University is for me

‘The course has benefitted me greatly. I have acquired an understanding of what it would be like to study at university. I have learned different tools and strategies that I will implement in my own work when I start my Access to HE course.

‘It was enjoyable to attend week after week, as you build a connection with the tutors. I have found this particularly beneficial, because when I have attended other events at the University of Bristol, it has truly helped seeing a familiar face, especially with the bigger events.

‘The course was most rewarding and it has made me determined to go to university. Attending the course has stopped me worrying. I had thoughts that university was not for people like me and now I am sure it is.’