Who can attend this event?
Beginning at Bath is a free event for students who have made themselves known to the Disability team during the application process or identify as Autistic on their UCAS application. These students may benefit from additional support when transitioning into university study and life.
The event is for students who have accepted their place at Bath and are starting their courses this academic year. Student ambassadors and staff from the Disability Service will also attend to help lead activities, answer student queries, and familiarise students with university life.
What is included in this event?
This is a two-day event held on campus. You are invited to stay overnight in University accommodation with meals provided. The event is designed to help you get to know other students, familiarise yourself with the University campus, meet key members of support staff, and chat with some of our current students. There are several sessions run throughout both days by academics, Students’ Union representatives and professional services staff on topics such as:
- Students’ Union (societies, social groups and events, and support teams)
- Support Groups (i.e. Social Networking Group, Autism Social Group and Campus Buddies)
- Disability Advice appointments
- Current students’ experiences of joining Bath
- Library tour
- Introduction to Assistive Technology
- Making the transition to University positive
- Social activities to help you meet fellow students (e.g. campus tour, quizzes and city-centre orientation morning)
- Accommodation and Student Support Advisors
Are parents/carers able to attend?
Yes, parents/carers are also invited to attend a short information gathering session at the beginning of the first day to hear from current students and ask questions of the Disability Service team, Accommodation Team, and Student Support Advisors. This also provides the chance to form networks with other parents, with the aim of enabling them to navigate and support their student’s transition confidently.
Please note that accommodation is only available for students attending (not parents and carers).
What do I need to do if I would like to attend?
We will send out invitations to students who we have met with during our pre-entry appointments and/or students who identify as Autistic on their UCAS application. If you have not had a pre-entry appointment and would like to attend Beginning at Bath, please email disability-supportworkers@bath.ac.uk or call the Student Support Help Desk on 01225 383838.
Please be aware that places are limited and demand can be high. We strongly encourage you to make a pre-entry appointment by the first week of August if you would like to attend this event.
Please note we are unable to book spaces for students in advance before A-level results.
We will email students (who identify as Autistic on UCAS) before A-level results to notify them of this scheme. This does not confirm a place but serves as a reminder of the event and to look out for future communications.
Within 2 weeks of A level results day (14 August 2025) we will invite students to apply who have identified as Autistic within their UCAS application or during a pre-entry appointment. Please reply to this email and complete the form as soon as possible as spaces are limited and we will operate on a first come first served basis. Please note the email invitation does not guarantee you a place, therefore you will need to respond in a timely manner. We will confirm if you have a space or are on the reserve list. We are aware this is a tight timeframe, however we are constrained by A-Level results and the start of the University term.
If you have a space confirmed we will send out the programme, accommodation details and other information about the event. This information does not go to parents or carers. We know some applicants have found it helpful to share the preparation emails and programme with their parents or carers once they receive it.
Outline of application and emailing process
- Student applies to Bath and discloses Autism on their UCAS application and/or discloses during a Pre-Entry Disability Appointment.
- Before A-Level results students who put Bath as their first choice receive an information email about Beginning at Bath.
- By 29 August students who have a confirmed offer from Bath will receive an email inviting them to Beginning at Bath.
- Students fill in a form confirming details and interest in Beginning at Bath.
- Disability Support Team sends an email out confirming if a place to Beginning at Bath is confirmed, along with information about the event.
What students have said
Students who have previously attended Beginning at Bath say:
“It was a really good insight into what sleeping at accommodation is like and being able to navigate around campus.”
The best part about Beginning at Bath was “Getting to meet people who actually accept me as I am” and “socialising with other autistic people”.
“Beginning at Bath was amazing. It was the first time I'd been around just autistic people and it blew my mind.”
“I think Beginning at Bath was great...being able to see my accommodation for first year at the event and speak to current students with disabilities really helped with my anxiety about transitioning.”
What parents have said
"Fantastic informative event and a great soft introduction to starting university - thank you all so much!"
“This opportunity ahead of starting at Bath was a great way to provide scaffolding and support ahead of my daughter's arrival. I am so very grateful she was given the opportunity.”