THRIVE at Ravensbourne

Starting university marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, full of opportunities to learn, grow and make lasting connections. Our THRIVE programme aims to make sure you feel confident as you start University and help you get the very best from your time with us.

If you’re starting your undergraduate degree at Ravensbourne and you identify with one or more of the widening participation criteria listed below, you are eligible to be part of our THRIVE programme.

 

What is THRIVE?

THRIVE is a welcoming and inclusive programme that provides enhanced support to students from backgrounds that are under-represented at university.

The programme has been developed in collaboration with current students out of a recognition that for some students, there may be additional challenges in their journey to and within higher education.

THRIVE aims to support equality of opportunity, and to help all students to get the most out of their university experience.

THRIVE also aims to:

  • help students prepare for and settle into university life
  • increase awareness of, and access to, the wide range of support services across the University
  • support students to meet and make friendships with other students who may have a similar lived experience
  • increase students’ confidence in their ability to succeed
  • support students to apply for paid work opportunities and access career enhancing support and guidance.

Who can join THRIVE?

Undergraduate students who identify with one or more of the below Widening Participation characteristics are eligible for our THRIVE Programme:

  • Students who are the first in their family to go to university.
  • Students who are care experienced and estranged (CEES)
  • Students who are carers
  • Disabled students, including those with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), neurodivergence or a mental health condition
  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
  • Students who were service children
  • Students returning to learning aged 21+ (mature students)
  • Students with parental responsibilities
  • Students from low-income households (household income below £30k annually)
  • Students who were eligible for free school meals

You can find out more about our Access and Participation plan for 2025-29 here.   

What is included as part of the THRIVE programme?

THRIVE is made up of a variety of exciting activities and opportunities that span across the first year at university and aim to give you the edge when it comes to navigating university life as a first-year undergraduate. You can opt into the opportunities and activities that are in line with your interests and are at times that work for you.

How does THRIVE support you at Ravensbourne?

  1. Pre-arrival - online sessions

    Kickstart your journey to Ravensbourne with bespoke online sessions designed to introduce you to our university student services (Careers & Employability, Student Support Team, Study Skills, The Money Advice Team, and more) before you arrive on campus, taking place in June - August. That way you can rest assured you will understand what’s on offer, as well as where to turn to for help and support when you arrive on campus.

     

  2. Pre-arrival summer school - in person

    You will be invited to attend an in-person THRIVE summer school on campus (usually in July). The summer school will be 3-4 days and will give you the opportunity to find out first-hand what it's like to be a Ravensbourne student. You'll work on a project brief, guided by Ravensbourne tutors and student ambassadors, and you'll work alongside your soon to be class-mates. You'll also get the chance to meet key teams from student support services and careers, as well as the enrolment team. 

     

  3. On course 

    Dive into a bespoke timetable of additional social and professional opportunities that you can attend with other members of THRIVE to explore all that university life has to offer, whilst also providing a space for you to make friendships with others who may have a similar lived experience as yourself.

    As part of THRIVE, you will also benefit from support in applying for paid employment opportunities on campus, for example being a Student Ambassador and joining our Student Advisory Panel. You will also get support from our Careers Team who will help you apply for paid work opportunities and access career enhancing support and guidance.

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If you are starting your degree at Ravensbourne and you identify with one or more of the Widening Participation characteristics above, you can register for THRIVE by completing our registration form. 

We are looking forward to hearing from you and supporting you to THRIVE!

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