Head Start Summer School
If you are a Compact Scheme student starting your studies here at Kingston in September 2013 you will be invited to attend our Head Start Summer School event.
Kingston may be your firm choice but we understand the uncertainties and concerns you may have before you start your course, which is why we run this Head Start event.
What is Head Start?
The Head Start Summer School aims to help give you a head start on your university journey at Kingston. It will provide you with:
- the support you need for making the transition from school, college or employment;
- an insight into university life;
- advice and guidance in preparation for your university journey and to support you through your time at Kingston University;
- an understanding of what is expected of you here at Kingston;
- an understanding of your own learning style and information on how you can manage your workload, study independently, and get used to the different methods of teaching and ways of learning at university; and
- some top tips on writing and presenting your work.
We won't be able to cover everything, but the good thing is at Head Start you will have the chance to meet other students with similar worries and concerns as you, plus you'll get to meet current students who were once in the same position and who will be able to share with you the benefit of their experience.
You will also meet the people who will be on hand to help you when you are studying here, such as tutors (teachers) and student support officers.
See what happened at last year's Head Start event.
Head Start Summer School 2013
Find out more this year's Head Start Summer School programme, including how to book your place:
When does Head Start take place?
Head Start 2012 was so popular, this year we have decided to run three events, each one with the option to stay over in halls of residence!
There are three events for you to choose from – events 1 and 3 are at our Penrhyn Road campus and event 2 is at our Kingston Hill campus. The events are not subject specific, so pick whichever date and campus works best for you:
- Head Start event 1 – Penrhyn Road campus (with residential option)
Tuesday 2 July, Wednesday 3 July and Thursday 4 July
- Head Start event 2 – Kingston Hill campus (with residential option)
Wednesday 17 July, Thursday 18 July and Friday 19 July
- Head Start event 3 – Penrhyn Road campus (with residential option)
Wednesday 7 August, Thursday 8 August and Friday 9 August
Residential option: for students who are unable to commute to Head Start each day we will be offering two free nights' accommodation in our Seething Wells halls of residence.
Places for these rooms are limited and are very popular and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis and dependent on the distance you live from the University.
If you are travelling a long distance we have a small number of rooms available for the night before each event please indicate on the booking form if you would like to be considered for a room.
There is no cost to stay in accommodation, providing you stay for the full three-days of the event. If you do not stay for the duration of the event you may be charged for your accommodation.
What is Head Start like?
Head Start will be made up of academic sessions and sessions to help prepare you for your first year and support you through your university journey. Sessions will be run by support and academic staff as well as our current students to ensure you get an all-round picture of university life.
The type of areas we cover includes:
- the difference between studying at school and university;
- a chance to get your questions answered;
- subject-specific sessions;
- sources of advice and guidance when you're here;
- study skills workshops;
- numeracy and literacy skills;
- mature learners specific sessions;
- finding your way around and orientation of the campuses;
- support, advice and guidance from existing students;
- money doctors;
- finding part-time work and working towards your chosen careers; and
- what Kingston has to offer our students.
There will also be optional evening social activities, which will be fun and will help you get to know each other.
We will have a whole team of current students helping run the event and organising the social activities, so there will be plenty of time to chat with them and find out the inside information on being a student here at Kingston.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Begin your student life at Kingston with a whole group of friends you make at Head Start.
- Meet current students who were once in the same position as you, who can give you invaluable tips and advice for having a successful first year at university.
- Be the first to meet support staff who can provide you with help and information.
- If you are feeling uncertain about any aspects of university, Head Start will aim to answer any questions you may have.
- You will get to know the university and how to find your way around.
- Top tips for surviving your first semester.
- Get useful tips to help you adjust to university life.
- Feel more confident about starting in September.
- The residential option enables you to stay in one of the University's halls of residence completely free of charge.
- Get an idea about what will be expected of you academically.
- You will also receive advice and guidance on study skills and preparing you for what will be expected of you during your Kingston journey.
Did you know…research findings indicate that those who feel at home in a university environment; both academically and socially, are statistically more likely to graduate.
Do I have to attend?
There is an expectation that students who receive either the National Scholarship or Kingston Scholarship register for Head Start. If you are a student placed on the waiting list for either a National Scholarship or Kingston Scholarship your application for a scholarship will be looked at more favourably if you attend our Kingston University Head Start Summer School programme.
We only have a limited number of places available on the summer school, if you book a place you will be expected to attend all of the sessions.
If you book a place on Head Start with accommodation and do not attend the event at all or for the full three days without good reason you may be charged for your accommodation.
Will I be able to meet current students?
Yes, there will be a number of student facilitators helping run the event. The students who will be running the event will be from a variety of subject areas, ages and backgrounds so you will be sure to meet somebody who you can really relate to.
Is there an option of staying over?
For students who are unable to commute to Head Start each day we will be offering two free nights' accommodation in a halls of residence.
How many people will be there?
There are a total of 450 places available on the summer school, 150 places at each event.
How will I get there?
Directions to Penrhyn Road
The following events take place at the Penrhyn Road campus:
- Head Start 1 on Tuesday 2 July – Thursday 4 July
- Head Start 3 on Wednesday 7 August – Friday 9 August
The nearest train stations are Kingston and Surbiton; there are also various buses which stop outside the campus.
If you are planning on driving, that's fine, but there is no student parking at our Penrhyn Road campus, so you will have to park in one of the public car parks, which are very costly (£25 per day approx).
Find out more on how to get to Penrhyn Road.
Directions to Kingston Hill
The following event takes place at the Kingston Hill campus:
- Head Start 2 on Wednesday 17 July – Friday 19 July
The easiest way to reach Kingston Hill is to drive. There are more than 700 parking spaces at the campus.
Find out more on how to get to Kingston Hill.
On your arrival
When you arrive at the campus follow the registration signs. We'll then ask you for a few brief details and give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit.
How much does it cost?
The Head Start Summer School is completely free to attend. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner is only provided for those taking part in the evening programmes) will be provided. The only money you may need is to purchase additional food and drink during the event and any spending money for the evening social events.
For those who will be staying in halls of residence your accommodation will be paid for by the University, providing you stay for the full three days of the event. If you do not stay for the duration of the event you may be charged for your accommodation.
What you will need to bring
Only yourself!
If you are staying in halls of residence then you will need to bring clothes and toiletries.
Is Head Start for mature students?
One of our key strengths at Kingston University is our diverse student body. Mature students make up an important part of our university community – 40.9% of our students are at least 22 years old on entry, with 22.9% being 25 years old or over (as of 1 December 2012).
We recognise the importance of supporting mature students through the transition to university and invite you to attend Head Start.
There will be information and guidance sessions at this event specifically targeted towards mature students.
How do I book my place?
To book a place you will need to be holding a firm offer with us and you also need to be registered for the Compact Scheme.
Important: if you book your place on Head Start and reserve accommodation you must inform us in writing five days prior to the event if you decide you would no longer like to attend / and / or stay in accommodation. Failure to do so may result in you being charged for your room.
Information for those staying in accommodation
Do I need to bring anything?
You will need to bring clothes, toiletries and a towel; you do not need to bring bedding as this will be provided.
Where will I be staying?
You will be staying in our Seething Wells halls of residence.
How much will it cost?
The cost of you stay in the halls of residence is covered by the University, providing you stay for the full three days of the event. If you do not stay for the duration of the event you may be charged for your accommodation.
Will i have my own room?
Yes, you will have your own room.
Is the accommodation mixed?
Yes, the accommodation will be a mix of female and male.
What if I live locally, can I still stay over?
We only have a limited number of rooms available; priority will be given to those who live more than 20 miles away initially.
Buttle UK
Kingston University was one of the first six higher education institutions to be awarded a quality mark from Buttle UK for our commitment to supporting local authority care leavers and our recognition of the particular challenges faced by looked after young people.
