The University of Southampton hosted 50 A-level students from across the UK at a ‘transition day’ to support their step up to university.
The students are taking part in a programme that supports young people from underrepresented or lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access higher education.
The nine-month programme, called Ignite Your Journey (formerly Access to Southampton), has supported more than 1,500 students through the application and preparation for university since 2012.
The Rt Hon Justine Greening, Joint Chancellor of the University of Southampton and advocate for social mobility and equal opportunity, said: “The Ignite Your Journey programme is such a great way to support future students into a successful life ahead at university in Southampton – both the chance to meet and be mentored by current students, access to financial support, and the wider support once they arrive in the autumn – it all makes a real difference.”
The 50 students attending the day have all received an offer to study at the University of Southampton from September 2025.
The day included workshops and presentations on budgeting, dealing with stress, research skills, and a session from a final-year student on ‘an insider’s guide’ to what university life is like.
Ruby Woolmer, 17, from Reading, is planning to study English. She said: “The programme has been really rewarding and I feel comfortable now being in the university environment. It was great to speak to alumni here about how they have enjoyed their time at university.”
Ethan Cheung, 18, from East Sussex, has applied to study Aero Engineering. He said: “One of my favourite parts of the programme was learning about time management, I found that especially helpful. It was also great to have a mentor to ask questions and to hear things from the perspective of someone already at university.”
And Sarah Nicholls, 18, from Plymouth, who intends to study English, said: “I have found the programme helpful for improving my personal skills and my transition from A-levels to university because it’s such a big jump.”
Current university student Lucy Doble, 19, completed the Ignite Your Journey programme ahead of starting university, and is now part of the follow-on programme Ignite Your Success , which supports students with financial, academic, career and personal opportunities.
Lucy, a second-year Geography student, said: “The financial support has been so crucial to my time at university, and with the accompaniment of workshops and support sessions has just made my university experience so positive.
“The opportunity to also apply for an internship every Easter has given me rich experience and a lot of help in terms of my career decisions.”
Last month, Ignite Your Journey, run by Access Manager Emma Woozeer, won a Breaking Down Barriers Award from The Purpose Coalition, which is chaired by Rt Hon Justine Greening.
