Aspire Sheffield

AspireSheffield is a programme based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities which seeks to support and enhance the experience of students who are from backgrounds that are underrepresented in higher education.

Starting university for the first time can be a daunting experience, but we aim to ensure that you get all the support and opportunity you need to successfully manage the transition and flourish as a University of Sheffield student.

We run a series of events throughout the year, including workshops to support the transition into University, academic skills focused sessions, social events to build community and foster a sense of belonging, CV building and employability skills development sessions, and regular communications and signposting to help students navigate the student journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond.

The programme is aimed at students who meet any of the following criteria. Statistically, students who meet one or more of these criteria may face additional challenges and areas of disadvantage throughout their student journey.  This has been informed by the Office for Students’ Equality of Opportunity Risk Register.

• I am from a low progression to HE area (Polar 4 Quintile 1) as shown here.
• I have been eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years
• I am in the first generation of my family to go to university
• I am a BAME (Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority) student
• I am a mature student (I was older than 21 when I started my undergraduate degree)
• I have a disability, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty
• I am a care leaver
• I am a young carer for someone
• I am estranged from my family
• I am from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community
• I am a refugee
• I am from a military family

When we advertise our events we may ask students to self-identify which of these criteria you feel applies to you.

You can find out more by visiting our website, or by contacting aspiresheffield@sheffield.ac.uk.