Going to university can be an exciting time, but it’s normal to feel a little nervous as well. Imperial’s Thrive programme is designed to bring together students from similar backgrounds in a friendly and supportive setting. The programme also gives you a chance to learn about and experience university life. There is also the opportunity to meet your departmental staff.
The residential takes place in the month before the academic year starts. Students invited to the residential will be provided with accommodation on campus, and catering will be provided by Imperial free of charge.
Details of the week
What to expect
The week consists of a mixture of activities that will introduce you to life as a student, help you familiarise yourself with the Imperial campus, and social events where you can meet students from similar backgrounds. There’s also plenty of free time to explore by yourself, or with new friends from the residential. The week doesn't include any formal teaching or academic work.
Where you will be staying
Thrive students will be staying in one of Imperial's halls of residence in the South Kensington area of London. This may not be the same halls you’re staying in once the academic year starts. Each room has a private bathroom (toilet and shower), tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi. Bed linen, towels and toiletries are provided free of charge.
Here are a few of the activities included in the residential:
Faculty events - course-specific activities run by members of your chosen department, giving you the chance to meet departmental staff, fellow classmates, and gain an early introduction to some of the activities that will be integral to your first-year experience.
Social events - we have put together an exciting series of free social events and activities, from team building sessions to evening trips and sports activities.
Tours of the campus facilities – these will help familiarise you with the university campus, and take in important places like the library and Ethos sports centre.
Student Services Fair – a chance to discover the help and support that Imperial provides for students.
Frequently asked questions
- What will my room be like?
- What is the catering like? Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
- Will I transfer straight into halls following the programme, or will I need to go back home in between?
- What should I bring?
- How will I know where to go?
- When does the residential start and finish?
You will have a single room with en-suite bathroom facilities in our Eastside halls of residence in Prince’s Gardens. This is only for the residential week.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included free of charge. We are able to cater for a range of dietary requirements, so please make sure you tell us of any particular requirements you may have in advance. You will also be given lunch vouchers to spend at Imperial’s food outlets.
You won't be able to move into your halls straight from the residential as Arrivals day, when halls open, is a few days after the residential finishes.
More details will be in your welcome pack that will come with your invite. Basically, you need to bring clothes and toiletries for a week away from home. Towels, bedding and toiletries are provided (don’t forget your toothbrush!). You’ll also need some ID and spending money if you wish to spend outside of the planned activities.
Directions will be included in your welcome pack, telling you where you need to be, and how to get there.
You’ll be sent details of start and finish dates for the residential in your invite.
If you have any other questions, the Thrive team will be happy to help thrive@imperial.ac.uk