Choosing whether to go to university, and where, is a major decision. But many students are asked to make that choice without ever having set foot on a university campus.
For students from underrepresented backgrounds, the idea of university can feel distant, not just geographically, but socially and culturally. And for many schools, stretched for time and resources, organising a visit can feel out of reach.
That’s why we offer tailored campus visits for students in Years 7 to 13 designed not just to showcase what Bath is like, but to support students and schools in overcoming some of the barriers that can limit access to higher education.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Campus visits at Bath aren’t off-the-shelf. We work closely with schools and colleges to build a day that fits their students, whether they’re just starting to think about post-16 options or getting ready to apply.
Every visit includes current student ambassadors, who share their own experiences, answer questions honestly, and help break down some of the mystery about university life. Typical visits might include:
- A welcome and introduction to higher education
- A tour of campus, led by students
- A talk or workshop, tailored to the group’s interests
- An interactive Q&A session with current university students
- Informal time to explore the environment and ask questions
The content, pace and structure flex depending on what the school needs. Some groups are large; some are small. Some want detailed talks; others just want to walk the grounds and talk to students. The key is meeting schools where they are.
Numbers That Show Demand
In the last three academic years, we’ve welcomed over 26,000 students to the University of Bath through our campus visit programme:
- 2022–23: 280 events, 9.000 students
- 2023–24: 350 events, 11,000 students
- 2024–25 (so far): 250 events, 7,000 students
This continued demand reflects not just interest but need. Schools want their students to have access to these spaces and we’re committed to making that as easy and valuable as possible.
Why It Matters
Not every student grows up knowing what a university is like. And not every school has the time, resources, or connections to organise a trip to one.
We know that visiting a university campus can be a key turning point, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. But those are often the same students who are least likely to access that experience. Distance, transport costs, staff cover and competing priorities all create barriers for schools trying to make it happen.
Campus visits help break through that.
By offering structured, flexible, and school-led experiences, we reduce the burden on schools and create space for students to ask questions, explore options, and get a feel for the university environment, without pressure.
These visits help address a very real challenge: many students are expected to make life-changing decisions about their future without ever having stepped onto a campus. That creates gaps in understanding, in confidence, and in aspiration.
We also know that universities can feel intimidating, abstract, elite, or simply “not for people like me.” A visit helps change that narrative. And it’s often the small moments that matter most:
“I didn’t think you’d be allowed to wear normal clothes.”
“I didn’t know you could study subjects like this.”
“There’s a shop and a coffee shop on campus?”
Those moments aren’t trivial, they’re part of breaking down the unwritten rules and unspoken assumptions that surround higher education.
Campus visits are one of the most effective and direct ways we can help students feel not just welcome at university but entitled to consider it as a serious, possible next step. And they give schools a practical, meaningful way to support that journey.
