Taste of University

Register Now

‘Taste of University’ is our free annual residential Summer School, where you can experience university life for yourself.

Who is Taste of University for?

The event is designed specifically for people who are in Year 12, or those studying the first year of a Level 3 qualification in college. We will support you as you find out about the opportunities available at university and how to find and apply for courses you are interested in.

Across three days and nights in our accommodation, you will meet current students and lecturers, explore campus life, and you will have the chance to ask our expert advisers any questions you might have. Most importantly, you’ll have a great time too.   

What happens at Taste of University?

Taste of University will give you the opportunity to find out everything you need to help with making your decision about the next steps. You will be able to:

  • Experience the facilities and life on campus 

  • Explore our support and extra-curricular opportunities

  • Expand knowledge of your UCAS applications, Student Finance, and Academic Skills 

  • Develop your confidence and independence skills

What you need to know

Taste of University will run at Exton Park in Chester from Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th July 2025.

When: 8th-11th July 2025
Where: Exton Park Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Who: Year 12 and First Year college students, aged 16-19
Cost: Free
How: We encourage you to apply by Friday, 16th May. You will have your place confirmed within a few weeks of the application.

All meals, accommodation and activities are free of charge; however, applying for your place is essential. If you are in Year 12, you are welcome to Taste of University. If the event is over-subscribed, priority will be given to those who are from groups currently under-represented at the university under the following criteria:

  • If you are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
  • If you are living in Low Participation Neighbourhoods, particularly young, white males
  • Have a disability or specific learning difference
  • Have experience with local authority care

Help getting here

The University of Chester has a Travel Bursary Scheme which you may wish to use to attend Taste of University.

Register for Taste of University

Frequently Asked Questions

All activities and accommodation will be based at our Exton Park Campus. You may visit one of the other sites in Chester depending on your chosen subject areas during the event. Transport between sites will be provided.

A full schedule of events will be provided closer to the event, but all activities will be communicated ahead of time, and confirmed each day during the event too. Activities will start each day between 9:00-9:30am, and finish around 3:30-4pm each day, with regular breaks and free time.

Once you have applied for a place you will receive an email from us to confirm that we have received your application. We will confirm all places as soon as possible.

If you’re no longer able to attend Taste of University, please email outreach@chester.ac.uk and let us know that you wish to cancel your booking, along with the email address you used to book your place. We will then email you to confirm we have cancelled your place.

You can choose to travel to us however suits you best. If you would like to access financial support for your journey, please see the information around our Travel Bursary available to students who meet certain criteria.