Although most students at the University are over the age of 18, we welcome younger applicants who have the aptitude to thrive here. We treat all our students as independent, mature adults, regardless of age, but because under-18s living in England are considered by law to be children, we have additional responsibilities towards younger students. We have therefore made special arrangements to ensure that we fulfil this duty of care.
When you arrive at Bristol, you will be assigned a personal tutor, who will guide you through your years at the University. You will receive appropriate pastoral care, and a comprehensive range of specialist services will be available for anyone needing additional support.
While we do all we can to support younger students through university, parents or guardians should also be aware of their responsibilities. Offers are made on the condition that parents or guardians accept that the University cannot assume parental responsibility for students under 18.
Younger students should be aware that it is illegal for under-18s to buy or be sold alcohol. We take reasonable to ensure that the law is observed on licensed premises on the University precinct, but ultimate responsibility lies with parents or guardians.
Students under 18 are not allowed to hold positions of responsibility, whether in external organisations or in University clubs or associations.
Parents or guardians will be asked to complete a parental declaration form (PDF, 75 Kb) agreeing to these conditions among others.
Parents who live overseas should nominate a UK-based guardian for any under-18 student attending the University in case of an emergency.
If you accept an offer of a place at Bristol, you will be eligible for accommodation under the terms of the accommodation guarantee, but we will give particular consideration to which type of accommodation is most appropriate for under-18s.
If you accept a place at Bristol, we will inform all the relevant departmental staff of their responsibilities to under-18s under the University’s child protection procedures, including special measures in relation to field trips or potentially hazardous activities.
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