Guide to Welcome Week 2024
The results are in and you’re on your way to the University of Bristol. A huge well done from everyone at Bristol Students' Union, we can’t wait to have you here! 🎉
What’s in store for you once you’ve arrived, you might be wondering. And, what’s this ‘Welcome’ that everyone keeps talking about?
Here at Bristol SU, we’re a union for all students – so our ‘Freshers Week’ is called Welcome Week. It’s a massive, annual Welcome to all University of Bristol students, both new and existing. So, no matter who you are or how long you've been with us you’ll be able to kick the new year off with an exciting Welcome Week!
This September is all about creating memories, finding your people, and discovering all that Bristol has to offer.
When is Welcome Week?
Welcome Week takes place from 8 September until 13 September. Tickets for all of our events go on sale on Thursday15 August, and you can see the full programme here.
What can I expect during Welcome?
Think film nights with new friends, painting and creating, club nights, sports, plant potting, vintage sales, and so much more. Just because it’s Welcome, you don’t have to leave your usual routine behind – we’ll have something for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to exercise, a quiet night in to paint, or an opportunity to explore Bristol's nightlife, we’ve got you covered.
How can I keep updated on Welcome?
Want updates on your official Freshers programme? Sign up to our Welcome mailing list and we'll let you know when more tickets are added, as well as give you tips and tricks on making the most of your time in Bristol!
Check out the below for some of the best bits of Welcome 2024, and what you should look out for!
Events🎨
We host our Welcome Week, just for you, which includes an incredible line-up of versatile events – including club nights, arts & crafts, alcohol-free socials, and walks & tours of Bristol! It's a time completley jam-packed with a variety of events and opportunities so that you'll able to find something you like whilst meeting new people who have similar interests.
Feeling arty and fancy going on a Street Art Tour, or getting your new housemates together for a Movie Night at one of our live screenings? We've got it! Want to take a moment to find some quiet at Yoga, or one of our creative workshops (such as life drawing and upcycling)? Say no more.
And for our music lovers, we have so much in store. From a club night series in Bristol's best and biggest clubs to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift tribute acts. Don't forget to buy your Ticket Pass for exclusive access to our club nights.
We’re sure you are excited to find your community here in Bristol, and events are just one of the great ways you can meet like-minded people and have an unforgettable student experience.
Make sure to head to the SU website to check out the full programme for this September!
Club Nights 💥
If club nights are your thing, then this is the city for you. This Welcome we’re bringing you an iconic club night series to introduce you to the unmatched nightlife of Bristol.
From Pop Party and Indie Anthems onboard Thekla boat in Bristol's harbour, to House & DnB at one of DJ Mag’s 11th best clubs in the world. You’re not going to want to miss out.
❗Buy our Ticket Pass for EXCLUSIVE access to your hall's opening night, and the biggest night of Welcome Week at Motion❗
Our £21 ticket passes give you exclusive access to your hall’s opening night, and Motion on 12 September – the biggest event in Welcome Week! So, you can make sure you’re at the same events as the rest of everyone else in your halls whilst getting the best value ticket! What’s not to love?
Buying a Ticket Pass ensures you're getting the best value for the only official club nights for the University of Bristol students.
There are specific ticket passes for North Village Halls, East/West Village Halls, and Non-Halls. If you’re not sure which one applies to you, you can use our clever Village Finder!
Give it a Go!🤹♂️
Alongside events run by us, our student groups run Give it a Go! sessions throughout Welcome.
Give It A Go! are taster sessions and events that our student groups put on at the start of each term. This means that you can try out a student group or society before committing to a membership, even if you’ve never tried it before. These sessions are either free or cheaper than they usually would be so that everyone can try something new. If you’ve always wanted to try out a certain sport or hobby, but never had the chance to do so, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
It’s a tough choice to choose which of the 300+ groups you should try so come and meet our student groups in person at our Welcome Fair on 13 September. There will be a stand so that you can chat with hundreds of student groups all in one place. Certain groups will be taking part in our Give It A Go! arena, with student groups holding sessions that you can join in with. Come along and meet some of our student groups, try something different, and even learn a new skill.
Before you arrive, you can browse through our Give it a Go! programme here, and see what groups we have on offer using our Student Groups Finder.
Welcome Fair🎪
Explore everything Bristol SU and the city have to offer at the biggest event of the year and one of the biggest Welcome Fairs in the country. Over 15,000 students come to our Welcome Fair – and for a good reason! We showcase all the best bits of university life at Bristol, like our student groups, local food stands, and much more.
This exciting, annual event will be held on Clifton Downs from 9:30 until 18:00 (last entry is 17:00) on 13 September.
You’ll be able to explore everything Bristol SU and the city have to offer and meet so many different people who will be there to help you enjoy your time in Bristol – even when Welcome Week is over. From a fantastic array of local businesses and brands to student groups and networks. They’ll all be there, and so should you!
As well as loads of freebies from local businesses and big brands, food, and fun, what can you expect at the Welcome Fair…
🎪Meet 300+ Student groups who will be hosting information stalls, sharing their upcoming events and answering any questions you might have
🤹♂️Watch or take part in the Give It a Go! Arena
🪴Come to our SU Marketplace to bag the best student deals on houseplants, room décor and more
👚Grab your university merch at the SU Shop Pop-Up
🧘️Calm space for relaxing and taking time out of the fair
🍔Eat local food, meet national brands, and take part in free giveaways
💖Check out our employment, volunteering and networking opportunities
There is something for everyone to enjoy. Take the first steps in finding your community here in Bristol, by coming to Welcome Fair!
Customise Your Freshers🎨
As you've seen, there's so much to get involved in this Welcome. But what you decide to do, is completely up to you! Design your perfect Welcome Week by securing your tickets now. Browse the full Welcome 2024 programme here.
