Welcome Week can be just as beneficial for returning students as it can new students. Whilst you’re already familiar with the city and life as a student at Manchester, Welcome Week can be a great way to get involved in something new, or broaden your knowledge on the services the University offers.
Welcome Week is packed with activities and events that are both ran by the University and Students Union on campus or externally across the whole city. We’ve narrowed the hectic schedule down to the essentials, so amongst the other events you go to, make sure you fit these in to your plans. You can check out the full list of events for semester one here. But for now, here are our top picks of welcome week activities:
Freebie Fair
10am-4pm at Manchester Academy, Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th September
It doesn’t matter what year of study you’re in, everyone loves a freebie! Go and grab yours to kickstart your Welcome Week. There’ll also be opportunities to find out more about the deals and discounts to be had from well-known brands.
Start of Year Fair
10am-4pm outside Williamson Building, Tuesday 17th September & Wednesday 18th September
This is the best place to go for getting to grips with the services the University offers, including welfare, health, and finance. Even if you aren’t in your first year of study it’s always good to refresh your memory of the services available, and you may even discover a service that you didn’t know about, or that you might need at some point during the rest of your time at Manchester.
Societies & Sports Fair
10am-4pm at Manchester Academy, Wednesday 18th September & Thursday 19th September
It’s never too late to get involved! Joining a society or team is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and develop new and existing skills. The University has 350 societies, so there really is something to suit everyone’s interests and passions. And whilst there are so many to choose from, it’s a good idea to take a look at them before you go along to the fair so you can ask any necessary questions when you’re there!
PG Tips
Wednesday 18th September 1pm-3pm, Students Union Room 1.5 (PGT) & 1.6 (PGR)
Calling new postgrads – this one is just for you! Pop into one of the sessions for a brew and a chat with current or past postgraduate students who are on hand to give you tips and tricks for life as a postgrad. Due to the demand, you’ll need a free ticket to get into the event. You can find these here.
If you fancy something different from the Welcome Week activities, check out our top pick of what’s on in the city over the next few weeks:
Curious About Manchester
These daily heritage walks are a great way to find out more about the city you’re living in. There are two different routes to pick from for the self-guided tour, one from the cathedral to the town hall, and the other from central library to the canal area. Click here for more information.
Comedy Nights
Various comedy nights –
Both of these well-known Manchester comedy clubs have a variety of acts and shows on throughout the week, and both offer discounts on tickets for students.
Orbit Festival
HOME, 18th September – 5th October
Artists, theatre makers, and thinkers will be uniting at HOME this year to focus on what connects us, and how we care from one another even in a world that is becoming increasingly divided. There’s a limited number of £5 tickets for students, so be quick! Other ticket prices and more festival information can be viewed here.
The Warehouse Project
Various dates and venues, starting with 20th September
The full calendar of events can be viewed here.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival and Exhibition
Cathedral Gardens, 26th September – 7th October
This is every foodie’s heaven! There’ll be several stalls, live demonstrations, workshops, and entertainment. Take a look at the stalls that will be there day by day here.
Manchester Gin Festival
Manchester Cathedral, 27th September – 28th September
This is a must for all gin lovers! There’ll also be beers, prosecco, rums and cocktails too if you’re going with friends or flatmates with a range of preferences. There will be live entertainment and masterclasses too. Tickets cost £12.50 and can be purchased here.
Neighbourhood Festival
Various venues around the city, 12th October
Manchester is known for its vibrant music scene, and Neighbourhood Festival – headlined by Miles Kane this year – is the perfect opportunity to listen to artists you’re already familiar with or discover new music. More information on the event is available here.
Oktoberfest 2019
The Yards at Mayfield (next to Piccadilly Train Station), 16th to 20th October 2019.
Immerse yourself into Bavarian culture without having to travel too far for the experience! There’ll be plenty of Bavarian beer and food, live music, and a great atmosphere. Tickets can be viewed and purchased here.