Starting university is exciting, but with so many Welcome events happening in your first week, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you navigate it all, we’ve grouped activities into six categories – pick the ones that suit you and dive in!
Select an option below to see what’s on offer:
I want to get to know my University
I’m new to the UK and want to learn more
I want to meet other students living off campus
👉 Browse the full list of Welcome events and plan your week 👈
I want to save money
If saving a few pounds is top of your list, you won’t want to miss the Spend Smart Fair on Thursday, 25 September (10am-4pm, Welcome Marquee, University Place). Learn how to manage your student budget, save on bills and travel, and even check if you can pick up a free textbook at the Library’s Textbook Rescue.
For more ways to save, check out the Students’ Union’s Freshers Fairs, or pick up pre-loved furniture at the Furniture Store in the Simon Building.
You can also collect a free copy of the ‘100 Things to Do in Manchester’ poster from your School’s Student Support Hub to find low-cost activities across the city.
I want to make friends
Making new friends is easier than you think! Join a Speed-friending or Fresher’s Warm Up Party event hosted by the Students’ Union or drop by one of the three Societies Fairs to meet students who share your interests:
- Wednesday, 24 September – Academic, Political & Campaigning groups
- Thursday, 25 September – Sport, Culture & Faith groups
- Friday, 26 September – Recreation, Arts, Media & Volunteering groups
Other fun social events include Bingo Lingo, Oktoberfest, IKEA Student Takeover, Disco Bingo, and Drag Brunch – see them all on the Students’ Union website.
For something more relaxed, join Wellbeing Wednesday: plant pot painting or a board game session with the International Society.
I want to get to know my University
Discover campus with our guided walking tours, leaving on the hour from the AskMe Hub, Brunswick Place (Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September, 10am-3pm).
Don’t miss Afternoon Tea with the Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday, 23 September (2.30pm-3.30pm, Activity Zone) for a chance to hear from President and Vice Chancellor Duncan Ivison and ask questions about life at Manchester.
Pop by the Welcome Marquee throughout the week for services and support, including:
- Start of Year Fair – Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 September, 10am-4pm
- WellFest – Wednesday 24 September, 10am-4pm
- Spend Smart Fair – Thursday 25 September, 10am-4pm
For study support, book a Library tour (group or individual), or attend workshops from our Careers Service on part-time jobs and employability.
I want to get active
Make sure to visit the Societies Fair during Welcome week on Thursday, 25 September (10am-4pm, Manchester Academy 1) where there’s a chance to meet all of our amazing sports clubs.
You can also attend Campus League Tasters (Thursday 25 September) or Sports Trials across the weekend.
I’m new to the UK and want to learn more
Join the International Society Welcome (Sunday 21 September, 1-5pm, Alan Gilbert Square) to meet new friends and discover trips and socials.
Don’t miss Getting Around the City Tours (Tuesday & Thursday 23 & 25 September) or workshops on Finding a Job in the UK (Monday & Thursday 22 & 25 September).
Other socials include Speed-friending, International Silent Disco, Make your own macrame bee keyring, and the International Welcome Festival on Friday 26 September.
If your parents are travelling with you to Manchester, there’s a dedicated event for them to find out more about the University and ask any questions they might have to a panel of University staff and Student Ambassadors. The event is free to attend and is hosted in our iconic Whitworth Hall, so make sure your parents sign up for the Welcome event for parents of students (Monday 22 September, 10:30am-12pm midday)
I want events for commuters
If you commute to campus, join our Commuter Welcome (Thursday 18 September, 12pm-4pm, Whitworth Hall) to meet fellow students and explore campus support.
There’s also a dedicated commuter student table at the Students’ Union’s Sip & Paint event on Thursday 25th September. Find out more and book your ticket on the Students’ Union website.
There’s something for everyone at Welcome Week, from sports and socials to practical workshops and cultural activities. Browse the full Welcome events listing and plan your first week at Manchester.