The best freshers events in Bristol

With the new university year starting up again, now’s the perfect time to join societies, try out hobbies, and meet new people. Bristol is home to both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, whose SU’s have planned a variety of freshers events this year. Whether you’re a fresher wanting to explore your new uni, or a second year looking to try some new things, check out our guide to freshers week in Bristol.

Welcome Fair – University of Bristol

The annual Bristol SU Welcome Fair will be taking place on Friday the 13th of September, from 9:30 AM – 6PM on the Clifton Downs. With over 300 student groups, free giveaways and a give-it-a-go arena, this year’s Welcome Fair has something for everyone. Book Club, Synchronised Swimming, A Capella, and Sign Language Society – you name it, it’s there! Come along to stock up on free goodies and find new societies to join. For more information and FAQ’s, head to their website linked above.

Freshers’ Fair – University of the West of England

Held over two days at the Frenchay Campus, UWE SU’s Freshers’ fair will showcase stalls from sports clubs and societies, The Students’ Union, UWE Bristol and local and national brands. It will run from 11 AM – 4 PM on the 25th and 26th of September. Each day will also feature a different variety of amazing brands and stalls, so make sure you don’t miss out. For more information and FAQ’s, head to their website linked above. On the 1st of October there is also a Welcome Fair at the Bower Ashton Campus, where you can find out about all things City Campus.

Club nights

Bristol Uni hosts official move-in club nights at SWX for the North, East and West villages. Tickets can be purchased online via the SU website – make sure you buy the right one! You can also buy a Ticket Pass, which gives you entry to both the move-in night and the Official UOB Freshers Finale which takes place at Motion on Thursday 12 September and includes a bus trip home at the end of the event. Non-Halls Ticket Passes are also available for students who aren’t staying in halls this year. Freshers’ Foam Party at Pryzm, Dazed Muzic DNB Rave at the Clock Factory and a Drag Race at the Frenchay Campus. As well as this, Thekla (a staple on the Bristol nightclub scene) is having Pop Boat Party on the 10th. Brass Pig is hosting a whole week full of freshers events, starting with a Moving-In Neon Rave on the 8th that promises Happy Hour all night and a Freshers Welcome Party where you can win a week of free drinks for you and your mates.

Give-it-a-go

Bristol SU and UWE SU societies run give-it-a-go taster sessions throughout freshers’ week. These usually free sessions let you try out a new society without having to pay a joining fee. From wildlife photography to taekwondo, there’s a wide variety of things to try. Most of these sessions are ticketed, so head to the SU website to book your spots now!

SU Events

Both the UOB and UWE student unions hold numerous events during freshers’ week. Amongst other events, the UOB student union has organised street art tours, Y2K jewellery making and plant potting. As well as this, look out for group meet-ups and socials, such as the Postgrad Breakfast and the Commuter Student Meet Up. Numerous alcohol-free socials including a games night and an anime and ramen evening will also be held. Students, staff, alumni and the wider community can also take part in the annual Colour Run. Run, skip, walk or jog your way through a 3km course, whilst getting pelted with colourful powder paint (don’t worry, you get your own t-shirt). Tickets can be purchased on the day or via the SU website. As well as this, UWE students can look forward to tote bag decorating, pottery painting, charity shop crawls and more! A Mature Students’ Meet Up and a Global Coffee morning run will also take place. If all that’s not exciting enough, look out for the ice cream van visiting Glenside Campus on the 16th of September.   That’s it for our guide to Bristol Freshers’ Week 2024. There’s too much happening to put into one article, so be sure to check your SU’s website for more information. Have fun, try new things, and meet new people! It’s important to note that whilst starting uni can be an exciting new adventure, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Thankfully, there are services there to support you. During freshers’ week, the confidential listening service Bristol Nightline is open 24 hours a day, with the phone number 01179 266 266. You can find more information on UWE and UOB wellbeing support by following the embedded links. If you’re nervous about starting uni and navigating freshers, check out our page dedicated to preparing for university.