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 Saturday the 27th of September, on Durdham 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 the 15th of September from 10am to 2pm in Bower Ashton A Block, UWE SU’s Freshers’ fair will showcase stalls from sports clubs and societies, The Students’ Union, UWE Bristol and local and national brands. No need to register, just turn up and see what’s on offer. For more information and FAQ’s, head to their website linked above.
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. Non-Halls Ticket Passes are also available for students who aren’t staying in halls this year. If you’re not sure which parties you should be heading to, look no further!
Abba Disco: 17th September
If you want to ease yourself in to Bristol’s partying scene, check out this Abba Disco at Lola Lo! Wear your 70s fancy dress and expect all of Abba’s best hits!
Gasolina x Inflatable Rave: 18th & 19th September
If 70s disco music is not your thing, head to Revolution for their Freshers Inflatable Rave. They promise £1.50 drinks, a light & laser show, and games. What more could you ask for?
Drag Bingo
Bingo nights are a fresher’s right of passage. This one is hosted at Tonight Josephine and is a freshers special! With drag queens and prizes to be won, this party is a must!
Freshers Closing Party: 27th & 28th September
Revolution is promising the party to end all parties to round out your freshers week! With UV confetti cannons, live acts and performers, and a light show, this party is not one to be missed!
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 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.
That’s it for our guide to Bristol Freshers’ Week 2025. 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. If you’re nervous about starting uni and navigating freshers, check out our page dedicated to preparing for university.
FAQs
Question: How can I stay informed of all the freshers events hosted by the university?
Answer: The student union websites are the best places to find out about all the events hosted on and off campus. Check out the UWE and UOB students unions to learn more.
Question: What is a Freshers’ Fair?
Answer: Freshers’ Fairs are the place to go to find out about the societies and events that are on offer throughout your time at university. The different societies have stalls, where you can learn more about what their socials look like, the cost of joining, and who the committee are.
Question: Which night out should I go to if I’m not the biggest fan of clubbing?
Answer: If clubs aren’t your thing but you still want a taste of Bristol’s partying scene, head to the Drag Bingo event at Tonight Josephine. Here you can meet new people, have some cheap drinks, and win some prizes!
Question: Who should I contact if I’m feeling overwhelmed?
Answer: Both UWE and UOB have wellbeing support available for their students. Through them, you will be able to access the necessary help so that you can fully enjoy your time at university!
Question: Do I have to sign up to a society immediately?
Answer: If you’re unsure as to whether you’ll enjoy a society, you can attend their taster sessions for free. These sessions will be provide you with better insight into what kind of socials and activities you can expect, whilst also meeting the committee and other potential members.
Last Updated on July 23, 2025
Published on February 15, 2022
