A Guide to Welcome Week 2026
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! 🎉
Your university journey starts very soon! So, you might be wondering, what’s all 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 everything the brilliant city of Bristol has to offer.
When is Welcome Week?
Welcome Week takes place from 12 September until 19 September. Tickets for all of our events go on sale on Thursday 13 August, and you can see the full programme here ⭐
What can I expect during Welcome?
Think club nights with new friends, painting and creating, film nights, sports, plant potting, vintage sales, and so much more 🕺
With over 100 events on offer, including 5 different club nights, 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 creative scene, our welcome programme has 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 2026, and what you should look out for!
Events 🎨
Our Welcome Week includes an incredible line-up of over 100 events – including club nights, arts & crafts, alcohol-free socials, and walks & tours of Bristol! It's a time completely jam-packed with opportunities, so that you'll able to find something you like, whilst meeting new people who have similar interests.
It’s all about finding your community here in Bristol, finding friends and making memories that last!
Feeling arty and fancy learning all about our famous Banksy, join our walking tour! Want a night in? Get your new housemates together for a Movie Night at one of our live screenings? Or maybe, you want to take a moment to find some quiet at Yoga, or one of our creative workshops (such as painting and upcycling)? We have that too!
Finally, for our music lovers, we have so much in store. Our club night series will take you to some of Bristol’s best venues including Document, Electric, the famous Triangle and Thekla (a club on a boat!⛵).
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 a great time.
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 Electric. You’re not going to want to miss out, everybody will be there!
❗Buy our Ticket Pass for EXCLUSIVE access to your hall's opening night, and the biggest night of Welcome Week at Document❗
Buying our Ticket Pass gets you exclusive access to the only official club nights for the University of Bristol students. Don't miss your hall's opening club night and the biggest event in Welcome Week at Document on Thursday 18 Sept for just £21 + booking fee! You'll also get:
- 20% discount & guaranteed entry
- The biggest nights on the Freshers Calendar
- Loads of freebies and extras at all club night events
You don’t want to miss this deal – when they’re gone, they’re gone…
There are specific ticket passes for Stoke Bishop Halls, City Centre and Clifton Halls, and Non-Halls. If you’re not sure which one applies to you, you can use our clever Ticket Pass Finder!
Give It A Go!
Alongside events run by us, our student groups run Give It A Go sessions throughout Welcome Week and into start of the academic year.
Through this programme, our student groups offer taster sessions at the start of each term. This means you can try something new before committing to a membership! We are also hosting a Give It A Go Takeover Day on Wednesday 16 September, where all our spaces will be packed with Give It A Go events!
Choosing a group that's right for you isn't easy when there's 300+ groups to choose from, so come and meet our student groups in person at our Welcome Fair on 18 September. Each will have a stand, so 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.
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 Welcome Fair. It's our 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 10:00 until 18:00 (last entry is 17:00) on 18 September.
What to expect:
- 🎪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 tent 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 2026 programme here.
