Warm welcome awaits new students at the University of Chester

Most new students will be arriving in Chester on Sunday, September 27, with the University offering dozens of events and fun activities during Welcome Week to help them prepare for the new term. The main programme will run from Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2.

Among the events to help provide reassurance to students and the local community will be the return of the Cheshire Police Safety Bus, which will be at the Exton Park campus during Welcome Week. Local police officers will share friendly advice on staying safe in Chester, as well as explaining the purpose of the bus: a specially adapted vehicle deployed in the city centre at night.

Additionally, dedicated officers will provide a visible policing presence around the Exton Park campus and the Garden Quarter area during the day and into the night, providing reassurance to all residents and students.

Chester Students’ Union has a wide range of Welcome Week events to help new students feel at home, including a move-in market, movie nights, speed friending and tours of the city. Tailored events for students at Warrington, Birkenhead and other sites in Chester are also on offer.

Complementing these, the University will host sports taster events, campus tours, as well as social activities such as quizzes, gardening and crafting. There will also be a part-time jobs fair on Friday, October 2, where students can apply for local jobs, chat to friendly employers in person and pick up application tips in an informal, relaxed environment.

In the following weeks, there are further events to support students’ wellbeing, build life skills, and raise awareness of services such as chaplaincy, sport and the Money Hub.

Dr Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, said: “We are delighted to welcome new and returning students to the University of Chester. Welcome Week is an important opportunity for students to build friendships, discover the support available to them and develop a sense of belonging within our University community. The University is proud to work in partnership with Chester Students’ Union, Cheshire Police, employers and community organisations to ensure students feel welcomed, safe and supported as they begin the new academic year. I would also like to thank our colleagues across the University whose hard work helps create a positive and inclusive experience for students from their very first day with us.”

For more information on Welcome Week 2026, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/welcome/before-you-arrive/welcome-week-2026/