Welcome and Orientation

A student arriving on campus with a suitcase

Welcome and Orientation

Starting university is exciting, and we’re here to help you feel at home from day one. Whether you’re local, commuting, or living in University accommodation, Welcome and Orientation is designed to support you as you settle in, make friends, and become part of the University of Chester community.

What is Welcome and Orientation?

Welcome and Orientation is your official introduction to life at the University of Chester. It begins with your first week (sometimes referred to as Welcome Week, Orientation Week, or Induction Week) and includes a range of activities led by our support teams, your academic Division, and the Chester Students’ Union.

Your Welcome and Orientation experience continues beyond this first week, helping you build connections, feel supported, and gain confidence as you begin your studies.

What to Expect

For students starting in January 2026, your full Welcome and Orientation schedule will be available on the Student Shout Out website from January, with regular updates added - so keep checking back.

To Help You Prepare

  • Check your welcome email. Don’t worry if it doesn’t arrive immediately or if others receive theirs first -  emails are sent once we’re ready for you to enrol, usually a few weeks after your place is confirmed following results day.

  • Explore our Welcome webpages for essential information about settling in, support services, and what to expect.

  • Use our checklists to make sure you’re ready for your arrival and first week.

  • Visit the Welcome FAQs for answers to common questions about enrolment, timetables, accommodation, and more.

Welcome Highlights

Online Pre-Arrival Sessions

Get a head start with online sessions covering academic skills, student life, and more  - plus the opportunity to ask questions before you arrive.
Find out more about our pre-arrival sessions here.

Arrivals Day

Residential students (University-owned accommodation):
If you are starting your course in January 2026 and have secured a place in University-owned accommodation, your move-in date will be emailed directly by the Accommodation Office.

Non-residential students:
If you commute or live in private-sector or partnership halls, you can arrive for in-person enrolment and ID card collection from a date to be confirmed. This information will be available online from December 2025.

In-Person Enrolment & ID Card Collection

Attendance at in-person enrolment is essential - this is the final step in confirming your student status. You will also collect your University ID card and lanyard, which must be worn at all times on site.

Information for students starting in January 2026 will be available online from January 2026.

Academic Induction

Academic Induction introduces you to your course, your School and Division, and your teaching team. These sessions are compulsory and will help you understand what to expect from your studies, meet fellow students, and begin your academic journey with confidence.

For January starters, induction sessions will take place during the week commencing 26 January 2026. Dates and times vary by course, so please check your timetable for full details.

Click here for further information about Academic Induction.

Meet Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) 

This session is essential and is your first opportunity to meet your Personal Academic Tutor. Your PAT will provide academic guidance, monitor your progress, and act as your formal attendance contact.

Most students starting in January 2026 will meet their PAT during the week commencing 26 January 2026, but timings vary by course - please check your timetable carefully.

Support Team Introductions

Meet the teams here to support you throughout your studies, including:
Student Services, Careers and Employability, Chaplaincy, Learning Information Services (LIS), Finance, Hospitality and Residential Services, Registry Services, and more.

Full event details (including times and locations) will be available from January 2026 on the Student Shout Out website and the UoC App.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about your arrival, welcome, or orientation, please contact us at studentexperience@chester.ac.uk