Welcome and Orientation 2025

A student arriving on campus with a suitcase

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 join the University of Chester community.

What is Welcome and Orientation?

This is is your official introduction to university life. Throughout your first week (often referred to as Welcome Week or Induction Week), you’ll join a variety of events and activities led by university support departments, your course team, and Chester Students’ Union - all designed to help you feel confident, informed, and connected as you start your journey at the University of Chester.

What to Expect

From social events to academic sessions, there’s something for everyone. 

The full schedule will go live from September on the Student Shout Out website, with regular updates added - so be sure to check back often. 

To help you prepare:

  • Please check your welcome email. Don’t worry if you don’t receive it straight away, or if others get theirs before you - we’ll send yours as soon as we’re ready for you to enrol. This usually happens a few weeks after your place is officially confirmed following results day.

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

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

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

 Welcome Highlights:

  • Online Pre-Arrival Sessions

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

  • Arrivals Day

For residential students starting their course in October who have secured a place in university-owned accommodation, the main Arrivals Day is Saturday 4 October.  The Accommodation Office will contact new students in advance to book an arrival timeslot.

Non-residential students (including those who commute or live in private sector or partnership halls) can arrive for in-person enrolment and student ID card collection from Monday 6 October.

If you’re starting in August or September and have a confirmed place in university-owned accommodation, the Accommodation Office will contact you directly to arrange your arrival date.

  • In-Person Enrolment & ID Card Collection

Attendance is essential for in-person enrolment – this is the final step in confirming your student status. As part of the process, you’ll also need to collect your University ID card and lanyard, which must be worn at all times when on our sites.

  • Residential students can complete enrolment on Saturday 4 October.
  • Non-residential students can complete enrolment from Monday 6 October.
  • If you’re starting in August or September, opportunities to enrol in person will be available during your induction week.

You can find full information on when and where to complete enrolment and collect your ID card here.

  • Academic Induction

Attendance is essential for these sessions, which introduce you to your course, School and Division, and teaching team. You’ll gain an understanding of what to expect from your studies, meet fellow students, and start your academic journey with confidence.

For students starting in October, academic induction sessions are usually scheduled on Tuesday 7 October and Thursday 9 October. However, induction days may vary depending on your course, so please make sure to check your timetable carefully.

For students starting in August or September, induction sessions also vary by course, so please make sure to review your timetable for the exact dates.

Click here for further information about Academic Induction.

  • Meet Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) 

Attendance is essential for this session, as it’s your first opportunity to meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Your PAT will provide academic advice and guidance, act as your formal attendance contact, and monitor your progress throughout your course. For the majority of students, this session will take place on Monday 6 October, but timing varies by course and start date, so please check your timetable carefully. 

  • Social Events, Welcome Fairs, Part-Time Jobs Fair, Clubs, and Societies

Enjoy fun, inclusive events and welcome fairs to help you make friends and discover what’s on offer. Take part in new activities, join clubs, and engage in fitness and wellbeing sessions to make the most of your university experience.

  • Support Team Introductions

Meet key support teams 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 September. You’ll be able to explore everything that’s happening on the Student Shout Out website and the UoC App.

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