Welcome and Orientation 2025

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 goes live on Thursday 14 August 2025 on the Student Shout Out website, so check back regularly for updates.

To help you prepare:

• Check your welcome email.  Don’t worry if you don’t receive it right away or hear that someone else has theirs first. We’ll email your welcome email when we're ready for you to enrol - usually 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 questions before you arrive.
• Arrivals Day
  For students starting their course in October who have secured a place in university-owned accommodation, the main Arrivals Day is Saturday 4th 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.

All new students moving into university accommodation will receive detailed information from the Accommodation Office about booking arrival timeslots and other important details to ensure your move-in goes smoothly.

• In-Person Enrolment & ID Card Collection
  Attendance is essential for your 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.

• 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.
• 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 offer academic advice and guidance, act as your formal attendance contact, and monitor your progress throughout your course.

• Social Events & Welcome Fairs
  Fun, inclusive events to help you make friends and explore what’s on offer.
• Clubs, Societies & Wellbeing
  Try new activities, join clubs, and take part in fitness and wellbeing sessions.
• Service Introductions
  Learn about Student Services, Careers and Employability, Learning Information Services (LIS), Finance, Registry Services and more.

Full event details (including times and locations) will be available from Thursday 14th August 2025. You’ll be able to explore everything that’s happening, from social events and welcome activities to course sessions and more, on the Student Shout Out website and the UoC App.

Your Student Experience team is here to support you. If you have any questions about your induction, please email studentexperience@chester.ac.uk.