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?

Welcome and Orientation is your official introduction to life at the University of Chester. It begins with your first week (often referred to as Welcome Week, Orientation Week, or Induction Week) - which features a variety of events and activities led by university support teams, your course staff, and Chester Students’ Union.

Your Welcome and Orientation experience continues beyond this first week, helping you settle in, build connections, and feel confident as you begin your studies.

What to Expect

For students starting their studies in January 2026, the full schedule will be available on the Student Shout Out website from December, 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 January 2026 who have secured a place in university-owned accommodation, details about your move-in date will be sent to you directly by the Accommodation Office.

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 a date to be confirmed. This information will be available here from December 2025.

  • In-Person Enrolment & ID Card Collection

Attendance at in-person enrolment is essential, as this is the final step in confirming your student status. During enrolment, you’ll also collect your University ID card and lanyard, which must be worn at all times while on campus.

Information for students starting their course in January 2026 will be available from December 2025.

  • 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 January 2026, induction sessions will begin during the week commencing 26 January 2026. Dates and times may vary by course, so pleasereview your timetable for full details. 

Click here for further information about Academic Induction.

  • Meet Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) 

Attendance at this session is essential, 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 most students starting in January 2026, this session will take place during the week commencing 26 January 2026. However, exact timings vary 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 January 2026. 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