Welcome and Orientation
Welcome and Orientation
Starting university is an exciting step, 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.
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 called Welcome Week, Orientation Week, or Induction Week) and includes a wide range of activities delivered by our support teams, your academic Division, and Chester Students’ Union.
What to Expect
Your full Welcome and Orientation schedule, along with helpful information and exciting events, will be available on the Student Shout Out website.
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: Get answers to common questions about enrolment, timetables, accommodation, and more.
Arrivals Day
Residential students (University-owned accommodation):
- If you are starting your course between April and May and have secured University accommodation, your move-in date will be emailed directly by the Accommodation Office.
- If you are starting in September (with most courses beginning on Monday 28th September), you will be invited to move in on Sunday 27th September.
Non-residential students:
If you are commuting or living in private or partnership accommodation and starting your course between April and May, you will be invited to attend in-person enrolment and collect your ID card. Information about dates and times will be sent to you ahead of your arrival.
If you are commuting or living in private or partnership accommodation and starting your course in September, you will be able to attend in-person enrolment and collect your ID card from Monday 28 September.
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 this process, you will collect your University ID card and lanyard, which must be worn at all times on site.
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.
Meet Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)
This essential session is your first opportunity to meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Your PAT will:
- Provide academic guidance
- Monitor your progress
- Act as your main point of contact for attendance
Please check your timetable carefully for details of your PAT meetings.
You’ll also meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies, including Student Services, Careers and Employability, Chaplaincy, Learning Information Services (LIS), Finance, Hospitality and Residential Services, Sport and Active Lifestyle, Registry Services and more.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your arrival, welcome, or orientation, please contact us at studentexperience@chester.ac.uk