Freshers' Week
Beginning on Sunday 18 September, Freshers' Week will include important School and course induction activities and events run by the Students' Union to welcome you to student life:
- Meeting your Contacts
- Getting around the campus
- Welcome events
- Freshers' Fayre
- Postgraduate Welcome Party
- Research students: meeting your supervisor
- Get your NUS Extra card
You can find out more on the UBS website and join the official Freshers' facebook group.
Meeting your Contacts
Waiting to help you move in on your arrival and find your way around Brunel are your Union Contacts, easily identified by their colourful t-shirts.
Every year, the Union of Brunel Students (UBS) recruits around 150 second, third and fourth year student volunteers to support you in your first week at University, helping you to get used to your surroundings and to take advantage of everything that Freshers’ week and the University have to offer. They will organise activities designed to help you make new friends and try new activities.
Contacts are divided into teams for each Hall but they are all there to help you, so please just ask. We also have dedicated teams to support off-campus and international students - Freshers' week is for everyone and we have a team ready to make sure you feel comfortable and most importantly enjoy your week within a safe environment.
To meet your Contacts, find out more information and meet other people from your Halls check out the official Freshers' facebook group.
Getting around the campus
Your Contacts will give you a tour of the campus facilities, student services, and the local area.
Welcome events
UBS will kick-start a week of top-class entertainment to welcome you to Brunel with free-entry events on Sunday, including BBQs and an evening Welcome Party. A programme of organised daytime and evening activities has been planned for the week, from treasure hunts to arts and crafts, inflatable games and laser tag, all designed to help you make new friends, have fun, stay safe and feel comfortable.
On your arrival, your Contacts will provide you with a Freshers' week Mini-Guide and some other vital information to get you through the week and the rest of your time at Brunel. For more information on events and activities for Freshers' week, keep checking the UBS website and join the official Facebook group.
Tip: Tickets for all events based in The Academy (the UBS nightclub) during Freshers’ Week can be bought online via the UBS website - keep checking the website and the official Facebook group for more details. They sell fast so get yours as soon as you can. There will also be a small number of tickets available on the door, but be prepared to start queuing early!
Freshers' Fayre
With over 100 stalls and an average attendance of about 5,000, the Freshers' Fayre is the highlight of Freshers' Week and one of the most important events in the Students' Union calendar. This year it will be held on Tuesday 20 September.
The Fayre will give you the opportunity to discover over 100 clubs and societies offered by UBS, as well as a chance to find out about the various Union and University services. You can even collect freebies and discounts from local, national, and international companies.
There will be more than 120 stalls, alongside numerous performances, presentations and competitions. Why not sit in a Go-kart, find out more about the Hellenic Society or watch the Sub Aqua Club in the paddling pool? You could try Tamborelli first hand, check out the First Aid Society ambulance or discover what Anime is all about! You will find sporting, cultural, religious, educational and special interest groups, as well as numerous information stalls that will make your student life easier. There's something for everyone, and if not, you could always set up your own club or society.
If you want to become a member of a club or society, fees vary depending on the cost of the activity. You must become part of the Sports Federation before you can join a sports club - this membership includes a basic level of insurance and provides you with reduced price activities.
Postgraduate Welcome Party
All new and returning postgraduate students – come and celebrate the start of the new academic year! The Graduate School, the Union of Brunel Students and Brunel International will be holding a Postgraduate Welcome Party. The date is to be confirmed so check back nearer the time.
Research students – meeting your supervisor
If you are embarking on a research degree, you will have been given the names of your two supervisors in your offer letter. It is important that you make contact with your primary supervisor during your first week at Brunel, so that you can begin your research without delay. If you are unsure how to get in touch, contact your Academic School Office.
Get your NUS Extra card!
For only £11, your NUS EXtra card gives you discounts at Amazon, McDonalds, Ticketmaster, Odeon, Megabus, Accessorize and many more local and national companies. Pick up a card from the Hamilton Centre in your first week, or get one line on the NUS Extra website from August onwards.
