hello+welcome to new UWE students

Issue date: 16 September 2010

Starting University for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience for new students everywhere. That's why the University of the West of England has invested heavily to welcome its 6000 new first year students in style - with a host of events and support across its campuses to help them settle in, make friends and enjoy their university experience from day one.

The welcome began with International Students Orientation (13-17 September) for the 800 students joining the University from across the globe and continues over Welcome Weekend (18 and 19 September) where Frenchay and Glenside Campuses will be open. On Monday 20 September, students will enjoy a welcome barbeque at Bower Ashton and St Matthias Campuses and Heath and Social Care students at Swindon and Gloucester Education Centres will meet staff for a welcome lunch.

Welcome Weekend organiser, Sue Fox, said, “UWE's Welcome events are all about making the transition into University life as easy as possible for our new students. For our international students this is particularly important as it's about adjusting to a new country, language and culture. We provide an airport pick-up service; there are campus tours and sightseeing trips to introduce them to Bristol and the University. There is also a full programme of entertainment and activities to give international students the time to settle in before the majority of new students arrive for Welcome Weekend.

“Welcome Weekend is now in its fifth year and promises to be another great event. This year all our welcome talks are under one roof at the UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre. A samba band will lead new students there to be welcomed by the Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Gough and UWE Students' Union Presidents. There will also be a 'meet and greet' giving students a useful opportunity to meet academic and support staff before lectures begin. One talk not to be missed is a unique performance from UniSmart. They use a mixture of high energy street theatre tactics, straight talking, music, comedy and visuals to give students the lowdown on University life - from study habits to making friends and staying safe. ”

Practical assistance is on hand from the removal teams provided to help new students move into their accommodation and over 200 student ambassadors will be on Campus to help with directions and advice.

UWE Students' Union (UWESU) has organised a full programme of entertainment throughout the weekend. The Escape Bar Patio will host all day barbeques and a live stage showcasing local talent from cover bands to UWE's very own Hub Radio DJs. The Welcome Party on Saturday night will feature two rooms of music, an outdoor stage and a live DJ Set from BBC Radio 1 DJ, Jo Whiley. Students will be able to sit back and relax on Sunday night to enjoy a night of acoustic music.

Free late night shuttle buses will run between the University campuses over the weekend. Students wanting to find work can register with the free UWESU job shop, one of the largest in the UK.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve West, said, “We pride ourselves on being able to deliver the best welcome possible to our new students. It is a huge team effort and my thanks go out to all the staff and student ambassadors who work together to make Welcome Weekend such a successful event. I would like to welcome all our new students to UWE and to Bristol, it's an exciting time and I'm sure they will experience the best of what the University has to offer over Welcome Weekend.”

Two big events will bring the induction period to a close. On Friday 24 September, UWE Students' Union will stage one of the biggest Freshers' Fairs in the country at the UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre. Over 100 UWESU sports clubs, societies and commercial stalls will be vying for students' attention with freebies, giveaways, demonstrations and displays. 3000 students will attend the final event on the evening of Saturday 25 September; the Allstars Party will feature 15 acts over five stages on Frenchay Campus.

For more information see http://www.uwe.ac.uk/welcomeweekend

For more information on Freshers' Fairs see: Freshers' Fair