Welcome Activities
Welcome Week September 2025
If you’re starting with us in September, we are ready to welcome you to UON and get you ready for your next chapter with us.
We have planned a series of events and activities for new students to get you familiar with us and keep you busy, while making or hanging out with friends.
These events are here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and ready to start your studies at UON. Plus, they’re a fun way to begin making new friends and connections.
Welcome Week timetable
This is a list of all the events we’re planning throughout Welcome Week.
More events are still to be added, so keep checking this page for updates.
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025
Move in
Move in weekend is more than just unpacking boxes or enrolling on your course – and we’re here to make it exciting, empowering, and full of memories.
After you’ve enrolled and attended your Welcome Talk, head over to the Learning Hub to get to know support teams from across the University and meet some local companies. We’ll also have refreshments available and members of the University Leadership Team there to chat to students, parents, and carers.
The Students’ Union will be there all weekend so you can meet your Elected Officers, buy some UON merch, grab a coffee at the Engine Shed, and plan your Welcome Week activities.
- Time: From 10am
350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton
2025 marks 350 years since flames ripped through the streets of Northampton, destroying 700 of the 850 buildings in the town centre. While the Great Fire of Northampton caused immense destruction, it also marked a turning point in the town’s architectural development.
- Location: Market Square
- Time: TBC
Saturday 20 – Friday 26 September 2025
Student Futures Welcome Wall
- Location: Learning Hub Ground Floor
Write a message on the Welcome Wall! Welcome to the University of Northampton! This wall is your space to connect, share, and begin building your community together. Whether you’re a new student, a proud parent, or a supportive friend, we invite you to leave a message on our Welcome Week Wall.
Food on Campus
We have several outlets to choose from on campus. As well as savings, discounts, and freebies, our Food@UON App (available on iOS or Google Play) means you can pay at our outlets contactlessly.
Our catering outlets will be open at the following times during Welcome Weekend:
Saturday 20 September
The Market: 8am to 4pm (Food served until 3:30pm)
Waterside Bar: 11am to 9pm (Food served until 8pm)
Grill & Chill
- 5:30 – 7pm
Hosted by the Students Union and Waterside Restaurant, collect stamps around the campus to access a free burger.
Sunday 21 September
The Market: 8am to 4pm (Food served until 3:30pm)
Waterside Bar: 11am to 9pm (Collaboration with ‘Illuminated Kitchen’ to offer roast dinners every Sunday throughout term 1)
These events are here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and ready as you continue your studies at UON. Plus, they’re a fun way to begin making new friends and connections.
Campus Tours
Become familiar with Waterside Campus with the following tours:
Location: Meet at the Learning Hub entrance
- Monday 22 September 11am-12pm
- Friday 26 September 11am-12pm
- Thursday 2 October 1-2pm
- Tuesday 7 October 11am-12pm
- Monday 20 October 11am-12pm
Town Tours
A whistle stop tour of Northampton Town Centre.
Location: Meet at the Learning Hub entrance
- Monday 22 September 2-3pm
- Friday 26 September 2-3pm
- Tuesday 7 October, 2-3pm
Monday 22 – Friday 26 September 2025
Download the Food@UON App for claim your free portion of chicken bites or cheese bites at the Market and other offers including Peckish for Prizes (Terms and Conditions apply).
Monday 22 September 2025
Student Futures Pop-Up!
Curious about how to make the most of your university experience and prepare for a successful future? Want to sign up to Unitemps? Visit the Student Futures Pop-Up to discover how our sector-leading team of specialists can help you achieve your aspirations and career goals.
At Student Futures, we’re dedicated to empowering UON students like you to gain valuable work experience, connect with employers, and develop the skills and attributes that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Drop by our pop-up to meet the team, ask questions, and learn how we can help you build your bespoke path to success. Your future starts here!
- Location: Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 2pm
Indian and Hindu Welfare Organisation: Nine Day Cultural Festival
- Location: The Market, Waterside Campus
- Time: Evenings
This event runs until Wednesday 1 October.
Yoga Taster Session with Sian
- Location: Tipi (Next to the Engine Shed)
- Time: 2:30 – 3:15pm
- Cost: FREE
Prize Bingo
Our first Prize Bingo of the year, with a vareity of prizes up for grabs
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: 8pm-11pm
- Cost: £4
Quiz Night
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: FREE
Tuesday 23 September 2025
Wellbeing Walk- Delapre Abbey
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of university life and join us for a refreshing Wellbeing Walk around Northampton’s beautiful green spaces. Led by our friendly Student Futures Staff, this walk is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the town’s hidden gems, unwind in nature, and learn about the best spots to relax and recharge.
- Location: Meet at Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 12pm
A taste of town: Exploring Northampton
A delicious 3 hour guided walk through the heart of Northampton town discovering hidden gems, student favourites, and a potential new hang-out spots.
- Location: Meet at the Engine Shed
- Time: 12pm
Jumanji: University Level – Outdoor Cinema
Get ready for a night of adventure and fun at Jumanji: University Level – our epic outdoor cinema and games event! Join us under the stars to watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the big screen, with all the snacks and thrills you could ask for.
- Location: Senate lawn (if it rains we will be in the Sports Dome)
- Time: 3pm – 10pm
Ikea Trip
Make your student halls feel more homely with our Ikea trip.
- Location: Meet at the Students’ Union Office, Learning Hub
- Time: 4pm – 8:30pm
Karaoke Night
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: FREE
Wednesday 24 September 2025
Welcome Fair: Sports
Our Sports Groups will be taking over the Learning Hub to showcase what they do and how you get involved, so come along and sign up – whether you’re a pro or a complete beginner.
- Location: Learning Hub
- Time: From 10am
Student Futures Pop-Up!
Curious about how to make the most of your university experience and prepare for a successful future? Want to sign up to Unitemps? Visit the Student Futures Pop-Up to discover how our sector-leading team of specialists can help you achieve your aspirations and career goals.
- Location: Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 2pm
Music Bingo
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: FREE
UON Board Games Social
- Location: Student Study Area Creative Hub
- Time: 12:30-4pm
- Cost: FREE
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme: ABBA Tribute
Dancing queens and super troupers can say thank you for the music with this ABBA tribute night.
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: 8pm
- Cost: £5 per ticket
Thursday 25 September 2025
Welcome Fair: Societies
Society Groups are taking over the Learning Hub to showcase what they do and how you can do it too.
We will also be joined by external retailers and local businesses to show you what else your university life has to offer!
- Location: Learning Hub
- Time: From 10am
Business & Law Welcome Fair
Don’t miss the fun of the fair! Music, games, sweet treats and more (including prizes to be won). Join our business and law student and staff community for an afternoon of fun, friendship and first-year festivities. No need to book, just turn up!
- Location: Town Hall, Creative Hub
- Time: 12-4pm
Board and Beyond
An international orientation event, where students can make friends, meet the team, and get all the tools and resources they need to navigate their university journey while playing board games with a side of bubble tea.
- Location: Exhibition space, Creative Hub
- Time: 1-3pm
Home Decoration Making
Whether you’re looking to personalise your room, meet new people, or just unwind with some creative vibes – come along and personalise your room.
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: 11am
Barclays LifeSkills – Survive & Thrive: Budgeting Made Easy
Moving out, covering bills, and still having money left for everyday items and socialising – it’s a balancing act every student faces. Join us for this interactive one-hour session, which is perfect for anyone starting university life or moving into their first place. Spaces are limited to 30 students, so grab your spot early!
- Location: Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 12pm
A Night with Traya Buns
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: FREE
Friday 26 September
Wellbeing Walk – Becketts Park
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of university life and join us for a refreshing Wellbeing Walk around Northampton’s beautiful green spaces. Led by our friendly Student Futures Staff, this walk is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the town’s hidden gems, unwind in nature, and learn about the best spots to relax and recharge.
- Location: Meet at Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 10am – 12pm
Student Futures Pop-Up!
Curious about how to make the most of your university experience and prepare for a successful future? Want to sign up to Unitemps? Visit the Student Futures Pop-Up to discover how our sector-leading team of specialists can help you achieve your aspirations and career goals.
- Location: Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 2pm
Summer Fete
A charming British village-style summer fête, right on campus with traditional games, sweet treats, music and even a game of rounders. All students are welcome to attend!
- Location: Engine Shed Lawn
- Time: 1pm
KiZNN Afro-Latin Dance Class
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: FREE
Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October 2025
Download the Food@UON App for claim your free beer or soft drink at Waterside Bar and other offers including Peckish for Prizes (Terms and Conditions apply).
Monday 29 September 2025
Wellbeing Walk – Midsummer Meadows
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of university life and join us for a refreshing Wellbeing Walk around Northampton’s beautiful green spaces. Led by our friendly Student Futures Staff, this walk is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the town’s hidden gems, unwind in nature, and learn about the best spots to relax and recharge.
- Location: Meet at Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 10am – 12pm
Silent Disco
Multiple channels to choose from, one dancefloor!
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: 8-11pm
Quiz Night
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
- Cost: £2 cash
Tuesday 30 September 2025
Click Into Work – Your part-time job search starts here!
Looking for part-time work? Meet top local employers, including Silverstone Circuits, all in one place! Discover exciting opportunities, get your CV checked by our career coaches, and pick up interview tips to help you stand out. With our new easy-to-use job system, your next role could be just a click away. Come along and take the first step towards landing your perfect part-time job.
- Location: Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 2pm
Sunset Yoga
Why not take a breather? Yoga is a great way to unwind from the stresses of everyday life.
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: 6pm
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Pizza and Crafternoon
Looking for a chilled-out space to unwind and get creative? Join us for Pizzas & Crafteroon – the perfect event for those who prefer something a little quieter or wanting to get creative. Enjoy some pizza while immersing yourself in a variety of arts and crafts activities.
- Location: The Owls Nest, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 2pm – 5pm
The Big SU Festival
The ultimate festival experience! Fairground rides, food trucks, to non stop music from acts such as DJ Matt Potter to an Afro Beats DJ, a Sabrina Carpenter Tribute (@laurengtributeshows and YouTube), Just One Look, an Abba Tribute (Facebook) and an OASIS tribute band, Definitely Mightbe (Facebook and Instagram).
- Location: The Engine Shed and Lawn
- Time: 5pm
- Cost: Tickets are £10 each
Board Games Social Night
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
Thursday 2 October 2025
International Shop Crawl
New to the UK? Not sure where to shop for your groceries, kitchen items or cultural essentials? Join us and we’ll show you.
- Location: Students’ Union Office
- Time: 11am
Karaoke
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Time: 7pm
Friday 3 October 2025
Student Futures Pop-Up!
Curious about how to make the most of your university experience and prepare for a successful future? Want to sign up to Unitemps? Visit the Student Futures Pop-Up to discover how our sector-leading team of specialists can help you achieve your aspirations and career goals.
- Location: Student Futures, Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Time: 11am – 2pm
Faculty Fair
In collaboration with the three faculties across the university this event is all about music, activities, and meeting fellow students on your course.
Whether you’re part of Education, Art, Science and Technology, Business and Law, or Health, Sports and Behavioural Science, this event is for everyone to attend.
- Location: Engine Shed
- Time: From 12pm
A Ghostly Murder: A Welcome fortnight Murder Mystery
In 1930s England, the lamps are lit and the shadows lengthen as the moon rises… surely the perfect evening for ghosts to appear. Sir Walter Geist has invited his closest friends to take part in a seance, but it turns out that the spirit world is much closer than they think! A murder has been committed, and it’s up to you to solve the crime.
You are the detective in this spooky case of murder. You must question the suspects, but don’t believe everything you hear. Keep your wits about you and beware of things that go bump in the night!
Pizza, Vegan Sushi and other refreshments included!
Sip & Paint
No experience needed, this is open for all students to attend. A tote bag will be given to all attendees to decorate and paint!
- Location: Students’ Union
- Time: 8pm
- Cost: £7 per ticket
Arriving later than expected? Save these dates to your diary. Remember the last date to enrol is Monday 20 October 2025. Arriving after this date means you will have to return home.
Thursday 9 October
Board and Beyond
An international orientation event, where students can make friends, meet the team, and get all the tools and resources they need to navigate their university journey while playing board games with a side of bubble tea.
- Location: Exhibition space, Creative Hub
- Time: 1-3pm
Tuesday 21 October
Bubble Tea and Banter
An international orientation event, where students can make friends, meet the team, and get all the tools and resources they need to navigate their university journey with a side of bubble tea.
- Location: Exhibition space, Creative Hub
- Time: 1-3pm
