Welcome Activities
Welcome: September 2026
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.
Watch our welcome activities advert for 2026 or read the timetable below. We can’t wait to meet you.
Welcome Activities timetable
This is a list of all the events to get you settled in and help you to make new friends in those first few weeks.
The Student Futures Welcome Hub
- Time of Event: 9am – 5pm
- Location: The Learning Hub
- Description: Kick off your UON journey at the Student Futures Welcome Hub! Leave your mark on our Welcome Wall, choose your first collectible pin badge for your student lanyard, meet the Student Futures team, sign up to Unitemps, and discover how they can support you from day one. Plus, keep an eye out for Tommy and his gang – grab a photo and join in the fun as they help welcome you to campus!
SU Induction
- Time of Event: 10 am – 2 pm
- Location: The Learning Hub
- Description: You can find us at your induction during the day. Pop by the SU stall in the Learning Hub between 10 am and 2 pm, meet the team, win some freebies on our infamous spinney wheel, see the E-sports student group in action and purchase your Welcome Week tickets or official UON merch!
The Student Futures Welcome Hub
- Time of Event: 9am – 5pm
- Location: The Learning Hub
- Description: Kick off your UON journey at the Student Futures Welcome Hub! Leave your mark on our Welcome Wall, choose your first collectible pin badge for your student lanyard, meet the Student Futures team, sign up to Unitemps, and discover how they can support you from day one. Plus, keep an eye out for Tommy and his gang – grab a photo and join in the fun as they help welcome you to campus!
SU Induction
- Time of Event: 10 am – 2 pm
- Location: The Learning Hub
- Description: You can find us at your induction during the day. Pop by the SU stall in the Learning Hub between 10 am and 2 pm, meet the team, win some freebies on our infamous spinney wheel, see the E-sports student group in action and purchase your Welcome Week tickets or official UON merch!
Rodeo Welcome Party
- Time of Event: 6pm ‘til late
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Providing a thrilling experience for riders of various skill levels on our mechanical bull, high-energy axe throwing and other great games. Join us for a live country western event with bold, high-energy fun you’ll be talking about all year
You can also find us at your induction during the day. Pop by the SU stall in the Learning Hub between 10 am and 2 pm, meet the team, win some freebies on our infamous spinney wheel, see the E-sports student group in action and purchase your Welcome Week tickets or official UON merch!
Student Futures: Pop-up
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Student Futures, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Kick-start your future with a visit to the Student Futures Pop-Up! Meet our friendly team, discover work experience, placements, volunteering and part-time job opportunities, sign up to Unitemps, and find out how we can support your career, business ideas or future plans. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you make the most of your time at UON.
Movie Night with ResLife
- Time of Event: 7pm – 9pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Enjoy a cosy evening with your follow students/flat mates and the accommodation team as we screen a series of your favourite movies; select from Spider-Man: Homecoming , The Avengers, How to Train Your Dragon or Hot Fuzz.
Feel free to wear your cosy loungewear or PJ’s, bring a cushion or blanket. There will be popcorn, snacks and refreshments available. Tickets are free.
Quiz Night
- Time of Event: 7pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Test your knowledge at our Student Life Quiz Night!
Wellbeing Walk to Delapre Abbey
- Time of event: 11am – 1pm
- Location: Meet at Student Futures
- Description: Take a break, get some fresh air and discover Northampton’s hidden green spaces on our relaxing Wellbeing Walk. Join the Student Futures team as we explore peaceful parks, local coffee spots and the perfect places to unwind, while meeting other students and taking some time to recharge. Free to attend, but spaces are limited – book now to avoid missing out!
An Evening with Traya Buns
- Time of Event: 7pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Come for comedy, games and music with local drag queen Traya Buns!
Comedy Night with host Jimmy James Jones
- Time of Event: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Returning to the SU for the second time. Join comedian Jimmy James Jones and special guests for a night of big laughs and a great atmosphere. Be prepared for adult content, big banter moments and untamed and cheeky off-script humour.
Union Days
- Time of Event: 10am
- Location: From the Learning Hub to The Engine Shed
- Description: Join us for our most popular event year on year. Meet over 80 sports and society groups, the SU team and our partnered brands for a day of freebies and vibes, visit The Engine Shed, home of the SU and join us for a Caffè Latte, Cappuccino or your Starbucks favourite. Explore the student community kitchen and grab your official UON merch.
Music Bingo
- Time of Event: 6.45pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Join our biggest weekly event; Student Life Music Bingo, sing along and win prizes!
Union Days
- Time of Event: 10am
- Location: From the Learning Hub to The Engine Shed
- Description: Join us for our most popular event year on year. Meet over 80 sports and society groups, the SU team and our partnered brands for a day of freebies and vibes, visit The Engine Shed, home of the SU and join us for a Caffè Latte, Cappuccino or your Starbucks favourite. Explore the student community kitchen and grab your official UON merch.
Student Futures: Pop-up
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Student Futures, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Kick-start your future with a visit to the Student Futures Pop-Up! Meet our friendly team, discover work experience, placements, volunteering and part-time job opportunities, sign up to Unitemps, and find out how we can support your career, business ideas or future plans. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you make the most of your time at UON.
Karaoke Night
- Time of Event: 7pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Come sing your heart out at Student Life Events Karaoke Night!
Crafterbrunch
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Owl’s Nest, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Start your morning with pastries, creativity and great company at Crafterbrunch. Design your own masquerade mask ready for the Students’ Union Bridgerton Masquerade Ball, enjoy a range of arts and crafts, meet student societies, and connect with new friends in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This event is free to attend and includes all crafting materials, along with pastries and refreshments – just turn up, get creative, and enjoy yourself!
Flat Cap Killer: A Peaky Blinders Immersive Murder Mystery
- Time of event: 7pm – 10pm
- Location: The Leathersellers’ Hide, 4th Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: You’ve seen them around campus, now step into their world. Travel back to 1920s Birmingham for an immersive murder mystery where you’ll question suspects, uncover clues and race to solve the crime before anyone else. Enjoy pizza, vegan sushi and refreshments as you investigate, with prizes up for grabs for the winners. Free to attend.
Bridgerton Masquerade Ball
- Time of event: 6pm ‘til late
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Hosted and curated with the History Society – join us for a night of elegance, drama, and pure aesthetic. Bring your masks and showcase your best ever OOTD as we host a night to remember. Free drink on arrival, live singer and decorations to be adorned.
Student Futures: Pop-up
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Student Futures, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Kick-start your future with a visit to the Student Futures Pop-Up! Meet our friendly team, discover work experience, placements, volunteering and part-time job opportunities, sign up to Unitemps, and find out how we can support your career, business ideas or future plans. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you make the most of your time at UON.
Make Your Mark
- Time of Event: 3pm – 6pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Meet People. Play Games. Start Your Story – New city? New campus? New faces? Come along for pizza, games, speed friending and good vibes. Meet your people and start creating your university story. Nintendo Switch league table, board games and free pizza you can’t go wrong.
Quiz Night
- Time of Event: 7pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Test your knowledge at our Student Life Quiz Night
Movie Night with ResLife
- Time of Event: 7pm – 9pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Enjoy a cosy evening with your follow students/flat mates and the accommodation team as we screen a series of your favourite movies; select from Spider-Man: Homecoming , The Avengers, How to Train Your Dragon or Hot Fuzz.
Feel free to wear your cosy loungewear or PJ’s, bring a cushion or blanket. There will be popcorn, snacks and refreshments available. Tickets are free.
Brunch, Breathe & Belong
- Time of Event: 11 am – 3 pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Take a break from the Welcome Week buzz and join us for a feel-good morning of brunch, movement, mindfulness, and connection. Whether you’re new or returning, this is your chance to relax, meet like-minded students, and start creating a healthy and balanced university experience.
Afternoon Tea Social
- Time of Event: 3pm
- Location: The Student Loft
- Description: Join the Student Life Events team for free food and drinks, make friends and fuel up before The Rise and Fall of Lazarus Kane
The Rise and Fall of Lazarus Kane
- Time of event: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
- Location: Senate Lawn (Temporary Structure)
- Description: Step into The Cabinet of Whispers, an unforgettable immersive experience where theatre, magic, mentalism and illusion collide. Explore a mysterious carnival, meet its extraordinary characters and enjoy snacks before entering the world of Lazarus Kane for a two-act journey filled with impossible moments, audience interaction and breathtaking twists that will leave you questioning what’s real. You’ll see things you’ll be tempted to try at home… don’t. Free to attend, but spaces are limited – book now to avoid missing out!
Movie Night with ResLife
- Time of Event: 7 pm – 9 pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Enjoy a cosy evening with your follow students/flat mates and the accommodation team as we screen a series of your favourite movies; select from Spider-Man: Homecoming , The Avengers, How to Train Your Dragon or Hot Fuzz.
Feel free to wear your cosy loungewear or PJ’s, bring a cushion or blanket. There will be popcorn, snacks and refreshments available. Tickets are free.
Click into Work: Part Time Jobs Fair
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Learning Hub Ground Floor
- Description: Looking for a part-time job? Meet local employers, explore flexible opportunities, and get expert support from our Career Coaches with CV checks and interview tips. Plus, learn about the Student Futures Jobs Board, making it easier than ever to find and apply for your next role. Your perfect part-time job could start here!
- Visit the SU stand at the jobs fair! Proudly offering students opportunities across the year within the Students’ Union our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their voices and experiences shape our vibrant culture and drive our success.
Music Bingo
- Time of Event: 6.45pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Join our biggest weekly event; Student Life Music Bingo, sing along and win prizes!
Barclays LifeSkills – Survive & Thrive: Budgeting Made Easy
- Time of event: 11am – 12pm
- Location: Student Futures, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Starting university and managing your own money? Join this fun, interactive workshop to learn how to budget, understand the real cost of living independently, avoid common financial pitfalls and make your money go further. Packed with practical tips, relatable scenarios and delivered in partnership with Student Futures, it’s the perfect session to help you feel confident about managing your finances.
Canvas & Coffee
- Time of Event: 11 am – 3 pm
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Enjoy a creative session of canvas painting and enjoy a Caffè Latte, Cappuccino or your Starbucks® favourite, Espresso Martini or other summer refreshment.
Bandeoke
- Time of Event: 6.30pm
- Location: Waterside Bar
- Description: Want to sing with a live band? Come along to Bandeoke and live out your rockstar dreams!
Student Futures: Pop-up
- Time of event: 11am – 2pm
- Location: Student Futures, Ground Floor, Learning Hub
- Description: Kick-start your future with a visit to the Student Futures Pop-Up! Meet our friendly team, discover work experience, placements, volunteering and part-time job opportunities, sign up to Unitemps, and find out how we can support your career, business ideas or future plans. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you make the most of your time at UON.
The SU Welcome Festival!
- Time of Event: 5pm ‘til late
- Location: The Engine Shed
- Description: Last year your SU launched the very first SU Festival! Full of fairground rides, live performances, great food and amazing people. Our events aim to excite, engage and launch your UON experience. This Year’s Welcome Line-Up is carefully curated: Create the Moment The SU Welcome Festival – Live music, fairground vibes, and your big campus moment.
Movie Night
- Time of Event: 6pm
- Location: The Student Loft
- Description: Bring your own blankets and get cosy for one of our movie nights! Free snacks and drinks available!
Watch the fun we got up to in 2025:
