Welcome Activities

Students’ Union activities

Welcome to UON!

Get ready for an exciting weekend as you kick off your uni journey at Northampton! From music and merch to campus tours, we’ve got everything you need to make your first few days fantastic, plus, a sneak peek at our awesome societies and sports clubs at the Welcome Fair!

• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Location: Learning Hub
• Cost: Free

UON Activities

Voi at UON

Find out what it’s like to move across Northampton town on a Voi scooter at the Voi Scooter stand. You’ll even have a chance to test drive one for yourself.

• Time: 9am – 3.30pm
• Location: Learning Hub

Welcome wall

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. Write your message, read others, and feel the support and spirit that makes UON a home away from home.

• Time: 8:30am – 5pm
• Location: Learning Hub

After enrolling, come over to the Learning Hub to relax with a free tea or coffee and cake. Here you’ll find a variety of stands including:

• Financial Guidance
• Mental Health and Counselling
• ASSIST
• HP
• Stagecoach
• Masters and Postgraduate study

You will also be able to register with a local medical centre and speak to the electoral services team.

Looking for part time work? Pop over the Student Ambassador stand to find out more about joining our team.

The Market

• Time: 8am – 4pm

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee or a cooked meal, our lively, student-focussed restaurant has a wide selection of food options to suit all tastes, including snacks, sandwiches, meal deals, and hot and cold drinks.

Waterside Bar

• Time: 10am – 10pm (food served 12pm – 8pm)

Our Waterside Bar is the perfect place to meet up with your new flatmates and friends to grab a drink and a bite to eat! Along with a tasty food menu with student-friendly prices, the bar also has Sky Sports, and a selection of free activities including pool, darts, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and arcade games.

Students’ Union activities

Welcome to UON!

Explore more of what campus life has to offer with a chance to meet societies and sports clubs – get ready to make memories and new friends!

• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Location: Learning Hub
• Cost: Free

UON Activities

Welcome Breakfast

Come along and enjoy a free breakfast! Whether you’re exchanging stories, making plans for the week ahead, or simply enjoying the free food, this event is the perfect way to start your Sunday.

• Time: 8:30am – 11:30am
• Location: Marketplace

After enrolling, come over to the Learning Hub to relax with a free tea or coffee and cake. Here you’ll find a variety of stands including:

• Financial Guidance
• Mental Health and Counselling
• ASSIST
• HP
• Stagecoach
• Masters and Postgraduate study

You will also be able to register with a local medical centre and speak to the electoral services team.

Looking for part time work? Pop over the Student Ambassador stand to find out more about joining our team.

The Market

• Time: 8am – 4pm

Our student restaurant offers a wide selection of tasty and affordable, meal, drinks and snacks. Whether you’re looking for a hot lunch or just to grab a sandwich, our friendly staff serve a wide and affordable food selection to suit all tastes.

Waterside Bar

• Time: 10am – 10pm (food served 12pm – 8pm)

Come to our  Waterside Bar to meet up with your new flatmates and friends, grab a drink and a bite to eat! As well as our student-friendly menu, you can watch Sky Sports, and play pool, darts, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and arcade games – all free.

Start the day by bringing your friends and flatmates to The Market and grabbing a free bowl of cereal! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, cooked breakfasts and coffees will also be available for purchase.

Available from 8am – 10.30am.

Students’ Union activities

Coffee Shop Crawl

Kickstart your Northampton adventure with our first-ever Coffee Shop Crawl! Join us as we stroll through town, discovering the best coffee spots around – with a free coffee or two on us along the way.

• Time: 1 – 3pm
• Location: Town Centre, meet at Students’ Union Learning Hub Office
• Cost: Free

UON Activities

Table Top Escape Room

Are you ready for the ultimate test of teamwork, wit, and strategy?

In this game, you’ll take on the role of a professional bank thief, part of a team on a mission to pull off one last big score. The first team to crack the code and unlock the safe takes home the gold!

Book your slot now. 

• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Location: Ground Floor, Learning Hub

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Welcome Quiz

The Student Quiz takes place every Monday at 7pm in The Waterside Bar. It’s just £2 per person and all the money raised goes into the prize fund for the winning team, so if 100 students take part your group could win £200 to share between yourselves. There’s plenty of food and drink deals on the night too plus prizes for second and third place.

The quiz is a great way to meet new people and get to know your new flatmates in a fun and easy-going environment. We finish every quiz with a music round so feel free to sing along at the end of the night too.

Message uon_studentlife on Instagram to book.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money / Keg

Start the day by bringing your friends and flatmates to The Market and grabbing a free bowl of cereal! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, cooked breakfasts and coffees will also be available for purchase.

Available from 8am – 10.30am.

Students’ Union activities

Bingo Lingo

Join us for Bingo Lingo in the Engine Shed, where classic bingo meets a fun twist! With lively games, quirky themes and fantastic prizes, it’s the perfect way to get together with new friends.

• Time: TBC
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: £4 /Welcome Wristband

Board Game Cafe

Get ready for some epic fun at our Board Game Café this Tuesday at the Engine Shed! It’s the ultimate way to bond with new friends or housemates – bring on a little friendly competition over Mario Kart!

• Time: 1 – 3pm
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: Free

IKEA trip

Make your room feel like home with our Students’ Union IKEA Trip! Meet us at the SU office at 5pm, hop on the bus, and grab everything you need to cosy up your space—all for just £2! Book your trip.

• Time: 5pm (bus leaves at 5.30pm)
• Location: Students’ Union Office
• Cost: £2

UON Activities

Wellbeing Walk (to Delapre)

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. Book a place now.

• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: From Student Futures desk to Delapre and back

Unitemps

Stop by the Unitemps Pop-Up to discover how you can balance work and study effectively! Unitemps is your go-to resource for finding flexible part-time jobs that fit around your university schedule.

• Time: 11am – 3pm
• Location: Learning Hub

Rewind (Adult kids party)

Join us for an afternoon of nostalgia, fun, and plenty of laughs as we take you back to the noughties.

• Time: 11am – 3pm
• Location: Learning Hub

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to give your favourite songs a go, meet fellow students, and kick off your uni experience with some great tunes and good company.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Start the day by bringing your friends and flatmates to The Market and grabbing a free bowl of cereal! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, cooked breakfasts and coffees will also be available for purchase.

Available from 8am – 10.30am.

Students’ Union activities

Welcome Fair: Sports

Our Sports teams take over the Learning Hub to showcase what they do and how you can get involved. All our Sports teams are free to join, so come along to find out more.

• Time: 10am – 3pm
• Location: Learning Hub
• Cost: Free

UON Activities

Wellbeing Walk

Breathe in the fresh air, discover Northampton’s hidden gems and take some time for yourself. Let’s walk, talk, and find your perfect place to relax. Book now.

• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: From Student Futures and back

Student Futures Popup

A chance to meet the Unitemps team, learn about the variety of roles available – from on-campus positions to opportunities in the wider community.

• Time: 11am – 1pm
• Location: Front of Student Futures desk

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Celebrity Bar Crawl

The Celebrity Bar Crawl is a great way for you to discover the town’s most student-friendly venues in a safe and fun way. Expect lots of fun and surprises on the night and of course picture and video opportunities with Love Island star Messy Mitch who will be joining us at the event. Book now.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: starting from Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £10 starting at Waterside Bar

Start the day by bringing your friends and flatmates to The Market and grabbing a free bowl of cereal! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, cooked breakfasts and coffees will also be available for purchase.

Available from 8am – 10.30am.

Students’ Union activities

Welcome Fair-Societies

Our Society Groups take over the Learning Hub to showcase what they do and how you can get involved. All our Societies are free to join, so come along to find out more.

• Time: 10am-3pm (10-11am quiet hour)
• Location: Learning Hub
• Cost: Free

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! A Night of ABBA!

Join us in the Engine Shed for a fantastic night celebrating all things ABBA!

• Time: 7pm – late
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: £4

UON Activities

Wellbeing Walk

Led by our friendly Student Futures Staff.

• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: From Student Futures and back

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Bandeoke

Unlease your inner lead singer with our unique live music Bandeoke event! Combining karaoke with a live band, you can perform your favourite song with a backing band for an interactive and high-energy experience.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Start the day by bringing your friends and flatmates to The Market and grabbing a free bowl of cereal! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, cooked breakfasts and coffees will also be available for purchase.

Available from 8am – 10.30am.

Students’ Union activities

Faculty Festival

In partnership with the three faculties across the university, this Faculty Fair is all about enjoying music, fun activities, and connecting with fellow students from your course.

• Time: 12pm – 4pm
• Location: Engine Shed and Engine Shed Lawn
• Cost: Free

Fusion: Afrobeat and Reggaeton

Join us at the Engine Shed for Fusion – the best in music, dancing, and energy.

• Time: 7pm – late
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: £4 /Welcome Wristband

UON Activities

Unitemps Student Futures Popup

Whether you’re looking to gain work experience, build your CV, or just make some extra cash, Unitemps has something for everyone.

• Time: 11am – 1pm
• Location: Learning Hub

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Bollywood Event

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

UON Activities

Student Futures Popup

Drop by to discover how our team of specialists can help you achieve your personal aspirations and career goals.

• Time: 11am – 1pm
• Location: Learning Hub

Outdoor Cinema and games

Get ready for a night of adventure and fun at Jumanji: University Level. Join us under the stars to watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, on the big screen, with all the snacks and thrills you could ask for. Book tickets now.

• Time: 4pm – 10pm
• Location: Senate Lawn

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Marvel-themed Quiz

Think you know everything about MCU? Assemble your friends to prove your mettle at our quiz dedicated to all things Marvel.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money / Free Night Bowling

Students’ Union activities

Murder at the Engine Shed: A Night of Mystery

Join us for an exciting, immersive experience! There’s been a ‘murder,’ and as the story unfolds, you’ll be right in the middle of the action as interactive audience members. Grab some food, dive into the mystery, and see if you can solve the case!

• Time: TBC
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: £4 /Welcome Wristband

UON Activities

Pizza and Crafternoon

The perfect event for those who prefer something a little quieter. Enjoy delicious pizza while immersing yourself in a variety of arts and crafts activities.

• Time: 2pm – 5pm
• Location: Owl’s Nest

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Students’ Union activities

Campus Scavenger Hunt with your Part-Time Officers

Join us for an exciting Scavenger Hunt across campus with your Part-Time Officers to discover hidden treasures! Team up, crack the clues, and see the campus in a whole new way.

• Time: 1 – 3pm
• Location: Waterside Campus, Meet at Students’ Union Learning Hub Office
• Cost: Free

Student night at Elysium

Start the evening at the Engine Shed, find your friends and follow the Safe Route up to Student Night at Elysium nightclub in the town centre.

• Time: From 6pm
• Location: Engine Shed, then onto Elysium
• Cost: Free entry at Engine Shed. Charge set by Elysium

UON Activities

Unitemps – Student Futures Popup

Are you looking to earn while you learn? Stop by the Unitemps Pop-Up to discover how you can balance work and study effectively.

• Time: 11am – 1pm
• Location: Creative Hub

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Music Bingo / Open Later

Every Wednesday, the Student Life team will be hosting Music Bingo in the Waterside Bar from 7pm! It’s the perfect pre-drinks to get you in the mood for student night. It’s completely free to enter and there’s a grand prize every week – starting with a brand new Playstation 5! Plus, we’ll even be hosting karaoke straight after bingo, so you can sing and dance the evening away!

Please contact uon_studentlife on Instagram to book.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: Playstation 5

Students’ Union activities

English Breakfast

Come along to  the Engine Shed for our classic English Breakfast event. Enjoy a free hearty breakfast to start your day off right.

• Time: 10am – 1pm (or until sell-out!)
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: Free

International Shop Crawl

Join us for an SU Officer-led tour of Northampton’s top international food, grocery, and beauty shops.

• Time: 1pm
• Location: Meet at Students’ Union Office
• Cost: Free

Silent Disco

Put on some headphones, pick your channel, and dance like nobody’s watching at our silent disco party!

• Time: 7pm – late
• Location: Engine Shed
• Cost: £4 / Welcome Wristband

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Cultural Events

Join us to celebrate cultural holidays during the year (such as Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, etc) with a range of activities including playing board games, arts and craft, music, dancing & much more . . .

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Students’ Union activities

Welcome Festival

Joined by local artists, we’re having a party on the lawn outside the Engine Shed – come along for music, food, dancing, and more for that festival vibe.

• Time: From 4pm
• Location: Engine Shed Lawn
• Cost: £6 / Welcome Wristband

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

Quiz

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Hospitality Football Tickets

Student Life Events at the Waterside Bar

These events happen weekly at the Waterside Bar and Restaurant. See the prizes and set events below.

Tuesday 1 October 2024

Karaoke

Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to step into the spotlight and share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Wednesday 2 October 2024

Music Bingo

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: Easy Jet Holiday

Thursday 3 October 2024

Cultural Events

Join us to celebrate cultural holidays during the year (such as Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, etc) with a range of activities including playing board games, arts and craft, music, dancing & much more . . .

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Friday 4 October 2024

Drag Event (Traya Buns)

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £4.50 (includes drink)

Monday 7 October 2024

Quiz

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money

Tuesday 8 October 2024

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Wednesday 9 October 2024

Music Bingo

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: Xbox One

Thursday 10 October 2024

Cultural Events

Join us to celebrate cultural holidays during the year (such as Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, etc) with a range of activities including playing board games, arts and craft, music, dancing & much more . . .

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Monday 14 October 2024

Quiz

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money

Tuesday 15 October 2024

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Wednesday 16 October 2024

Music Bingo

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: Netflix subscription

Thursday 17 October 2024

Cultural Events

Join us to celebrate cultural holidays during the year (such as Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, etc) with a range of activities including playing board games, arts and craft, music, dancing & much more . . .

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Monday 21 October 2024

Quiz

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money/ Free drink

Tuesday 22 October 2024

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Wednesday 23 October 2024

Music Bingo

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: £100 Bursary

Thursday 24 October 2024

Cultural Events

Join us to celebrate cultural holidays during the year (such as Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, etc) with a range of activities including playing board games, arts and craft, music, dancing & much more . . .

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Monday 28 October 2024

Quiz

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: £2 per person
• Prize: Money

Tuesday 29 October 2024

Karaoke

Step into the spotlight and sing your heart out! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Night! It’s a great opportunity to share your versions of your favourite songs with your fellow students.

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free

Wednesday 30 October 2024

Music Bingo

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Prize: Handset / Air Pods

Thursday 31 October 2024

Halloween

• Time: 7pm
• Location: Waterside Bar and Restaurant
• Cost: Free