Welcome Week Events for Returning Students

It’s not just for Freshers!  

Look, we get it. A lot of messaging at the start of a new academic year tends to be about freshers. But you’re still a student!  

And that means you still get to have fun.   

There are lots of things returning students can take part in during Welcome Week and beyond. Let’s have a look, shall we?  

Freshers Fair(s)

Yup, you’re invited too.  

The name might seem like it excludes you, but it’s not supposed to. Think of it like your fresh start to a new academic year.  

From clubs at LUSU, to companies from Lancaster and beyond – there’s something for everyone!   

This year, we’re splitting the fair into two events.   

Active: Sport & Active Clubs/Socs

Wednesday 1st October 2025 12-4pm, The Great Hall (North Campus)

As you’ll know, LUSU hosts a wide range of sporting, competitive, and performance-based events throughout the year, that wouldn’t be possible without the clubs who form them.  

On 1st October, you can learn more about the clubs we have here at LUSU. From American Football to dance – so if there’s something you want to give a try, now is your chance! 

You can learn more about Sport at LUSU here.   

Discover: Societies, Culture & Special Interest

Thursday 2nd October 2025 12-4pm, The Great Hall (North Campus) 

Societies are a huge part of what makes Lancaster so special. Which is why we’re proud to facilitate over 160 of them! But you already know that. After all, you might be a part of them. 

We have societies for almost anything. If you like it, we’ve probably got it. Interests range from theatre and music, all the way to Pokémon and Harry Potter. And they’re a great way to make friends and meet new people – even when you’re not a fresher.  

On 2nd October, you can join us and discover all things societies at LUSU. Get ready to delve into our host of clubs and meet our student media teams!  

 

You can learn more about societies here.   

Fresher's fair
Images from the Fresher's fair

Demos

If you’re looking for a little bit of a taster of what different clubs and societies do, then don’t worry! Throughout our Fresher’s Fairs, clubs will be hosting demos in the Jack Hylton Room adjacent to the main event. You’ll be able to catch our societies in action throughout the day in here! From Kickboxing to Salsa!

Illustration of a duck holding a slice of pizza

This year’s Freshers’ Fair is sponsored by Dominos.

Farmers Market

It’s back!  

You may be very fond of our Farmers Market, often found on campus every week during term time. And we’re very excited to announce it will be here for Welcome Week too!  

Whether it’s food or the best of small businesses that Lancaster has to offer, we’ve got it all!  

The Farmers Market will be here on Wednesday and Thursday of Welcome Week.     

The Sugarhouse

Ah, your old friend.  

The club will be hosting a whole week of fun for students during freshers week, including some pre-freshers events perfect for anyone that’s already here in Lancs:    

🎸 Indie Night | Friday 26th September  

🍸 Pre-Freshers Party | Saturday 27th September  

🤠 Move-In Party | 28th September  

📚 Back 2 School R&B | Monday 29th September  

🧙‍♂️ Wizardly World | Tuesday 30th September 

💎 Glitz & Glam Night | Wednesday 1st October (Drag Queen Performance) 

🎪 Freshers Festival Bar Crawl | Thursday 2nd October 

🐍 Jungle & Drum & Bass Takeover | Friday 3rd October 

🏛️ Rep Your College | Saturday 4th October (Special Guest DJ) 

 

So, why not kickstart your year with us at Sugar?  

Group of friends in fancy dress at the Sugarhouse

Societies, Clubs and Colleges

Oh my!  

Your student communities are still here for you as you continue your academic journey. Perhaps there’s a society you’re already a member of, or a new sport club you want to give a try. Whatever it is, they’ll have plenty of events throughout Welcome Week where you can meet new people and try out something you’ve never tried before.  

And of course, your good ol’ college will have events too! JCRs put together events all throughout the year for everyone to take part in – not just freshers.  

You can find all student community events here. Keep an eye out as they update!  

 

Remember, no matter the time of year, we’re here for you.  

Written by Shannon Daniel

Shannon Daniel

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & CREATIVE WRITING GRADUATE