20th – 26th September 2026

What to Expect at Welcome Festival

Your guide to getting involved, meeting people and making the most of your Welcome Festival.

Welcome Festival is back! From Sunday 20 September to Saturday 26 September, Huddersfield Students' Union is bringing you a packed week of events, activities, socials, entertainment and trips.

Whether you’re starting university, returning for another year or joining us as a postgraduate student, Welcome Festival is your chance to explore what’s happening, meet new people and start your year your way.

What’s happening?

There’s something for everyone throughout the week, whether you’re looking for a big night out, a chilled afternoon, something competitive or simply somewhere to meet new people.

What should I bring?

For most Welcome Festival events, you won’t need anything special. But there are a few things that are always worth having with you.

• Your phone – useful for tickets, event information, directions and keeping in touch.
• Your student ID – bring it with you where possible.
• Your tickets – keep your booking confirmation somewhere easy to access.
• A way to pay – you may want to buy food, drinks or other things during the week.
• A water bottle – keep hydrated, especially on busy days.
• Comfortable shoes – you could be doing plenty of walking.
• Weather-appropriate clothing – particularly for outdoor events and trips.
• Any personal essentials you need throughout the day.

Check the weather

Welcome Festival isn’t all indoors. We’ve got outdoor events, walks and a trip to the seaside, so check the forecast before you head out and dress accordingly.

Heading to the Sunset Walk to Castle Hill? Comfortable shoes and an extra layer are a good idea.

Going to Blackpool? You’ll be out for most of the day, so bring comfortable clothes, suitable shoes and anything you need to keep yourself comfortable.

Do I need to come with friends?

Nope!

You can absolutely come to Welcome Festival on your own. In fact, you might find that coming along by yourself is one of the easiest ways to meet someone new.

Join an activity, chat to someone waiting for an event or simply say hello. You already have something in common – you’re both students at Huddersfield.

Book your events

Some Welcome Festival events are free, while others require you to book or purchase a ticket. Make sure you check the individual event page before heading out.

If you know there’s an event you really want to attend, don’t leave it until the last minute. Popular events can fill up, so booking early is the best way to secure your place.

Heading out at night?

If you’re joining us for HudCrawl, Welcome Night or another evening event, make sure you plan ahead.

• Check your ticket and event information.
• Bring valid ID if required.
• Make sure your phone is charged.
• Plan how you’re getting home.
• Keep an eye on your belongings.
• Look after yourself and your friends.
• Ask a member of the event team if you need help.

Taking a trip?

Some of our Welcome Festival events take you away from campus, including the Sunset Walk to Castle Hill and our Blackpool Day Trip.

Before heading off, check the meeting point, arrival time and event information. Give yourself plenty of time to get there so you’re not rushing.

Feeling nervous?

Starting university can feel like a lot. You might be excited, nervous, overwhelmed or a mixture of all three. That’s completely normal.

You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what you’re doing, and you definitely don’t need to have everything figured out.

Take things at your own pace. Try something new, ask questions, meet someone new and give yourself permission to take a break when you need one.

Our Welcome Festival top tips

What happens after Welcome Festival?

Welcome Festival is just the beginning.

Once you’ve settled in, there are loads of ways to stay involved with Huddersfield Students’ Union. Join a sports club or society, get involved with a student network, volunteer, take part in campaigns or check out the events happening throughout the year.

There’s always something happening, so don’t let the end of Welcome Festival be the end of getting involved.