Welcome programme

Get to know Bristol and meet other Study Abroad students at our welcome events. Designed to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive, we offer a diverse range of activities and workshops for new students joining us in September and January.

Welcome programme: 15 September to 24 September

Events are open to all Study Abroad students. Spaces are limited, so sign up as soon as possible. Click on the event titles below to learn more.

Study Abroad (General Pathway) welcome talk 

15 Sep 2025 | 10am – 12pm | Arts Complex B.H05 Lecture Theatre

This mandatory orientation session will welcome you to Bristol. The session is being held in person and will prepare you for the start of teaching the following week. 

Please note, booking is not required for this session as attendance is mandatory.

Study Abroad (Subject Pathway) welcome talk

15 Sep 2025 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Arts Complex B.H05 Lecture Theatre

This mandatory orientation session will welcome you to Bristol. The session is being held in person and will prepare you for student life in Bristol. 

Please note, you will also be invited to a welcome session in your host academic department during the first week of term. Booking is not required for this session as attendance is mandatory.

Study Abroad Quiz social

15 Sep or 16 Sep 2025 | 5:30pm – 7pm | Global Lounge

Join us for a fun social event to meet other Study Abroad students and enjoy a quiz and free pizza! 

This event is free to attend. We will be running two events to ensure as many students as possible can attend. Please only register for one of the events - either 15 September or 16 September.

Study Abroad Sessions: How to thrive academically — effective reading and avoiding misconduct

16 Sep 2025 | 10am – 11:30am | Wills Memorial Building, Room 3.31 Coutts

Join our Study Abroad Academic Director for an essential session on effective academic reading and academic integrity — what it means, why it matters, and how to steer clear of accidental misconduct.

We'll explore the ins and outs of the UK academic system, answer your questions about studying in the UK, and equip you with the key skills you need for academic success. You will leave with the confidence to tackle your assignments with integrity.

This event is free to attend. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.

IKEA shopping trip

16 Sep 2025 | 11:40am – 2:30pm | Senate House

Join the Bristol Inbound team on a shopping trip to IKEA to get all your uni room essentials! Whether you need kitchen utensils, bedding, towels or small items to decorate your room — IKEA has it all!

This event is free to attend. The ticket includes transport (from Senate House to IKEA Bristol and from IKEA Bristol back to Senate House). Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.

Study Abroad Sessions: How to overcome culture shock

17 Sep 2025 | 10am – 11:30am | Wills Memorial Building, Room 3.31 Coutts

Experiencing culture shock is a common, and totally normal, part of studying abroad.

Facilitated by our Study Abroad Academic Director and Student Experience team, this workshop is specifically designed to equip you with the essential skills to navigate culture shock and make the most of your time in Bristol!

This event is free to attend. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.

Study Abroad Sessions: How to make the most of your time in Bristol

18 Sep 2025 | 10am – 11:30am | Wills Memorial Building, Room 3.31 Coutts 

Join our Student Experience team for a session focused on how you can maximise your time abroad and make the most of the opportunities at Bristol.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about getting involved in volunteering opportunities, student societies, the Bristol PLUS Award (the University’s employability award) and much more!

This event is free to attend. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place. 

Bristol Harbour boat tour

18 Sep 2025 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Senate House

Join the Bristol Inbound team on a boat trip around the iconic harbourside. There's no better way to see Bristol than by boat!

From pirates to pioneers — Bristol’s harbourside is steeped in history, This 60 minute boat trip is the perfect way to explore Bristol's beautiful and historic harbour.

Tickets cost £6. Booked independently this ticket would cost you a minimum of £10. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.

Day trip: Bath

19 Sep 2025 | 10am – 6pm | Bristol Temple Meads

Join the Bristol Inbound team on an exciting day trip to historic city of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tickets cost £38. The ticket price includes transport (from Bristol to Bath and back from Bath to Bristol), a guided city tour and entrance to the Roman Baths. 

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Discover St Nicholas Market

24 Sep 2025 | 12:30pm – 3:30pm | Senate House

Discover the secrets of St Nicholas Market by joining the Bristol Inbound team for a guided tour of the Market and the impressive underground WW2 Air Raid Shelter. This is a great way to explore Bristol with new friends, whilst learning some history along the way! 

Tickets cost £6. Booked independently this ticket would cost you a minimum of £15. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.

Study Abroad Monday Meetup: Mug painting

22 Sep 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm | Global Lounge

Join our regular Monday Meetup - a space to meet with other Study Abroad students whilst enjoying a range of fun (and free) activities, including crafts, film nights and board games. 

This meetup, we will be showing you how to decorate your own mug! All materials will be provided for free so you can personalise a mug to use throughout the semester.

This event is free to attend. Availability is limited and booking is essential to guarantee your place.