Welcome Week 2026

Welcome Week is your official introduction to life at the University of Chester and includes a wide range of activities delivered by our support teams, your academic faculty, and Chester Students’ Union (CSU).

Before you arrive, we are also hosting several online Pre-Arrival sessions to help you prepare for student life at the university.

Your full Welcome Week schedule, along with helpful information and exciting events, will be available on our Welcome Events page.

Get ready for Welcome Week by following the steps below: 

Check your welcome email. Don’t worry if it doesn’t arrive immediately or if others receive theirs first -  emails are sent once we’re ready for you to enrol, usually a few weeks after your place is confirmed following results day.

Explore our Welcome pages for essential information about settling in, support services, and what to expect.

Use our checklists to make sure you’re ready for your arrival and first week:

• International Student Checklist
• UG Checklist
• PG Taught Checklist
• PG Research Checklist

Visit the Welcome FAQs: Get answers to common questions about enrolment, timetables, accommodation, and more.

Questions? Email studentexperience@chester.ac.uk.

Residential students (University-owned accommodation):

• If you are starting in September (with most courses beginning on Monday 28th September), you will be invited to move in on Sunday 27th September.

Non-residential students:

If you are commuting or living in private or partnership accommodation and starting your course in September, you will be able to complete stage 2 of your enrolment by collecting your ID card from Monday 28th September.

Collecting your student ID card and lanyard is the final step in the enrolment process and confirms your status as a university student.

When you arrive on site for the first time, you will need to collect your student ID card and lanyard from your on-site library. Your student ID card is required to access university buildings, so collecting it should be a priority. Your ID card and lanyard must be worn at all times while on site.

If you are an international student, you are required to complete additional steps before your enrolment can be fully finalised.

Academic Induction introduces you to your course, your School and Division, and your teaching team. These sessions are compulsory and will help you understand what to expect from your studies, meet fellow students, and begin your academic journey with confidence.

Meet Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)

This essential session is your first opportunity to meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Your PAT will:

• Provide academic guidance
• Monitor your progress
• Act as your main point of contact for attendance

Please check your timetable carefully for details of your PAT meetings.

During Welcome Week, you will also meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies, including Student Services, Careers and Employability, Chaplaincy, Learning Information Services (LIS), Finance, Residential Services, Sport and Active Lifestyle, and more.

If you have any questions about your arrival weekend, or Welcome Week, please contact us at studentexperience@chester.ac.uk.