Welcome Events
Our welcome events are packed with fun and useful activities designed to help you settle in, explore your campus, meet new people, and get a feel for what university life is all about.
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Welcome events are a series of events and activities to introduce you, as a new student to university life. These events are designed to foster community, provide important information, and help students transition smoothly into their academic journey.
MEGA WelcomeFest
Friday 18 September
WelcomeFest (Sport Park)
Monday 14 September
WelcomeFest (Newport)
Tuesday 15 September
WelcomeFest (Glyntaff)
Wednesday 16 September
WelcomeFest (Cardiff)
Thursday 17 September
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered answers to the questions students ask most often, so you can feel confident that you know everything that you need to know about USW's Welcome Events.
WelcomeFest is back and better than ever for 2026. Each campus will host it's own event on the following dates:
Monday 14 September - USW Sports Park
- 11.30am to 4.00pm
- 2.00pm to 4.00pm – USW Active Sports Taster Sessions
Tuesday 15 September - Newport Campus
- 11.30am to 2.30pm
Wednesday 16 September - Glyntaff Campus
- 11.30am to 2.30pm
Thursday 17 September - Cardiff Campus
- 11.30am to 2.30pm
Friday 18 September - Treforest Campus
- 10.00am to 4.00pm – MEGA WelcomeFest
Our biggest WelcomeFest of the week!
Explore stalls and activities across the Students' Union, FitZone, the Central Patio and the iconic Stilts café.
Your first week at USW starts here.
New friends. Freebies. Live music. Competitions. Giveaways. Clubs. Societies. Sport. Local businesses. Loads of things to explore.
WelcomeFest is your chance to discover everything USW has to offer and kick off the new academic year in style.
Whether you're a brand-new student, returning for another year, studying undergraduate or postgraduate, from the UK or overseas – WelcomeFest is for you.
- Live music and entertainment
- Face art & festival glitter
- Free merch and giveaways
- Competitions and prizes
- Meet new people
- Student support services
- Clubs and societies
- Sport and activity taster sessions
Come along, have fun, ask questions and find out everything you need to make the most of life at USW.
The first 30 minutes of every WelcomeFest event is our dedicated Quiet Time, with a calmer atmosphere so you can explore at your own pace.
We know busy events aren't for everyone.
The first 30 minutes of every WelcomeFest event is our dedicated Quiet Time, with a calmer atmosphere so you can explore at your own pace.
If you'd like any additional support during WelcomeFest, email [email protected] before you arrive and we'll be happy to help.
No! You don't need to worry about registering, just follow the WelcomeFest signs and listen out for the music.
Our welcome events are open to all students – whether you are Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Home, EU or International.
Yes! All official Welcome Week events are free for enrolled new students. Some optional activities may have limited spots and require early registration.
A big part of welcome week and events are for you to find out where you fit in. The best thing you can do during the week is try something new, say yes to something unexpected, and step outside your comfort zone. You never know where it might lead — a new friendship, a favourite club, or just a bit more confidence before classes begin.