Connecting with new students

Freshers’ season is one of the most exciting times in the CU calendar. It’s your chance to welcome new students, build friendships, and introduce them to the life-changing message of Jesus. This page is packed with ideas and resources to help you make the most of every opportunity to welcome new students to CU.

Freshers’ fair

Freshers’ fairs, also known as welcome week fairs, are a key opportunity to introduce new students to CU and welcome them in.

A great freshers’ fair stall should be:

Clear: Show and explain what the CU is, its mission, and who it’s for. Explain the purpose and mission of the CU in a way that’s compelling and accessible. Give specific details about upcoming events to help students plan and stay connected.
Visible: Make your stall eye-catching and easy to find.
Relational: Ensure CU members are friendly, approachable, and ready to engage in meaningful conversations. Offer clear next steps, like signing up for an Impact Group, meeting for coffee, or coming to welcome events.

Events in freshers’ season

Freshers’ week is just the beginning. The first few weeks of term are a great time to build community and introduce students to the gospel. As you plan your events, remember how it feels to start somewhere new - students may feel anxious, and at the same time, may be willing to explore new things! Use this as both an encouragement and something to bear in mind.

5 questions to ask when planning events:

Is there something for everyone?
Cater to a wide range of students, from committed Christians to those who’ve never met one.
Is access to CU life easy?
Use welcome packs, social media, and personal invites to make CU accessible across campus.
Are your events spaced out?
Avoid overwhelming students, in an already packed season - spread events across the term.
Are you building community?
Use meals, games, and shared experiences to foster friendships.
Are you pointing to Jesus?
Ensure every event reflects the gospel and invites students to explore faith.

Adopt-a-Fresher

Pairing new students with returning CU members can help them settle into university life and experience Christian community from day one. Here are a few ideas for building friendship:

Take them out: Go bowling, grab a coffee, or enjoy a walk through their new town.
Host them at home: Cook a meal, play board games, or watch a series together.
Share a hobby: Share your interests - music, crafts, sports - and invite them to join you.
Go to church together: Help them explore local churches and find a place to belong.
Read together: Invite them to read the Bible with you or start a Christian book together.

CU welcome call

In the days following results day, a welcome call is a great way to connect with new students before they even arrive on campus. Hosting a welcome call allows you to answer practical questions about university life, local churches, and what the CU is all about. It helps reduce anxiety by giving students a friendly face and a sense of belonging before they step foot on campus. These early connections can make a huge difference in helping students settle in and feel confident about getting involved.

To make your welcome call effective, promote it well in advance through social media, church networks, and any contact lists you have. Plan a clear and welcoming schedule, including time for Q&A. Most importantly, follow up afterwards with personal invitations to in-person events, to turn a digital connection into the real thing.