Planning a great CU welcome

The start of a new academic year is an important time in the CU calendar to:

• encourage new students to join the CU, strengthening the team of returning students committed to living and speaking for Jesus.
• serve the many students arriving with big, unanswered questions and who could embark upon a journey to faith through the friendships with Christians they meet early on at uni.

Here are some key time periods to consider in planning your CU welcome.

Results day to welcome week

Students start to think about their university experience from results day, when students get the grades they wanted or find a Uni place through clearing.

It is on and around results day that students will start looking for the CU. Therefore:

• Have a welcome message on your CU social media to all new students on results day.
• Invite students to join a freshers' group on social media, to build friendships online before uni.
• Run a ‘Start Here’ course for freshers, to help them think through starting uni in a Biblical way.
• Consider hosting a Freshers' Getaway

Welcome week

Freshers will be arriving at uni from all over the world. When they arrive, your CU can offer a warm welcome, an opportunity to find community, and an introduction to Jesus. Have a think about the following opportunities:

• Welcoming international students as they arrive ahead of term
• Connecting with new students at freshers' fair and beyond
• First contact evangelism
• Running a 'church search'