Freshers Week, often called Welcome Week, marks the beginning of university life and is one of the most exciting parts of the academic year. It’s when thousands of new students arrive in Exeter, move into accommodation and begin meeting the people they’ll live, study and socialise with throughout university.

Across the University of Exeter, you’ll find a packed programme of welcome activities, Freshers Fairs, society events, campus tours, student socials and some of the biggest Exeter Freshers Events of the year. Everything is designed to help you settle into university life, make new friends and feel at home before lectures begin.

Moving away from home for the first time can feel daunting, especially if you don’t know anyone yet. That’s completely normal. Introduce yourself to your flatmates, get involved with activities in your accommodation and remember that almost everyone else is looking to make new friends too.

You’ll also meet plenty of students at Exeter Freshers Week events, whether you attend with your new flatmates or decide to head out on your own. Joining your university’s WhatsApp communities before moving in is another easy way to meet future course mates, neighbours and other first-year students. Once you’re ready, browse our Exeter Freshers Tickets section to start planning Exeter Freshers Week 2026.

Exeter Freshers Week 2026 takes place around the beginning of the new academic year, although exact move-in, enrolment and Welcome Week dates are confirmed by the University of Exeter.

Most Freshers events begin as students move into accommodation and continue throughout Welcome Week and the first week of teaching, giving new students plenty of opportunities to meet people and enjoy the start of university life.

Before planning your week, it’s worth checking your university’s official move-in dates and any compulsory enrolment sessions or course introductions that may take place during the same period.

Many students also join their university WhatsApp communities before arriving so they can meet future flatmates, ask questions and arrange Freshers plans in advance.

Once tickets are released, you’ll be able to browse the full Exeter Freshers Week 2026 schedule and choose the events you’d like to attend.

For many of the biggest events, yes. If you’d like to attend popular Exeter Freshers Events, including F*CK ME It’s Freshers, you’ll usually need to purchase your ticket before the event.

Many of Exeter’s biggest student events operate with limited venue capacities. Once a venue reaches capacity, additional customers can’t be admitted.

The only way to guarantee your entry is with a valid ticket purchased in advance.

Buying your Exeter Freshers Tickets early also gives you access to the lowest available ticket tiers. Prices usually increase as each release sells out, and final-release tickets can cost more than double the original launch price.

As one of our larger Freshers destinations, some of Exeter’s biggest events can sell out before Freshers Week begins, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Booking ahead also means you’ll arrive in Exeter with your Freshers Week already organised rather than searching for last-minute tickets after moving in. If you don’t get into university, your ticket is refundable in accordance with our refund policy, giving you extra peace of mind when booking early.

All tickets linked from ExeterFreshers.com are sold securely through our official ticketing partner, Fatsoma, where your tickets are stored digitally and ready to access on your phone.

Every September, Exeter Freshers Week welcomes thousands of students with an exciting programme of club nights, themed parties and student events taking place throughout the city.

One of the biggest and best-known Freshers brands is F*CK ME It’s Freshers, which has welcomed thousands of students across the UK and has become a Freshers Week tradition.

The event is a huge UV neon party packed with live performers, entertainers, inflatables, party games, free UV glowsticks and giveaways throughout the night. Every year it attracts students from across the University of Exeter, making it one of the biggest social events of Welcome Week.

As one of our most popular Exeter Freshers Events, tickets can sell out before the event takes place, so we always recommend booking early.

Visit our Freshers Tickets section to explore the full programme of Exeter Student Events taking place during Exeter Freshers Week 2026.

Our Exeter Freshers Events primarily welcome students from the University of Exeter, making them a fantastic opportunity to meet people beyond your own course or accommodation.

Every year, thousands of first-year students attend throughout Welcome Week, alongside returning students and students from nearby colleges and higher education providers.

One of the best parts of Exeter Freshers Week is bringing together students from different courses, halls and friendship groups. You may arrive with your flatmates and leave having met people from across the university.

If you’re moving to Exeter without knowing anyone, joining your university’s WhatsApp communities before arriving can make a huge difference. You’ll find applicant groups, accommodation chats, course communities and general university groups where students introduce themselves, ask questions and arrange to attend Exeter Freshers Events together.

Buying your Exeter Freshers Tickets is quick and straightforward. Browse the events listed on ExeterFreshers.com, choose the nights you’d like to attend and click the Buy Tickets button.

You’ll then be redirected to Fatsoma, our official ticketing partner, where you can complete your purchase securely. Once your booking has been confirmed, your tickets will be stored digitally in your Fatsoma account and can be accessed from your phone when you arrive.

Booking in advance means you can organise your Freshers Week before moving to Exeter and make plans with your new friends knowing everyone already has tickets for the same events.

Many students also use their university WhatsApp communities to arrange groups before Exeter Welcome Week begins.

Yes. Exeter Freshers Events are generally open to anyone of university age, even if they aren’t studying at the University of Exeter.

Students from nearby colleges, other universities and surrounding areas regularly attend with friends. You may also be able to attend if you’re taking a gap year, studying elsewhere or visiting someone who has moved to Exeter for university.

You’ll still need to meet the conditions shown on each individual event listing. Most nightclub events are strictly 18+, and everyone will need an accepted form of physical photo ID.

Freshers Week is all about meeting people, enjoying student life and celebrating the start of university. Provided you meet the venue’s entry requirements, you’re very welcome to attend.

Most Exeter Freshers Events are strictly 18+ because they’re held in licensed venues serving alcohol.

You’ll normally need to bring a valid physical UK Government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. Digital copies or photographs aren’t usually accepted.

If you won’t be 18 when Freshers Week begins, always check the age restriction shown on the individual event before buying your ticket.

Freshers Week isn’t only about nightlife. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet people, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate the beginning of university life.

Student safety is an important priority throughout Exeter Freshers Week. Our events take place at established venues with professional event staff, licensed security teams and age-verification procedures.

Like any night out, it’s sensible to look after yourself and your friends. Stay together where possible, keep your phone charged, know how you’re getting home and never leave drinks unattended.

If you’re attending on your own, don’t let that put you off. Every year thousands of students move to Exeter without knowing anyone. Joining your university’s WhatsApp communities beforehand is a brilliant way to meet other students attending the same events before your first night out.

Venue staff and security teams are always available to help if you need assistance.

One of the easiest ways to meet people before arriving at university is through the dedicated WhatsApp communities for the University of Exeter.

Visit our Group Chats section and join the communities that match your course, accommodation or interests.

You’ll find new students introducing themselves, asking questions, comparing accommodation and organising plans before Welcome Week begins. Many people join weeks before moving into halls, making arrival day feel much more familiar.

Students also use the chats to find others attending F*CK ME It’s Freshers and other Exeter Student Events, making it easy to organise groups before your first night out.

Please remember that these communities are welcoming spaces for students from all backgrounds, so always treat other members with respect.

Yes. Alongside our main university communities, you’ll also find dedicated course and accommodation WhatsApp chats for many University of Exeter students.

Accommodation groups help you meet people living in the same halls before moving in, while course chats make it easier to find classmates, compare enrolment information and ask questions before lectures begin.

Students also use these communities to arrange meet-ups, shopping trips and decide which Exeter Freshers Events they’d like to attend together.

If your particular course or accommodation group isn’t available yet, don’t worry. New communities are added regularly throughout the summer.

Every student packs slightly differently, but there are a few essentials almost everyone will need.

Bring your important documents, clothing for different weather, bedding, towels, toiletries, chargers, medication and anything else you’ll use regularly.

If you’re moving into self-catered accommodation, a few basic kitchen items can also be useful.

Don’t panic if you forget something. Exeter has plenty of supermarkets and shops where you can buy anything you’ve left behind after moving in.

Preparing socially is just as important as packing. Joining your university’s WhatsApp communities before arriving gives you the chance to meet future flatmates and course mates, while booking your Exeter Freshers Tickets early helps you avoid searching for last-minute plans.

Yes. Although Freshers Week is mainly designed to welcome first-year students, many returning students also attend Exeter Freshers Events every year.

Second and third year students often come with friends, housemates or society members, while others attend after returning from placements or changing accommodation.

Provided you meet the venue’s age and entry requirements and hold a valid ticket, you’re very welcome to attend.

Freshers Week has a unique atmosphere because so many students are returning to Exeter at the same time, making it just as enjoyable for returning students as it is for first years.

The best time to buy your Exeter Freshers Tickets is as soon as you’ve decided which events you’d like to attend.

Ticket prices usually increase as each release tier sells out, meaning students who book early often pay significantly less than those waiting until the final release. If you don’t get into university, your booking is refundable in accordance with our refund policy.

Because Exeter is one of our larger Freshers destinations, the biggest events can sell out before Welcome Week begins. Buying early gives you the widest choice of events, the lowest ticket prices and the best chance of attending with your new flatmates.

All tickets linked from ExeterFreshers.com are sold securely through Fatsoma. Once you’ve booked your events, joining your university’s WhatsApp communities is the perfect next step to start meeting people before your first week at university.