Freshers Fair going ahead

Welcome 2020 will look different this year because of the current social distancing guidance and the ‘blended’ approach being taken to teaching and learning. A Bristol SU spokesperson said that ‘its primary focus will be on connecting students to each other, building a sense of community and connection to the city and to replicate where possible all the aspects of Welcome Week that make it so amazing’.

The Welcome Fair will take place online on Wednesday 7 October using the platform VFairs. As well as being available live the fair will also be accessible on demand for a month.

At the virtual fair students will have the opportunity to engage with:

• Student societies and sport clubs

• Student Volunteering projects

• Commercial stallholders (including freebies and discount codes)

• Local businesses

• Bristol SU services

Students will be able to virtually visit each stand and click through to their videos, documents and links to websites. There will also be the opportunity to chat to stall holders online, with options for video, audio and text-based chat on the day.

Union Affairs Officer Julio Mkok said: ‘our student groups are usually front and centre with the Welcome Fair and Give it a Go activities and this year will be no different! This year is the first time we’re holding events before students have even arrived which is really exciting’.

The official programme will be launched on Thursday 13 August at bristolsu.org.uk/welcome.

Written by Sam Bradby