Every new student at the University of Glasgow goes through an experience of transition during Welcome and Induction Week. It's your opportunity to get a feel for the campus that will become your second home, meet new people, and dive into regular student life. Although my own Welcome Week was a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and learning, it set the stage for an amazing time that I having at UofG. Through my own exoperience, I'd love to tell you how to get the most of this crucial week and get started right away. 

My experience

When I arrived at the University of Glasgow, I wasn't totally sure what to anticipate from Welcome Week. Even though I had read every instruction, nothing can fully prepapre you for the hustle and bustle of the first week. Campus tours, programme inductions, and an overwhelming number of social events were all available. I tend to plan everything out in detail, so I had to move outside of my comfort zone a few times, but each time was worthwhile.

Programme induction

I started off with my programme induction. As a postgraduate in International Relations, I knew this was my chance to get to know my classmates and my course supervisors. The session was full of useful information regarding course requirements, academic resources and workload management strategies. The most comforting aspect? Knowing that everyone was in the same boat, eager to learn but also uncertain about what was ahead. I can't emphasise enough how crucial it is to attend these inductions if you're new. They give you a headstart in building relationships within your academic community and assist you in understanding what is expected of you. 

School induction 

Apart from the programme inductions I also attended the SPS School Induction which covered information on student events, joining societies, Moodle and social media resources, professional development, class rep roles, student feedback, assessment, and learning support. There are multiple school induction sessions available so if you ever missed one, you can always attend another. Be sure to check the timings and venues of the sessions beforehand and always book your e-ticket which are usually available via Eventbrite. If you're ever unsure, reach out to your school for details.

Campus tours

One of the most valuable experiences during Welcome Week are the campus tours. The Student Representatives Council (SRC) organises these guided tours throughout the week, allowing you to explore key locations of the University incluidng lecture halls, library, student services, common areas, dining facilities, cafes and sport complex. Student volunteers with experience lead these tours, answering questions in real time, These tours are an excellent way to get a familiar with the campus. To guarantee a space, I would recommend you to a reserve a spot in advance through the University of Glasgow International Student Support website.

Joining a club or society

Joining a society is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and make the most of your university experience and Welcome Week is the perfect time to decide on which society to join. During Welcome Week all university societies organise freshers' stalls which are an incredible way to get a glimpse of the university's dynamic extracurriculur life. With over 300 societies, there's something for everyone. From academic and cultural societies to niche hobby groups, the stalls showcase the diversity of student interests, and share their enthusiasm. Many offer freebies, such as pens, badges and snacks, or opportunities to win prizes. During my Welcome Week I joined three socieitieson the spot when I visited them, for one I am now the postgraduate representative. 

Welcome parties

One of the most exciting parts of Welcome Week is a variety of welcome parties for new students and most of them are free to attend. During my Welcome Week I attended two of them. The first welcome party was course specific which was held at Hillhead Book Club. These parties include faculty members, giving you a chance to interest with your lecturers and programme coordinators. For me this party was an excellent opportunity to ask questions to my lecturers and get to know them. The second party that I attended was the Big Welcome hosted by the School of Social & Political Sciences Student Experience team. The Big Welcome help you meet new people, enjoy engaging games, activities and great food, and immerse yourself in the lively university atmosphere. The fun games and activities are perfect for breaking the ice and forging new friendships. Plus, there are prizes to be won, adding an extra layer of excitement for the evening. 

Final tips

Welcome Week is what you make of it. What you make of Welcome and Induction Week is up to you. There is no 'right' way to experience it, whether you are an extrovert who is eager to participate in every event or an introvert who takes it slowly. The main thing is to take advantage of the opportunities that are interesting to you and give you enough time become used to your enviornment. University of GLasgow is about more than academics, it's about finding your community, pursuing your passions, and developing personally. So enjoy the amazing week to fullest and you will be happy that you did!

 

First published: 15 January 2025

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