The Official Freshers Fortnight events, HUGE daytime events, mixers and more! All perfect for finding friends and helping you settle into university life.

What's On at SU Welcome 25

SUB ZERO IS BACK 🎉 Book now to avoid missing out!

Two weeks of events from campus tours, fun activities and opportunities to meet new friends, as well as incredible parties, great DJs, and nights outs.

It's all designed to help you settle into University life and make your start at Essex unforgettable 🌟🎉

Looking for nighttime events? Keep scrolling down.

What type of student are you?

the big ones

These are event where you're guaranteed to meet people, have fun and maybe win some prizes...

You can come as a team, or solo and we'll group you with others 😊

THE GREAT TABLE TOP ESCAPE

TUES 30 SEP | 15:00, 16:30 & 18:00
SUB ZERO

A thrilling, fast-paced escape room experience like no other! Gather your team of up to 8 people and prepare to be locked into a unique challenge box filled with puzzles, clues, and brainteasers.

BOOK NOW

MINI GOLF

WED 1 OCT | 11:00-17:00
NORTH TOWERS

Get your putters at the ready for the SU Open, the best Minigolf course this side of Hythe Tescos

Grab your team or come alone meet other people. Loads of fun prizes are up for grabs, so join in the fun and get putting!

FIND OUT MORE

BINGLOW

THURS 2 OCT | 16:00 & 17:30
SUB ZERO

Get ready to enter a world of neon magic as we transform Sub Zero’s dance floor into an immersive UV bingo hall!

BOOK NOW

SU FRESHERS FAIR

FRI 3 OCT | 12:00-16:00
SQUARES 2-5

Your one-stop destination to discover all the exciting opportunities available to you whilst here at Essex!

This is THE chance to find your sport, hobby, community and discover information on useful services. And of course, grab some awesome freebies!

There is no specific entry point or need to sign up, just turn up and explore.

FIND OUT MORE

su tours of campus

Feeling lost? A bit overwhelmed? Wondering where to get the best coffee? Don't worry, everyone is feeling the same.

Join an SU Tour where you'll be shown key locations on campus. Most tours are general, but some are aimed at certain groups or areas... browse through below!

Welcome Tour: 15th January 4pm - 5pm; Meet at SU Reception; Join a student leader for a campus tour!

Cotswold - Stow on the Wold: 31st January 7:30am - 7pm; the Cotswold

BARCELONA: 27th March midnight - 29th March 11pm; Barcelona; Get ready for an unforgettable international getaway to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities . . . Barcelona! ☀️✨

meet people at socials

What's a social? A place to meet people from your culture or community. These events are chilled vibes. We'll get some games out if you fancy that, or just grab a drink and get chatting.

Games Night: 16th January 6:30pm - 11:30pm; Faith Centre; Join us and other students for some refreshments, snacks, games and a chance to get to know new people. 6;30pm in room 5300. To get to room 5300 go to Square 2 , enterance 2NE and follow the signs upstairs.

Winter Warm Up - Welcome Back to Campus: 17th January 10am - 3pm; The Atrium; Let's have a calm get together!

Rosary: 17th January 1pm - 2pm; Join us in room 5300 for our rosary event to learn what the rosary is and how to pray with it!

Boogie Buffet – Hosted by Ubuntu x Indonesian x Travel: 17th January 6pm - 11:30pm; The Intbetween; Boogie Buffet is here! This multicultural cookout brings together food, fashion, and feel-good vibes all under one roof.

CathSoc Welcome Event: 18th January 1:15am - 2am; Room 5300; Join us in Room 5300 after Mass for food, drink and icebreaker games to get to know eachother!

PGR January Welcome Social: 20th January 6:30pm - 8:30pm; The Atrium; Come and meet fellow PGR Students!

Trans Social: Welcome back!: 21st January 5pm - 7pm; The Atrium; Come and Meet fellow students in the Trans Community!

LGBTQ+ Social: 23rd January 6:30pm - 8:30pm; The Atrium; Come and meet some of the students that belong to the same community as you.

Students with Disabilities and Neurodivergent Students Social: 26th January 4pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and meet students from your community!

Asian Social: 9th February 6pm - 8pm; The Atrium; Are you an Asian student eager to connect with peers who share your background and interests?

Parent and Carer Social: 16th February 5pm - 7pm; The Atrium; Come and meet fellow Student Parents!

PGT Social: 18th February 7pm - 9pm; The Atrium; Come and meet some of the students that belong to the same community as you.

SU MAKES… Pennant Pins: 12th March noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Make a wearable statement

International meal 'Bring and Share': 25th October 1:15am - 2am; Room 5300; Join us in Room 5300 after Mass for a 'bring and share' meal. If you would like to contribute a dish, please could you ensure all the ingredients are labelled on the item.

Film showings at cine10

Your on-campus cinema, bringing you the latest films every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for a fraction of the High Street price.

Wicked For Good: 16th January 7pm - 10:30pm; Cine10; Cine10 Presents Wicked Back for Good

crafting with su makes

Your chance to get creative - drop in whenever you're ready.

No materials, tools, or experience necessary – come along and make something meaningful, make friends, make a mess, and maybe even learn a new skill!

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 15th January noon - 2pm; The Atrium; Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet

2026 vision board & bullet journal: 15th January 6pm - 8pm; NTC.1.01; Let’s relax, get creative, and set our goals for 2026 together 🩵

SU Makes : Pages: 16th January 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU Makes.... St Brigid's Crosses: 20th January noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Make a traditional charm!

SU Makes: Pages: 22nd January 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU Makes...Your Best Year Yet: 29th January noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU Makes: Journals: 29th January noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes : Pages: 3rd February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 3rd February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet

SU Makes: Paper Roses: 4th February noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Come and make a paper rose!

SU Makes: Handy Pouches: 9th February noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Share your makes with a deserving stranger!

SU Makes : Pages: 13th February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journals

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 13th February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU MAKES… Saucy Sip & Sculpt: 17th February noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Where things get a little… saucy.

SU Makes : Pages: 18th February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and Spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 18th February 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 25th February noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU Makes: Journals: 25th February noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes : Pages: 2nd March 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 2nd March 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Make 2026 your Best Year Yet

SU MAKES… Lunar Cycle Wall Hanging: 3rd March noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Celebrate the full moon tonight!

Hangout - Board Games: 9th March 2pm - 5pm; The Atrium; Come and hangout at our place!

SU Makes : Pages: 10th March 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Come and spend some time with your SU Makes Journal

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 10th March 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU MAKES… Pennant Pins: 12th March noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Make a wearable statement

Hangout - Puzzles: 17th March 2pm - 5pm; The Atrium; Come and hangout at our place!

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 18th March 4:30pm - 6pm; The Atrium; Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet

SU MAKES...Your Best Year Yet: 19th March noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Check in with your BYY book & community!

SU Makes: Journals: 19th March noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes: Journals: 30th March 11am - 2pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes: Journals: 30th April noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes: Journals: 1st June noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

SU Makes: Journals: 24th June noon - 5pm; The Atrium; Start or continue your own journal

sports sessions

A mix of club try-outs and come & try sessions. Your chance to try a new sport, or flex your skills at one you already love.

Book your space from Tuesday 2 September.

Tribe Social - Celebrate the new year with us: 15th January 5pm - 7pm; Time Out (1st floor of Essex Sports Arena); Celebrate the New Year with us🍾🕺

Table Tennis Come and Try Session: 15th January 8pm - 10pm; Sports Arena; Come try out Table Tennis!

Lacrosse: Free Come and Try Session: 16th January 6pm - 8pm; Lacrosse Pitch; New to Lacrosse or a Pro — Everyone’s Welcome!

Men's Rugby Come and Try Session: 16th January 7pm - 8:30pm; Rugby Pitches; Want to try out Rugby? This is your chance!

West Brom VS Middlesbrough: 16th January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

Fencing Come and Try Session!: 16th January 8pm - 10pm; Sports Hall; En garde! Try Fencing and test your reflexes!

Water Polo Come and Try: 16th January 8:30pm - 10pm; Leisure World

Nottingham Forest VS Arsenal: 17th January 5:15pm - 7:15pm; SU Bar

Aston Villa VS Everton: 18th January 4:15pm - 6:15pm; SU Bar

Brighton & Hove Albion VS AFC Bournemouth: 19th January 7:45pm - 9:30pm; SU Bar

Kickboxing Come and Try Session: 20th January 6:30pm - 8pm; Activity Studio 3; Come try out Kickboxing!

Ipswich Town VS Bristol City: 20th January 7:30pm - 9:30pm; SU Bar

Spurs VS Borussia Dortmund: 20th January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

Judo Come and Try Session: 20th January 8pm - 10pm; Step onto the mat and give Judo a try!

Judo Come and Try Session!: 20th January 8pm - 10pm; Sports Hall; Step onto the mat and give Judo a try!

Chelsea VS Pafos: 21st January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

SC Braga v Nottingham Forest: 22nd January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

SU Opportunities Fair: 23rd January noon - 4pm; Sub Zero, The Atrium & The In-between; Find out more about joining Societies, Volunteering Projects, Sports Clubs....

Fencing Come and Try Session!: 23rd January 8pm - 10pm; Sports Hall; En garde! Try Fencing and test your reflexes!

AFC Bournemouth VS Liverpool: 24th January 5:15pm - 7:15pm; SU Bar

Arsenal VS Man United: 25th January 5:15pm - 7:15pm; SU Bar

Judo Come and Try Session: 27th January 8pm - 10pm; Step onto the mat and give Judo a try!

Judo Come and Try Session!: 27th January 8pm - 10pm; Sports Hall; Step onto the mat and give Judo a try!

Nations Unite: Volleyball Double-Header: 1st February 1pm - 7pm; ESSEX SPORTS ARENA; Nations Unite: Volleyball Double-Header 🌍

Judo Come and Try Session: 3rd February 8pm - 10pm; Step onto the mat and give Judo a try!

TAS tries Pole Dance: 9th February 3:30pm - 4:15pm; Activity Studio 1 - Sports Centre; Give It a Spin: TAS Tries Pole Dance

Mature Students Try Pole Dance: 16th February 3:30pm - 4:15pm; Activity Studio 1 - Sports Centre; Mature Students come and try Pole Dancing!

Colchester Half-Marathon 2026: 8th March 9am - 1pm; JobServe Community Stadium; 13.1 Miles through Heritage! 🏃

Remi 2026: 14th March 11am - 5pm; LTB 6; This years Annual Remi Competition

Spring Showcase 2026: 19th March 7:15pm - 11pm; TBC; Our Yearly Spring Showcase

university of essex events

Check out these key events hosted by the University.

View your department induction here.

Settling In: 23rd September 9:30am - 4:45pm; STEM.3.1; Let us help you feel at home before the academic year begins with a whole days’ worth of activities to help you Settle In.

Welcome Village: 29th September 11am - 2pm; Square 5; Come and connect with key teams and organisations that can help you throughout your Essex Journey.

Welcome Tour - Exchange Students: 29th September noon - 1pm; Meet at the Welcome Hub, Square 3; Join your fellow exchange students for a campus tour

Welcome Village: 30th September 11am - 2pm; Square 5; Come and connect with key teams and organisations that can help you throughout your Essex Journey.

Welcome Tour - Exchange Students: 30th September 1pm - 2pm; Meet at the Welcome Hub, Square 3; Join your fellow exchange students for a campus tour

Part-Time Jobs Fair: 1st October 11am - 3pm; Silberrad Student Centre; Our biggest part-time jobs event of the year!

Welcome Village: 2nd October 11am - 2pm; Square 5; Come and connect with key teams and organisations that can help you throughout your Essex Journey.

Welcome Tour - Exchange Students: 2nd October 1pm - 2pm; Meet at the Welcome Hub, Square 3; Join your fellow exchange students for a campus tour

Scratch Night: 9th October 6pm - 8pm; Lakeside Theatre

the ofFIcial freshers fortnight

Looking for a night event? Choose from 3 venues - SU Bar, Top Bar or Sub Zero.

Heading to an event at Sub Zero? Be quick to grab one of the cheap Super Early Bird Tickets 👀

These events will sell out. Don't be sat at home alone!

Rollover Quiz: 15th January 7pm - 10pm; Top Bar

West Brom VS Middlesbrough: 16th January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

FOUNDATION: Traffic Light Party: 16th January 11:59pm - 4am; Inbetween; ESSEX’S BRAND NEW EXPERIENCE-LED STUDENT NIGHT

Nottingham Forest VS Arsenal: 17th January 5:15pm - 7:15pm; SU Bar

Super Sports Sunday: 18th January 4pm - 11:59pm; SU Bar; Pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable. Our place is your place.

Aston Villa VS Everton: 18th January 4:15pm - 6:15pm; SU Bar

Brighton & Hove Albion VS AFC Bournemouth: 19th January 7:45pm - 9:30pm; SU Bar

Karaoke + Milk It: 19th January 9pm - 2am; SU Bar; The cheesiest moosic night of campus!

Ipswich Town VS Bristol City: 20th January 7:30pm - 9:30pm; SU Bar

Spurs VS Borussia Dortmund: 20th January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

Chelsea VS Pafos: 21st January 7:45pm - 9:45pm; SU Bar

Pre - FED: 21st January 9pm - 11:59pm; SU Bar; The SU Bar warming you up for FED!

FED: 21st January 11:59pm - 4am; Subzero; #backtheblades