By Olivia Hunt, Community Editor
As one of the biggest SU-led events of the year, the Freshers' Fair is the jackpot for an introduction to Bristol organisations, businesses and student-led societies. As it was my third and final freshers' fair (yes, note the irony – I enjoy a free slice of pizza!) I knew that I’d feel old among the newbies but the fair still created that ‘just moved in’ sentiment I had felt in first year. The fête is chaotic but exciting, and with a range of tents and vans to discover, the SU ensures that there is something for everyone.
Here is a round-up of some fun things I saw during my time on the Downs that day!
Popular food stalls like Papa Johns, Wingstop and Domino’s (perfect for that post-fresher, hungover state) were giving out free food in exchange for QR sign-ups. My favourite one was Ramona’s, in which you chucked ‘chickpeas’ (chickpea-coloured foam balls) into buckets to receive a keychain and a small pot of crisp and dip. They’ve clearly understood students’ obsession with the ‘picky-bits’ craze!
Some promoting businesses also stood out with their stalls. Notably, the Lady Garden Foundation stall, a model bathroom that held information on gynaecological health, was one of the most impressive. In a sea of a thousand stalls (it felt), design is imperative – Lady Garden hit the mark!
In addition, the local Bristol venue, The Fleece, was successful with its freebie offerings. You could spin the wheel for goodies: one of the options being a tote bag full of Fleece-branded paraphernalia, which my housemate won!
Santander also had a free photo-booth that conjured a giant queue of freshers wanting to commemorate their first moments at university. Dr. Pepper was promoting it's new 'cream swirl' flavour, and handed out mini cans straight from Dr. Pepper in a dapper cream coloured suit himself!
But the main point of freshers' fair is an introduction to the hundreds of student-led societies available at the University of Bristol. I was able to speak to a few societies at the event, when they weren’t swarmed with freshers escaping the rain.
Speaking with Helix society, they told me about the merging of the schools of biomedical science and biochemistry. They aim to do the same in merging social events, allowing students of both subjects to work closer together. Elliot, the president of Helix, stated, ‘The combination of sciences means that freshers should be excited for the new year.’ Their first collaborative social function will be a pub crawl on the 28th.
I later spoke to A Capella society, who told me about the sheer volume of potential members signing up: ‘we’re looking forward to the rest of the year, loads of people have been signing up for auditions and it has been getting busier throughout the day.’ The tent was absolutely packed! So I wasn't surprised to hear of this successful audition turnout.
Meanwhile, the Give it a Go! stage was busy with talent all day, with freshers involving themselves in all sorts of activity. From salsa to pole dancing, an array of different societies took to the stage to show off their skills.
There was also the sports ‘demo-zone’, in which freshers could try out some equipment with some sports committee members. You could learn to row on a machine, play catch with the American football society or even attempt korfball with Korfball society! Surprisingly, the winter sports ramp wasn't at the festival this year, but I did see some form of skiing take place on a much smaller scale.
Meg Pantry
The event this year was full of smiles despite the grey and rainy conditions, and I was able to speak to many societies who were all having a great time. Even if you aren't a fresher anymore, I'd still advise you to visit the event! Finding a new hobby and society, or exploring the stalls of local Bristol businesses can be really exciting - and it's always good to get a freebie or a slice of pizza.
Featured Image: 'Welcome Fair 2026' | Epigram / Emilia Ibarguen Donoso
Did you attend the 2026 Welcome Fair?
