Thousands of new students join in Welcome Week celebrations

Imperial welcomed thousands of new students this week with a series of talks, fairs and social events.

With the 2017/18 Autumn term now here, the College’s Welcome Week invited this year’s 6,000+ new undergraduate and postgraduate students to explore Imperial’s campuses, network with fellow students, and learn how to get the most out of their university experience – both inside and outside of the classroom.

Moving in

Welcome Week kicked off at the weekend with the arrival of new students into their halls of residence, with a host of receptions, afternoon teas and a movie night. (See slideshow below)

(Photography: Adam Duke)

New arrivals – domestic and international – were invited along with their parents to presentations led by senior members of the Imperial community President Alice Gast, Vice Provost (Education) Professor Simone Buitendijk and Union President Alex Chippy Compton.

(Photography: Adam Duke)

Forging connections

The many support services, resources and networks available to Imperial students were on show at the I-Connect interactive fair on Monday. Team members from the library, disability advisory and counselling services were on hand during the day-long event at the Queen’s Tower Rooms alongside members of sport societies, security, and alumni relations.

They were accompanied by vibrant sights, sounds and smells of cooking demonstrations, live music, and presentations from South Kensington’s cultural sector.   

(Photography: Thomas Angus)

Fresh faces

The College’s Freshers’ Fair returned to once again showcase the full spectrum of activities, groups and projects students can get involved with through Imperial College Union. Held on Tuesday across the South Kensington Campus, the fair featured a host of external exhibitors and 370+ clubs and societies.

(Photography: Thomas Angus)

A very welcoming week

Union President Alex Chippy Compton

Union President, Alex Chippy Compton said: “The Union has had a really busy and exciting week welcoming new and returning students. We have held a more diverse range of bigger events than ever before and have loads more planned in terms of welcome events over the next week too.

“Extra-curricular activities are both fun and an important development opportunity and are one of the best parts of our members’ experience at Imperial. Our Freshers’ Fair on Tuesday was one of the biggest in the UK and showcases our sector leading range of Clubs and Societies, with over 400 stalls and thousands of people attending.”

Vice Provost (Education), Professor Simone Buitendijk

Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice Provost (Education) said: “The start of a new year is always an exciting time at Imperial, and it has been wonderful to see so many new smiling faces on our campuses during Welcome Week.
 
“A central part of our mission at Imperial is to offer our students the very best experience, and our innovations in the provision of learning, teaching and support services are made with their needs firmly in mind. I would encourage every new arrival to make the most of their time at the College, in and out of the classrooms and labs.”