Orientation Week

Orientation Week is an optional programme of guided tours, social events and information sessions open to all new and continuing students, international or from the UK. If you want a little extra time and help to settle into life in Sheffield and the University, then Orientation Week is for you.

On

Orientation Week is Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2026.

Check the schedule of events

There'll be daily information talks, campus tours, icebreakers and welcome drop-ins. There'll also be a range of daytime and evening social and cultural events to choose from. 

Attendance is free, but there will be a small charge for some social events. You can take part in as many days as you like, and you only need to attend the sessions and events that are of interest to you. Recordings will be available for all our information talks, so if you miss anything you 'll be able to catch up easily online.

The majority of sessions are held in the Students' Union Building, Firth Court, the Belonging Building or the Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre.

All events and activities are supervised by our team of Global Campus Ambassadors, who you'll recognise in their pink tops. 

It’s a great way to make friends, find out more about the University and help you settle into life in Sheffield. 

We really look forward to welcoming you to our University and city! 

Express your interest by filling in this form.

Orientation accommodation

University accommodation is available to book, at a cost, during Orientation Week.

The self-catered accommodation will be at our Ranmoor & Endcliffe student residences. Rooms are single occupancy and en-suite. 

There are several packages available depending on when you will arrive in Sheffield, and all accommodation packages run through to 10am on Friday 18 September. There is a minimum two-night stay requirement.

Accommodations bookings will be open from 1 July 2026. For further details, and to book accommodation, visit our online shop.

'Meet & Greet'

The University will be running a 'Meet & Greet' airport pick up service from Manchester Airport to the University of Sheffield on selected dates in September, including Orientation Week.

Communities

We welcome all our communities and have a range of tailored information, resources and guidance for students to help you make the most of your time at university.

Disabled students

The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) runs a programme of activities during the week, to support disabled students. These events are labelled 'DDSS' in the programme. Further details can be found on their Transitions web page.

Schedule

The schedule below is provisional and subject to change.

Monday 14 September

  • Disability & Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) information stand
    • 9am to 12pm, Student's Union foyer (level 3)
    • The Disability Transition Officer and a Disability Champion (a current student) will be on the information stand. Come and visit us if you would like to know more about DDSS, if you have any questions, want to say hello, or would like to chat about your plans for the week.
  • Talk: Welcome!
    • 9.30am to 10am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • We'll have different welcome talks with a different theme each day
  • Talk: Cyber, Fraud & Safety 
    • 10.15am to 11.15am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Presented by South Yorkshire Police
  • Icebreaker
  • International students
  • Talk: Sport Sheffield
    • 12.45pm to 1.15pm, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Presented by Sport Sheffield and Students' Union Sports & Wellbeing Officer
  • City tour
    • 1pm to 2pm (meet outside the Belonging Building at 12.45pm)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour in Sheffield city centre. The same city tour route will repeat each day.
  • Global Cafe
  • Tour: Students' Union
    • 3pm to 4pm, meet at Student's Union main entrance
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a walking tour of the Students' Union building showing you key facilities and services available to you during your study
  • Chill out time
    • 5pm to 7pm, the Belonging Building
    • Time to relax in a quiet space, maybe with a book or however you like to wind down!
  • Welcome BBQ
    • 6pm to 9pm, Bar One Gardens (Student's Union)
    • Come along to our Welcome BBQ, a relaxed and informal social event hosted by our Global Ambassadors - a great way to meet and chat with other students. You'll need to purchase a ticket (£6.00) from our online shop - this includes burger, sausage, sides & salad (meat and vegan options will be available). There'll be two sittings for food (6pm to 7pm, 7pm to 8pm) but you can stay around for the whole event. Drinks can be purchased from the bar. 
    • If we have wet weather, the event will be held indoors. Bring a warm layer as evenings can get cool. We suggest you use the Glossop Road entrance to Bar One.
  • Club night: Tropiloco

Tuesday 15 September

  • Talk: Welcome!
    • 9.30am to 10am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • We'll have different welcome talks with a different theme each day
  • Tour: Western Bank Campus
    • 10am to 11am, meet outside Student's Union main entrance at 9.45am
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour of the Western Bank part of the campus; most useful for students studying Architecture & Landscape, Law, Biosciences, Mathematics & Physical Sciences, Geography & Planning. The tour will also show you how to find the Disability & Dyslexia Support Service, the Information Commons and the University Arms
  • Icebreaker
    • 11am to 12pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • A great opportunity to meet new friends and have some fun! The event will be facilitated by our Global Ambassadors.
  • Talk: Introduction to the DDSS Champions
    • 10.15am to 11.15am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Delivered by the Disability Transition Officer and a current student, this talk will explain who's eligible for our support (including who's considered a 'disabled student'), what types of support are available, and how to set them up. A current student will talk about their experience of accessing DDSS support, and there'll be time at the end to ask questions.
  • Sports
    • 11am to 1pm, meet outside the Student's Union main entrance at 10.45am
    • Our ambassadors will then walk with you to the Bramley sports pitches at Goodwin Sports Centre. The event will take place outside, with the option to play cricket, dodgeball, football, rounders or frisbee.
  • Talk: Overview of the Students' Union
    • 11.30am to 12.30pm, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Find out more about your Students' Union : what it does and how you can get involved.
  • Drop-in session with a DDSS Specialist Mentor
    • 12pm to 2pm, 301 Academic Skills Centre, Glossop Road
    • A one-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor. If you’d like to chat about how your week is going, please come along. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life. There's no need to book in advance.
  • Talk: Introduction to the Careers & Employability Service
  • City tour
    • 1pm to 2pm (meet outside the Belonging Building at 12.45pm)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour in Sheffield city centre. The same city tour route will repeat each day.
  • Global Cafe with Friends International
  • 'Quilt of Welcome' launch event
    • 3pm to 5pm, the Belonging Building
    • Be one of the first to design a square before the Quilt of Welcome heads off on its journey around the University!
  • Autistic student social
    • 5pm to 7pm, the Belonging Building
    • This group is for all students who identify as autistic, including those who are self-diagnosed. Staff from Spectrum First will assist with the running of the group session but it’s very much a student-led group. it's a great way to meet other students in a quiet and informal setting. There's no pressure - you can talk as little or as much as you like! There's no need to book in advance.
  • Film night
    • 7pm to 9pm,  Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Tonight's film will be 'Paddington', a classic British family comedy about a bear from Peru arriving in the UK.
  • Board games

Wednesday 16 September

  • Talk: Welcome!
    • 9.30am to 10am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • We'll have different welcome talks with a different theme each day
  • Tour: West campus
    • 10am to 11am (meet outside Student's Union main entrance at 9.45am)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour of the West Campus part of the campus. This will be most useful for students studying Biosciences, Medicine & Population Health, and Clinical Dentistry. The tour will also include where to find Firth Court, The Wave, 301 Academic Skills Centre, the University Drama Studio and Bar One.
  • Talk: Working on a Student visa during & after study
  • Sports
    • 11am to 1pm, meet outside the Student's Union main entrance at 10.45am
    • Our ambassadors will then walk with you to the Bramley sports pitches at Goodwin Sports Centre. The event will take place outside, with the option to play cricket, dodgeball, football, rounders or frisbee.
  • Icebreaker 
  • City tour
    • 1pm to 2pm (meet outside the Belonging Building at 12.45pm)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour in Sheffield city centre. The same city tour route will repeat each day.
  • Global Cafe
    • 1pm to 2pm, the Belonging Building
    • A relaxed space for getting to know others, refreshments will be available.
  • Egg Drop Challenge
    • 3pm to 5pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • Take part in a creative team-based fun activity (places are limited)
  • DDSS social drop-in
    • 5pm to 7pm, the Belonging Building
    • Join us for an informal, low-sensory social event. All disabled students are welcome, whether you plan to access DDSS support or not. While DDSS staff will be there to help, this is a student-led space run by our Disability Champions (current disabled students). It's a great, relaxed way to meet others in a quieter environment. You can play a game, bring your own board game, or just have a friendly chat. There's no pressure - you can talk as little or as much as you like! There's no need to book in advance.
  • Film night
    • 7pm to 9pm,  Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Tonight's film will be 'Bend It Like Beckham' - an oldie but a goodie!
  • Taste of Britain
    • 7pm to 9pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • A fun cultural event and an opportunity to sample a traditional northern English 'Pie and Peas' supper (a popular Yorkshire dish consisting of a meat pie, chips, peas and gravy). A vegan alternative option will be available. There'll also be a fun presentation on British cuisine and a quiz. Purchase your ticket here - tickets are limited.

Thursday 17 September

  • Talk: Welcome!
    • 9.30am to 10am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • We'll have different welcome talks with a different theme each day
  • Tour: The Wave
    • 10am to 11am (meet outside Student's Union main entrance at 9.45am)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour in and around The Wave. The tour will be most useful for students studying Education - Information, Journalism and Communication - Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations - Economics - Management. The tour will also include where to find the Goodwin Sports Centre and the Management School.
  • Talk: Managing your money
  • Sports
    • 11am to 1pm, meet outside the Student's Union main entrance at 10.45am
    • Our ambassadors will then walk with you to the Bramley sports pitches at Goodwin Sports Centre. The event will take place outside, with the option to play cricket, dodgeball, football, rounders or frisbee.
  • Icebreaker 
    • 11am to 12pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • A great opportunity to meet new friends and have some fun! The event will be facilitated by our Global Ambassadors.
  • Talk: Cyber, Fraud & Safety 
    • 11.30am to 12.30pm, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Presented by South Yorkshire Police
  • Drop-in session with a DDSS Specialist Mentor
    • 12pm to 2pm, 301 Academic Skills Centre, Glossop Road
    • A one-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor. If you’d like to chat about how your week is going, please come along. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life. There's no need to book in advance.
  • Talk: Support for mature students
    • 12.45pm to 1.45pm, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • Presented by the Student Experience Diversity & Inclusion (SEDI) team and Education Development Services
  • City tour
    • 1pm to 2pm (meet outside the Belonging Building at 12.45pm)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour around Sheffield City Centre. The same city tour route will repeat each day.
  • Intercultural Orientation @ Global Cafe
    • 1pm to 3pm, the Belonging Building
    • Today's cafe will have a focussed inter-cultural conversation activity, hosted by ISSAC
  • Mature students drop-in
  • University Health Service tour
    • 3pm to 4pm (meet outside Student's Union main entrance at 2.45pm)
    • Following the conclusion of today's talks in the auditorium, our ambassadors will walk with you to the University Health Service for an introduction to the services you can access there.
  • Quilt of Welcome (part 2)
    • 3pm to 5pm, the Belonging Building
    • Another opportunity to add your design to the quilt early in its journey.
  • Chill out time
    • 5pm to 7pm, the Belonging Building
    • Some time to relax in a quiet space, maybe with a book, or however you like to wind down.
  • Board games
    • 7pm to 9pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • A communal, friendly event with wide choice of games to play.
  • Ceilidh
    • 7pm to 9pm, Firth Hall, Firth Court
    • Join us and take part in a traditional Gaelic dance! Our Students' Union Ceilidh Society Band will provide the music and lead you. It's high energy, super fun and a great communal, inclusive event. You don't need to a be a dancer, just wear comfy shoes and prepare to get sweaty! Water will be provided, please bring a water bottle if you have one. Purchase a ticket for £4.00 here.
  • Yo Karaoke!

Friday 18 September

  • Talk: Welcome!
    • 9.30am to 10am, Student's Union auditorium (level 2)
    • We'll have different welcome talks with a different theme each day
  • Tour: St George's campus
    • 10am to 11am (meet outside the Belonging Building at 9.45am)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour of the St George's part of the campus. The tour will be most useful for students studying History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities, Computer Science, Languages, Arts and Societies, Psychology and Engineering. The tour will also include where to find the St George's Lecture Theatre and the University Health Service.
  • Accommodation check-out
    • 10am to 12pm, Endcliffe accommodation
    • If you're staying in Uni accommodation during orientation, this will be your check out and moving  time.
  • Sports
    • 11am to 1pm, meet outside the Student's Union main entrance at 10.45am
    • Our ambassadors will then walk with you to the Bramley sports pitches at Goodwin Sports Centre. The event will take place outside, with the option to play cricket, dodgeball, football, rounders or frisbee.
  • Icebreaker 
    • 11am to 12pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • A great opportunity to meet new friends and have some fun! The event will be facilitated by our Global Ambassadors.
  • City tour
    • 1pm to 2pm (meet outside the Belonging Building at 12.45pm)
    • Our ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour around Sheffield City Centre. The same city tour route will repeat each day.
  • Intercultural Orientation
    • 1pm to 3pm,  the Belonging Building
    • Another opportunity to join a focussed intercultural conversation activity hosted by ISSAC. This is a repeat of Thursday's event.
  • Global Cafe with DDSS
    • 3pm to 5pm, the Belonging Building
    • During today's Global Cafe, colleagues from DDSS will be available in the boardroom next door to the Belonging Space for a confidential one-to-one drop-in session with our Disability Transition Officer. They can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to set up support for your studies. You're welcome to have a general chat about how you plan to make the most out of Orientation Week. They can also signpost you to other services within the University.
  • Chill out time
    • 5pm to 7pm, the Belonging Building
    • Some time to relax in a quiet space, maybe with a book, or however you like to wind down.
  • Games evening: 'Race Across the World' quiz special
    • 7pm to 9pm, Uni Central, Student's Union (level 4)
    • Our last games night will feature a quiz game based on the epic 'Race Across the World' TV programme!

Belief, No Belief and Religious Life Centre events 

Monday 14 September

  • Home from Home: A Place To Belong (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 3pm to 4pm, BNBR Life Centre
    • Visit our comfortable, welcoming space. Quiet and social areas, drinks, snacks, games, meet other students.

Tuesday 15 September

  • Home from Home: A Place To Belong (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 3pm to 4pm, BNBR Life Centre
    • Visit our comfortable, welcoming space. Quiet and social areas, drinks, snacks, games, meet other students.

Wednesday 16 September

  • Christian Simple Service (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 1pm to 2pm, BNBR Life Centre gathering space
    • All are welcome at this service which will be quiet, calming and reflective - with refreshments afterwards.
  • International Christian Student Welcome (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 2pm to 2:30pm, BNBR Life Centre gathering space
    • Enjoy free refreshments while meeting other international Christian students and members of the Christian Chaplaincy team.
  • Quiet spaces around campus tour (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 3pm to 4pm, meet at Student's Union main entrance at 2.45pm
    • Staff from the BNBR Life Centre and our Global Ambassadors will take you on a short walking tour, showing you where to find quiet and reflective spaces on campus, some located inside and others outside.
  • Home from Home: A Place To Belong (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 3pm to 4pm, BNBR Life Centre
    • Visit our comfortable, welcoming space. Quiet and social areas, drinks, snacks, games, meet other students.
  • International Muslim Student Welcome (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 4pm-6pm, BNBR Life Centre activity space
    • An evening of games, refreshments and a chance to meet other Muslim students, the Muslim chaplains and get information about Muslim life on campus.

Thursday 17 September

  • Mindfulness Walk (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 12pm-1pm, meet at Information Commons (IC) main entrance
    • A guided mindfulness walk around parts of campus. No previous experience of mindfulness walking is necessary.
  • Home from Home: A Place To Belong (Belief, No Belief and Religious (BNBR) Life Centre)
    • 3pm to 4pm, BNBR Life Centre
    • Visit our comfortable, welcoming space. Quiet and social areas, drinks, snacks, games, meet other students.

See also:

Global Campus

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