What to expect from the Fresh Start Festival

It’s a big week next week, with the Fresh Start Festival kicking off at Leeds. From Monday 24 January – Sunday 30 January, our campus will be home to loads of exciting events and activities designed to bring together our community, run by LUU and the University.

Whether you’re new to Leeds or are looking to get more involved this term, join us next week to find your people, learn new things, and discover the support, opportunities and activities available to you here at Leeds. It’s the perfect way to find where you belong in the Leeds community, and make a positive start to the year.

Fresh Start Festival will have something for everyone – whether you’re joining us in person or online, during the day or in the evening, there’s bound to be an event that captures your interest. The full lineup of events is available on Engage, but below we’ve rounded up a few of the highlights. And the best part? The majority of the events during the Fresh Start Festival are absolutely free.

Fresh Start Week Fair

Wednesday 26 January, 10-3.

Join us in the Union building and on the precinct outside for the Fresh Start Festival Fair. Here you can find out more about our 300+ clubs and societies, discover big brands that are relevant to students, and grab some freebies while you’re there.

Find out more

Daytime events

The Fresh Start Festival is all about getting 2022 off to the best start possible, so naturally there’ll be plenty of wellbeing-boosting, alcohol-free activities to attend, from crafts to exercise. Think pet therapy, meditation, jewellery making, swimming and more. We’ll also have stalls from the likes of Young Black Minds and Young Adult Carers, and opportunities to attend trips to places including York and the Lake District.

If you’re new to the University, or haven’t spent much time on campus yet, there’s lots for you, too. Why not join a Leeds & You campus tour, or chat to staff from across the Uni, Union and related organisations to discover how they can support you?

Discover all Fresh Start Events

Evening & nighttime events

If you’re more of a night owl, there’s still lots on during the Fresh Start Festival for you to get involved with. That includes a Vegan Night Market, classic Fruity club nights, a free International Welcome Party, and an array of evening events promising drag, open mic and retro games.

You’ll also be able to watch music and performances and attend networking sessions to meet some of your peers.

Get Fruity tickets & more

Online events

If you’ve not yet reached Leeds or are having to self isolate, you don’t have to miss out. Make use of the Unionverse, an online space for you to meet fellow Leeds students and share your interests, or come along to our virtual Clubs and Societies Fair to see what’s on offer. You’ll also find that plenty of events that are part of our main programme are online too, from meditation to Ba Duan Jin.

Find out more about the Unionverse and how to join here Get involved in the virtual Clubs and Societies Fair

It’s time to dive into everything Leeds has to offer and start the year the right way. See you there!