By Paul Rodgers
Our Welcome and Transition for new students is a collaborative and coordinated endeavour delivered by all our academic schools and central services. Our approach is informed by our Welcome And Transition Principles. Orientation Week is one of the ways we deliver our outstanding welcome as students start to arrive in Sheffield.
I’ve heard about that!
You may have heard about Orientation Week or be aware that some activity happens on campus before Welcome Week. Orientation Week is an optional programme of guided tours, social events and information sessions for all new students. It is held the week before Welcome Week and is particularly useful for students who would benefit from a little extra time to settle into life in Sheffield and The University. This year it runs from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2026.
That’s right, isn’t it just for International Students?
Not at all. It's open to all students, though popular with international students, increasingly we are seeing home students get involved. We particularly encourage students with disabilities, mature students and those with less or no family experience of higher education to attend. We have some specific activities targeted at those new to UK culture and some sessions for mature students and disabled students.
Arrival
From confirmation and clearing, Orientation Week features in the all new student communications. Additionally specific tailored information goes out from services supporting particular student groups.
New students can choose to come to Sheffield earlier for Orientation Week, some will be planning to be in Sheffield anyway and will find it a useful programme to join and some will join through our Meet and Greet service. Optional orientation accommodation packages are available at the Endcliffe site for the week, however many have their private accommodation already booked or will visit for a day.
During the week
Each morning a Welcome Talk is held in The Students Union Building and the day's schedule is explained. Each day themed talks, icebreakers, campus tours, and sport activities are available. In the evenings large scale social events are held, such as a BBQ in Bar One, a film night, a pie and peas supper and a ceilidh.
Attendance is free, but there is a small charge for some social events with food. Students can take part in as many days as they like, and they can just attend the sessions and events that are of interest.
All the events are facilitated by our lovely team of current student Belonging Ambassadors, who help people mix and offer informal advice and signposting using their own experiences.
Sounds like fun but what has this got to do with me as a teacher and academic preparedness?
Our Welcome and Transition approach is informed by evaluation and student feedback. We know that creating a sense of belonging and feeling part of the community are crucial elements to build both academic resilience and overall wellbeing.
We know most students will find their community within academic schools and their disciplines, and that this process starts in earnest from Welcome Week. Before that, Orientation Week can provide a foundation from which schools and services can scaffold support and information for our new students to start that journey of belonging.
Key Messages
We showcase our inclusive and supportive welcome and set a positive and authentic scene for the year ahead. We want students to start to understand what's needed to achieve their academic potential. We want students to know that others are also feeling nervous or excited and regardless of their background, culture or identity that they are not alone. We will also demonstrate that The University is a place where new students can thrive.
We want students to understand that it's normal at the start to experience imposter phenomenon, be worried about whether they will fit in and doubt that they can be successful. We want to demonstrate that despite those doubts and fears that the University of Sheffield can be their place of belonging that celebrates diverse university communities and supports all to reach their potential.
If you are on campus that week come and see the events for yourself. The schedule is available on the Orientation Week page. Then, as you meet your students, ask them about their arrival and orientation experiences. Inviting students to talk about their first experiences can be a low stakes opening to explore any concerns or support needs and can build their connection to you and ultimately help reinforce their sense of belonging.
Paul Rodgers has worked at The University of Sheffield for over 25 years, mainly in a range of student support roles, He currently leads The Student Experience Diversity and Inclusion team in Student and Academic Services. The team supports students’ sense of belonging and community, particularly those from marginalised and underrepresented communities.