New students arriving at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) in just under a month are set to make a lifetime of memories at what De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) are branding as their biggest and best ever Freshers Week.
An action-packed #FreshFest17 schedule of daytime and evening activities catering for everyone has been announced by DSU, ensuring students first week at the university is ‘truly unforgettable.’
Last week A-level students across the country waited anxiously for their results to see if they had secured the grades they needed to get into university.
Those joining DMU this September were officially welcomed to the university by DSU on social media, reinforcing the fact that all students are automatically a member of the students’ union.
Accompanying the message was the announcement of DSU’s programme of events for their annual #FreshFest schedule, which once again does not disappoint.
Ahtesham Mahmood, President of DSU, said: “#FreshFest17 is undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of the year. I still remember my Freshers Week from six years ago, and it was probably one of the best weeks I’ve had at DMU.
“There’s so much going on in such a short period of time to help students discover their new-found independence, and really welcome them into the De Montfort community.
“Coming to university can be a little overwhelming, but these events will help students make sense of it all and meet new people.
“Something that I would definitely tell people to do is get involved, get to know your flatmates, get to know your neighbours, and make those bonds. There’s going to be a so much available to you, and remember that everyone is in the same situation.
“Get to know what the students’ union offer, and let us shape your next three years and beyond.”
RELATED NEWS
DSU ranked among the UK's top ten students' unions
Mollie honoured to be DSU's new Deputy President
Champion Fuchs makes refurbished Campus Centre opening egg-stra special
Students arriving early on Friday 22 September can get their first glimpse of DMU’s famous Vijay Patel Big Screen at the heart of campus, for an outdoor cinema screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Following the screening, party goers can join their flat mates in meeting fellow students at the Early2Uni Party at DSU’s revamped venue.
Heading into Welcome Weekend, the centre of campus will become a hive of activity as students register, pick up their welcome packs, move into halls, wave goodbye to their parents and begin to make friends.
DSU are providing plenty of opportunities to feel at home as soon as students arrive, with a BBQ, campus tours and drop in sessions for parents to be reassured that their nearest and dearest are set for an unforgettable adventure at DMU.
Sunday 24 September will see Bede Park explode with colour as the highly acclaimed ColourFest makes a welcome return. Colour bags will be available for £1 as students throw paint at each other at an event inspired by the Indian festival of Holi. Money raised will go towards DSU’s Raise and Give fund.
Elsewhere, Bugzy Malone an artist who is making quite the impression as one of the UK’s brightest independent talents will headline Saturday’s Opening Party, while DJ and producer duo Tom Zanetti and K.O Kane will take to the stage on Sunday 24 September at Leicester’s Athena for the Freshers Ball.
As the week gets into full swing, students can also get their hands on a whole load of freebies at the Freshers Fair; head to laser tag; while also taking advantage of trips to Alton Towers; King Richard III Centre; Twycross Zoo and Harry Potter Studios.
Ahtesham said: “Our headline events are just the icing on the cake. Having well-established artists like Bugzy Malone featuring at #FreshFest17 is unbelievable.
“To know that he is headlining on our stage, and to know that every Freshers Week is getting bigger and better every year, is amazing.”
On Thursday 28 September the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre will be the place to be as current students from DMU’s vast range of sports club and societies come together to speak to new students about how they can get involved.
It’s not one to miss and after signing up, students can make the most of taster sessions on Friday 29 September and in the coming weeks following #FreshFrest17.
“The Activities Fair is one of the best things that we do”, said Ahtesham. “I have a great passion for our student groups, to see all of them come together under one roof, talking about what they are doing and conveying the passion for their sport or interest, makes it one of the best days of the year.
“Another very important factor about choosing your university is the city you’ll be living in, and knowing that Leicester has so much to offer is an extra bonus.
“Get to know what your students’ union does for you, and let us shape your next three years and beyond.”
Most events at #FreshFest17 are free, but for more information about exactly what’s happening and when, visit DSU’s dedicated #FreshFest17 webpage here.
Posted on Thursday 24 August 2017