It's nearly time for a new university year at Belfast and the city is gearing up to welcome a host of new students from across the island of Ireland and the rest of the globe, and it all kicks off with an unforgettable Fresher's week!
The city is home to Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, both of which combine world-class education with incredible student experiences. From its stunning Victorian architecture to its thriving nightlife scene, it's no wonder so many young people choose to study in Belfast. Whether you're exploring the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, discovering local music venues of diving into the famous Belfast nightlife scene, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained beyond your studies.
Both of the universities and the city itself have a lot to offer, so it's understandable if you're feeling a little nervous or overwhelmed. Luckily, Belfast Fresher's week is designed to help you settle in, get familiar with your new surroundings, meet new people and with any luck, make some life long friendships.
To help give you an idea of what to expect, we've put together this guide which will walk you through everything you need to know about Fresher's week in Belfast, with everything from essential events to what you should pack and of course, how to get there with Aircoach - your affordable travel partner at university.
What is Fresher's Week?
Fresher's week is the first week of a university year. It's specifically designed for new students and acts as an official welcome to student life. Depending on which university you're going to, Fresher's will be slightly different, but most will combine practical orientation activities with social events to help you adjust to university life.
Belfast Fresher's week is a city-wide event, jointly organised by Queen's University and Ulster University. During this week, you'll complete essential tasks like course registration and introductory lectures or orientation, with optional fun activities like club nights designed to help you meet your fellow students.
When is Fresher's Week in Belfast?
Belfast Fresher's Week 2025 starts on the 15th of September and runs throughout the course of that week, with a host of activities and events lined up to help you settle into the city and your new student life.
What Does Belfast Fresher's Week Typically Look Like?
Everyone's Belfast Fresher's week will look slightly different depending on what university you're going to, what courses you take and what your interests are. However, there are a few key things that will happen for everyone.
If you're moving to the city for your first year of university, you'll start your Fresher's week by moving into your student accommodation, whether that's university halls or private housing. This will be your first taste of independence and student life! You'll get to meet your new flatmates and neighbours who might end up becoming some of your closest friends.
Academic orientation is also a crucial part of Belfast Fresher's. You'll need to complete your course orientation, pick up your student card and attend welcome lectures. It's also a good idea to take a campus tour so that you can familiarise yourself with lecture halls, libraries and other essential facilities. The McClay Library at Queen's, for instance, offers guided tours to help you understand the resources available for your studies.
The Fresher's Fair is an annual staple. This is where you'll get the chance to find out about the different clubs and societies on offer, covering everything from academics to sports. You can also pick up free merchandise, vouchers and other promo offers from local businesses at the fair - including us, more on that below!
Last bus not least, it wouldn't be Fresher's week at Belfast without a few nights out. Every year, Belfast Fresher's throw theme parties, pub crawls and club nights all specifically designed to introduce new students to Belfast's renowned nightlife.
Belfast Fresher's 2025 Events
This year, Fresher's events promise to be bigger and better than ever. The full line up is growing every day but popular events such as the UV Party, American Frat Night and the famous White Party are sure to return.
You can also count on venues like Limelight (a favourite among students) to give you an introduction to the Belfast nightlife scene, with their weekly events such as Scratch Mondays, UFO Wednesday and Babba Thursdays.
Many of these events will require wristbands for entry, which you can buy in advance. Keep an eye on Your Fresher's Guide for up to date information closer to the time.
Most of these events are open to both Queen's and Ulster students alike, but each university also hosts their own closed events, including the below.
Queen's University Fresher's Events
Queen's University hosts its own Welcome Fair from the 16th-18th of September where you'll find information stands from academic departments, student societies and local businesses. We'll be there on the 16th & 18th - come say hi to us and find more information about travelling in and out of Belfast with our Young Person discount.
Other Queen's-specific events include the traditional Fresher's Ball, academic welcome receptions by faculty and the popular campus tours that help you navigate the university's historic buildings and modern facilities.
Ulster University Fresher's Events
Ulster University also organises its own programme of events including their Fresher's Fayre on the 25th of September, faculty-specific welcome events, society recruitment drives and social gatherings.
What Do You Need to Bring With You?
To get the most out of your Belfast Fresher's week, there are a few things you should get to help make the most out of your experience. Here's what we would recommend:
Accommodation Essentials
- Door wedge (keeps your door open to meet flatmates)
- Extension leads (student rooms often have limited plug sockets)
- Toiletries and towels
- Bedding and cushions for comfort
- Photographs of friends and family from home to decorate your walls
Clothing and Personal Items
- Comfortable walking shoes to help you explore your new city
- Old trainers for nights out (trust us, they'll get dirty)
- Weather appropriate clothing - if you're moving to Belfast from a warmer climate, you'll want to make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes for the months ahead!
- Fancy dress items for themed events
Health and Wellbeing
- Vitamins and immune system boosters
- Cold and flu remedies (Fresher's flu is real)
- Basic first aid supplies
- Any prescription medications
- Some basic cooking utensils and equipment (eventually you'll need to make yourself a home cooked meal)
Practical Items
- Valid ID for club entry (driving licence or passport)
- Student finance documents
- Banking information for local account setup
- Mobile phone charger and power bank
- Your laptop, if you have one!
How to Get to Belfast Freshers
Hopefully this guide has helped to prepare you for your Fresher's week at Belfast, the only thing left to do is to actually get there!
Luckily, getting to Belfast for Fresher's week has never been easier, especially if you're travelling from Dublin or Dublin Airport. Our 705X service can get you to Belfast quickly, comfortably and affordably.
On board you can enjoy free WIFI throughout your journey, perfect for staying connected or catching up on pre-arrival reading. The service also operates 24/7 364 days of the year (we all get Christmas day off), giving you complete flexibility. But the best part of travelling with Aircoach is our young person fare - if you're aged between 14-21, you can get 20% off your tickets for the Dublin to Belfast route.
So, whether you're looking to book your tickets for this first semester or travelling throughout your time at University, book your ticket online for the best pride and save your money for an unforgettable Belfast Fresher's week!