What's on in Welcome 2025: CoSS Wellbeing

Click the links below to read more on our navigating University Life sessions and to book your place. 

How to Pass Go: Learning the Rules of University.
Starting university is an exciting step, but it can also come with lots of questions about how things really work. This relaxed, friendly session is here to help you settle in by uncovering the “hidden” rules of university life that aren’t always obvious at first.  

“It’s not always raining”: culture, seasons and staying healthy.
Adjusting to life in a new country takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. This session is designed for International Students and offers practical tips to help international students settle into life in England, from navigating weather changes and shorter days to registering with a GP and staying safe in the community. 

CoSS Wellbeing Presents: Disability Support at UoB
If you think you might benefit from academic adjustments, (due to a disability, mental health condition, or other long-term issue) or you have had some time of adjustment at School/College (such as a laptop in an exam or extra time) then this session is for you.

Quiet Welcome
Tuesday 16 September, 11:00-13:00, Muirhead Tower.

If you find busy spaces or large events overwhelming and would prefer an opportunity to get an introduction to campus and University Life whilst it's still quiet, come along to our Quiet Welcome. This will be a chance to take a look around the University, ask any questions, and start settling in. This will be taking place in person and online so you can choose to participate in the way you are more comfortable. Please bring your Student ID if you have it available.

Click the links below to read more on our sessions, that explore mindfulness, wellbeing and community building, and to book your place.  

Meditation and Journaling: Navigating Change.
Starting something new often brings both excitement and uncertainty. In this session, you’ll be introduced to simple meditation and mindfulness practices, alongside guided journaling, to help you pause, reflect, and approach change with clarity and calm. Learn how to ground yourself in the present moment, build resilience, and create space for new opportunities as you begin your journey at UoB. 

Meditation and Journaling: Building Connection with Self and Others. 
New beginnings are an opportunity to strengthen not only how we relate to others, but also how we connect with ourselves. In this session, you’ll explore simple mindfulness and journaling practices that encourage self-awareness, empathy, and openness. Learn how being present with yourself can support authentic connections with new friends, helping you feel grounded and part of the UOB community from the very start. 

LGBTQ+ CoSS Student Wellbeing: Social & Board Game Morning.
Looking to meet fellow LGBTQ+ students in a relaxed, welcoming space? Join us for our very first Wellbeing Social & Board Game Morning, a chance to connect, unwind, and have some fun over your favourite games! Whether you're outgoing or on the quieter side, this is a low-pressure, inclusive morning to build community, share laughs, and support one another. 

Whether you’re looking for conversation or just a calm space to unwind, you’ll find a warm welcome here.  

End of the Day Quiet Cuppa
During Welcome, take a moment to pause, relax, and connect at the end of your day.
From Monday 22nd through to Wednesday 24th and Friday 26th, you can join us for a friendly cuppa between 15:00 and 16:00pm in Alan Walters, Room 103, where you can meet others, share experiences, or simply enjoy some quiet time in good company.

Craft Hour
On Monday 22nd between 13:00 - 13:50, you can drop in to Alan Walters, Room 103,and take part in mug painting, bracelet making, diamond and scratch art—perfect for taking a mindful moment and meeting new people.

Table Tennis
Want to flex your table tennis skills and take on a Wellbeing Office?

Meet Adam and Matthew on Monday 22nd between 14:00 - 14:50, at the Table Tennis table outside Alan Walters, and test your skills. 

Need a Breather? Join Our Relaxed Wellbeing Space
Starting university can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay.

If you're neurodiverse or experiencing anxiety and looking for a calm, welcoming space to take a break, ask questions, or just be, you're warmly invited to our Relaxed Drop-In Session on Friday 26th September, 14:00 - 14:50. No diagnosis is required!

The session is facilitated by our College Wellbeing Officers who can answer questions about uni life and help navigating support services.  If you just want a quiet space to unwind, we will have refreshments and crafts that you can engage in to get away from the bustle of Welcome. No pressure, no expectations, just a safe, understanding environment.

We are planning to run more of these sessions through the academic year so will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire about what you might want out of the sessions going forward. This will take a maximum of five minutes.

Not sure where to go or what to do? Our Student Community Hub is the perfect place to drop in and take a break! With low-key activities, friendly faces to chat to, and comfy spaces to chill out, it really is the place to be. 

CoSS Wellbeing will be taking over the Student Community Hub on Wednesday 24th (10:00am - 13:00pm) and Thursday 25th (13:00 - 16:00).

Whether you come alone or with your new flatmates or coursemates, our friendly staff and Welcome Assistants are on hand to answer any questions and help make you feel at home. 

No need to book, just come and say hi!