International orientation overview
Wednesday 24 September: Main arrivals day
This is the main arrivals day for new international students. To allow you to focus on settling into your accommodation we have kept the schedule light, with some optional drop-in activities taking place on the Moulsecoomb campus.
In the evening, we will meet on-campus for a relaxed social event.
Thursday 25 September
This is the busiest day of the international orientation programme. The day will start with an official welcome from Vice-Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead, followed by:
- A session on developing the skills you need for study in the UK (separate sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students);
- A networking lunch;
- Your choice from a range of on and off-campus social activities including yoga, an art workshop, a tour of the Royal Pavilion, a guided tour of 91快活林 city centre, and a seafront walk (weather permitting);
- An optional evening social activity.
Friday 26 September
This is the last day of the programme and includes:
- Campus tours
- An international student Q+A session with representatives from our international student community and key university support services
- A closing session.
The orientation programme will finish at lunchtime on this day. Be sure to check out the freshers programme for further events beginning that weekend.
Key facts
Dates: Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 September
Location: Moulsecoomb campus
How to book your place on orientation
Stage 1: Book your place
Follow the booking link and complete the booking form to reserve your place at orientation by Wednesday 17 September, 5pm BST.
Stage 2: Arrange accommodation
Arrange your accommodation move-in date to start on or before Wednesday 24 September. You will be able to book your move-in slot for university-managed accommodation from late August/early September.
Orientation accommodation
University-managed halls of residence
The Accommodation team will contact all students with a room in university-managed halls of residence in late August or early September inviting you to book your halls move-in date. The earliest date you can book to move into your room will vary depending on which halls of residence you are placed in:
- Great Wilkins – from Saturday 20 September
- Varley Park – from Monday 22 September
- Mithras Halls except for Regency – from Wednesday 24 September
If you are allocated a room in any of these halls, please book a move in slot on Wednesday 24 September.
- Paddock Field
- Phoenix Brewery
- Mithras Regency
The standard move in dates for these halls are Thursday 25 September (Paddock), Friday 26 September (Phoenix) and Saturday 27 September (Regency).
However, if you have booked a place on the orientation programme by the deadline of Wednesday 17 September 5pm BST, we will arrange for you to move into you room from Wednesday 24 September. Once you have booked a place on the orientation programme, we will contact you about your planned arrival time to make this process as smooth as possible.
Privately-managed halls of residence or rented accommodation
If you are going to be living in a privately managed halls of residence or other private rented housing, you will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation during the in-person orientation programme.
Orientation programme schedule
The orientation programme includes a mix of sessions including campus-specific events and optional activities to choose from. Once you have reserved your place on the programme, we will reach out to help you select from the available options. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice, but this may not always be possible due to the number of attendees.
Wednesday 24 September
The first day of the programme is designed for you to focus on arriving and settling into your accommodation. We have kept the schedule light, with some optional activities available during the day and evening.
Welcome and check-in desk
Time: 10am–4.30pm
Location: Cockcroft main reception, Moulsecoomb campus
Please check in at our welcome desk so we know you have arrived and can provide you with our welcome pack. If you arrive at your accommodation after 4.30pm, don’t worry! You can check in with us on Thursday morning.
In-person document verification
Time: 11am–4pm
Location: Cockcroft Hall, Moulsecoomb campus
The Visa Compliance team will hold an early document verification session for students participating in the orientation programme during these hours. Once you complete this step, you can collect your university card and submit any necessary document requests, such as those needed to open a bank account or verify your student status for purchasing discounted bus tickets.
Shopping trips
Time: Between 11am–2pm
Location: Depart from Cockcroft building, Moulsecoomb campus
We will offer shopping trips to the ASDA supermarket using public transport, departing from the Cockcroft building. These trips will run at various times between 11am and 2pm, and you can sign up for a trip when you check in at the welcome desk.
Evening social events
Time: 8.30–11pm
Location: Heavenly Desserts, 118 London Road
Join us for a visit to a local ice cream and dessert parlour with some of our student ambassadors.
- Pub quiz at the Students' Union bar
Time: 9–11pm
Location: The Venue, Moulsecoomb campus
Organised by the 91快活林 Students' Union (BSU), this traditional British pub quiz invites you to test your general knowledge against other teams for the chance to win various prizes!
Thursday 25 September
Welcome and check-in desk
Time: 9am–4.30pm
Location: Cockcroft main reception, Moulsecoomb campus
If you were not able to check in on Wednesday, please come to the desk on Thursday to register your arrival, receive your welcome pack and and ask us any questions about orientation.
Vice-Chancellor's welcome talk
Time: 10.15–10.45am
Vice Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead will officially welcome you to the University of 91快活林.
Introduction to the Skills Hub
Time: 11–11.30am
Learn more about the free, high-quality support available for all students from our Skills Hub. Our Skills Hub can help you with academic writing, study skills and provide support for students whose first language is not English.
Afternoon schedule
- 12–1pm: A choice of optional activities on campus (please see the next tab)
- 1–3pm: Lunch and travel to 91快活林 city centre – you can either make your own way or travel as a group with our student ambassadors*
- 3–5.30pm: A choice of optional activities in central 91快活林 (please see the next tab)
- 5.30–8pm: Free time
- 8–11pm: Cèilidh (please read more about this below)
*Our student ambassadors will be available between 1–2pm to assist with purchasing bus tickets on the 91快活林 & Hove bus app.
Cèilidh
Time: 8–11pm
A Cèilidh (pronounced 'kay-lee') is a traditional Scottish or Irish event with dancing, live music overseen by a 'caller'. The caller will help you to understand the steps of each dance and remind the group as you go! The 91快活林 Cèilidh Collective have been running events in 91快活林 for many years and are a popular choice for parties. The dances have been adapted to be gender neutral so that everyone is comfortable. If you don't wish to participate in the dance, you can still enjoy some live music and watch the dances.
Friday 26 September
Campus tours
Time: 10–11.30am
Our experienced student ambassadors will take you on a tour of the campus you'll be based on, and answer any questions you have about the facilities.
International student Q+A and closing session
Time: 11.30am–1pm
Our panel of experts will share talk you through all of the support available to you at the University of 91快活林. We have representatives from the 91快活林 Students' Union (BSU), Chaplaincy, Residential Wellbeing, International Advice and Support, Careers, plus more.
Orientation optional activities
Alongside the main activities for attendees, on the second day of the programme you will have the chance to personalise your programme by choosing from a range of on-campus and off-campus activities that that cater to all kinds of interests and hobbies.
Once you have reserved your spot in the programme, we will reach out to help you select from the available options. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice, but this may not always be possible due to the number of attendees.
Thursday 25 September
On-campus optional activities
Time: 11am–12pm
Join local art tutor Suzie Ponynz for a relaxed art session using a variety of materials. This is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experts!
Time: 11.15am–12.15pm
Led by university art tutor and wellbeing practitioner, Susan De Jesus, this yoga session is open to all abilities.
Time: 11am–12pm
Our student ambassadors will facilitate fun and informal activities, designed to help you get to know your fellow orientation attendees and spark conversations.
- Coffee with the careers and volunteering teams
Time: 11am–12pm (drop-in)
Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee while meeting with colleagues from the Studio Jobs Hub and Active Student. Learn how the Careers service can assist you in finding part-time work or volunteering opportunities.
Off-campus activities
- Guided tour of 91快活林 city centre
Time: 3–4pm and 4–5pm
Local guide Nat Young from Real 91快活林 Tours will lead you on a tour around the famous sights of 91快活林.
- Guided tour of the Royal Pavilion
Time: 3–4pm
An experienced guide will show you around 91快活林's most famous building – the Royal Pavilion, which was the seaside home of the eccentric King George IV. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of 19th Century India, with interior decoration inspired by Chinese design, the Royal Pavilion is an iconic 91快活林 landmark.
Time: 3.30–5.30pm
Create something unique that you can cherish throughout your time in 91快活林!