What are the latest trends for University Welcome Week Giveaways? 

The shift from ‘Freshers Week’ to ‘Welcome Week’ reflects a growing awareness of inclusivity, social responsibility, and student wellbeing in University settings. Traditionally, Freshers Week had association with lots of partying, which sometimes overshadowed the broader purpose of the week, which is to welcome new students to university life.

The term ‘Welcome Week’ is much more inclusive and emphasises a supportive approach to onboarding students from diverse backgrounds. It signals a move away from potentially harmful stereotypes and activities, promoting a more balanced introduction to university life that prioritises mental and physical wellbeing, social inclusivity, making new friends ensures they have the right support and has a sense of community for everyone, not just traditional 'freshers'.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of students across the UK join Universities, making Welcome Weeks one of the most anticipated times in the academic calendar. These events are an opportunity for Universities and Student Unions to connect with eager new students starting the next chapter on their education journey.

In 2022, this figure reached 37.5%, representing the second-highest level on record, decreasing only slightly to 35.8% in 2023. But more recently UCAS predicted that there could be up to 1 million higher education applicants in a single year by 2030.

As Welcome Week approaches, the excitement among new University starters is at an all-time high, and so is the competition amongst Universities to capture their attention. 

The popularity of Welcome Week

The allure of Welcome Week lies in exciting events and the appealing and practical freebies students receive. From tote bags and water bottles to hoodies and sweet treats, these items aren't just giveaways, they are everyday essentials that will ensure your university brand is seen as students go about their daily routines. By providing useful and stylish branded merchandise and clothing, you not only cater to students' immediate needs but also embed your brand into their daily lives, fostering long-term loyalty.

If you are looking for an extensive range of branded merchandise and clothing options designed to make an impact and enhance student engagement, you have come to the right place.

Fostering a sense of pride for your University brand

Branded merchandise and clothing play a crucial role not only in attracting prospective students but also in instilling a strong sense of pride and belonging among your current students. Branded merchandise, such as pens and reusable drinkware, goes beyond being just practical items, they help students feel connected and part of the University community. Furthermore, practical items like notebooks and tech are invaluable tools for students, enabling them to stay connected and organised. Investing in quality branded merchandise and clothing is a powerful way for universities to enhance student satisfaction, foster loyalty, and promote a positive learning environment.

Sustainability is key for Gen Z

Gen Z is a generation that is increasingly concerned with sustainability and University students are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of the products they use. Offering sustainable branded merchandise and clothing during your Welcome Week events is not only a smart branding move but also a powerful way to align your brand with values that resonate deeply with the student community.

From reusable water bottles made from recycled materials to organic cotton tote bags, our range of sustainable branded merchandise and clothing for University Welcome Week events is designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By choosing sustainable options, you're not only showcasing your commitment to the environment but also appealing to the growing number of students who prioritise sustainable and ethical practices in their everyday lives.

Make your University brand stand out from the crowd

You can ensure that your new students feel part of your University brand with our tailored range of branded merchandise and clothing that speaks directly to students' needs and preferences. Choose from fun giveaways, sustainable options, tech-savvy gadgets and branded apparel to give you a choice of products that not only resonate with students but also reflect your University’s brand values.

Many students will have travelled quite a distance to get to your University, some arriving quite late at night and even from overseas, so why not arrange for a branded University Welcome Pack to be in their accommodation when they arrive. It could contain tea, coffee, sugar, a University branded (and even personalised) travel mug, a bottle, biscuits, a laundry bag and a flyer with key information and dates/timings for the week ahead. The first week at University can be exciting but also overwhelming, so a little gift to make them feel more at home can make a huge difference

Showcase the fun side of your University brand with a scavenger hunt. You could compliment the hunt with really unique and quirky Welcome Week merchandise for your prizes such as branded Rubiks cubes and games, rubber ducks, fidget toys, drinks stirrers, sunglasses, shoelaces, temporary tattoos, socks and even rice scoops or spaghetti measures. All of these will leave a long-lasting and fun impression for your University brand.

These are the perfect way to break the ice with your new students during Welcome Week and offer a fun and interactive setting where they can build new connections with other students. Whether it’s through classic board games or video games, these events provide a relaxed environment that encourages friendship and collaboration. You can even have branded game-related merchandise, such as playing cards, dice sets, or puzzles that students can take home as mementos. These items not only add to the excitement but also serve as lasting reminders of your University's commitment to creating enjoyable and memorable experiences.

These tours are an essential part of Welcome Week, helping students meet staff and academics, familiarise themselves with their new environment and discover all that the University and surrounding area have to offer. To make these tours engaging and informative, you could have bus stop-style signage, brightly coloured branded clothing for ‘tour’ guides, and Z cards featuring detailed maps and key information.

Club and Society events offer new students a glimpse into what is on offer at your University. These events are essential for helping students find their community, pursue interests, and get involved in activities that are of interest to them. You can use branded gazebos, flags, fun giveaways, and eye-catching flyers to highlight the variety of clubs and societies available. These promotional tools not only draw attention but also reinforce the university’s commitment to student engagement and participation.

Sporting Events and Club Tasters

A key highlight of Welcome Week, these events not only showcase the range of sporting and club opportunities available but also help students discover new passions and meet like-minded peers. To enhance these new experiences, Universities can promote branded athletic clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, caps and sports bags. By providing new students with University-branded apparel at these events, students are encouraged to get involved and feel a part of the campus community.

Movie Nights
A Welcome Week ‘Movie Night’ event is an opportunity to showcase and distribute fun branded merchandise for your University or Student Union to new students. Thoughtfully curated goodie bags, filled with practical and fun merchandise, popcorn and snacks, as well as higher value items such as branded blankets, will ensure that students have a memorable experience and take home quality products that resonate with your University’s identity.

Bands, Quizzes and Much More

Welcome Week is packed with entertainment, from live bands to trivia quizzes, bringing students together in a fun, social atmosphere. To promote these diverse activities, your University can use eye-catching flyers, posters, and promotional materials that highlight your exciting lineup of events. Whether it’s a flyer that features the schedule of a campus events for the week or a poster promoting a live music performance, these materials help build anticipation and buzz around each event.

We are able to source and provide sustainable branded merchandise and clothing made from a variety of materials and sustainably sourced. We can provide a range of colourful and creative promotional items, including products made from recycled plastic, social plastic, wheat straw, bamboo, cork, glass and even milk cartons, as well as biodegradable and fairtrade products. These innovative and quirky products are a superb way of promoting your brand whilst highlighting your commitment to CSR.

Print has long been an established part of the marketing mix. From flyers, Z Cards and brochures through to flags or banners, our dedicated team are on hand to help with everything you need for this year’s Welcome Week activities. Did you know that Allwag are FSC Certified? We can provide all your printed needs on FSC Certified paper, ensuring that your new students can see your commitment to sustainability right down to the printed materials you use for Welcome Week.

Get in touch with our dedicated Education Team, who work with some of the top UK Universities. Email [email protected] or call 01245 382600.

Sources:
https://heprofessional.co.uk
https://www.hesa.ac.uk

https://www.sourcingcity.co.uk
University student statistics 2024 - Save the Student
Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2022/23 - Student numbers and characteristics | HESA
Gen Zs and millennials doing, demanding more around climate change (deloitte.com)