Freebies, food and fun – 2024 a bumper year for Refreshers

As we welcome another cohort of around 800 new students who have recently joined us for the Semester 2 intake, we reflect on the success of another great Refreshers Week, bringing together new and returning students for fun, friendship food and freebies!  

This year’s Refreshers Week was the biggest and best yet.

With a chance to showcase exciting recently introduced food and drink facilities at our City Campus Students’ Union, there has been record student attendance and participation.

Attendance and engagement at the Refreshers events were significantly boosted by the rich variety of activities and collaboration with outside partners to bring freebies, food and fun. Students reported they loved taking part, with crafts sessions proving a big hit and a boost for emotional health.

With the increased take-up of Refreshers events, there was also a sense of pride among the SU team for how much attendees enjoyed the week and wonderful feedback received, especially for the new facilities such as the Deli Moon coffee shop and a range of deals as well as Luna Lounge which brings back a bar to campus after an almost 20-year absence.

Local eateries including Papa Johns and Burger & Sauce were on hand with free samples as well as taster sessions from a brilliant new bar food menu in the Luna Lounge at the heart of the SU space in Ambika Paul building opposite Harrison Library. An interactive stall from our sabbatical officers gave out useful freebies including food bags and mugs in continued efforts to support the cost of living crisis.

Events across all three campuses also received great feedback from stallholders, with many businesses keen to return to the University for our next Welcome Week in the autumn.

Collaboration with University teams was also at the forefront of the week, with library staff, chaplaincy, mental health and wellbeing, WLV Wallet, Digital Print Services and Finance, all joining in. The SU’s Advice Centre also had a presence to let students know the wide range of support services available. We also welcomed community chefs from Wolverhampton City Council who dished out delicious samples of hearty meals that don’t break the bank.

At City Campus, Luna Lounge welcomed students to movie night and an all students mixer games night led by our sabbs.  

Opinions from students included that they loved the craft session saying they’d like lots more and that the Vibe Fusion games night was ‘fabulous.’

SU President Bisola Olatunji said: “This year our Refreshers Week was bigger and better than ever; we are all about fostering a sense of belonging and forging long-lasting friendships so to see people joining us and enjoying our events was really rewarding.

“This is especially true for this academic year as we are showcasing our recently opened bar, our Deli Moon coffee shop and our refurbished social space, The Den.

“This was just a taste of a rich diversity of events here at the SU all year round and if you haven’t yet made your way to us – you are very welcome to come and see how we can enhance your student journey.”

In case you missed it 

If you weren't able to make it to the Refresher's Fair, don't worry. As a quick guide, you can find information on some of the support services and facilities that were represented at the fairs listed below. There will also be plenty more opportunities to join in the fun at various events and activities that will take place throughout the year.   

Students' Union 

• The Students' Union Advice Centre offers professional, free, impartial, and confidential advice and representation for all students, and operates independently of the University. Get advice at www.wolvesunion.org/advice.
• Join a society: Societies are a great way for you to make the most of your spare time while at university. They are run by students, for students and hold meetings, day trips, activities and social events for you to get involved with. Find out more at www.wolvesunion.org/societies. 

University support and services

• ASK@WKV is your first point of contact for all student queries and can be accessed any time online and over the phone or on-campus. Find out how ASK can assist you at wlv.ac.uk/ASK. 
• Find support accessing books and other learning resources, and get help with study skills from the University Library, at wlv.ac.uk/lib.  
• The University's Mental Health and Wellbeing Team provides free and confidential support and advice covering a range of topics that may affect you during your time at university. Register for support, join drop-in sessions and regular events, and access a range of self-help resources at wlv.ac.uk/mhw. 
• The Multi-faith Chaplaincy supports the spiritual, cultural and pastoral needs of students of all faiths and none. They offer online and in-person support, host events to build understanding between communities and develop friendships, and provide a peaceful and welcoming environment for all.  Visit wlv.ac.uk/chaplaincy. 
• WLV Wallet is an online portal available to all students to help you make the most of your time at university. It provides several resources to empower and support you during your studies, including free live events, student blogs, wellbeing resources and an online store at wlv.ac.uk/wallet. 
• If you find yourself in need of financial support or advice, please know that help is on hand. Hardship funding is available for students who are struggling to make ends meet.  Book an appointment with the Finance team for support with your application, or find out about specific bursaries available at wlv.ac.uk/fund. 
• Digital Print Services offers a range of high quality professional printing services and products including binding, laminating, large format printing, and personalised merchandise. Find out more about Digital Print Services here. 
•  WLV Sport is open to all, offering a range of sports and physical activity facilities at Walsall and City Campuses. Gym membership is priced at an excellent rate for students, but you don't need to be a gym member to get involved in the numerous social sporting opportunities running each week. Find out more at wlv.ac.uk/gym.