51Âþ»­

Students heading to 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) will be able to take part in a welcome week unlike any held before. 

The De Montfort Student Union (DSU) has announced a new which offers a photo trail, Netflix watch party, online quiz, a disco bingo and the famous Freshers’ Fair – for the first time held virtually.

The programme has been built to help new students get to know each other, learn about 51Âþ»­ and Leicester and familiarise themselves with how the term is set to work. It has been designed to be as fun, welcoming and safe as possible, making sure social distancing is observed.

The week-long online Freshers events start on Monday 28 September and run until Friday 2 October with the whole costing students nothing. Each event gives students the opportunity to meet other students in a safe environment.

Students can still expect to be able to sign up directly to clubs and societies as well as collect discounts and freebies. DSU has created all the events with both new and returning students in mind.

Laura Flowers, DSU’s Academic Representation Officer said: “We are so excited for students to join 51Âþ»­ and become the newest members of our Students' Union.

“We have a number of online opportunities to welcome students to our community including , an online  and our online  where students can meet all of our wonderful sports teams and societies.

“Students can find more information . We can’t wait to get to know you!”

As part of the welcome package, faculties will be holding online Q&A sessions in the week before Welcome Week where students can log on from wherever they are and find out more about their faculty and ask any questions they might have.

A student handbook and mini-module has also been designed to prepare all new and returning students for the new year.

SEE THE NEW STUDENT HANDBOOK

The handbook is based around three key principles: Being prepared, being proactive and seeking support. There are also plenty of top tips and self-assessment exercises to help students reflect on and develop their online skills.

The new three-hour interactive module will be delivered via the university’s Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard.

For the new academic year, 51Âþ»­ has rethought the way it offers teaching and learning. It has created a new blend of online learning and face-to-face teaching, making sure the vital, practical experiences students come to university for – such as working in laboratories, hands-on engineering, designing and making clothes – will all be available in a safe, socially-distanced way.

Called Your 51Âþ»­ Future, the approach connects safe campus living, quality teaching, one-to-one time with academics and a great student experience, all within 51Âþ»­’s diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

Every student will be able to access on-campus-elements as part of their 51Âþ»­ experience. To ensure the campus is safe, 51Âþ»­ has been working hard behind the scenes implementing thorough safety and hygiene measures across all buildings, including hand-sanitiser points, one-way systems, enhanced cleaning measures and more.

51Âþ»­ has a regularly updated information page which will answer questions about applying, grades and starting life at university.