Tuesday 24-09-2024 - 19:25

As Freshers' Week kicks off, it’s time to dive into the heart of student life at Durham! Whether you’re looking to join a sports team, explore a new hobby, or meet new people, this year’s Sports and Activity Fair and Freshers’ Fair have something for everyone. With two jam-packed days filled with student groups, societies, and exciting opportunities, this is your gateway to an unforgettable Durham experience.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, here’s everything you need to know—plus some FAQs to help you get the most out of your time at the fairs. From tickets to accessibility options and everything in between, we've got you covered!
 

Do I need a ticket to attend on the day?

Yes, you will need a ticket to attend both the Sports and Activities Fair and the Freshers' Fair. Don't worry, it's quick and easy to book a free ticket! You can do it online here: https://durhamsu.native.fm/ by clicking the timeslot that works for you. You can do this up until the day of the fair, so don’t fret if you’d rather wait to know what your schedule will be first!
It is super important that you download your tickets before you get to Maiden Castle and save them to your wallet on your phone or device. There is a limited internet connection and signal at the venue. Having your ticket pre-downloaded will prevent you from having any access problems with your ticket on the day.
Each entry slot lasts 45 minutes, so be sure to turn up at the correct time.

What should I do if I can no longer attend in my ticketed slot? 

If you’ve booked a ticket and you can no longer make that time slot, we can help you with this.
You can request a (free) refund for your ticket. This means that your ticket will go back into the pool for others to book, and you can select a ticket for your new preferred time. Please do this plenty of time before the events, so our team has time to look into this for you.
To request a refund or for further assistance, please contact ask@durham.com

What groups will be present at each of the fairs?
On Tuesday, the Sports and Activities Fair will showcase a wide range of opportunities, featuring both Team Durham sports teams and Durham SU's interest and activity groups. Whether you're passionate about sports or exploring other hobbies, there's something for everyone, so don't miss out!

On Wednesday, the Freshers' Fair will bring together various student-led groups, including academic, cultural, faith-based, and hobby-focused societies. Durham Music and Theatre will also be there, highlighting their exciting opportunities for students to get involved.

Both days will include stalls from university services, commercial partners, and external organisations, providing plenty of ways to explore and engage with the Durham community.
 

What do I need to bring with me?
Your ticket! Add it to your smartphone's wallet before you arrive to avoid Wi-Fi connection hold-ups. 

Freshers Fair 2024 is a bag-free event where possible. This is to reduce the crowding inside the building. 
 

I have accessibility needs. What support is available?
The first hour of the fair on both days is an accessibility hour. This is specially designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those who may require additional support or a quieter and less crowded environment, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the fair.
During this time, stallholders have been asked to turn off music and lighting and refrain from using any high-pitched or loud noises.
We will have a quiet room available for anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. If you need any further assistance, please speak to a member of staff, and we will be happy to help—just look out for the purple T-shirts!
 

Can I bulk-buy tickets?
No, you cannot buy tickets for the events in bulk. However, there are plenty of tickets to go around, so don’t worry about missing out!

Is there parking available at Maiden Castle? 
No, unfortunately, there is no parking available at Maiden Castle for attendees of the fairs; please do not bring your car and use alternative methods to arrive at Maiden Castle instead. Please note: this does not include those who need a car for accessibility reasons, there are dedicated disabled parking bays available for those who require it.
Maiden Castle is within walking distance of most colleges and Durham city centre. If you’re unsure of directions, please input DH1 3SE into Google Maps, and you’ll be there in no time!

I've been told I must purchase a paid ticket online to attend Freshers' events. Is this correct? 

This is incorrect. The only place to buy your official Freshers’ Fair tickets is on our tickets page. Please be aware of wristbands or tickets that claim to be from the Students’ Union advertised on other websites. Other events are not associated with the Students’ Union or University. Please do not buy tickets to events unless you are sure they are official events to avoid disappointment. 

I am a stallholder, and I need information about the fair.

If you have booked a stall at this year’s Freshers’ Fair, make sure to have a read of the Stallholder Guide. If you cannot find the answers you need in there, get in touch with ask@durhamsu.com 

If you are a business who has purchased a commercial stall, please get in touch with our advertising partner, native at media@native.fm