https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2026/02/16/Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Awards-Ball/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2026/02/16/Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Awards-Ball/<p>The Societies and Sports Awards Ball has now sold out of dinner tickets! As one of the biggest nights of the year for Napier students, we know there is always chat about ticket prices and event details, so we wanted to take the opportunity to give an overview of some behind the scenes of planning this event!</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/IMG_5910-1.jpg" /></p> <h3>The cost</h3> <p>While ENSA doesn&#39;t make a profit from this event, the costs do need to be covered by ticket income as we&rsquo;re a charity. We understand that the ticket price is a big consideration, and we want to be open about where the cost comes from.</p> <p><u>Event costs include:</u></p> <ul> <li>A large-scale city-centre venue with professional staffing and security</li> <li>In-house catering (we are required to use the caterers within the venue)</li> <li>Venue facilities such as cloakroom access</li> <li>Event management, safety measures, and insurance</li> <li>Event production (staging, sound, lighting)</li> <li>Live entertainment (bagpipes, band, ceilidh)</li> <li>Professional photographer</li> <li>Decorations (centrepieces, balloons, and photo opportunities)</li> <li>Awards Ceremony (personalised trophies and certificates)</li> <li>&pound;2 booking fee included which we are required to pay to our event platform host and media partner Native</li> </ul> <p>We work hard to keep ticket prices as low as possible while still delivering a safe, high-quality event that celebrates the achievements of societies, sports clubs, and volunteers.</p> <p>To help with affordability, we also offer Late Entry tickets at a lower price for students who don&rsquo;t wish to attend the meal or want a more accessible option.</p> <p>Compared to other universities who are holding their awards night at the same venue, we think our value for price is great! As an example, Heriot Watt&rsquo;s Sports Ball sold tickets for &pound;80 (full ticket including 3 course dinner) and &pound;35 (late entry ticket).&nbsp;</p> <h3>What has changed since last year?</h3> <p>We took your feedback from last year&rsquo;s feedback ball survey on board and made some changes:</p> <ul> <li><strong><u>Food:</u></strong>&nbsp;We upgraded from a 2-course buffet meal to a seated meal at the lowest available rate</li> <li><strong><u>Welcome Drink:</u> </strong>We will hand out tokens for the welcome drinks to ensure everyone only gets one drink</li> <li><strong><u>Ticket Price:</u> </strong>Austen, your Co-President for Sport and Wellbeing, has actively secured multiple partnerships for the event, meaning we could reduce ticket prices by approximately &pound;5 per person! We are grateful to our partners Macron, Frankenstein, Dropkick Murphys, Enterprise Mobility, Copper Blossom, and Civerinos, whose contributions have helped offset event costs.</li> <li><strong><u>Entertainment:</u></strong> Austen was also able to find a band that does both ceilidh and pop songs, saving some money in this budget too</li> <li><strong><u>Decorations:</u> </strong>While no change is made in this area, continuing to use the same DIY centerpieces that we made 3 years ago, and only replacing broken ones, is helping with costs while reducing our environmental impact. A few years ago, balloons were used on each table as centrepieces.</li> <li><strong><u>Event Duration:</u> </strong>We are slightly adjusting the event timings to make the drinks reception longer and finish the event a bit earlier, as last year most people left after the first band.</li> </ul> <p><img alt="painting bottle centrepieces" src="/asset/Blog/9/IMG-20250402-WA0006.jpeg" />Step 1&nbsp;centrepieces: painting bottles!</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/Screenshot_19_Instagram.jpg" /></p> <p>Step 2: organise existing paper flowers, fluff&nbsp;them, and order new ones. Repeat.</p> <p><img alt="organise everything to take" src="/asset/Blog/9/IMG-20250403-WA0003.jpeg" />Step 3: organise all decorations, ready to take for the event</p> <p><img alt="awards ball decorations" src="/asset/Blog/9/20250404_194547.jpg" />all set up!</p> <h3>What we can&rsquo;t change...</h3> <ul> <li> <p>The food menu.&nbsp;We can&rsquo;t make the chefs cook custom meals or change caterers as the venue comes with catering. We make food decisions based on what we predict most people will like and choose a dietary option for any vegan or vegetarian attendees.</p> </li> <li>The drink prices. Unfortunately we can&rsquo;t influence the venue&rsquo;s drinks prices as they set these at standard levels themselves. We hope that the welcome drink you get at the start of the event helps with your overall drink costs during the event.</li> </ul> <h3>Planning &amp; Logistics</h3> <p>So&hellip; what actually goes into planning a ball of this scale? A lot more than picking a venue and putting on a playlist!</p> <p>Planning for the Societies and Sports Awards Ball starts almost a year in advance. After the previous ball finishes and feedback is collected, we have an in-depth team meeting to discuss changes to the event and whether we want to stick with the same venue. We then hold some dates until the new elected Sabbatical Officers start, to give them the final say! Sometimes this isn&rsquo;t possible if other people are interested in the same date as us, in which case we book the venue but let the Sabbatical Officers input in other event decisions.</p> <p>Behind the scenes, the Events team works closely with the venue, suppliers, and partners to make sure the event runs safely and smoothly.</p> <p>This includes:</p> <ul> <li>Confirming contracts with the venue, entertainment, and photographer</li> <li>Writing event descriptions, accessibility notes, and event info packs</li> <li>Managing budgets and invoices to ensure the event breaks even</li> <li>Coordinating with the venue on food choices, event timings, room layouts and table plans</li> <li>Creating said table plan (honestly my least favourite activity in the entire job :D) and event timeline</li> <li>Writing risk assessments and coordinating accessibility needs</li> <li>Organising decorations, including the set-up and derig on the day (this part is more fun)</li> </ul> <p>But the events team is not the only one involved! The Sports &amp; Societies team, Communications Team, and the President for Societies &amp; Community and Co-President for Sport and Wellbeing all have important roles in the planning of this event. These include:</p> <ul> <li>Reaching out to companies and managing partnerships for additional income</li> <li>Coordinating VIP guests and staffing</li> <li>Creating a promotional plan for advertising the event</li> <li>Creating slideshows and photo montages</li> <li>Discussing the shortlist and winners of the awards (this takes the volunteer committee multiple days!)</li> <li>Ordering awards, trophies, certificates, and ensuring names and categories are correct</li> </ul> <p>On the night itself, staff are on-site from early afternoon until the very end of the event. This includes overseeing room set-up, putting together centerpieces, liaising with the venue team, supporting presenters and performers, managing any issues that arise, and making sure everyone has the best possible experience.</p> <p><img alt="ensa team at the ball" src="/asset/Blog/9/IMG_5682-1.jpg" /></p> <h3>Why we share this</h3> <p>We know it can sometimes feel like ticket prices or event decisions come out of nowhere. That&rsquo;s why we wanted to be open about how this event comes together and where your money goes. The Awards Ball is about celebrating the incredible work done by societies, sports clubs, and volunteers across Edinburgh Napier and we want it to feel special, inclusive, and worth it.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;ve bought a ticket, thank you for supporting the event. If you&rsquo;re attending via late entry, we&rsquo;re excited to have you join us too. And if you have feedback afterwards, please keep sharing it &ndash; it helps shape how future events are delivered.</p> <p>We can&rsquo;t wait to celebrate with you on the night!</p>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:25:07 Z2026-02-16T14:46:32Zhttps://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/10/07/Behind-the-Scenes-of-Welcome-Week-2025/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/10/07/Behind-the-Scenes-of-Welcome-Week-2025/<p aria-level="2" role="heading">Across nine days, Edinburgh Napier Students Association hosted<strong>&nbsp;44 events</strong>, welcomed over <strong>4,800 attendees</strong>, and brought Edinburgh Napier&rsquo;s campuses to life with activities designed to help every student feel part of something from day one.&nbsp;</p> <h3 aria-level="3" role="heading">A Welcome for Everyone&nbsp;</h3> <p>This year, we really put an effort in to plan something for everyone and put inclusion at the heart of our planning. From ensuring events were accessible to creating spaces where every student could find their place, whether they were fresh out of school, returning to study, or joining us from across the world.&nbsp;</p> <p>Over<strong> half of all events were alcohol-free</strong>, giving under-18s and those who prefer not to drink plenty of ways to get involved. Almost <strong>82% of events were open to under-18s including the Welcome Party</strong>, and almost <strong>64% were free to attend</strong>. From the International Picnic and various speed friending sessions to creative workshops like Paint &amp; Picnic and Sip &amp; Paint, there were dozens of relaxed, social activities designed for connection without pressure.&nbsp;</p> <p>We also focused on representation across different groups, with two LGBTQ+ focused events, two postgrad-only events, multiple&nbsp;international events, and a first years-only event. Although all events (except the 18+ ones) were open to students from all years!&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.napierstudents.com/pageassets/aboutensa/ensapublications/Welcome_Events_Guide_2025_web.pdf" target="_blank">You can view the whole programme here.&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Big Events, Bigger Energy&nbsp;</h3> <p>Our biggest hit of the week was the <strong>Welcome Fair</strong>, which filled the Corn Exchange with <strong>142 stalls</strong> and almost <strong>2,000 attendees</strong>. Shuttle buses ran between campuses and student accommodations to make it easy for everyone to attend, and the space buzzed with excitement as students explored societies, sports clubs, local organisations, and freebies.&nbsp;</p> <p>Evenings brought unforgettable moments, too. The <strong>2007-themed Welcome Party </strong>packed out Hangar 5 at Potterrow with over 900 tickets sold, and the<strong> Pub Crawl</strong> connected hundreds of students across Edinburgh and allowed students to explore Cowgate and Grassmarkets best bars. &nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/welcomefair.jpg" /><em>pictured: Welcome Fair from above</em></p> <h3 aria-level="3" role="heading">Student-Led&nbsp;</h3> <p>This year&rsquo;s Welcome Week was powered by our dedicated events team Zsuzsanna (Head of Events), Sadie (Welcome Week Intern), and Emily (Events Intern), with help from the whole ENSA staff team and a group of 13&nbsp;student volunteers.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/wweventsteam.jpg" /><em>pictured:</em>&nbsp;<em>(left to right) Sadie, Zsuzsanna and Emily at Welcome Fest</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/wwstaff.jpg" /><em>pictured: ENSA Staff at Welcome Fest</em></p> <p>Sadie&rsquo;s role was new this year, and she massively helped streamline&nbsp;this Welcome Week, as well as bring new ideas to the programme and make sure there was something for everyone!&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, the Culture Crawl was the event idea she pitched at her interview, which became a sold-out event around Edinburgh&rsquo;s museums and galleries.&nbsp;</p> <p>We also recruited Scott, who planned 2 LGBTQ+ events, and 12 student volunteers who helped run events and the ENSA info stalls in the foyers throughout the week.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/puppyyogavolunteers.jpg" /><em>pictured: volunteers Jennifer and Emma at puppy yoga</em></p> <h3 aria-level="3" role="heading">New Ideas&nbsp;</h3> <p>The Culture Crawl wasn&rsquo;t the only new event idea we tried. An evening at Book Lovers, a Coffee Trail around Edinburgh, a Traitors game, as well as a postgrad brunch were all new concepts we tried. What did you think of them?&nbsp;</p> <h3>Behind The Scenes Photos</h3> <p>Welcome Week is always a huge effort from the entire staff team, and takes up ALL of the office space. Take a look at us preparing for each event:</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/wwprep.jpg" /><em>pictured: Emily and Susan organising welcome week supplies in the ENSA office</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/wwprep2.jpg" /><em>pictured: Emily and Zsuzsanna after prepping welcome week supplies</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/emilywithunicorn.jpg" /><em>pictured: Emily on the way to Drag Sip &amp; Paint</em></p> <h3 aria-level="3" role="heading">By the Numbers&nbsp;</h3> <ul> <li>4,810 total attendees across all events&nbsp;</li> <li>57% non-alcohol events&nbsp;</li> <li>82% events open to under-18s&nbsp;</li> <li>64% free entry &nbsp;</li> <li>44 events across 9 days&nbsp;</li> <li>&pound;3,265.32 profit&nbsp;(after booking fees) reinvested into improving the student experience to fund year-round events, sports, societies,&nbsp;volunteer development and more&nbsp;</li> <li>Free shuttle buses linking campuses and accommodation to the Welcome Fair&nbsp;</li> <li>142 exhibitors at the Welcome Fair&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/dragsippaint.jpg" /><em>pictured: Drag Sip &amp; Paint</em></p> <h3 aria-level="3" role="heading">What&rsquo;s Next?</h3> <p>Following Welcome Week, we ran<strong> Settle-In Week</strong>, shifting focus to practical support and wellbeing with sessions on budgeting, job hunting, and managing life at university. We also had Google Gemini on campus! It was a chance for students to catch their breath, build confidence, and find their rhythm at Napier.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="advice team at budgeting workshop" src="/asset/Blog/9/IMG-20250916-WA0059.jpg" /><em>pictured: Marianne and Hannah at the &#39;Managing your money at uni&#39; event</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/geminimerchiston.jpg" /><em>pictured: Google Gemini pop up at Merchiston Campus</em></p> <p><strong>A huge thank you</strong> goes out to every student, volunteer, and partner who made this year&rsquo;s Welcome Week such a success. Whether you were dancing at the party, crafting at a picnic, or helping a new student find their way, you helped make Napier feel like home.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/emilyzsuzsannafair.jpg" /><em>pictured: Zsuzsanna and Emily at Welcome Fair</em></p>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:59:40 +01002025-10-08T11:32:17+01:00https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/An-Arts-amp-Culture-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/An-Arts-amp-Culture-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/<p>If your idea of a good time includes galleries, gigs, crafts, or getting inspired by local talent, you&rsquo;re in the right place. Edinburgh isn&rsquo;t just a student city, it&rsquo;s a cultural capital, and Welcome Week is the perfect time to dive in. Whether you&#39;re a creator, a performer, or just someone who loves the buzz of a good exhibition or open mic night, this guide is for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Edinburgh Napier Students&rsquo; Association (ENSA) has curated a range of artsy, expressive, and culture-filled events to help you meet fellow creatives, get involved in campus life, and explore the city&#39;s rich cultural scene, from historic landmarks to hidden gems.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, bring your curiosity, your sketchbook, or your camera and let&rsquo;s get inspired.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Monday 8th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>NSFF Film Screening, 3pm- Merchiston Campus&nbsp;</h4> <p>Looking for a cozy, creative activity? Settle in for an afternoon of student-made cinema at our Film Festival Night! We&rsquo;ll be showcasing a selection of standout short films from the 2024 Napier Student Film Festival, featuring works by talented Napier students as well as winners from other institutions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you&rsquo;re a cinephile or just want a relaxed evening to hang out with new friends, this is your chance to get inspired, enjoy some popcorn, and maybe even get inspired to create your own masterpiece!&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/nsff-film-screening/255593/?ref=film-artscrafts-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/arts-guide-1.jpg" /></p> <h3>Monday 8th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Sip and Paint, 7pm- Three Sisters&nbsp;</h4> <p>Unwind, unleash your creativity, and meet fellow students at our Sip &amp; Paint Night! Whether you&rsquo;re an aspiring artist or just looking for a fun, chilled evening, this event is the perfect mix of creativity and social vibes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>All canvases, paint, and brushes are provided while supplies last, so make sure to grab your ticket to secure your materials.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/sip-paint-5/255720/?ref=sip-artscrafts-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Wednesday 10th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fest, 1pm- Craiglockhart Lawn&nbsp;</h4> <p>Start the academic year with a burst of colour, creativity, and connection! Join your Students&#39; Association for an afternoon of carnival-inspired fun&mdash;featuring inflatables, nostalgic games, a petting zoo, candy floss, and more.&nbsp;</p> <p>This playful event captures the spirit of student life and offers a great way to explore campus culture, meet new people, and enjoy a lively, atmosphere that celebrates expression and community.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fest-2/255726/?ref=welcomefest-artscrafts-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Wednesday 10th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Traitors Game, 4pm- Craiglockhart Chapel&nbsp;</h4> <p>Think you can spot a liar? Or maybe you&rsquo;re a master of deception yourself&hellip; either way, our Traitors-style game night is the ultimate test of trust, strategy, and sneaky moves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Work with your fellow students, bluff your way through challenges, and try to unmask the traitors before they sabotage the game. No prior experience needed, just bring your sharpest poker face!&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s all fun and games&hellip; until someone gets banished.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/traitors-game/255727/?ref=traitors-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Thursday 11th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fair, 10am- Corn Exchange&nbsp;</h4> <p>Don&rsquo;t miss Scotland&rsquo;s biggest Welcome Fair, the ultimate place to kickstart your student life at Napier!&nbsp;</p> <p>With around 150 stalls, you&rsquo;ll discover societies, clubs, and opportunities that celebrate everything from music, film, and theatre to writing, crafts, and global cultures. Chat with the students behind these groups, find your creative niche, or try something completely new.&nbsp;</p> <p>Plus, enjoy exclusive student deals, freebies, and a lively atmosphere that reflects the spirit of student life at its most expressive.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fair-18/255730/?ref=wf-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Friday 12th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Culture Crawl, 10:30am- Meet at the National Gallery&nbsp;</h4> <p>Ready to explore the artistic heart of Edinburgh? Join us for a Culture Crawl that takes you through some of the city&rsquo;s best museums and galleries, all in one inspiring day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>We&rsquo;ll kick off at the National Gallery, wander through the Fruitmarket Gallery, and dive into the National Museum, with a cozy coffee stop at Black Medicine along the way.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/culture-crawl/255738/?ref=culturecrawl-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Friday 12th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Merchifest, 12pm- Merchiston Campus&nbsp;</h4> <p>Calling all Merchiston students! Take a break from the books and join us for a fun-filled afternoon packed with games, a battle of the bands, quizzes, and delicious treats.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/merchifest-1/255741/?ref=merchifest-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Saturday 13th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Queer Crawl, 11am- Meet at Potterrow&nbsp;</h4> <p>Take a relaxed stroll through Edinburgh&rsquo;s vibrant LGBTQ+ spaces and connect with fellow students in a friendly, welcoming environment. We&rsquo;ll kick off at Lighthouse Bookshop and wrap up with a coffee or lunch at a nearby caf&eacute;, perfect for chatting, making friends, and soaking up some local culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>This is a safe space for students of all identities, so come as you are!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/queer-crawl/255746/?ref=queercrawl-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Saturday 13th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Drag Sip &amp; Paint, 7:30pm- Potterrow Box Bar&nbsp;</h4> <p>Get ready to unleash your inner artist and have a fabulous time! Hosted by professional drag queen Lacy Rain, this event combines creativity, laughs, and a splash of glamour. You&rsquo;ll be provided with canvas, paints, and all the materials you need, just bring your imagination and a sense of fun.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you&rsquo;re looking to try something new, meet fellow students, or just enjoy a colourful evening out, this is the perfect way to sip, paint, and slay!&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/drag-sip-paint/256589/?ref=drag-artsculture-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/arts-guide-2.jpg" /></p>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:22:05 +01002025-08-20T12:32:59+01:00https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/A-Postgrad-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/A-Postgrad-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/<p>Welcome to the next chapter. Whether you&#39;re diving into research, upskilling for your career, or changing direction entirely, starting a postgrad journey is a big step, and you don&rsquo;t have to do it alone. During Welcome Week, Edinburgh Napier Students&rsquo; Association (ENSA) has lined up events designed specifically with postgrad students in mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>This guide is here to help you connect with like-minded peers, settle into life at Napier, and make the most of your time both academically and socially. Expect a mix of networking opportunities, calm social spaces, and chances to explore Edinburgh with fellow students who know what it&rsquo;s like to juggle study, work, and life.&nbsp;</p> <p>You&#39;re not just starting a course... you&rsquo;re joining a community. Let&rsquo;s get started.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Monday 8th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Postgrad Speed Friending, 12pm- Craiglockhart&nbsp;</h4> <p>New to Napier or just keen to connect with other postgrad and mature students? Our Speed Friending session at The Business School is designed especially for you. It&rsquo;s a fun, relaxed way to introduce yourself to lots of fellow students in quick, timed chats, kind of like speed dating, but with the goal of making friends, not dates.&nbsp;</p> <p>Open to all postgrads and mature students across degrees and years, this event offers a great chance to meet new people who are also studying at Craiglockhart Campus. Whether you&rsquo;re fresh to Edinburgh or looking to expand your social circle, it&rsquo;s the perfect low-pressure environment to build connections and maybe find your new study or coffee crew.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/postgrad-speed-friending/255758/?ref=pg-sf-pg-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/pg-guide-2.jpg" /></p> <h3>Wednesday 10th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fest, 1pm- Craiglockhart Lawn&nbsp;</h4> <p>Starting a new chapter in your academic journey? Join the Students&#39; Association as we welcome postgraduates and undergraduates alike to a fun-filled afternoon designed to help you connect, unwind, and celebrate the start of the year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Expect carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, candy floss, and more&mdash;yes, really! Whether you&#39;re new to campus or returning for another year, it&rsquo;s a great chance to meet fellow students from all programmes and campuses in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fest-2/255726/?ref=wf-pg-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Thursday 11th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fair, 10am- Corn Exchange&nbsp;</h4> <p>Scotland&rsquo;s biggest Welcome Fair is just around the corner&mdash;and it&rsquo;s not just for Freshers! Whether you&#39;re new to Edinburgh Napier or returning for another year of postgraduate study, this is the perfect opportunity to explore what student life has in store.&nbsp;</p> <p>With around 150 stalls, you&rsquo;ll find exclusive student deals, freebies, and a wide range of opportunities to connect with the wider university community. From societies and sports clubs to support services and interest groups, there&rsquo;s something for every interest and lifestyle.&nbsp;</p> <p>Take the chance to chat with current student leaders, discover how to get involved, and make the most of your time outside of the classroom.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fair-18/255730/?ref=welcomefair-pg-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Pottery Painting- Doodles&nbsp;</h4> <p>Looking for a relaxing way to unwind and get creative during Welcome Week? Join us for a Pottery Painting session at Doodles, a calm, friendly space where you can craft your own ceramic masterpiece, no experience needed. All materials and guidance are provided; just choose your pottery piece, bring your imagination, and enjoy a chilled afternoon of artistic fun. It&rsquo;s a wonderful opportunity to take a break from studies, meet fellow postgrad students, and add a splash of colour to your first weeks at Napier.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/pottery-painting-13/255748/?ref=pottery-pg-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/pg-guide-1.jpg" /></p> <h3>Sunday 14th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Postgrad Brunch, 11am- The Chanter&nbsp;</h4> <p>If you&rsquo;re a postgrad or mature student looking for a laid-back way to take a breather from your studies, our Postgrad Brunch at The Chanter is just the ticket. Picture this: great coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed vibe where you can slow down and actually enjoy a chat without the pressure of deadlines looming.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you&rsquo;re new to Edinburgh or just keen to meet other postgrads, it&rsquo;s a fantastic chance to connect over some tasty treats and swap stories in a friendly, welcoming spot. Plus, with student discounts&mdash;like &pound;3.50 drinks&mdash;you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.&nbsp;</p> <p>So why not take a morning off, pull up a chair, and start building your postgrad community in style?&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/postgrad-mature-student-brunch/255751/?ref=brunch-pg-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:15:34 +01002025-08-20T12:28:40+01:00https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/An-Active-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/eventsblog/events-blog/2025/08/20/An-Active-Guide-to-Welcome-Week/<p>Ready to hit the ground running? If you&#39;re the kind of student who likes to stay active, try new things, and meet people through movement, this one&#39;s for you. Edinburgh Napier Students&rsquo; Association (ENSA) has packed Welcome Week with events that&rsquo;ll get your heart pumping, your energy flowing, and your calendar filling up with fun, active ways to settle into uni life.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you&#39;re into trampolining, dance, outdoor adventures, or just looking to try something new, this guide highlights the most energising ways to start your time at Napier.&nbsp;</p> <p>Let&rsquo;s move, meet, and make this year one to remember.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Tuesday 9th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Trampoline Park, 4pm- Gravity Fountainpark&nbsp;</h4> <p>Ready to bounce your way through Welcome Week? Join us at Gravity Active Edinburgh for a fun, high-energy trampoline session that&rsquo;s perfect for shaking off those induction jitters. For one whole hour, you&rsquo;ll get to jump, flip, and stretch your legs while having a blast with friends old and new.&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s the perfect way to mix some exercise with social time, giving you a fun break from the usual campus routine.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/trampoline-park/255723/?ref=gravity-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Tuesday 9th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Ceilidh Workshop, 8pm- Hangar 5&nbsp;</h4> <p>Step into the heart of Scottish culture with a workshop that&rsquo;s bursting with lively music, energetic dancing, and all the warmth of genuine Scottish hospitality. Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned dancer or a total beginner, this is your chance to dive into spirited traditions, have some fun, and maybe even pick up a few new moves.&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s a fantastic way to get active, meet fellow students, and experience a truly authentic slice of Scotland&mdash;all wrapped up in an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere. Ready to dance your way into Welcome Week?&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/taste-of-scotland-ceilidh-workshop/256044/?ref=ceilidh-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Wednesday 10th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fest, 1pm- Craiglockhart Lawn&nbsp;</h4> <p>Looking for a fun and easy way to meet new people and get moving? Kick off the academic year with an afternoon of light-hearted activities hosted by your Students&#39; Association!&nbsp;</p> <p>From inflatables and carnival games to a petting zoo and sweet treats like candy floss, there&rsquo;s something for everyone. It&rsquo;s a perfect opportunity to take a break, explore what&rsquo;s on offer, and connect with other students in a vibrant, welcoming space.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fest-2/255726/?ref=welcomefest-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Wednesday 10th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Roller Disco, 8pm- Hangar 5&nbsp;</h4> <p>Ready to roll back in time? Join us for a 30-minute session that&rsquo;s all about bringing those early 2000s vibes back. Whether you&rsquo;re a roller skating pro or a total newbie, it&rsquo;s the perfect way to get moving and have a laugh.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, lace up your skates, channel your inner pop star, and let&rsquo;s make this Welcome Week one to remember... on wheels!&nbsp;</p> <p>Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</p> <h3>Thursday 11th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Welcome Fair, 10am- Corn Exchange&nbsp;</h4> <p>Don&rsquo;t miss Scotland&rsquo;s biggest Welcome Fair, the ultimate place to kickstart your active student life at Napier! With around 150 stalls to explore, you&rsquo;ll find exclusive deals, freebies, and the inside scoop on all the sports clubs and societies waiting for you. Whether you&rsquo;re into football, yoga, running, or something a bit more offbeat, this is your chance to meet the people behind the teams, ask questions, and discover how to get involved.&nbsp;</p> <p>Get ready to dive into the vibrant, active side of Napier and make the most of everything student life has to offer!&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/welcome-fair-18/255730/?ref=wf-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Friday 12th&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Puppy Yoga, 2pm- Eric Liddel Centre&nbsp;</h4> <p>Take a paws from your studies and stretch it out with Puppy Yoga Scotland!&nbsp; This isn&rsquo;t just any yoga session, you&rsquo;ll get 30 minutes of gentle poses while enjoying endless puppy cuddles. It&rsquo;s the perfect combo of relaxation, laughter, and stress relief for any student.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/puppy-yoga-5/255742/?ref=py-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/active-guide-pic-1.jpg" /></p> <h3>Friday 12th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Sports and Socs Quiz, 8pm- Three Sisters&nbsp;</h4> <p>Put your brainpower (and banter) to the test at the Sports &amp; Societies Pub Quiz! Grab your society or sports club mates, come up with a hilarious team name, and see if you&rsquo;ve got what it takes to claim the crown.&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s free to join, prizes are up for grabs, and of course, bragging rights are guaranteed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/sports-and-societies-quiz-night/255743/?ref=SSquiz-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <h3>Saturday 13th&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3> <h4>Arthurs Seat Walk, 2pm- Meet outside Scottish Parliament&nbsp;</h4> <p>Looking for the perfect way to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and soak up stunning views? Join us for a hike up Edinburgh&rsquo;s iconic Arthur&rsquo;s Seat, a must-do adventure for anyone wanting to connect with nature, boost their mental wellbeing, and meet new friends along the way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you&rsquo;re an experienced hiker or just starting out, this walk welcomes all fitness levels. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready for some seriously breathtaking sights.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/arthurs-seat-walk-1/255747/?ref=arthurs-active-blog-guide">Click here for tickets!&nbsp;</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/asset/Blog/9/active-guide-pic-2.jpg" /></p>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:11:46 +01002025-08-20T12:26:50+01:00