Starting university can feel like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to. If you’re more into laid-back vibes than loud parties, don’t worry we’ve got you. Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) has planned a week full of easy-going, feel-good events to help you settle in, meet new people, and ease into student life at your own pace.
From cozy coffee hangouts and creative workshops to yoga sessions and boardgame nights, this guide highlights the most relaxed and welcoming ways to spend your first week on campus. Whether you're new to Edinburgh or just looking for low-key ways to connect, here’s your chilled-out roadmap to a great start.
Sunday 6th September
Residences Pizza Night, 6pm @ Bainfield Common Room
For those at our Napier residences, this event is the perfect cosy night in. Expect chill icebreakers and boardgames, and we’ll bring the pizza – just bring your flatmates (or come alone!) and enjoy a relaxed, chill night with your new mates.
Click here for tickets!
Saturday, 5th September
Napier Pub Quiz, 6pm @ The Three Sisters
Think you’ve got the smarts to take home the prize? Our Napier Quiz Night at The Three Sisters is your chance to prove it. Expect a mix of fun questions, friendly competition, and awesome prizes as you and your team test your knowledge on all things Napier—and a few wild cards beyond.
Come with your flatmates, bring your club or society crew, or just turn up and join a team on the night. It’s a relaxed, social evening that’s perfect for meeting new people and having a laugh over a drink.
Click here for tickets!
Monday, 7th September
Sighthill Garden Party, 1pm @ Sighthill Campus
Sighthill, get ready to celebrate the start of uni with your students' union ENSA! Expect an exciting afternoon with lawn games, alpacas, ice cream, painting and a chill space to hang out and make new friends at your campus. This event is open to students at any campus, but Sighthill students are especially welcome!
Please note this event is not the same scale as Napier Fest, and we encourage all students to join us for that as well.
Click here for tickets!
First Years’ Speed Friending, 5pm @ Three Sisters Union Bar
New to Napier or just want to meet new people in your first year at university? Our Speed Friending session is designed especially for you. It’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. Whether you’re new to Edinburgh or looking to expand your social circle, it’s the perfect low-pressure environment to build connections and find your new study or coffee crew.
There are several speed friending sessions available.
Get your ticket here.
Boardgame & Pizza Night, 6pm @ Three Sisters Union Bar
Come along for an evening of boardgames and free pizza at Napier’s official Student Union Bar! Come by yourself, bring your friends and flatmates, or stick around with those you meet at the Speed Friending event right before this one, for an evening full of chill fun. Drinks will be available to purchase at the bar, so bring student ID to make the most of your discount!
Click here for tickets!
Tuesday, 8th September
Welcome Fair, 10am- Corn Exchange
Don’t miss Scotland’s biggest Welcome Fair, the ultimate place to kickstart your active student life at Napier! With around 150 stalls to explore, you’ll find exclusive deals, freebies, and the inside scoop on all the sports clubs and societies waiting for you. Whether you’re into creative arts, reading, or just want to find something new, this is your chance to meet the people behind Napier’s societies, ask questions, and discover how to get involved.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant side of Napier and make the most of everything student life has to offer!
Click here for tickets.
Wednesday, 9th September
Napier Fest, 1pm @ Craiglockhart Lawn
Starting a new chapter in your academic journey? Join your Students' 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.
Expect carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, candy floss, and more—yes, really! Whether you're new to campus or returning for another year, it’s a great chance to meet fellow students from all courses and campuses in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Click here for tickets!
Thursday, 10th September
Commuter Coffee Morning, 10am @ Merchiston Apex
Commuters, we know it's a longer morning for you - come along for a wee social caffeine hit at the Merchiston Apex, and meet new friends who also live outside of the city. This is a laid back event for you to kick back and enjoy a hot drink on us. Free ticket required to claim your coffee!
Click here for tickets.
Thursday, 10th September
Merchifest, 12pm @ Merchiston Campus
Studying at Merchiston? Come along for a fun afternoon with games, therapy ponies (Theraponies, if you will), food and music, all on your home campus! Make new friends and get to know your campus with your Students’ Association, ENSA.
Click here for tickets.
NSFF Film Screening, 3pm @ B55 Merchiston Campus
Looking for a cozy, creative activity? Settle in for an afternoon of student-made cinema at our Film Festival Night! We’ll be showcasing a selection of standout short films from the Napier Student Film Festival, featuring works by talented Napier students as well as winners from other institutions.
Whether you’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!
This event will be run as a hybrid, meaning you can watch along at home if you can’t make it in person.
Click here for tickets!
Friday, 11th September
Queer Picnic in the Meadows, 2pm @ The Meadows
Every ENSA event is a welcoming and safe space for students of all identities, but this one is especially for our LGBTQ+ students and allies - come as you are, bring some snacks if you'd like, and connect with others in a friendly, laid-back setting. We'll bring along some board games and cards too.
Click here for tickets!
Sip & Paint, 6:30pm @ Teviot
Get creative over a drink! Whether you're an aspiring artist or just looking to unwind and meet other students, this event promises a chill evening of fun. Canvases, paint, and brushes will be provided as part of your ticket.
Click here for tickets!
Saturday, 12th September
Craft Club (Bring Your Own Craft with Girls Craft Club), 10am @ Levels Cafe
Hosted by the Girls Craft Club Edinburgh, come along for a relaxed session to hang out with other crafters and work on any creative project you've got. This space is for everything from drawing to scrapbooking, knitting to painting - if it's creative, bring it along! Coffee and food are available from the cafe at your own expense.
Click here for tickets!
Queer Cocktails, 8pm @ The Dog House
All ENSA events are open to everybody, but this evening is especially for our LGBTQ+ students and allies to come along for an exciting evening at one of Edinburgh's coolest bars. Enjoy the cocktail and mocktail menu and make friends with fellow students – expect banger tunes, awesome decor and good vibes for days. Vegan food (chippy-style) is also served at this location.
Click here for tickets!
Sunday, 13th September
Charity Shop Crawl, 2pm @ Potterrow
Get ready for an afternoon of awesome finds and hidden gems, filling in the bits of your wardrobe you forgot to bring with you. The route involves a short walk in a student-dense area, so you're guaranteed to find some exciting, trending pieces!
Click here for tickets.
Enjoy Welcome Week and don't forget to check out all events for the year here!