Ready to hit the ground running? If you're the kind of student who likes to stay active, try new things, and meet people through movement, this one's for you. Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) has packed Welcome Week with events that’ll get your heart pumping, your energy flowing, and your calendar filling up with fun, active ways to settle into uni life.
Whether you're into outdoor adventures or just looking to try something new, this guide highlights the most energising ways to start your time at Napier.
Let’s move, meet, and make this year one to remember.
Saturday, 5th September
Arthur’s Seat Walk, 12pm @ Scottish Parliament Building
Hike up Edinburgh's iconic Arthur's Seat! A perfect way to take a break and enjoy some fresh air and stunning views. This walk is open to all students who want to connect with nature, boost their mental wellbeing, and meet new friends.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this walk is suitable for most fitness levels. We’ll take it at a comfortable pace and take breaks during steeper inclines. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and a snack!
Click here for free tickets
Coffee & Book Crawl, 2pm @ Uplands Roast
Grab your comfiest shoes and get ready to discover Edinburgh's cosiest bookshops and cafes - it's time for a book crawl! We’ll be kicking things off at Uplands Roast with a hot drink in hand, then heading on a guided wander through the city’s iconic sights, stopping in at the coolest bookshops Edinburgh has to offer.
Click here for free tickets!
Tuesday 8th
Welcome Fair, 10am-3pm @ The 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 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.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant, active side of Napier and make the most of everything student life has to offer!
Click here for free tickets.
First Years’ Bowling, 6pm @ TenPin Fountain Park
Are you in First year? What better way to make pals than by thrashing them at bowling? Join us at Fountain Park (opposite the Bainfield accommodation site) for a fun evening of strikes, spares and shameless gutterballs. Bring your flatmates or rock up solo, there's a space for everyone.
Click here for tickets!
Napier Ceilidh, 8pm @ Ghillie Dhu
Don yer kilts and fancy dresses, it's time for a ceilidh! Come along for an elegant night of Scottish music and dance - don't worry, we'll teach you all the steps!
Taking place at the famous Ghillie Dhu ceilidh venue, expect fantastic live music, gorgeous decor and an in-house bar, including a welcome drink (soft drink for those under 18). Whether this is your first ceilidh or you've been learning the steps since you were old enough to walk, everybody is welcome at this event!
Click here for tickets.
Wednesday, 9th September
Napier Fest, 1pm-4pm @ 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 free tickets!
Thursday, 10th September
Sightseeing Jogging Tour, 3pm @ Merchiston Campus
Lace up your running shoes and join us for an afternoon run through the city to see the sights! This event is open to all abilities, and we can take breaks as needed. Learn new routes to run on, see the beautiful City of Edinburgh and meet like-minded, active friends.
Click here for tickets!
Friday, 11th September
Culture Crawl, 1pm @ National Gallery, The Mound
Join us for a day of exploring some of the city’s most vibrant museums and galleries, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh. We will be starting at the National Gallery, then exploring the Fruitmarket Gallery and the National Museum, with a stop at Black Medicine for coffee along the way!
This free, open-to-all event is perfect for art lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about Edinburgh’s cultural gems. Come alone or bring your pals and comfortable shoes!
Click here for free tickets.
Saturday, 12h September
Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, 11pm or 12pm @ Cockburn Street
Embark on an exciting 3-hour adventure through the historic streets of Old Town Edinburgh with our Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. Follow the clues and immerse yourselves in a thrilling quest to unravel the mystery and claim the title of ultimate detectives! The route finishes outside the Tolbooth Tavern, 167 Canongate - a great spot for a celebratory refreshment!
*Note: This is the same route as last year - if you have been before, we don't recommend joining the hunt again!
Click here for free tickets!
Sunday, 13th September
Run, Seamus, Run, 12pm @ Seamus’ Pub
Join us for a 4 mile charity run between Seamus' Pub at Tollcross to Dougal's in Portobello, with a free pint of stout waiting for you at the end. This event is run in partnership with Always Forward, a mental health charity focused on social connection.
Click here for tickets.
Enjoy Welcome Week and don't forget to check out the rest of the programme here.