Freshers

Keele SU is your Students’ Union. We offer amazing opportunities for you to reach your potential, engage in a lively student community and make friends.

Freshers' Week is nearly here, so be sure to stay in the know by checking this page for updates about Freshers' Week events such as nights out, the Freshers' Fair, Community Fair, Volunteering, Sports Clubs and Society opportunities.

Freshers' week passes are on sale now! Be sure to get yours for great savings and access to all Freshers' Week events at the Keele SU.

Get your Keele SU Official Freshers Pass

The countdown to Freshers 2026 starts here:

Let's Introduce Ourselves...

We are Keele SU (Keele University Students' Union). We exist to support you in all you do at Keele, and we are independent from Keele University. This means we can help your voice to be heard on the things that really matter to you.

Keele SU is so much more than a nightclub (but we do have 2!). We have an Advice Centre (ASK) that you can use for free independent advice and support. There are 120+ Clubs & Societies that you can join and plenty of volunteering opportunities, food & drink outlets, and so much more.

As a student at Keele University, you are automatically a member of Keele SU; there is no charge for being a member. We are a charitable organisation. As a membership-led organisation, you get a say in how your Students’ Union is run. You can do this by voting for Elected Officers and putting forward suggestions on the way we do things. Your Elected Officers are your voice on different matters that make up university student life.

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Whats On

Whether you’re a new or returning student, there are some fantastic events awaiting you at Keele SU during welcome week and beyond.

Note: Please be aware of unofficial events. All official Keele SU events can be found on our events page and advertised on our official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Open Day: 15th August 9am - 4pm; Keele University Campus; Free | Public Events

MENTAL HEALTH DROP-IN SESSIONS: 19th August 10am - noon; Chatterbox; NHS and Keele university are proud to offer drop in sessions for students about your mental health and wellbeing; Free | Non-Alcoholic

Rosh Hashanah: 11th September midnight - 13th September 11:59pm; Jewish New Year celebration; Non-Alcoholic

Bongos Bingo: 11th September 6:30pm - 11:30pm; Keele SU; Keele SU is the home of Bongo's Bingo Stoke-On-Trent!; Public Events | Nightclub | Gigs

Mission Records UK Presents: 35 Years Of Rave: 12th September 4pm - 13th September 2am; Keele SU; Get Tickets; Public Events | Nightclub | Gigs

Bongos Bingo: 18th September 6:30pm - 11:30pm; Keele SU is the home of Bongo's Bingo Stoke-On-Trent!; Public Events | Nightclub

Freshers Fair: 21st September 10am - 4pm; Keele SU; Join the Keele SU Freshers' Fair to explore Keele, grab freebies, and connect with campus life. A must-attend event to kickstart your Keele experience.; Free | Freshers | Non-Alcoholic

Club & Society Signup day 1: 22nd September 10am - 4pm; Keele SU; Discover over 150 student-led clubs and societies at Keele SU's Club & Society Fair. Explore new interests, meet like-minded peers, and get involved in campus life.; Free | Freshers | Non-Alcoholic

Club & Society Signup day 2: 23rd September 10am - 4pm; Keele SU; Discover over 150 student-led clubs and societies at Keele SU's Club & Society Fair. Explore new interests, meet like-minded peers, and get involved in campus life.; Free | Freshers | Non-Alcoholic

Discover Staffordshire Day: 24th September 10am - 4pm; Keele SU; Explore local life at the Staffordshire Freshers Market hosted by Keele SU. Discover businesses, services, and opportunities around Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Keele.; Free | Freshers | Non-Alcoholic

Scouting For Girls Live: 24th September 7pm - 11pm; Keele SU; Get Tickets; Public Events | Nightclub | Gigs

Black History Month: 1st October midnight - 31st October midnight; Annual observance of African heritage and achievements; Non-Alcoholic

Kopycat Killers v Kasabian't v Scam Fender v Subarctic Monkeys v Oasis96 v Kaiser Cheats: 3rd October 6pm - 11pm; Keele SU; Get Tickets; Public Events | Nightclub | Gigs

World Mental Health Day: 10th October midnight - 11:59pm; Global awareness day for mental health; Non-Alcoholic

Open Day: 11th October 9am - 4pm; Keele University Campus; Free | Public Events

The Tumbling Paddies Live at Keele SU: 16th October 7pm - 11:30pm; Keele SU; Get Tickets; Public Events | Nightclub | Gigs

Your Elected Officers for 2026-27 are:

Our Spaces

The Hub

The Hub is a merchandise shop in a quiet social space, on the ground floor of the Students' Union. It's also a place to come and ask any questions that you may have and make any enquiries.

The Squirrel

The Squirrel Bar & Kitchen is your on-campus bar, serving a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Open during the day and at night-times.

Dirty Dunkz

Dirty Dunkz serves up a mouthwatering street food experience packed with flavour and personality; our menu is designed to satisfy every craving.

Ballroom

The Ballroom is the main nightclub space on campus, hosting your largest weekly events and a range of other activities.

Co-op

Keele SU runs the Co-op on campus. Remember to use your Co-op membership card to get maximum discounts!

Outback Garden Area with seating and smoking areas

The Outback

Located at the rear of Keele SU, The Outback is a large outdoor seating area, perfect for a cold drink on a sunny day.

Meet People & Make Friends

Joining a society is a great way to make new friends, have fun and create long-lasting memories. A society is any group of students that engages in a specific activity or shared interest. At Keele SU there are more than 100 societies for you to join. Whether you’re into crafts, dance, politics, films, literature or sports, we’re sure that you can find your perfect society and club. You can join as many as you like; just visit the link below to see all the societies that we have to offer.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Well, no problem, you can start your own society!

Join a Society Start your Own Society

Need Some Help?

If you find adjusting to university life a little difficult, you can use Keele SU's high-quality advice and support service. Advice & Support at Keele SU (ASK) is here to help you throughout your time at Keele, however big or small your issue might be.

Academic Complaints Discipline Family & Relationships Housing & Accommodation Legal Money Wellbeing

Book an appointment with an ASK advisor

Any Questions?

We have made a list of frequently asked questions that students like you want to know. Simply click or tap on the question, and the answer will appear below.

What is Freshers' Week and when does it start?

Freshers' Week is your introduction to life at Keele University. You'll learn what to expect during the academic year, discover Keele Students' Union services and facilities, and enjoy a packed programme of events and activities designed to help you meet new people.

Welcome Week begins on Saturday 19 September 2026. International students and students supported by the Keele Disability and Dyslexia Team can attend pre-arrival events from Thursday 17 September 2026.

Do I need to join the Students' Union?

No. Once you accept your place at Keele University, you'll automatically become a member of Keele Students' Union.

Membership is completely free, and you can use the Union's services, activities and facilities as much or as little as you like.

Who can attend Freshers' events?

Freshers' events are open to all Keele students, not just new students. Whether you're starting your first year or returning to university, you're welcome to join in.

Events, tickets and entry

All official Keele SU events can be found on the Events & Tickets page. If an event isn't listed there, it isn't an official Keele SU event.

Some events are free while others require a ticket. Each event page will show whether a ticket is needed, ticket prices and whether you can purchase tickets for other people.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your event starts to help guarantee entry.

What do I need to attend events?

Please bring your Keele Student Card with you, as you'll need it to gain entry to official Keele SU events.

To stay up to date with what's happening, visit the Events & Tickets page or follow Keele SU What's On on Facebook and Instagram.

How do I join clubs, societies and sports teams?

Society membership varies depending on the group. Visit the Clubs & Societies page to view available memberships and costs.

To join a sports club, you'll need a Team Keele Membership as well as membership for your chosen club. No health insurance is required.

Free taster sessions and trial memberships are available at the start of the academic year, giving you the chance to try activities before committing.

I'm finding it difficult to settle in. Where can I get support?

If you're finding it difficult to settle into university life, ASK (Advice & Support at Keele SU) offers free, confidential advice from professional advisers who are here to help.

Where can I find a quiet space on campus?

If you need somewhere quiet to relax during Welcome Week, you can use the Library, the Exhibition Suite in the Chancellor's Building, the Students' Union Ground Floor, or enjoy the open spaces across the Keele campus.