News

The BIG Welcome: Your Hullraiser Journey Starts Here!

02 Sep 2026
Three smiling young adults pose outside a modern building, holding a colourful “The Big Welcome” sign in bright sunshine.

Your first month at Hull College is about more than finding your classroom or meeting your tutors – it’s the start of an incredible new adventure.

The BIG Welcome is your chance to settle in, meet new people, explore our campus, and discover what being a Hullraiser is all about. From your very first day, you’ll become part of a welcoming community that wants to see you succeed.

Throughout September and October, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in fun activities, meet the teams who are here to support you, enjoy free treats, and learn everything you need to know to make the most of college life.

Whether you’re naturally outgoing or feeling a few first-day nerves, there’s something for everyone.

Key Dates

Monday 7th September: The BIG Welcome – The Hullraiser Carnival (11am – 3pm)
What better way to start your Hull College journey than with a carnival? Join us for an afternoon of fun, games, music, prizes, and plenty of free treats, including popcorn and candy floss. Have a go at Hook a Duck, Coconut Shy, Prize Darts, Splat the Rat, Spin the Wheel or see how high you can score on the High Striker. Come along, have some fun and start your Hullraiser journey in style!

Tuesday 8th September: The BIG Social (11:30am – 1:30pm)
It’s time to get out, get involved and discover more about college life. Take on the Campus Challenge, challenge your new friends in the Social Games Zone and meet the teams who are here to support you, including Careers, Bursary, Student Support and Enrichment. Explore the campus, discover what’s on offer, and collect your next stamp as you continue your BIG Welcome journey.

Tuesday 8th September: The Campus Challenge (11:30am – 1:30pm)
How well do you know your new college? Put your detective skills to the test and explore some of the key places around campus. Look out for hidden letters, scan QR codes to unlock videos from our college teams and discover more about the support, opportunities, and facilities available to you. Find every letter, crack the secret word, and complete the challenge to earn your stamp!

And don’t forget to complete your BIG Welcome passport and pop it in the postbox in the Student Hub for your chance to enter our prize draw! You could win an Amazon gift card, with a £100 top prize up for grabs. So, keep collecting those stamps and get your passport in for your chance to win!

Wednesday 16th September: Mental Health Matters (11:30am – 1:30pm)
College life is about more than studying. It’s also about looking after yourself, finding your people and taking time to recharge. Drop in and discover simple ways to support your wellbeing, from making your own bath bomb at our LUSH Bath Bomb Workshop to spending some quiet time in the Mindfulness Corner. Add to our Gratitude Wall, get involved in a Random Act of Kindness, and meet the Student Support and Wellbeing Teams. Take a breather, try something new and collect another stamp along the way.

Thursday 24th September: Get Creative (11:30am – 1:30pm)
Fancy getting creative and leaving your mark on college? Come along and help bring our Collaborative Mural to life, make your own Phone Charm or Keyring, or get involved in the Photo Challenge. It’s a chance to try something different, meet new people, and create something you can be proud of. Who knows – you might even discover a new creative talent along the way!

Monday 28th September: Game On (12pm – 2pm)
Time to take a break, have some fun, and discover the many ways you can get involved outside the classroom. Battle it out in the Esports Tournament, race your friends in Mario Kart, or test your skills in Dodgeball and Penalties. You can also explore the Games Café, get creative in the Creator Corner, build something brilliant with Lego Legends, discover the Culture Club, or find your next hobby at the Enrichment Stand. There’s plenty to get stuck into, so come along and see what takes your fancy.

Tuesday 6th October: The Community Market (11:30am – 1:30pm)
Your college experience can take you far beyond the classroom. Meet local employers, charities, emergency services, and community organisations and discover the opportunities waiting for you in your community. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, gain work experience, develop new skills, or find ways to support your wellbeing, there’ll be plenty to explore. Come along, meet new people and discover where your next opportunity could take you.

Wednesday 14th October: Make Your Mark (11:30am – 1:30pm)
You’re part of the Hull College community – and your voice matters! Share your ideas on the Ideas Wall, find out how you can help shape college life at the Student Voice Hub, make a commitment on the Pledge Wall, and imagine your future at the Dream Job Selfie Wall. It’s your chance to speak up, share what matters to you and help make Hull College an even better place to learn, grow, and succeed.

All events will take place in Hullywood Gardens (ground floor of the Tower Block).

Most importantly, The BIG Welcome is your opportunity to make connections that could last throughout your time with us at Hull College. Say hello to someone new, try something different, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. This is where confidence grows, friendships begin, and futures take shape.

As you settle into college life, you’ll discover that every day brings new opportunities to learn, achieve and grow. From enrichment activities and Student CPD Weeks to industry experiences, competitions, trips and celebrations, there’s always something happening to help you make the most of your time here.

So, throw yourself into every opportunity, celebrate every achievement, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Your future starts now, and we can’t wait to see everything you’ll accomplish as part of our Hullraisers community.