Freshers Fair!

What is the Fair all about?

The Freshers Fair (also known as Welcome Fair) comes with lots of freebies and ways for students to save money, but at the core, it’s all about giving students the chance to discover a range of opportunities, support services, jobs, experiences and new interests in their local area.

 

Why should you hold a stand at freshers?

This is your opportunity to promote your club / society / business / services to thousands of students (college and university) who’ll be living in Gloucester over the next few years or so.

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Where is it?

Our Fresher’s Fair is held in and around the SU building (main campus) at Hartpury.

 

What can you do to stand out?

You’ll be alongside many local businesses, charities, clubs and societies – so you’ll want to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

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• Make it eye catching – use posters, bold colours, inflatables and banners to attract students

• Give out freebies – merch with your logo / cakes / sweets / promotions / vouchers . Think about sustainable options e.g. reusable straws, tote bags or eco friendly stationary

• Have an activity, competition or game for students to get involved with – anything from ‘guess the sweets in the jar’ etc. to a photo booth with props!

• Wear uniform / t-shirts with your logo on

• Share the key things that you offer that others don’t, or promote an upcoming event that you’re hosting

• If you’re playing music, please ensure noise levels are kept reasonable and remember there may be others around you playing music too

• Ideas from previous stands: pull out stick from big sandpit (coloured stick equals different prizes), hook-a-duck, sporting competition e.g. basketball / rowing speed / dumbbell challenge, mini golf challenge, DJ set, mechanical horse, Candy floss machine, table top game, demonstrations, information on a TV screen.

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Our Top Tips!

1. Prepare a rota – ensure you have at least one person covering your stand for the duration of the event

2. Plan your key messages and have further information readily available e.g. via a QR code

3. Decide your membership free in advance (if applicable) so it’s clear at point of sign up

4. Think about reducing paper use (plus flyers could blow away if you’re outside!)

5. Bring a simple and quick sign-up sheet to reduce the queues

6. Provide clear contact details or info on how they can get in touch with you

7. Be enthusiastic, confident, friendly and chatty

8. Bring enough merch / freebies / vouchers etc. with you to last the duration of the event, so students who arrive nearer the end aren’t missing out

9. Try not to overcrowd your stand with staff – it can be a bit intimidating! Perhaps 2 members at a time

10. Promote on your social media to get people over to your stand!

 

How much does it cost?

It’ll cost £75 for small organisations (discounted) and £150 for other organisations. We do not charge charities or Hartpury staff or students to host a stand. As a non-profit organisation, we make sure all money received is put back into providing events, support, activities, and equipment for our students to enhance and improve their experience and opportunities.

 

What will be provided? 

We will provide a table and chairs for you and your fellow attendees. Please note we will be holding some of the Fair outside so bear that in mind with any flyers, banners and other materials you bring – we have had some very windy Fairs in the past! The outside location also means that access to electricity is unlikely to be available for most stands, so please make sure laptops are fully charged. If you cannot run your stand without electricity, please contact us and we will see if we are able to accommodate you. If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can make adjustments as necessary.