The highlight will be the glittering Freshers’ Ball, organised by the student union Beds SU, at Empire in Bedford on Thursday 6^thOctober, where students will don their finest outfits and dance the night away.

Headline acts confirmed for the evening include grime and jungle duo Star.One, British DJ Charlie Sloth and UK rapper Chip, former known as Chipmunk, who has performed tracks with the likes of Chris Brown.

The University is hosting a series of events to help new students settle in, get to know their surroundings and meet new friends, including film nights, Get To Know You breakfasts and even a river boat trip and picnic. More information can be found here: Welcome to Bedfordshire

New students can also pick up plenty of freebies at the Freshers’ Fayres at the Luton and Bedford campuses, where they can find out about student support services and what is on offer around the University.

The University’s Director for Student Experience Rumnique Gill said: “Welcome 2016 aims to encourage students to embrace their time here, get involved, and socialise in their first few days and weeks.

“The wide range of activities showcase what is available as part of the student experience outside of the academic aspect of university life and gives students an opportunity to get to know peers in various social settings. We look forward to welcoming all of our new students.”

Beds SU also have events catered to all tastes, with music nights, foam parties, trips to Laser Quest and ice skating, and even a puppy room where homesick students can cuddle puppies training to be guide dogs.

More information can be found at: www.bedssu.co.uk