Welcome activities at your student hall of residence
16.10.2026
4 min read
Arriving in a new city with a couple of suitcases is quite a challenge. Facing those first few days brings nerves, doubts and the uncertainty of not knowing anyone. However, at our university accommodation, we have a very clear aim: to help those nerves disappear quickly and make you feel welcome from the very first moment.
We want you to stop seeing yourself as ‘the newbie’ in record time. That’s why, at Canvas, activities aren’t just pastimes to fill up the calendar; they’re our best tool for helping you meet people, bond with others and start calling this place ‘home’. University life is about much more than just attending lectures, and it all starts with a warm welcome.
The arrival: first times and long-awaited reunions
The first week sets the tone for the whole year. For newcomers, unpacking your boxes is your first taste of independence (to make sure the initial chaos doesn’t get the better of you, we always recommend having a look at our guide with practical tips for your first few days in halls of residence). For veterans, September brings that unmistakable feeling of returning to their safe haven after the summer and catching up with their friends.
To ensure a perfect start, we give each resident a welcome pack. It’s our way of providing you with useful items to help you get your term off to a flying start and get you in the Canvas Student spirit as soon as you walk through the door. A practical gift that makes you feel like part of the community straight away and that will be there for you during your first few visits to the university.
Get to know the space and the team, and break the ice
Once you’ve put your things away, it’s time to settle in. We organise welcome sessions to introduce all the staff, give a tour of the premises and go over the basic rules of conduct. Our reception and management team are on hand to answer any logistical queries, but also to be your main source of support on a day-to-day basis throughout term.
However, the real value of these meetings is getting to exchange the first few words with your fellow students. It’s the perfect setting to find out who lives next door in your new hall of residence and start forming your own group. We use our common areas to encourage this interaction: from the shared kitchens to the games rooms and study areas, everything is designed to make that first ‘hello’ easier.
Welcome parties: the key moment in each city
The major events in September are the highlight. We organise unforgettable evenings featuring dinner, DJs, themed décor, games and even a mechanical bull. What matters here isn’t the party itself, but the stories and the bonds that are forged amidst the laughter. Taking part in these activities breaks down barriers and creates memories that last throughout your university experience.
Each city has its own programme of events to kick off the academic year in style:
- Student halls of residence in Pamplona: a ping-pong tournament to test the residents’ skill levels, a Kinder ice-cream workshop and a big welcome party for everyone.
- Student halls of residence in Seville: A Canvas pool party to make the most of the last few days of Andalusian heat and the traditional welcome party.
- Student halls of residence in Sabadell: an afternoon of creative crafts, a volleyball match to let off steam and a welcome party.
- Student halls of residence in Salamanca: welcome coffee, group training sessions, board games, speed-friending sessions, a table football tournament and the big welcome party.
- Modern accommodation in Valencia: pizza night, fun rounds of speed friending, coffee & talk for relaxed chats and a welcome party.
A busy schedule all year round
This month’s energy doesn’t fade away when October arrives. At Canvas, we offer an annual calendar of activities to support you throughout the year. Living with us means always having a plan on the horizon and a support network by your side.
When exam time comes round, we tailor our activities to help you reduce stress. On holidays and special dates, we organise themed events. The aim is to keep the community thriving from the very first day right through to the last.
Would you like to see what these moments are like from the inside? See what we're up to, explore our facilities and don’t miss any events on our social media: