Welcome for undergraduate students will begin on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Welcome to the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, your creative and intellectual home at Manchester. Here, you will explore world cultures, challenge perspectives, and build the critical skills to shape your future. We are thrilled to have you join our community and cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.
Welcome timetables and information
You are invited to attend various events and activities for your programme during Welcome week, which will take place from Monday, 21 September to Friday, 25 September 2026.
Welcome Week events are an important part of your transition to university life, so make sure you attend all sessions relevant to your programme and prioritise your departmental welcome meeting. They are your opportunity to meet your peers and lecturers, find your way around, and start feeling part of our SALC community from day one.
To help you get the best possible start at Manchester, please also read the Welcome Guide carefully and save this page to your favourites. The guide answers many common questions and highlights the key information you'll need before and during your first weeks.
Your Welcome Week timetable and Welcome Guide will be available on this page soon.
There will also be University-wide Welcome activities as well as Students' Union events to help you meet people and settle into our community. Check out the What's on during Welcome page to find out about other activities happening around campus.
Stay connected during Welcome Week
In the lead up to and throughout Welcome Week, it’s important to keep an eye on your emails so you don’t miss important updates.
In September, you'll receive an email from the University inviting you to register as a student. We strongly recommend completing your registration as soon as you receive your invitation, so you can access everything you need and be fully prepared for the start of your studies.
Once you’ve registered as a student and activated your IT account, we'll start sending important updates to your University email address, so be sure to check it regularly.
Once you have activated your IT account you will also be able to access the SALC Student Community site, your central source of information throughout your studies. Here you'll find essential resources, including the School Handbook, guidance on academic life, support services, key contacts, and important updates.
We recommend bookmarking the site and visiting it regularly, as it contains the information you'll need to help you settle in, stay informed, and make the most of your time in SALC.
Support and advice
Your SALC Student Support Hub is a one-stop service for all your queries and any information and guidance you may need during your time at the University. The team can also signpost and refer you to other specialist services within the University.
Location: Lower Ground floor, Samuel Alexander Building (next to the Lime Cafe). We are number 67 on the Campus Map (which can be found on the University of Manchester webpage) or please see our virtual tour video for directions.
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday (10am - 4pm outside of term time)
Email: salc.hub@manchester.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 161 529 3348
There can be a lot to think about and do before you arrive, but we’re here to help you get organised.
Before starting your course, visit the Get Ready pages to find out about registering as a student, and what other things you need to do and complete in order to start at Manchester.
Keep an eye on your University email account for information about course unit selection. You'll be invited to complete course unit selection in September and will need to choose your course units before teaching starts. If you have any questions, contact your Student Support Hub for advice and support.
Learn more about course unit selection and view your programme structure.
We have collated information about the tools and systems that you need for your studies, as well as other essential resources.
This includes how to use Canvas as your central learning environment, how to access your timetable, how to access Library support and resources, and many more.
You will be allocated an Academic Advisor who is an academic member of staff in SALC. Your Academic Advisor is there to help you develop key academic skills and provide guidance on your personal and professional development. You will receive an email before Welcome Week with details of your Advisor.
Starting a new programme can be both exciting and challenging. But please rest assured as we have lots of support and resources available to help you settle in.
- You can access all services relating to tuition fees, funding, immigration, registration and official documents requests by contacting the Student Services Centre (SSC) using their enquiry form.
- Students' Union and the SU Advice Centre
For more information about the whole range of support available from the University, please visit the University's Student Support website.
We recognise that some student groups will need specific support during their time at university.
You may belong to one or multiple groups and we’re here to ensure that you can access the information and support you need.
- Tailored support for specific communities, e.g. care experienced students, estranged students, commuter students, disabled students, and more.
- Our Student Immigration Team offers support and advice to international students with UK immigration requirements throughout your study.
- Funding opportunities - you might be eligible for different types of funding depending on your personal circumstances.
Manchester is steeped in culture and history. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and exciting student life here in Manchester.
Find out more about Manchester by reading the resources below:
See you in September!
Starting university is an exciting milestone, and we know it can also feel like a lot to take in. During Welcome, you'll meet your academic and support staff, get to know your fellow students, and take part in a range of activities designed to help you settle into life at the University.
There’ll be plenty of new information to absorb over the first few days, so we recommend preparing in advance by reading the emails we send and following our social media. If you have any questions along the way, we're here to help, so please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Student Support Hub.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our community and look forward to seeing you in September!
Follow us! Use #salcwelcome26 to let us know how you’re doing.
