Getting started - your first week

The official start date for the programme is Monday 21 September 2026.

Your first week with us, Welcome Week, includes a series of induction activities designed to help you settle in, meet your fellow students, and get to know the academic staff who'll be supporting you throughout your studies.

This is a great opportunity to find your feet, ask questions, and start building the friendships and skills that will support you over the years ahead. From team-building sessions and your official welcome to the Division, to the Affirmation Ceremony, everything is in place to help you start your dental school journey on the right foot.

Welcome Week timetable

Once you get started on the programme, you'll be assigned to timetabled sessions and will be able to see your personalised timetable.

Until then, you can see the programme's Welcome Week timetable at the links below (these timetables will go live by Monday 7 September).

Welcome Week School events

We are hosting a range of exciting events here in the School of Medical Sciences for Welcome Week:

  • A treasure trail designed to give you a tour of the campus and facilities you'll be using while you're here – with great prizes to be won!
  • Guided tours – A walk around areas of interest to you, by School of Medical Sciences students.
  • Hub drop-in sessions – Come and have a chat, grab a cup of tea and a biscuit and a cosy chair. We have board games and mindful activities.
  • Carnival in the Quad – Stopford Building has a lovely green garden. We'll have some fun and games on for you, with prizes to be won.

Optional events

We know that every student's journey to university is different. That's why the School is running a series of optional events to help you meet others who may share similar experiences. These sessions are informal, friendly, and a great opportunity to make connections before your programme begins.

If any of the groups below sound like you, we'd love for you to join us.

Students who live locally or commute to university

Friday 18 September, 1pm-3pm

For students who aren't moving into student accommodation and are either commuting or already living nearby.

Neurodivergent students

Tuesday 22 September, 12pm-2pm

A welcoming event for neurodivergent School of Medical Sciences students to connect with one another.

Mature students

Friday 25 September, 10am-12pm

If you're returning to education or balancing study with other responsibilities, this session is for you.

International students

Friday 25 September, 3pm-5pm

For students joining us from outside the UK - a chance to meet others, ask questions, and settle into life in Manchester.

Mandatory induction courses

There are a series of mandatory induction courses that all students entering the University are required to complete. We recommend you get these courses completed before you start, as they are due for completion early in the semester.

You'll be able to access them as soon as you're logged in to Canvas.