New students set to ignite Sunderland's economy this Freshers’ Week

Published on 11, September, 2025

The University of Sunderland welcomes thousands of students this Freshers’ Week – bringing a jolt of economic activity for the city.

Businesses and organisations across the city can expect an injection of new students who will be making Sunderland home for the next three years.

During Freshers' Week, thousands of students can expect a range of activity and events put on by the University and YourSU to welcome them to the city.

YourSU, the students’ union at the University of Sunderland, has a week packed full of ways for new students to get involved, from city tours and beach socials to the annual Freshers’ Fair (17 September).

A range of businesses and organisations from around the city are also set to take part in this year’s Freshers’ fair, including well-known brands like Domino’s.

Ade Adeoye, YourSU President: Sunderland, said: "We are excited to welcome all the Freshers to our amazing city as they embark on their incredible student adventure. YourSU has a fantastic line-up of events planned to have you feeling right at home in Sunderland."

YourSU will be partnering once again with venue and club Independent to offer wristbands that students can buy that will provide access to 8 nights of events plus a range of discounts at independent bars and restaurants across Sunderland.

New students can expect to enjoy what Sunderland has to offer, including shopping at the Bridges Shopping Centre, experiencing its award-winning coastline at Roker and Seaburn beaches or exploring the city’s vibrant food and drink offerings, including the Sheepfold Stables and STACK Seaburn.

New students coming to the city can have a major impact on the local economy. According to a report from London Economics and Universities UK International in 2023, international students alone contributed £74.3m to the Sunderland Central economy in the academic year 2021/22.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive at Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), said: “It’s great to be welcoming the students again this year. 

The influx adds to the vibrancy of the area and with so much going on we like to think that the students will have a great experience while they are studying here.

“The businesses love it when the students arrive as it drives footfall and spend into their businesses and they are very keen to welcome and support the students and to help them to enjoy new experiences in Sunderland.”

Team Sunderland, the University’s sports student service, will also hold its annual Sport and Fitness Fair in CitySpace (24 September), showcasing its 30-plus clubs that compete nationally and other sporting and wellness opportunities at the University that students can get involved in.

Team Sunderland Sport Development Assistant Manager Laura Hockaday said: “The Sport and Fitness Fair is a great opportunity for students to find out about all the sports on offer to them during their time at the University.

“They can sign up for a club, join the gym and get involved with the Just Play programme. We’re excited to welcome all the new students to Sunderland.”

Find out more about what’s going on at Freshers’ Week, including the range of activities by YourSU, here.

>