Must-Have Prep Guide
Everything you need to arrange, sorted. Housing tips, budget templates, checklists, must-have apps and more.
5th edition · 2026
Welcome
Welcome
Festival 2026
Join the 5th edition of the Welcome Festival, the largest event of the semester, bringing together new students from UvA, VU, HvA, TIO, CIEE, AUAS and many more.
11 SEP
2026
Included with every ticket
The Preparation Package
Moving to for the first time can be overwhelming. That's why every ticket comes with the Preparation Package, so you settle in smoothly and make friends before you even land.
WhatsApp Community
Connect with new students weeks before you arrive, find your people and get daily support from our team.
Socials Homes
Still looking for housing? Use your personal code for 50% off and lock in a safe home as fast as possible.
Virtual Meetup
Join a call with other students arriving in your city. Meet people before classes start and plan your first hangout.
City Game
Explore the city with a team of 3 to 5 students while solving a mystery, and find your new favourite spots.
All this, in one ticket. The festival plus the full Preparation Package, from day one.
Get your tickets
Where connections begin
Throwback to last year
A welcoming atmosphere, international music and the perfect start to the semester.
Pick your ticket 🎟️
Grab the Welcome Festival on its own, or go all-in with the Semester Pass, your all-access pass to not miss anything in your first semester.
Most popular
★ All semester access
The Semester Pass
Instead of buying each event separately, secure your spot at every major event of the semester.
Every event, all semester
- 🎉Welcome Festival · 11 September
- 🪩Every major party of the semester
- 🥂Dinners and trips all semester
- 🎟️Exclusive discounts + ambassador program
- 🎁The full Welcome Festival package, everything in the ticket
Get the Semester Pass
Every major event of the semester · age limits vary by event
Welcome Festival ticket
Welcome Festival + Prep Package
The main event of the semester, plus everything you need to arrive sorted and already part of the crew.
- 🎉Welcome Festival · 11 September
- 👋Virtual Meetup, two weeks before semester
- 📖Preparation Guide, in your confirmation email
- WhatsApp Community, in your confirmation email
- 🗺️City Game, play whenever you want
- 🏠Socials Homes, 50% off with our coupon
Get your ticket
Prices rise each round, buy early to save · age limits vary by event
What to expect
Hear it from last year's students
Real students, real first nights. Here's what they had to say about the Welcome Festival, and the message they have for your new beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to know.
The Welcome Festival Package gives you access to the main student event each semester, bringing together international students from all universities for an unforgettable night full of new connections.
It also includes:
- Preparation Guide: a complete resource to help you settle smoothly into your new city, with essential tips on housing, opening a bank account and more.
- WhatsApp Group access: connect with other international students before arrival, organize meetups and start making friends early.
- CityGame experience: explore your new city through a fun mystery solving adventure while discovering key spots and resources.
- Community Support: join a large network of students, including students from previous years, ready to share advice and help you feel at home.
Definitely yes! The Welcome Festival Package is open to all new international students, regardless of your university, course or age. Students from every university in your city are invited to join the main event, meet fellow new students and start connecting early.
Tickets are not refundable but can be transferred to another student if you like. Refunds are only available if an event is canceled without a rescheduled date. The refund process will be shown after you purchase a ticket.
Most events are open to all ages, however some may have specific age restrictions. Always review the event details before registering to confirm age eligibility. In some cases events are 18+ or 20+, depending on the venue. Don't forget to bring your ID, as there will be an ID check at the entrance. Without it, you won't be allowed to enter.
Yes! Interactive activities like the City Game and the Welcome Event are designed to help you discover hidden gems, make friends and get familiar with your new city. With the package you will also have the chance to explore the local nightlife and some of the city's best spots.
The Virtual Meetup is an online event that takes place two weeks before the semester starts. It is your first chance to connect with other students moving to the same city as you. We will send you a Google Meet link and all the details two weeks before the event. The Virtual Meetup is part of the Welcome Package, which you can find on your city page. Find your city and get Virtual Meetup access there!
The Semester Pass gives you access to both the Welcome Package and all its perks, plus all the nightlife experiences and parties of the semester. You will join every party with all the new students throughout the semester, starting from the first event and continuing each week with a different party in a new venue around the city, together with locals and internationals. If you are a party person, the Semester Pass is exactly what you need. You can get it in the shop by selecting the Semester Pass instead of the Welcome Package option.
We have partnered with Socials.Homes, and you can enjoy a 50% discount to find the best listings in the fastest way possible, before you even move to the city. Next to that, through the WhatsApp Community, the Preparation Guide and meetups, you will get practical advice on finding housing, setting up local banking, choosing a SIM provider and accessing student discounts.
Discover our upcoming events on the website, or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to get the latest updates. Join our WhatsApp Community to stay connected with other students and hear about meetups, housing and uni life. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram @jointhestudentlife for the newest event highlights and announcements!
Yes, we are a community of former international students. We organize these events every semester, and our experienced international student teams help run them to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all attendees. In most cases a member of our team or one of our partners is on site to make sure everything runs smoothly for all students.
The dress code varies based on each event's theme. Some events, like the Welcome Parties, have no specific attire requirements, while others, such as the Halloween or White Party, have themed dress codes. For detailed information on dress codes, please check the event details.
At some of our events a professional photographer captures moments of fun, smiles and connections. If that is the case, a few days after the event we upload all photos to our social media pages, where you can easily view and download them. You will also receive an email with that information if it applies to your event.
Start your semester
with everyone else.
Spots are limited. Grab your ticket and walk into already part of the crew.