Ah, Freshers Week – that buzzing, slightly chaotic introduction to university life where new students collect enough free pens to last their entire academic career. As the marketing or events team responsible for your university’s welcome activities, you’re probably already planning how to make your brand stand out in the sea of freebies and eager faces.
Research shows a staggering 88% of students hit Freshers fairs with one mission: to grab the freebies. (And that includes third-years who’ve mastered the art of the strategic swag sweep!)
Merch that makes an impact
Let’s be honest – most Freshers Week giveaways are forgotten or binned within days. The secret to standing out is creating items students want to keep.
The winning formula is simple: useful, desirable, and durable. When students reach for your branded power bank to save their dying phone during a campus tour, your university becomes their hero.
What students actually keep
Tech that saves the day
Power banks and memory sticks become instant student essentials. When the first assignment needs saving or their phone dies mid-lecture, your branded tech steps in – keeping your university logo in their hands when they need help most.
Drinks on the go
Travel mugs and water bottles travel from lecture halls to libraries to late-night study sessions. Students are more eco-conscious than ever, making sustainable drinkware practical and aligned with what they care about.
Little lifesavers
Stress balls provide a much-needed squeeze during the overwhelming first weeks. Trolley key rings become surprisingly essential for those supermarket trips. These small, practical items create daily connections with your brand.
Writing essentials
Quality pens, notebooks and highlighters stay in students’ bags all year. Providing stationery that doesn’t fall apart after week one keeps your branding visible during every study session and lecture.
Building a Freshers week identity that pops
The magic happens when your welcome merchandise tells a story. From halls of residence to city centre cafés, thoughtfully designed items build pride in your university.
Each piece should be created with purpose, produced with environmental responsibility in mind, and arrive exactly when needed – no last-minute panic ordering!
Why Clone knows university merch
The education sector runs in our DNA. We understand what makes Freshers Week tick and how to create merchandise that helps new students feel instantly part of your community.
Our production is carbon-neutral without compromising on quality. We design responsibly and think creatively because generic design just doesn’t cut it any more.
Want to see how your merchandise will look? Our free design mock-ups show you the finished product before production even begins.
Start planning now
The perfect time to start planning your Freshers Week merchandise is right now. With production timelines to consider, early planning ensures everything arrives well before your campus fills with new students.
Ready to make your university merchandise the most sought-after at Freshers Week? Contact Luke to discuss your ideas and book your free design mock-ups.
