Fresh Academic Year: Why Universities Book Science & Animal Workshops

What is a new academic year? The academic year is the yearly cycle in which schools, colleges, and universities run their teaching and exams. A new academic year usually begins in September in the UK. For students, it means starting new classes, taking new courses, and sometimes even moving to a new school, college, or university. It’s also the time when Freshers’ Fairs, welcome events, and induction weeks take place.

The fresh academic year is always an exciting time. Students arrive with new ideas, fresh energy, and a desire to explore life at university. But alongside lectures, timetables, and the inevitable stress of settling in, there’s also a need for shared experiences that connect people. That’s why many universities now book science and animal workshops as part of Freshers’ Week, wellbeing days, and campus events.

These popular workshops combine the thrill of real animal encounters with hands-on science. These workshops offer an educational experience that’s interactive, stress-relieving, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re organising a Freshers Fair, planning a wellbeing day before exams, or marking British Science Week, our diverse range of workshops ensures students of every age group discover something new.

Why Book Workshops for the New Academic Year?

Starting university is about more than just choosing a course. It’s about making friends, finding confidence, and discovering passions. Events that feature animals and science offer:

• A break from lectures and theory.
• An amazing learning experience that’s engaging and fun.
• Stress relief is particularly valuable for students living away from home.
• A chance to explore, discover, and learn together.

👉 Did you know? Research shows that spending just 15 minutes with animals can lower stress hormones and improve concentration — a great way to boost confidence during the first academic year.

Animal Encounters: Comfort and Curiosity

Animal experiences are always a highlight. Imagine the excitement of meeting reptiles, handling small mammals, or watching exotic invertebrates up close. For many students, these are truly unforgettable moments.

From rabbits, guinea pigs, and hedgehogs that remind students of home, to snakes, lizards, and even tarantulas that spark curiosity, our sessions are designed to be age-appropriate and flexible for any group size.

👉 Did you know? Rats have been used in studies of natural selection and behaviour, making them both fascinating for science and comforting companions for interaction.

Hands-On Science Workshops

Our science workshops give students the chance to go beyond books and get involved in practical work. Perfect for British Science Week, a whole school science day, or campus wellbeing events, these sessions combine fun with valuable skills.

Our Workshop themes include:

• Slime making – fun, sensory, and a stress reliever.
• Bath bomb and soap making – creative chemistry with results you can take home (even a great idea for a gift voucher).
• States of Matter – fizzing, bubbling science that connects theory to real-world experiments.
• Electricity and forces – perfect for sparking curiosity in engineering and applied sciences.
• Science of Nature – exploring environments, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

👉 Did you know? The colours in fireworks come from elements on the periodic table — sodium for yellow, copper for blue, and strontium for red! A fun fact that links science experiments to real celebrations.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being

The academic year can be stressful. Workshops that involve animals and hands-on activities are proven to support wellbeing by:

• Reducing stress during exam periods.
• Helping students connect socially.
• Building confidence in a relaxed setting.
• Providing a break from the teaching grind of lectures and deadlines.

Our animal and science sessions are suitable for all ages and participants. They’re not just for younger children or primary school workshops — they’re equally powerful for older students and adults.

Shared Experiences that Last

Universities book Wild Science because our sessions create moments that bring people together. Whether it’s a science day on campus, a Freshers Fair attraction, or a wellbeing afternoon, the benefits include:

• Building personal skills like teamwork and communication.
• Offering a first-hand experience with animals and experiments.
• Creating an engaging environment where students, teachers, and participants share excitement.
• Showing the importance of curiosity, knowledge, and discovery in real life.

👉 Did you know? Snake skeletons can have over 400 vertebrae, making them a fascinating case study in anatomy and evolution for biology classes.

Our animal encounters allow guests to take photographs, creating memorable moments during their experience.

Why Universities Choose Wild Science

• A diverse range of workshops – from fun slime to advanced science.
• Engaging team of presenters – experts in zoology, biology, and education.
• Nationwide access – we visit universities, colleges, and schools across the UK.
• Flexible packages – tailored to your specific needs and event date.

Whether it’s a whole school science day, a wellbeing event, or a Freshers’ Fair, Wild Science is the ideal choice to make your university event stand out.

Booking Your Workshop

Booking is simple:

1. Choose your workshop theme – science, animals, or a mix.
2. Select your focus – wellbeing, Freshers’ Fair, or educational enrichment.
3. Confirm your date and get a tailored quote.

From a college fair to a whole university science event, we ensure everything runs smoothly. Students gain an educational experience that blends fun with theory, creating an unforgettable adventure that leaves lasting memories.

A Fantastic Start to the Year

A new academic year is about more than classes — it’s about creating a welcoming, inspiring campus atmosphere. By booking a science and animal workshop, you give students a fantastic opportunity to relax, connect, and learn in a way that lectures alone cannot provide.

From animal therapy to science experiments, these sessions build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for discovery. They’re a fantastic day out for students of all ages, and they set the tone for an engaging, supportive year ahead.

So if you’re planning your next Freshers’ Fair, Wellbeing Week, or Science Showcase, contact Wild Science and give your students the best possible start.

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Service Areas: London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and throughout the South East of England

Available for: Schools, birthday parties, corporate events, care homes, special events

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