Blog
Fresher’s Fairs: the secret weapon for brands targeting Gen Z
Published on
4th June 2025
What this article covers
- 1. First impressions stick
- 2. Direct access to thousands of young consumers
- 3. Gen Z wants to try before they buy
- 4. Build brand affinty, not just awareness
- 5. Data collection and feedback
- 6. Perfect timing for product trial
- Case study highlight: Fusion Students
- What makes a stand-out Fresher’s Fair activation?
- Want in? Let’s get you on campus!
Every September, something powerful happens across universities up and down the UK. Thousands of students flood campuses for Fresher’s Week, a key moment where new routines are built, friendships are formed, and most importantly for brands, loyalties are shaped.
And at the heart of this? Fresher's Fairs.
As a Brand Experience and Sampling agency with 15+ years of student marketing expertise, we’ve seen that brands that appear early in a student’s journey often win in the long run.
If Gen Z is in your target market, being at Fresher’s Fairs should be non-negotiable. Here’s why:
1. First impressions stick
Students are forming new habits - from what they eat and drink to how they shop, bank, and unwind. Fresher's Fairs are one of the very first brand touchpoints in that new chapter.
This is your moment to show up, stand out, and win their attention before your competitors do.
2. Direct access to thousands of young consumers
A well-placed stand at a busy Fresher’s Fair can see thousands of daily interactions. From Russell Group universities to modern campuses and everything in between, the sheer footfall is unrivalled.
Better yet, you’re not fighting for attention through a screen; you’re right there in the room, face-to-face, with a curious, open-minded audience.
3. Gen Z wants to try before they buy
Today’s students are value-conscious, experience-driven, and sceptical of traditional ads. They want to engage with brands that feel real.
Fresher’s Fairs give you the perfect chance to offer free samples, run competitions, and have actual conversations. These aren’t passive impressions, these are meaningful interactions that stick.
4. Build brand affinty, not just awareness
Whether it’s an energy drink with a cult following or a subscription box looking to boost student sign-ups, Fresher's Fairs allow you to build real connections. A positive brand experience during Fresher's Week can lead to months or even years of repeat purchases and advocacy.
We’ve helped brands create photo moments, giant games, freebie giveaways, and even mini lounges all of which drive deeper engagement than a leaflet ever could.
5. Data collection and feedback
Smart brands go beyond sampling they use Fresher’s Fairs to build their student database. Whether it’s through QR code sign-ups, newsletter competitions, or social media engagement, it’s a prime moment for capturing data ethically and effectively.
It’s also a great place for real-time product feedback: what students like, what they don’t, and how they talk about your brand in their own words.
6. Perfect timing for product trial
September is a ‘back-to-routine’ season. Whether you’re a food and drink brand, a gym or fitness service, tech product, skincare line, or subscription service, students are building their new lifestyle from scratch.
A well-timed trial at a Fresher's Fair could be the beginning of long-term brand loyalty.
Case study highlight: Fusion Students
When Fusion Students wanted to bring their premium student accommodation to life on campuses across the country, we delivered a standout campaign.
From branded games and competitions to interactive student engagement, the activation didn't just drive awareness... it made Fusion a memorable part of students’ experience.
What makes a stand-out Fresher’s Fair activation?
At GottaBe!, we’ve helped brands of all sizes connect with students. Here are a few top tips:
- Think visual: Bold, branded stands grab attention in a busy room.
- Offer value: Freebies, samples, or competitions go a long way.
- Be interactive: Games, spin-the-wheel prizes, and social content work brilliantly.
- Be human: Friendly and well-trained Promotional Staff make all the difference.
- Follow up: A QR code for a discount or email sign-up helps you continue the conversation post-event.
Want in? Let’s get you on campus!
We know the UK student landscape inside out. From booking Fresher’s Fairs and designing stands to recruiting student brand ambassadors and managing logistics, we’ve got it covered.
Fresher’s Fairs aren’t just fun. They’re full of opportunity.
And your brand should be part of it.
👉 Get in touch to start planning your 2025 student strategy today.
Other blogs you might like
The New Rules of Student Engagement: Where to Meet Students in 2026
Rule #1: Be where students already are – not where brands expect them to be Instagram Remaining the most used social platform among students, with over 61% using it more than once a day. It’s where students; For brands, Instagram is your shop window, not just a content channel. This is where you can get your product in front of
Unlocking Rockstar Student Activations: 3 of our Favourites
When it comes to student marketing, we’ve learned one thing over the past 18+ years: students don’t want to just be targeted, they want to be engaged. At GottaBe!, student activations are about more than tents, freebies and flyers. They’re about creating standout moments on campus that feel relevant, memorable and genuinely worth stopping for. Here are three of our
Refreshers Week: The Underrated Opportunity You Can’t Afford to Miss
Every September, brands battle it out during Freshers Week. The lecture halls are packed, societies are signing up new members, and student unions are buzzing with brands handing out samples, vouchers and freebies. It’s the big kick-off to the student year, and for good reason – it’s a prime moment to make an impression. But here’s what most marketers miss: Refreshers Week in