Chevening Orientation 2025
£Free
Get ready for your in-person Chevening orientation!
This celebratory event is your chance to meet everyone in your cohort for the first time!
The day will include:
- A keynote speech
- Lots of networking opportunities
- An opportunity to meet your Programme Officer
Attendance at this event is mandatory for all scholars. You must book your own travel to the event, as well as any necessary accommodation, using your travel top-up allowance. The password for the Eventbrite is in the September Scholargram newsletter.
We’ll be releasing the programme shortly so keep an eye out!
Book your ticket for Orientation now
Important information
How do I get to the venue?
Chevening orientation will take place at the Excel Centre in London.
Can I bring friends and/or family with me?
The event is for Chevening scholars and fellows only. We are unable to accommodate family members, children, or friends outside of the 2025-26 Chevening cohort; they will be refused entry.
If you have additional needs, after registering you will be contacted and may be able to bring a friend to assist you. Please email welfare@chevening.org if you have not been contacted after registering.
Will there be a photographer?
There will be a photographer and a videographer at the event. These photos and videos may be used for marketing purposes in future. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please pick up a yellow lanyard when you arrive at the event, so that staff and fellow scholars know not to include you in photos.
What shall I wear?
There is no specific dress code, but we encourage scholars to dress colourfully and wear national dress if they wish. The most important thing is that you are comfortable in what you wear.
What if I lose personal property on the day?
If you lose something on the day, please speak to ExCeL staff or contact lostpropertyenquiries@excel.london. Chevening staff will not collect belongings left behind.
Are there any items I cannot bring to the venue?
Please be sensible and think about the items that you are bringing to the event. The Security team at the ExCeL can confiscate items considered dangerous and we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed them back.
Is there anything I should bring with me?
If you have a business card or some ID you can use as a name badge, it will help facilitate your networking and make the most out of meeting other scholars!
Can I keep my bag with me during the event?
For all large items please you use the free of charge cloakroom provided. This can be found on the ground floor.
Please note that this does get very busy so if you wish to check a bag, please arrive at 10:00.
What if I need to charge my phone on the day?
There are no sockets within any of the ExCeL rooms for phone charging. However, there are charge boxes for phones located east and west of the venue near the entrances.
Will there be anywhere to buy food on the day?
A light sandwich lunch will be provided. If you would prefer to buy your own lunch, there are places to do so at the ExCel. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks.
I have a dietary requirement – will there be food for me?
When registering, you should have noted if you had any dietary requirements and as such, there will be gluten free and vegan options available to those who stated their preference.
Can I leave early?
We would prefer that you stay for the duration of the programme as important information will be passed across throughout the day.
What if I need assistance on the day?
We will have a manned information desk within the Capital Hall that you can go to and all Chevening staff will be wearing red lanyards.
If you are feeling unwell, there is a first aider at the ExCeL so please do reach out to ExCeL members of staff.
We can’t wait to see you there!