Pleasantri at Freshers’ Fairs: Connecting with Students in Bristol and London

Over the last few weeks, the Pleasantri team has been actively engaging with students at Freshers’ Fairs on university campuses in both Bristol and London, spreading the word about our new enterprise and our mission to combat period poverty!

Why Freshers’ Fairs Matter to Us

The Freshers’ Fairs offer an invaluable opportunity for us to connect directly with the student community, raise awareness about period poverty, and discuss how Pleasantri aims to make a difference. These events were excellent for deepening our understanding of the needs and experiences of the students we want to support. Along with also providing the opportunity to build relationships that can help us drive meaningful change.

Our Experience

We kicked things off at the University of Bristol Freshers’ Fair, where we had the chance to speak with a wide range of societies, meet with local business leaders, and most importantly, connect with students—both new arrivals and those who have called Bristol home for years. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and we were thrilled to see so much interest in our mission.

Later that week, we attended the London Freshers Festival, the largest Freshers’ Fair in the country. Here, we engaged with representatives from major companies like Meta and Amazon and connected with fellow startups like Closwap. These interactions were not only inspiring but also opened up exciting possibilities for future collaborations and feedback that will help us refine our approach.

What We Learned

Throughout both events, we had insightful conversations with many young people about their experiences with menstrual products on campus. Students shared stories of how inadequate access to sanitary products has impacted their education, contributing to feelings of insecurity, inconvenience, and a lack of support. We also welcomed the opportunity to discuss menstruation openly in an environment that doesn’t often make space for these important conversations.

Looking Ahead

Overall, our time at these Freshers’ Fairs was incredibly positive and energising. We’re eager to keep these conversations going and look forward to attending more events in the future—hopefully, with our own pads to distribute to students who need them. We can’t wait to continue making an impact on campuses and beyond!

Together, we’re working towards a world where menstrual products are accessible to all students, empowering them to focus on their education without barriers. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey!