Freshers Week, Miss It – Miss Out!
When you first arrive at university, it can be a bit daunting which is why students’ unions organise lots of events to help new students settle in. The union is often the first point of call for students when they arrive at university in the UK. It’s run by students for students and it’s there to represent students at the university and also to provide services and advice.
During the first week or so, there'll be lots going on in the students' union. There are often karaoke nights, quizzes and club nights. And many unions hold a Freshers Ball ‑ although these aren't always as glamorous as that sounds, they are a good way to meet people and have a good night out at a safe venue.
Almost all unions at universities organise a FRESHERS FAIR during Freshers Week. It's usually held in the union and has lots of stalls for you to wander round. Most of the clubs and societies will have a stall so you can talk to them about what they do and sign up to join them. The clubs and societies on offer vary from place to place but there's usually a wide range including sports, drama, politics and debating. There's often an International Society for international students who want to meet other international students and they'll often organise trips to other places in the UK. You might also find that your course has a club or society for students studying on that course. There'll also be stalls from commercial companies who offer services to students including banks, travel agents, mobile phone companies, taxi services and recruitment companies. Lots of them hand out freebies ‑ so you can leave the fair laden down with bags of goodies!
In addition to the Freshers Fair, your union may also have a POSTER FAIR where you can get posters to brighten up your room and a JOB FAIR in case you need part time work.
As well as all the organised activities, the union is also a good place to meet friends and relax. There's often a bar and coffee shop with cheap drinks and food. You'll also find that there may be a secondhand bookshop so that you don't have to buy all your books at full price. Many unions also have a welfare office where you can go if you need advice or help.
If your union is a member of the National Union of Students, then you can also collect your NUS CARD during Freshers Week. This Card shows that you're part of the National Union of Students and also gets you student DISCOUNTS at shops, cinemas, restaurants and leisure centres around the UK.
And after the mayhem of Freshers Week is over, your students' union will still be there for you. Throughout the year, it will provide entertainment, a place to meet and WELFARE SERVICES for students. Your union will also be running CAMPAIGNS on students’ rights – this might include campaigning on improving funding for students or working for improvements in student housing. Union representatives also often sit on the board of governors of the college or university, help student course representatives and support students in academic appeals. The unions are run by elected student officers so if you want to help run your union, you can stand for election.
If you don’t fancy standing for election, there are lots of other ways you can get involved – whether it’s helping with student radio or newspaper, joining a club or society, helping to organise union charity events or getting involved in union campaigns.
Almost all students’ unions are members of the National Union of Students which is an umbrella organisation for students’ unions across the UK. Each year the NUS campaigns nationally on issues that affect students, you can also get involved in these campaigns through your students’ union when you get there – it will make Freshers Week a lot of fun and it’ll also help you out if you get into any difficulties.
For more advice on the National Union of Students log onto their website www.nus-online.co.uk
Student Discounts
Bring a student in the UK is considered to be a lifestyle. Living on a budget and hunting for discounts is a way of life. So make sure your take full advantage of all the discounts available…
NUS Card
Your NUS Card is your official membership card to the National Union of Students (NUS). It will get you discounts at shops, cinemas restaurants and leisure centres throughout the UK.
For more information on the NUS card and the discounts available contact the NUS on: www.nus-online.co.uk
International Student Identity Card (ISIC Card)
Accepted in over 90 countries the ISIC Card is international proof of you full time student status. It will get you hundreds of international travel and student discounts at home and abroad. Not bad if you are considering traveling or for your visits home.
For more information on the ISIC Card and the discounts available contact STA travel on: www.sta-travel.com
Young Persons Railcard
The Young Persons Railcard is available for people aged between 16 and 25. If you are over 25, but can prove that you are in full-time education, you are also eligible. It provides fantastic discounts for training fares throughout the UK. Definitely a wise investment for those who would like to explore different parts of the country whilst studying in the UK.
Fore more information log onto: www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk
