Pile Students’ Union
Wren Sell
Harry Tomlinson
and Walfare (High Wycombe)
Bethany Jackson
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR ELECTED OFFICERS
The campuses have been thriving with activity, and it’s fantastic to see so many of you making full use of the Lounge and its facilities. Whether you’re relaxing between classes, grabbing a bite to eat, or connecting with fellow students, it’s clear the Lounge has become a social hub for many of you.
The Freshers Fair was an incredible success this year, with an amazing turnout and lots of positive feedback. It was great to meet so many of you as you explored the different stalls, societies, and opportunities on offer. We hope you discovered something that sparks your interest and helps you get involved in the wider university community.
The Venue has also been busy with a variety of events, bringing students together for some unforgettable evenings. We’re thrilled to see it buzzing with life again, and we hope you’re enjoying everything from quiz nights to live entertainment.
We hope you’re enjoying everything the Students’ Union has to offer, from entertainment and social events to support and resources. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue bringing you more events and opportunities throughout the year. Keep exploring what’s available, and don’t hesitate to let us know how we can make your experience even better.
Contributors
Amy Pile • Bethany Jackson • Lucy Ryan • Georgia Haynes • Keleigh
Brady Kelly Wiles Daniel Lawrence Connor Martin • Jess Leach
Emily Platt • Dan Heal • Peter Ashiagbor
Want to see your name in the list above? Want to have your writing or artwork on show to thousands of people? Get involved!
Email editor@thebucksstudent.com
For all advertising and media enquiries please contact the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing department.
Simon McDowell | Head of Communications and Marketing simon.mcdowell@bnu.ac.uk
Lorenzo Pio Di Zenobbia | Graphic Designer lorenzo.dizenobbia@bnu.ac.uk
Ajay Sunder | Marketing Coordinator ajay.sunder@bnu.ac.uk
Ian Tuazon | Digital Marketing Coordinator ian.tuazon@bnu.ac.uk
Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author. View this edition online at bucksstudentsunion.org/media/ newspaperarchive.
© 2024 Bucks Students’ Union
SAME VALUES. BETTER STYLE.
We’re so excited to announce the launch of our rebrand. We felt it was about time to change our look to better fit the vibrant theme of Bucks Students’ Union.
We really hope that you enjoy our new look as we continue rolling this out across over the coming months. And shoutout to the team over at B&W Studio.
Making life better for students at Bucks
50% off on new Bucks T-Shirt
£5! £10
To celebrate the launch of our new look, we’re giving you 50% off our new Bucks tees.
Awareness Days
Amy Pile
President
amy.pile@bnu.ac.uk @buckssupres
Bucks SU Pres BucksSUPres
Awareness days play a vital role in highlighting key issues related to physical, emotional, and mental health. They help us come together, raise awareness, and offer support to those affected. Throughout the year, we will be actively supporting various campaigns to promote well-being and important causes.
Up next is Breast Cancer Awareness, and we look forward to working together as a community to bring attention to this cause and provide resources for everyone.
The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness is vital for both women and men, as although it is more common in women, men can also be affected. Raising awareness not only helps with early detection but also supports those currently facing a diagnosis. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, and understanding the symptoms is key to catching it early.
To show our support, we are hosting a Wear It Pink Day on Friday, 18 October 2024. We encourage everyone to wear something pink and join us in raising awareness and funds for this important cause. If you would like to contribute, please use the QR code to donate directly. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on all those affected by breast cancer.
I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying your time at university so far!
Don’t forget to scan the QR code below to vist “What’s On” page for activities, events, and volunteering opportunities, plus lots more throughout the website, and if you’re on social media, be sure to follow us for all the latest news and events.
Updates on the UK Council for International Student Affairs Survey
For those who participated in the survey that we put the link to by the UK Council for International Student Affairs, we’ll keep you updated on the results once they are published. These insights could help inform our future lobbying and student support initiatives.
Learner Hardship in Practice Learning Paper
I’ll be joining a significant movement on Wednesday 23 October in Westminster for National Lobby Day, where student officers and university leaders will gather to advocate for fairer housing rights. I have reached out to Emma Reynolds, MP for High Wycombe, requesting a meeting to discuss urgent changes needed in student housing policies. But have not had a reply to date.
This event is part of the Fix Student Housing Campaign, which outlines three key demands to address the housing crisis faced by students across the UK:
1. Abolish Guarantors: Students, especially international, working-class, and estranged students, struggle with the requirement for a guarantor, further marginalizing those already in vulnerable positions.
2. Outlaw Rent Upfront: Many students are asked to pay rent upfront, placing a heavy financial burden on those who can least afford it, pushing some into unnecessary debt.
3. No Student Exemption from Section 21 Evictions: These “no-fault” evictions disproportionately impact students, causing disruption, financial hardship, and mental health challenges.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, announced in the King’s speech in July 2024, presents an opportunity for these demands to be enacted. We are lobbying for amendments to the Bill to eliminate the need for guarantors and address the unfair housing practices students face.
Additionally, a paper titled Learner Hardship in Practice Learning will be presented at the Student Experience Forum on Wednesday 14 November. This paper will focus on the financial challenges faced by students during placements, especially those in health, social care, and vocational courses. We will discuss ways to provide better financial support, including assistance with travel. This is crucial for ensuring students can focus on their learning without added financial stress. We encourage any feedback or experiences you may have to help shape this discussion.
Sunflower Mural Collaboration
Lastly, we’re excited to announce that the Sunflower Mural project in Aylesbury, created in collaboration with Aylesbury College students, has started! Once completed, the mural will be displayed online and serve as a beautiful symbol of unity and community between our students and the local area.
We hope you continue to have a settled time full of learning, fun, and friendships. If you have any concerns or would like to speak with us, please feel free to visit the Students’ Union office or email union@bnu.ac.uk
Planning, Freshers, and Campaigns, Oh My!
Moving further forward
Since entering my term in office, it has been a busy period. From training, planning and freshers, it has been a whirlwind of a few months. I spent some time speaking to students and helping them move into their accommodation, freshers, and returners alike.
This was a valuable time speaking to everyone and finding out what they were looking forward to, what they might not have been and just in general chatting away with a trolly between us as one pulled, and one pushed making sure nothing fell out across the cobbles.
Seeing many students attending the night-time events and joining in the fun has been a brilliant experience, with much more to come (check the What’s On Page). From speaking to many of you at Freshers Fair about becoming a Course Rep with the Representation Team or how to be involved with the Training and Development Team through Additional Skills, Leadership Academy, and recreational activities or from the other side of an inflatable shark, it’s been great to hear how you want to get involved.
The biggest area to note is that I have been busy planning a variety of campaigns. I have spoken about these at the summer editions of Union Council but for those who of you couldn’t join us, the campaigns on the cards are, “Black History Month”, “World Mental Health Day”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Kitting Out Wellbeing”, “Being Safe Online”, and “Break the Stigma”.
These campaigns have various aims for various outcomes, such as awareness, involvement, understanding and educating. See the below to see how you can get involved with the campaigns and when they are happening.
Black History Month
Running with the national theme for Black History Month as “Reclaiming Narratives”, at Uxbridge Campus we are encouraging students to join the movement and share their stories. The board can be found outside the Bucks Students’ Union Office in Uxbridge, floor one, where there will be resources for you to add your stories to the board to join those already there or you can send us an email to add your story. Your stories can be about those who inspire you, someone you are proud of, or someone you want to tell us all about.
We want to hear your stories too, grab some pen and paper and add to the board. You can share suggestions of films, books, podcasts, or others here too.
World Mental Health Day
Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. We’ve encouraged everyone to “Wear it Green” or “Wear it Yellow” to show support for those with mental health conditions. We shared the facts around mental health and what to do if you or someone else needs support. Information around activities to do to take part in self-care, such as journaling or exercise, were part of these suggestions. Alongside this information sharing, we continued to signpost the services someone can reach out to if they need support. These are available on the Bucks Students’ Union Website or pop into any of our offices, and we can hand you a physical card with some services to keep in the back of your phone.
SU Advice Centre: suadvice@bnu.ac.uk
BNU Counselling Service: counselling@ bnu.ac.uk
Samaritans: 116 123
Breast Cancer Awareness
Friday 18 October is “Wear it Pink”. We are educating others during this time about the signs to look for, what you can do and how to support. Around the campuses, informative posters and information leaflets will be available to pick up and read.
These leaflets and posters detail support and processes around breast cancer. During this time a range of activities are taking place all with a pink theme such as pink anti-anxiety bracelet making and more to come.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Thursday 10 October 2024
Wear either Green or Yellow to show support for Mental Health
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Kitting Out Wellbeing
This is a Wellbeing Campaign being launched soon! This campaign is about promoting wellbeing for students. This aims to educate and raise awareness of different techniques and strategies to support individual wellbeing. There will be informative posters, facts and more signposted and available. As part of this campaign Wellbeing kits will be released in a small number and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. These will be based at Uxbridge and Aylesbury. The kit contains some items that students may find supportive to their wellbeing, such as a stress ball or notebook. They also include features such as support service cards, terms to search for activities/ exercise, terms to search for music and breathing techniques. The boxes will be plain so that they can be designed and personalised by you, to make your wellbeing box for you! There will also be posters available with more suggestions and where to seek advice from. Keep your eyes peeled for “Kitting Out Wellbeing”.
Break the Stigma
This is a campaign taking place in March, more details to be released soon.
It has been a busy summer, a great start to freshers and ahead to a great year!
Keep and eye on the Students’ Union socials, as well as the Elected Officer Socials to see what’s on, what’s coming up and how to get involved.
If you want to run your own campaign, event or activity fill out the form on the SU website, scan the QR code below to vist bucksstudentsunion.org/yourvoice/ campaigns/campaigninga-z, make sure you are logged in to access the form.
Friday 18 October 2024
Wear Pink to show support for Breast Cancer
We will be there to support you throughout the year.
RUSTY’S GOLD CARD
Terms and Conditions:
- This card must be shown with a valid Student / Staff ID card.
- This card entitles the named holder to 10% discount on all hot drinks in The Students’ Union Lounge.
- Additional promotions will run through the year in the Lounge and the Venue.
- Discounts and promotions only apply to the named card holder and cannot be transferred.
- 15% off Lounge Food
Rusty’s Gold card is available from The Lounge at just £12 for the year or £7 for six months.
Valid in The Lounge (only), this entitles you to a 10% discount on all hot and soft drinks, and exclusive promotions throughout the year.
Some of the regular additional promotions you can expect to see will include: 15% off food in The Lounge, special deals and toppings to name a few.
Check Facebook and cafe displays for current deals.
By Lucy Ryan
The Student Leaders Behind Your Union
Behind the Union staff team is a group of dedicated student leaders working across the Union to support our mission of ‘Making Life Better for Students at Bucks’. Passionate and tenacious, they advocate for student rights and help build a strong community, making sure all members are heard. So, let’s meet them!
Student Trustees
Our Student Trustees sit on the Union’s trustee board with Elected Officers and Lay Trustees. They help guide the Union’s services and ensure its long-term success. These trustees play a key role in keeping the Union sustainable and effective.
School Officers
School Officers work closely with student reps to gather feedback, listen to concerns, and make sure student voices are heard. They help improve the experience within their schools by bringing ideas and suggestions to the Students’ Union and University.
Dee Whyte
Jacob Afedi
Ishia Jack
Om Dhadwal
Peter Ashiagbor
Kaitlin Pearce
Daniela Leonard
By Lucy Ryan
Student Voice Officers
Student Voice Officers (formerly Executive Officers) ensure that the Union is inclusive and community-focused by representing students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, to ensure the Union is reflective and supportive of the entire student body.
Ambassadors
Ambassadors play an important role in promoting key initiatives on campus. From working with charities to leading sustainability efforts, these students encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of their Union experience.
Ben Gibbons
Caitlin Day
Ellie Lee
Eve Matthews
Freya Carson Kazi (Razia) Sultana Razia
Madhav (M) Jayalal
Marilyn Addo
Tanya Fisher
Tara-Lee Holland
Ritamary Benny Bucks New Usage
Vacant Green Vacant Food Sustainability
Georgia Haynes Raise and Give (RAG)
Keleigh Brady Raise and Give (RAG)
Ellie Lee Volunteering
Beau Cook Green
By Lucy Ryan
Council Chairs
Council Chairs lead the Athletic Union (AU) Council, Societies Council, and Union Council, making sure that students have a platform to discuss important issues and share ideas that can improve their experience.
The AU Council and Societies Council chairs will be elected at their first meetings (Thursday 24 October and Tuesday 22 October respectively).
to nominate yourself for Union Council Chair? Head to bucksstudentsunion.org/elections/unioncouncilchair
Want to get involved?
Whether you’re passionate about representing your peers or leading a new initiative, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Students’ Union. Our student leaders are here to listen, advocate, and create positive change for everyone at BNU. If you have any ideas or questions, contact union@bnu.ac.uk
THE VENUE PRESENTS
FRI 22 NOV 2024
10PM - 3AM | THE VENUE
Events Calendar
Brand New Night: Nocturnal - Saturday 19 October 2024
Step into the night for Nocturnal, our alternative and emo music night, where the beats are raw, the emotions are real, and the vibe is electric. If you’re a fan of powerful lyrics, haunting melodies, and the kind of music that speaks to the soul, this is the night for you.
Join us for an evening filled with the best of alternative and emo tracks, from the classics to the underground anthems. Whether you’re there to reminisce, release, or simply vibe with friends, Nocturnal promises a night that will hit you right in the feels.
Bring your crew, embrace the energy, and let the music take you somewhere deeper. It’s time to get lost in the moment at Nocturnal.
Bad Boy Chiller Crew Live at The Venue - Friday 22 November 2024
Get ready for a night of high-energy beats and unapologetic fun as Bad Boy Chiller Crew (BBCC) hit The Venue on Friday 22 November! Hailing from Bradford, this bassline collective is known for their infectious blend of UK bassline music, rap, and witty lyrics that perfectly capture the northern party scene.
With viral hits like “450,” “BMW,” and “Don’t You Worry About Me,” BBCC have made waves in the UK music scene, blending fast-tempo bassheavy tunes with anthemic hooks that are sure to get the crowd moving.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the wild energy of BBCC live—grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable night!
Try our Club Sandwich £4.10!
Open 8am – 4pm, Monday – Thursday 8am – 3pm, Friday
Our varied menu includes…
All day breakfast from £4.25, for all your hashbrown-related needs.
A wide range of burgers and sides from £3.50, and the option to customise them too!
Brilliantly beer battered fish and chips from £3.95, mushy peas optional...
Luscious Lasagna and crisp green salad from £4.20
Don’t forget about the Big Bucks Meal Deal every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in The Lounge, where we offer free food to help ease the cost-of-living crisis.
You can find us on the ground floor of North Wing, within The Venue. Or, scan the QR codes to be taken straight there.
Scan the QR code to view our most up-todate menus and special offers.
It doesn't get better than...
FREE FOOD
The Big Bucks Meal Deal
A project derived from the cost-of-living campaign run by Bucks Students’ Union to make sure you are fed and well. The campaign aims to tackle food poverty within the student community at BNU by cutting the prices of food in our cafés and The Lounge hosting three free hot meals a week. This is funded and supported by BNU and delivered by Bucks Students’ Union.
Where is it?
The Lounge in Bucks Student’s Union (look for the large elected officer banner and head in that way). You can walk along the road with the speed bumps from the Gateway reception to find the banner.
When is it?
Three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 5.30–7.30pm. You’ll just need to bring your student ID and a good appetite.
This is all free to help with the cost-of-living crisis.
What about Uxbridge and Aylesbury?
Pulse and Basin also partake in The Big Bucks Meal Deal - Pulse giving free Breakfast twice a week and Basin free lunch twice a week. This is provided by Gather & Gather, keep an eye out in these cafes for more information.
If you have any issues regarding the cost-of-living crisis, or food poverty, then please contact Harry Tomlinson and Bethany Jackson or the Advice Centre via email or on social media below.
Advice Centre suadvice@bnu.ac.uk
Facebook Bucks SU Pres
Vice President Education and Walfare (High Wycome) Email harry.tomlinson@bnu.ac.uk
Vice President Education and Walfare (Uxbridge & Aylesbury) Email bethany.jackson@bnu.ac.uk
By Georgia Haynes and Keleigh Brady
RAISE AND GIVE
In case you didn’t know; RAG stands for Raise and Give. We organise fundraising opportunities for students to participate in, any money raised from this will go towards a local charity. The charity changes each year, and students are encouraged to vote for one of the 12 charity nominees, voting is already open so please go and vote before it is too late!!
So, for us our first big event is RAG Week, which is from Monday 28 October until Friday 1 November, by the end of it you will be sick of seeing us!
So, we will start of the week with our wonderful Human Fruit Machine which will be running from 12pm - 2pm outside The Lounge.
On the Tuesday you will be able to meet Bucks Men’s Rugby who will be participating in Pie A Rugby Player.
On Wednesday we will be selling Krispy Kreme donuts at a very discounted and affordable price!
Thursday is a busy day for us as in the afternoon we will be having the return of our Human Fruit Machine, just in a different location … the Atrium! We also have planned in the evening time Netball 4 RAG, which will take place from 6pm - 9pm in the Events Hall!
And to finish a busy week of activities, on the Friday we will be having a Lucky Box Dip which is available from 12pm - 2pm! Throughout this week we will also be selling bucket hats!!
Any money we make from this week will be going to the charity with the most votes, so have your say and go vote for one of our 12 shortlisted charities!
We hope you guys have had a fun start to your university year and hope it continues to get better! Remember if you see us out and about uni, don’t be shy and come and say hi!!
As the volunteer coordinator, I am asked this question by lecturers, students, and staff.
Volunteering might seem pointless; it is unpaid, and it takes time away from you. It might seem like another thing to do in an already packed schedule with studies and more than likely a job to pay your bills.
So why should you volunteer?
I have volunteered for most of my life, and it has taken me in all different directions and has helped me grow as a person, personally and professionally. I have been the volunteer and I have been the manager of volunteers and helping them with their journey. Volunteering can take you on a path you may never have thought of, it could also lead you to doors that may have been harder to open without volunteering.
Volunteering is a powerful tool to use, here is a few things you can gain when volunteering;
Building a Sense of Community:
Volunteering allows you to connect with local communities and foster a sense of belonging. By actively participating in community service, you will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those around them.
Enhancing Social Skills:
Volunteer work often involves collaboration and teamwork, providing you with an opportunity to develop and enhance their social skills. Whether it’s working on a group project or interacting with diverse populations, you will learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and appreciate different perspectives.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:
Engaging in volunteer activities exposes you to new experiences and challenges, fostering personal growth and selfdiscovery. As you step out of your comfort zones, you will often discover hidden talents, strengths, and interests that may not be evident within the confines of a classroom.
Resume Building and Career Development:
Volunteering is a valuable addition to a student’s resume. Employers often look for candidates who not only possess academic qualifications but also demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. Volunteer experiences can set you apart in a competitive job market and provide real-world examples of skills and qualities employers seek.
Academic Enhancement:
Volunteering complements classroom learning by providing practical, hands-on experiences. You may apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, reinforcing your understanding of academic concepts. Additionally, volunteer work can inspire students to explore new academic paths and career possibilities aligned with their newfound interests.
All our volunteering can be found in the Volunteer portal or on the What’s On page.
By Kelly Wiles
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
By Daniel Lawrence
Netball for RAG
Netball for RAG is back this year this time with a spooky twist for Halloween. Taking place on Thursday 31 October between 6 and 9pm, join together and get involved in a fun evening of entertainment and Netball skill (disclaimer…you do not have to be good at Netball).
Whether you have played before or not, this evening is all about raising as much money as possible for our RAG charity. Last year 100 students from a variety of sports and societies got involved, raising £130.57 for last year’s charity Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, our aim is to better that this year!
On the night you will play several fixtures and there will be prizes for the overall winner but also best performer and best fancy dress of the night. Teams would need to be mixed and consist of 7-10 players and is £1 per player to be paid on the night.
The winners last year were:
Overall: Wucks Wens Wetball – mix of Netball and Men’s Rugby
Best performer: Ethan Hutcheson –Bucks FC
Best Fancy dress: Bethany Jackson –Musical Theatre
If you want to get involved sign up your team using the QR code below. We look forward to seeing you there!
Table Tennis and Basketball in Beats
On the first floor of East Wing, we have a Table Tennis table and Arcade Basketball available for all to use.
In order to play, head down to the Students’ Union (Ground Floor of North Wing) and pick up some basketballs or table tennis bats and balls. All we will require is your name and student ID.
For any more questions contact sport@bnu.ac.uk
By Connor Martin
OFFERING A HAND
So uni has finally started for most of us at last with the cold of winter itching it’s way into everything.
I’m here to talk to about a hobby a lot of us see but never think to do and that’s boxing!
At our university we’re one of the many societies that run through the week (ours on Thursdays) and we of course are the boxing society. If you’re intimidated by the sound of that then don’t be! Boxing isn’t just fights, scraps and sparring; a lot of it is working up the fitness, technique and soundness of mind to be able to get yourself in the best position you can be if you’re going for a match.
Handily, this means that boxing is a brilliant way to start getting fit or to add onto a training regime (especially to those of that do explosive fitness sports already like football or rugby…. Like those at our uni!) precisely because we give ourselves the purpose often lacking in just straight exercise.
If you’re still interested! I’ll give you some more details, we run weekly sessions on Thursdays starting from 6pm.
We meet in the venue for transport to High Wycombe Warriors Within Gym at 5:20pm and sessions consist of fitness exercises (like push-ups, sprints on the spot, etc) and technique exercises (jabbing practice, swiping pegs) with entirely optional sparring being an
inclusion later on in the year all at the instruction of our long time coach Stuart (Or Stu as most call him) and we take all members, no matter what your experience level with boxing is and we’ll always work our hardest to help!
But of course it’s not just me at our society and I wanted to share a few words from our returners who joined boxing last year and have been staples of our little community that we’ve formed.
First of all from Johannes, a fight night veteran! (We’ll talk about fight night a little later on):
“Boxing to me has been the one of the greatest experiences I could ask for, helping me both mentally and physically. At first I was anxious as I was new but the society was very welcoming and helpful whilst pushing me to do my best. On top of that the coaches are incredible making sure everyone is doing well and their best. Overall Boxing to me has become family.”
And from Cole! A regular to our boxing socials:
“Everyone at bucks boxing society is really friendly and welcoming! The training sessions are great for anyone no matter if you’ve done boxing before or not and the social nights are SO much fun”
And of course we work hard and play harder, we also host weekly socials on Wednesdays; the details vary but the day is always the same!
They’re a lot of fun and it’s a very good way of bonding with fellow boxers or making some new friends, that said being a member of boxing isn’t required to hang out with us so if you see us around come and say hi!
Finally I’d like to extend a welcome to everyone who’s joining the uni or returning to it, there’s a wealth of goodness in the world, sometimes all you have to do is reach out your hand and take it!
So sign up for boxing today!
Scan to visit - Boxing Society
Bucks Tabletop and Gaming
Bucks Tabletop and Gaming provides a relaxed, fun environment for students to meet and enjoy a variety of different hosted sessions. This past year, we held three weekly sessions: Tabletop, Console and Dungeons and Dragons alongside additional activities such as socials, events organised by the society and access to a Society Minecraft server.
At Tabletop, students are provided with a casual atmosphere to play board and card games while engaging in conversation. We have a wide selection of games to choose from, so you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy! This is also the opportunity to connect with other people and play your own games such as Warhammer and Magic the Gathering in a community environment. Our Dungeons and Dragons nights offer the opportunity for anyone to give it a go and take part in either a one-off game or a short campaign running over a number of sessions.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned adventurer, we’d love to have you! We also welcome players who want to try their hand at running a game, we’re always on the lookout for more DMs.
Last February Bucks Tabletop and Gaming hosted a 24-hour Game-a-thon in the Student Union Venue to fundraise for charity and the society.
We featured a variety of games and prizes, a treats table and a quiet film period across the 24 hours raising over £150. The 24-hour Game-a-thon will be back even bigger this year!
With over 50 active members in the society over the last two years, Bucks Tabletop and Gaming is a place to meet new people and try all manner of interesting games. We encourage everyone with even a passing interest to give it a go, after all, we know it can be terrifying starting in a new place and you never know, you might meet some new friends along the way!
You’ll be able to find out information on the society webpage and our Discord. Or find our sessions: 5-8pm Tuesday for Tabletop in N2.10 and 4-9pm Wednesday for Dungeons and Dragons in N4.04.
Scan to visit
ADVICE CENTRE
• Money
• Your personal life
• Legal issues
• Accommodation
• Course issues
• International student issues
Our professional, confidential, and independent advice service provides information, advice, and guidance and is available to all students at BNU.
From course-related issues and money worries to personal problems and general welfare concerns, our experienced advisors are set-up to provide you with confidential advice and guidance when you need it the most.
We have the time to listen, advise and support students, providing a service which is accessible and welcoming. We use our experience and knowledge on student issues to make life better for students at Bucks.
High Wycombe Campus: Room N0.04, ground floor, North Wing 01494 603 016 Uxbridge Campus: Room 1.03, first floor 01494 605 180
We offer in-person appointments at High Wycombe or Uxbridge, or if you are off-site, telephone or online appointments, whichever suits you best. If you have an enquiry or want to make an appointment just drop-in, phone or email us.
bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bnu.ac.uk
GOT A PROBLEM OR QUESTION?
Opening hours:
High Wycombe: Monday to Thursday
9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4.30pm
Uxbridge: Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4.30pm
By Emily Platt
Women’s Hockey kicks off the season
It has been such an exciting start to the season for Women’s Hockey!
With freshers fair now behind us, we are excited to have so many new faces join the team! It’s amazing to expand our team and we are looking forward to welcoming new members and kick off our season in style!
We love Toga night, our first social back was so much fun! After being apart, it felt nice to reunite again and have an evening full of laughter!
Our members love to dress up and the girls definitely showed up in hockey fashion in their black togas! Keep an eye out for more themed social events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising events because our social sec has some fabulous ideas she can’t wait to share with you!
The women’s Hockey team is very eager to play. Having completed our first training session with Men’s Hockey, we have confidence approaching our first game in showcasing the team’s skills! Stay tuned for an exhilarating match!
Cheers to more memorable moments, exciting games and an incredible season to come!
Scan to visit - Hockey (Women’s)
My experience of joining Bucks FC and highlights of 1st Year
How easy was it to fit into the club
When I came to the university, football was something I was really looking forward to. The football lads welcomed me with open arms and ever since trials I’ve enjoyed playing in the second team and chilling out on Wednesday nights whilst out on socials.
Experiences joining the committee for this year
Since joining football, I’ve got involved with as much as I possibly could’ve. Some of these experiences include the football and dance takeover, getting my legs waxed for RAG week and playing every Wednesday.
Experiences with the club
Going into this year, I have the responsibility of being the treasurer for Bucks FC. It was really easy getting into the committee and definitely worth volunteering for as it gives a level of responsibility alongside the enjoyment of playing. I felt like my skills were wanted and the whole process of getting into the role was a smooth one.
Increased support available at local mental health hub.
Local charity, Youth Enquiry Service (YES), is one of 24 hubs across the country that received funding from the Department of Health & Social Care earlier this year to expand provision of mental health support for young people. The hubs provide a physical space in local communities which are accessible to young people without the need for a referral by a doctor or school.
Youth Enquiry Service, which has supported young people in High Wycombe and the surrounding areas since 1982, is using the funding to expand their range of free services that support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, including: Counselling support
• For young people aged 13 to 35
• Daytime and evening sessions are available from Monday to Saturday
• Sessions can be delivered either in person or online Drop-in information, advice, and guidance
• For young people aged 13 to 25
• Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm and Saturday from 11am to 3pm
• With no appointment required, the service is available to support young people with any practical issues they may be facing (such as accessing housing, education, sexual health information, etc.) as well as provide a safe space that they can visit to talk about things that are worrying them
Other projects which the charity is working on include the development of a new website and the creation of a Youth Advisory Board, who will be supported to feedback on YES services and shape the direction of the charity in the years to come. If you are interested in applying for a position on the Youth Advisory Board then please contact either brandon. tester@yeswycombe.org or comms@yeswycombe.org
YES Chairman, Zac Willis, said:
“At a time when mental health support for young people is so important, we are incredibly pleased to have received this funding as it will enable us to reach and provide support to even more local young people. Our mission has always been to make sure every young person who needs help receives it and this will enable us to be there for even more young people by making more free counselling sessions available and providing more advice and guidance when it’s needed most.”
For more information about YES, including the services available and how you can support them, please visit www. yeswycombe.org or email info@yeswycombe.org
Scan to visit - Youth Enquiry Service
AUTUMN 2024 THE BIG DEAL:
04 OCT –10:00
05 OCT –11:00
09 OCT –12:00
OCTOBER
London Museum Trip - South Kensington, London
Explore the London Natural History Museum and the Science Museum as well as enough time to explore the different London sights! The weather is due to be beautiful and who can say no to the scenic drive? Just a short journey via coach to London to explore the many museums and see the sights of the beautiful capital!
Black Culture Market - Brixton, London
Black Culture Market supports emerging entrepreneurs & new black businesses of African & Caribbean descent with opportunities to showcase and sell their products in the retail industry. If you’re looking for gifts, cards, unique prints, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes or other original accessories come down!
Windsor Boat Trip - Windsor
This short 40 minute cruise goes upstream to Boveney Lock & returns with fantastic views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse & the Brocas Meadows. The view of the Castle from the river is undoubtedly the finest there is, making this trip excellent for those who are visiting Windsor for the first time.
IKEA Trip - Reading
10 OCT –11:30 Rush Trampoline Park - High Wycombe
11 OCT –17:30
15 OCT –17:00
16 OCT –13:30
29 OCT –12:00
Do you need some furniture for your new place? Need some odd bits to fill up your cupboards? or just want to mooch around IKEA? We are providing transport to IKEA for all your Swedish flat pack needs. IKEA has furniture, appliances, kitchenware, home accessories, textiles, plants and decorative pieces.
This isn’t your typical night on the town. Get ready to fly high and find the FUN as our Rush playlist keeps the atmosphere running all night. Explore our most exciting equipment, from Extreme Dodgeball, Wipeout, our huge AirBag, slam dunk basketball, Rush assault course or simply dance your way down our sea of wall-towall, interconnected trampolines with you and your friends.
The Tina Turner Musical - Aldwych Theatre, London
Tina follows the journey of the multi-awarding artist. Meet Anna Mae Bullock during her humble childhood years in Nutbush, Tennessee, all the way to her multiple Grammy wins and a record-breaking concert in Rio de Janeiro. It’s not all good times in the spotlight though; the musical reflects on her struggle to launch her solo career, as well as her abusive relationship with Ike Turner.
F1 Exhibition - Excel London
Dive into the world of F1 at The Formula 1® Exhibition London! You’ll go on an epic journey through F1’s past, present, and future, exploring everything from never-before-seen film, photographs, and artefacts, to iconic cars driven by past and present F1 legends.
Wembley Stadium Tour - Wembley Stadium
The Wembley Stadium Tour offers a behind-the-scenes experience of one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. Visitors can explore the rich history and modern marvels of this legendary stadium, home to major football matches, including England’s national team games, FA Cup Finals, and worldclass concerts.
Free Food (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Sport for fun every week (Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball, Netball, Football, Cricket)
The Big Deal: International programme is only one part of a wide range of activity, support, entertainment and development available to students once they enrol with BNU and become a member of Bucks Students’ Union – for the full list of opportunities visit bucksstudentsunion.org
By Peter Ashiagbor
The Innovation Community
Week of events happening this October
Many of us have ideas. As humans, we instinctively look for the next best way to lower our energy consumption and increase our satisfaction in whatever dimension it may be. As the years have evolved and our environment has become more complex, it’s harder to turn these ideas into your reality. This is where a key mindset comes into play. Innovation. Innovation to us is realising the potential of an opportunity and creating a situation that is beneficial to the intended users and the community around them. So, inspired by wise words from Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs and many other pioneers of innovative thinking, we are building a community and brand centred around creative thinking and the discipline to see it through. We aim to empower true innovative thinking by creating a community of like-minded individuals and empowering collective growth through interaction and value-driven events.
• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Abraham Lincoln
• “To turn really interesting ideas and fledgling technologies into a company that can continue to innovate for years, requires a lot of discipline.” - Steve Jobs
• “The biggest risk of all is not taking one.” - Mellody Hobson
Starting last year, our community has hosted sessions focused on professional and personal development. Events like The Pitch, The Hot Seat, a careers fair, a business seminar, and many others have engaged our participants.
This October, the Management Fest will host a series of sessions designed to drive conversations and build the skills necessary to realise innovative dreams. We will host a Hackathon and “The Art of Pitching” aimed to engage participants in activities that help them form and effectively communicate their vision to various audiences. Additional sessions in the week will focus on management functions and technical considerations necessary to build a venture.
Above all, we believe an individual’s mindset is key to long-term success. Therefore, we will host sessions on mental and physical wellness in entrepreneurship, adopting a growth mindset, and the demeanour of a great networker.
We are particularly excited to present our community members to a panel of seasoned professionals from various industries, providing valuable feedback on their ideas and early ventures. Additionally, we will feature lecturers eager to transform their research and findings into lasting impacts on their environments.
Following this week of events, we aim to further engage our community in an accelerated program designed to hone innovative thinking and the necessary skills and knowledge to bring ideas to fruition.
To register your interest in our Events, fill out the form via the QR code below—or email general@themanagementfest.com with any enquiries.
A collaborative project between Buckinghamshire Council and Buckinghamshire New University topormeot health and community engagement
A walk of just over two miles (about 3.5km) that starts from the Railway Station, goes around the Rye and then into the town centre before returning to your starting point. Using the Love Exploring free app on your Smartphone, you can access a tour guide that talks you through the route, illustrated with archive photographs of points along their way. Find out more about the heritage of Wycombe and gain a better sense of its history whilst following a walk full of variety suitable for all ages.
Scan the QR code for further information
