Pile
Wren Sell
Harry Tomlinson
HELLO EVERYONE!
We hope you’re all doing well! There’s a real buzz on campus as we gear up for the STRIVE Festival, a week packed with skills workshops, inspiring panels, employability advice, and a huge networking event to help you feel confident about your future beyond university. We’re also celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Monday 10 - Friday 14 February, collaborating alongside the apprenticeship team to recognise the value of apprenticeships.
A quick reminder that nominations for Elected Officer roles and Student Trustees close on Friday 14 February! This is your chance to shape the student experience and make a real impact, so if you’re passionate about change, get involved!
With everything going on, we want to remind you how important it is to look after yourself too. University life can be busy and overwhelming at times, so make sure to take breaks, do things that help you recharge, and talk to someone if things feel tough. Whether it’s a friend, a tutor, or one of the support services available, you’re never alone.
There’s so much more happening, from events to workshops and exciting opportunities, so be sure to check out our What’s On page and stay connected. As always if you need anything, then please do get in touch.
Amy, Wren, Harry and Bethany
Contributors
Catherine Lymer • Abdullah Khan Durrani • Mia Walford • BNU Dance Club
Leo Spinks • Keisha Ruff • Dan Charlton • Emily Platt • Holly Spittles
Jack Donoghue • Jake Bainbridge • Irvine Roca • Amy Pile • Harry Tomlinson
Bethany Jackson • Erin Cook • Imogen Sanders • Kelly Wiles
Charlotte Owen • Tara-Lee Hollander
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 lorenzo.dizenobbia@bnu.ac.uk
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
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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
© 2025 Bucks Students’ Union
You can purchase them online or in-person at the SU! Stay warm and snazzy this February
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
We often hear from students that Varsity is the best day of the year. So this year we have asked all the clubs to send in an article explaining their varsity highlight with images.
It’s not always about being part of a winning team and securing that so important point, highlights can range from a spectator’s point of view, to feeling a part of a big event. Varsity for us as staff as well as being at times stressful, frustrating and a lot of work, is also highly enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling to see students coming together.
The planning process for Varsity starts well before Christmas with meetings held between us and Roehampton checking what sports are being played, finalising dates, and getting a rough idea of timings. Whether the event is home or away the planning process remains similar, sorting out food, tickets, terms and conditions, promotion, booking transport, pitches, officials, setting up elections for Varsity Captains, selling tickets, creating the programme, sourcing trophies and working with the events team for the evening event.
Every year is different and is remembered for something unique. Asking Daniel Lawrence what his highlight is regarding the eight Varsities he has been a part of ‘it has to be the first year we won it in 2016, there were some incredible results that day and you could see how much it meant to the students’.
Alex Ditchburn has been part of four Varsities, two as a player and two as staff, his highlight was coaching the Futsal team to a win in his second Varsity as a player.
My highlight was the first year we won away, when it came down to the Rugby game. Bucks were winning the game, but Roehampton were closing in and were camped in our 22 for the last 10 minutes of the game.
I spent most of those 10 minutes hiding behind Shay Fenlon (previous football coach and outstanding contribution to sport winner) with Tristan Tipping hiding behind me.
Varsity is the one day a year where students and spectators come together to watch sports they would never have watched before, cheering people they have never spoken to before, all in the hope it will help contribute to winning Varsity.
By Catherine Lymer
By Abdullah Khan Durrani
BASKETBALL
The excitement is building as Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) prepares to face Roehampton in the much-anticipated Varsity basketball match on March 12. Last year, BNU showcased their talent and determination, clinching a thrilling victory that left fans buzzing with pride.
The atmosphere was electric, with students and supporters rallying together, creating an unforgettable experience filled with cheers and camaraderie.
As the teams took to the court, the energy was palpable. BNU’s players demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, ultimately leading to a well-deserved win. The victory not only highlighted their athletic prowess but also fostered a sense of unity among the BNU community. This year, the stakes are high as they aim to defend their title against a determined Roehampton squad.
Fans can expect an exhilarating showdown, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights. The spirit of competition and the thrill of Varsity make this event a highlight of the academic calendar. Mark your calendars and prepare to support BNU as they strive for another victory in this cherished rivalry.
Let’s make this year’s match even more memorable!
By Mia Walford
CHEERLEADING
Varsity is such an incredible experience, and I love being a part of it! One of the best things is the bond that develops among teammates in preparation. When cheering from the sidelines, the sense of belonging and support creates lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
The day is absolutely electric! The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement. Seeing everyone donning school colors and chanting team slogans. It really boosts the morale of the athletes and fosters a strong community spirit among all of us.
Was able to perform at varsity last year with the BNU Swans Serenity team between 2 matches. This was super exciting and something I won’t forget. I’m so excited for varsity again this year, especially for the Freshers to experience the same atmosphere.
Plus, watching my peers compete at such a high level is inspiring and motivating. It encourages me and others to get involved, whether through participation or support, which really enhances our university culture.
And let’s not forget the celebration that comes after the varsity matches. Being able to celebrate with all the athletes and supporters after finding out who wins is one of the best parts of the day.
By Leo Spinks
Varsity is the main event I look forward to in the uni year because there’s no other event like it. The second day of Varsity is the best in my opinion. Because you are trying to keep up with all the results coming in and what the tally of points are, to see who is winning before the headline game comes around. When the final game comes around that’s when the pressure is at its peak because it is often the deciding game, 2 days of hard work coming down to one single result. By
GEAR UP FOR COMP SEASON WITH BNU DANCE
As the start of competition season draws near, our teams have been busy preparing their routines and refining techniques. With months of practice, our dancers have balanced long hours of training with academic responsibilities in anticipation of upcoming competitions. This year, were competing with Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Street, Wildcard and Trio routines and our choreographers have been working tirelessly to get their teams into shape ahead of our first competition at Kingston. We will then compete at our home competition, then on to Reading for our Varsity point and then we will travel up to Nottingham for our final competition.
Our committee have also been working hard to get all of the Bucks Comp 2025 preparations done. This year we have Reading, RVC, Middlesex and Barts all travelling to compete against us in the events hall. Bucks Comp 2025 is on Saturday 15th February and spectator tickets are now on sale on the What’s On page. We can’t wait to see lots of you there!
FOOTBALL (MEN’S)
My 2024 varsity experience was unforgettable, I played in goal for Bucks FC first team, and we won 4-1 and the celebrations at the full time whistle were unforgettable and will remain with me.
Being able to play in front of a big crowd at home, was something I will remember for a long time and especially playing in a game that is so important as a fresher was unreal. I also watched as many games as I could over the 2 days and had a great time doing so, seeing all of your mates playing in important games is great fun and seeing them win is even better.
By Keisha Ruff
FOOTBALL
(WOMEN’S)
Varsity contains two days filled with sport fueled with rivalry against Roehampton. Tense moments, passionate cheers, celebrations all around, you couldn’t ask for a better day than varsity. Last year was my first ever varsity and the experience was incredible; going to as many fixtures as I can with my friends to show support and having laughs all throughout. women’s football for the first time was playing for a point and as captain, I couldn’t have been more proud of the team because of all the hardships we faced throughout the year. All of those difficulties we faced made it so worth it to see Bucks WFC play in varsity and win 3-0, there are no words for how I felt the moment that whistle was blown to end the game.
As the day came to the last three fixtures of volleyball, basketball and rugby, the atmosphere was amazing to see with the venues being crowded as everyone wanted to support for the last final moments of the day; the atmosphere tense as ever, each fixture becoming a closer and closer battle. Women’s volleyball had a rematch which would decide the winner of Varsity and the atmosphere couldn’t have been beaten, everyone trying to watch, passionate cheers, celebrating every point as if that was the winning point. Want an amazing two days of watching/playing sport then go and buy your tickets now.
Let’s go Bucks !!!!!!!
By Dan Charlton
HOCKEY
(MEN’S)
Last year was my first varsity, playing for Men’s Hockey. Going into the game, we all felt that we didn’t have much of a chance, given that Roey were in a higher league than us, and we had struggled throughout the season.
However, we all had a slight optimism, purely because of the buzz that varsity brings, as what happened throughout the year is made irrelevant, and it all comes down to one game.
On the actual day of the match, it was an experience unlike one I’ve ever experienced before, with so many people on the sidelines cheering on the team, I truly believe that is what gave the team a confidence boost.
Throughout the game we looked like a completely different side to what we like all year, battering them 5-0, I even heard someone mention that we looked like the team from the league above, despite Roey ‘on paper’ being the ‘better’ side.
After we won, we all met up in the evening to celebrate with some karaoke, and in that moment, we all truly felt like a team, together as one. On the Wednesday, as we didn’t have a match, it allowed us all to freely watch the other teams, knowing that we’d played our part, and could give all we could, cheering on the the sports, before all reconvening with each other in the su at the end of the day.
All in all it was an unreal experience, and I look forward to taking part in my last one this year!
Scan to visit - Hockey (Men’s)
By Emily Platt
HOCKEY
(WOMEN’S)
The excitement of Varsity is something I’ll never forget. As part of the Bucks Women’s Hockey team, the anticipation leading up to the game against Roehampton was electric. I don’t think any of us were fully prepared for the sheer buzz of the day. I could feel the exciting energy in the air – cheering, chanting, and waving banners like they were ready to storm the pitch with us. Honestly, it felt like being part of something much bigger than just a game.
We tried our hardest, but we were unable to win last year. However, I was most struck by my teammates’ unfailing solidarity. Every sprint, every tackle, every pass was greeted with unrelenting encouragement and support from one another. It was obvious that we were all fighting for the team, not just for ourselves.
Although we didn’t win, the experience has made us even more determined. We know what we need to improve on, and we’ve seen how much potential we have. The Bucks Women’s Hockey team is stronger than ever, and we’ll be back this year, more focused and ready to fight for that victory. The future is bright, and we’re ready to show Roey what we’re made of.
Bucks New Uni Da Da Da
By Holly Spittles
NETBALL
Last year was my first Varsity representing Bucks. I had always been told Varsity was the best event of the year and I was so excited to be part of it. The lead up to the day consisted of extra training and bonding as a team. The whole of netball came together to support each other.
Varsity was an incredible way to end the season. I represented the netball first team for Varsity and we came away with the win. The game showcased how much the team had come together and it was a performance to be proud of. We started off with a strong first quarter, the vibes and atmosphere throughout the game on and off the court from the team and supporters was remarkable and the celebrations after the game was something to remember. Everyone from netball came together to support all the teams performing.
From playing with the first team, I was awarded Varsity Women Player of the day, something that I had never imagined being awarded! I was super grateful to be awarded this and thankful people took time to watch and recognise my performance. I am so excited to be captaining the first team and representing Bucks again this year!
By Jack Donoghue
RUGBY (MEN’S)
My First varsity was one of those days I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Away at Roehampton and it had been the biggest topic of conversation from the returners in the team all year. Obviously because of this, I had this mix of excitement and pure nervousness about me for most of the day.
We’d been told that everyone would be watching and that it’s a massive game but running onto that pitch made it feel like an understatement. I couldn’t hear anything over the crowds of Bucks and Roey alike screaming and cheering. It was absolutely pouring it down which meant a more closequarters game and that 80 minutes did not disappoint.
I could go on and on about how we won the game and what it meant to us as a team, but the highlight for me was less the win, rather the final 5 minutes that earnt us it. Roehampton spent the last 5 minutes on our try line, going for maul after maul, phase after phase just trying to break us down and find that small gap. But for 5 minutes, we played a game of rugby that had eluded us most of the year prior.
We held and we held, and I remember finally turning the ball over and being in that final ruck as our scrumhalf repeatedly asked the ref “is it time, is the time up?”. He kicked the ball out of play and when the whistle went our crowded erupted. Most everyone stormed the field and it was absolutely electrifying. What a game and what a day.
By Jake Bainbridge
VOLLEYBALL
(MEN’S)
Varsity day was like no other game day. The vibes, the intensity and the competitive nature was on another level than any game I’ve experienced at Bucks.
Leading up to the main day of Varsity we were leading in points in comparison to Roe so everyone was thrilled with enjoyment and confidence leading into the man lineups.
As we scored more and more wins then tension skyrocketed and even with our losses we still kept our heads strong and ready to succeed. It all came down to one last game which would decide whether we take the trophy home or not.
The suspense was gruelling and felt like a lifetime had passed. On the evening where it was all announced tension was at its all time high as we crowded around the Venue waiting for the news.
The announcement comes and it’s an uproar if emotions as we lifted the trophy.
Rugby (Men’s) and Volleyball (Men’s)
By Irvine Roca
VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
Varsity has always been the biggest event, bringing every sports club together for an unforgettable experience. While the results vary each year, the excitement and adrenaline remain the same—just like a movie. Teams and clubs rally behind each other, and even students who aren’t players show incredible support, as if they were right there on the field with us.
Last year, during our volleyball match against Roehampton, the entire university was cheering us on, making us feel unstoppable. We were on the brink of victory when, due to external circumstances, our game had to be rescheduled and replayed. The pressure was intense—it all came down to our match, the final decider of who would take home the trophy. But instead of fear, we felt exhilaration. We had another shot at victory, and the adrenaline was indescribable.
We won.
Roebuck Champions
Roehampton - 2013
Roehampton - 2014
Roehampton - 2015
Bucks - 2016
Roehampton - 2017
Roehampton (Draw) - 2018
Bucks - 2019
Bucks (Draw) - 2022
Roehampton - 2023
Bucks - 2024
Volleyball (Women’s)
I can’t believe it’s February already. Time has flown by, and since returning from the winter break, things have been non-stop. There’s been so much going on across the campuses, and it’s been amazing to see so many of you getting involved with everything from events to workshops.
Amy Pile
President
amy.pile@bnu.ac.uk @buckssupres
Bucks SU Pres BucksSUPres
One exciting thing I’d like to highlight is the MediLingo app. I was introduced to it after finishing my nursing course, and it has been incredibly helpful for understanding medical terms. It’s available to all students in healthrelated courses, and I highly recommend checking it out. You can find more about it in the article on the website, and don’t forget to check out the link to hear from the creators themselves.
I also had the privilege of facilitating the Student Experience session at the University Council Away Day on Wednesday 5 February. A massive thank you to the students who shared their experiences, your openness and bravery were truly inspiring. It was an honour to have you all involved. I’d also like to thank the council members for your great engagement and the kind feedback. You can find more about the Council Away Day on page 16.
The Big Sleep Out: Please register if you will be attending the big sleepout, you can find all the details here
I had an absolute blast raising money for our RAG charity, Bucks Mind! I took part in “Soak a Staff Member”, and let me tell you, it was cold enough to make me question my life choices, but it was so worth it! It was awesome to see so many of you having fun at our expense (I’m pretty sure some of you were aiming for a direct hit just for the laughs). But honestly, I’m always happy to support great causes, and if getting soaked for charity helps, I’m all in!
We were also delighted to welcome back a former colleague, now working with Samaritans, who joined us on Friday, 7th February, for a special filming session with students. The focus was on student mental health at university, a topic that couldn’t be more important. Supporting Samaritans is always an honour, as their work has been, and continues to be, a lifeline for so many.
New Vice-Chancellor, Damien Page, has officially stepped into his role, and we’re excited to collaborate with him as we look toward the future. In the coming weeks, we’ll hear more about his vision and plans for the university. What I can share for now is that students are being placed at the top of the priority list, which is incredibly promising for all of us.
Now, let’s talk about your voice. I want to keep you all in the loop about some of the challenges and concerns you’ve raised recently. Every day in this role brings something new, but one thing always stays the same: my commitment to acting in your best interests.
At our recent Student Experience Forum, we discussed some important issues that many of you are facing. One topic was raised during a meeting with Paul Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Paul Robinson, Director of Estates, where we talked about the need for more charging stations across campus. As we know, staying charged is crucial, whether it’s for late-night study sessions or in case of emergencies. Paul Robinson has committed to looking into ways we can provide more charging facilities, and we’re looking forward to working with the university to make this happen.
Another major concern raised, especially by students in university accommodation, is Wi-Fi. Many of you have expressed frustration over poor or unreliable connections, making studying and completing coursework unnecessarily difficult. We’ve taken these concerns to the university and are pushing for more than just the usual suggestion to use the library; we need real solutions. The good news is that the root cause has been identified, and hopefully, we should hear more in the coming weeks. I also want to acknowledge Javier (Accommodation Manager) for their excellent communication and dedication to addressing these issues, consistently doing their absolute best in all circumstances.
Timetabling has also been a big topic of conversation. A lot of you have said that receiving your timetables earlier, like some other universities do, would help you plan and reduce stress. We’re advocating for changes in this area, and we hope that with this continued feedback, the University action this as a priority in the future.
We’ve also been hearing about the need for better resources in teaching rooms Through various channels, it’s clear that students want classrooms equipped with the necessary resources to create an effective learning environment. We’re working with the university to ensure your concerns are heard, and we’re excited about the upcoming changes that will improve the learning experience for everyone.
In terms of Gather and Gather who provide catering at all campuses (excluding the lounge at High Wycombe), we received feedback about the charge for cutlery over in Uxbridge, and I’m happy to say that this is no longer the case. We stay in regular communication with them and always pass on your feedback. One issue that’s still being raised is the hot food service closing by 2:15 pm, and we’re pushing for changes on that front as well. We’re hopeful for some improvements soon.
There’s so much more happening behind the scenes, projects, discussions, and ideas that are quickly turning into action. There’s a lot in the pipeline, and we’ll share more detailed updates as soon as each objective is finalised. As always, I want to remind you that your voice truly matters. Without your feedback, none of these changes would be possible.
As always, if you need anything, do not hesitate to contact me or anyone at the Students’ Union.
Empowering Student Voices: University Council’s Student Experience Workshop
The University Council plays a crucial role in shaping the student experience by overseeing key decisions that impact academic and campus life. It brings together university leaders, student representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure students’ voices are heard and acted upon.
Recognising the importance of firsthand experiences. We had the chance to share a 2-hour session around the student experiences, a powerful and insightful session designed to give students a platform to share their lived realities and co-develop solutions for a more supportive university environment.
A Space for Honest Conversations
The session began with five students bravely sharing their personal experiences., highlighting challenges they have faced during their time at university. These accounts were raw and unfiltered, focusing solely on the struggles before any intervention or support was introduced. One student’s testimony was also recorded and shared, ensuring a range of perspectives could be heard.
Turning Challenges into Action
Following these testimonies, we moved into a scenario-based workshop where students and Council members worked together to design comprehensive support packages tailored to each experience shared.
This collaborative approach ensured that student voices were not only acknowledged but actively included in shaping practical solutions. A representative from each group then shared their discussions with the wider Council, providing real-time feedback on how the university could enhance its support mechanisms.
Hearing from the Students Themselves
An Open Forum for Connection
To close the session, we transitioned into an informal coffee and chat, where students and Council members had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, ask questions, and continue meaningful conversations. As part of this, two boards showcasing student feedback were displayed, offering further insights into the student experience.
A Meaningful Impact
The University Council expressed their deep appreciation for the session, noting how valuable it was to hear directly from students in such an open and engaging format. The workshop not only provided a safe space for students to share their realities, but also encouraged real collaboration between students and decision-makers, ensuring that student experience remains at the heart of university policy and practice.
After the workshop, the students reconvened to reflect on their own experiences, this time discussing the interventions they received and identifying areas that required improvement. This full-circle approach allowed the Council to see both what is working well and where gaps remain, ensuring a clearer understanding of the student journey.
Let’s hear from some of the students who attended the University Council:
Dee Whyte: “Being part of the student panel for the University Council Day was an eye-opening experience. It was valuable to the other students who joined and the council members. We shared our own experiences and many others that students can relate to. In addition to this, opinions and feedback were shared from a session we had during Union Council for the University council members to read. They were all very intrigued and were putting action plans together to take forward to improve”.
Erin Cook: “The university council was an amazing opportunity to make some important contributions to the minds and decisions made by council members. As a student, I had the opportunity to share my experience and how I would have liked support, but also the support that helped. The conversations we had were very impactful and I hope the council members take everything that was said into consideration when making future decisions”.
Euan McGinness: “I truly felt that honest statements were listened to and appreciated. The council board made it explicit that they are used to structure change and want to make a meaningful impact across BNU. It was a pleasure to meet new faces and sit on a board that represented students so well. Genuinely, the University has us as its top priority, and I look forward to future change for the better. The experience has been brilliant!”.
Adrianna Flores: “The University Council appeared scary at first, and I felt very overwhelmed. Like, who would want to listen to me? After a while of sharing our stories, I understood that we are vital for each other to improve the experience for both parties. I felt listened to and approached with kindness. I will encourage anyone to take part in this, it’s a great opportunity to address issues in real-time. The council is a group of very strong and committed individuals, ready to network. I am grateful for this opportunity”.
By continuing initiatives like this, we can ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to thrive. We hope this session is the beginning of more, and we look forward to building on the conversations and actions sparked here.
I hope you are all doing well and are looking after yourselves.
This time of year, is notorious for heavy workloads as well as last minute deadlines, and no matter what you study you should be very proud of yourselves for getting this far and I implore you to keep going!
Whilst you guys have been hard at work, let me fill you in on what I’ve been up to since last time!
Harry Tomlinson
Vice President President Education and Welfare (High Wycombe)
harry.tomlinson@bnu.ac.uk
Harolds Hydration:
The past couple of months have seen great advancements with the Harolds hydration initiative. For starters, we are actively cracking down on fixing broken water machines.
There have been reports that multiple machines across the campus that have not been working effectively and have been having regular contact with estates to sort this out. To note, there are machines that are not a simple fix, as there are some issues with burst pipes that have had a more negative long-term effect. Rest assured, this is being worked on and you can all get hydrated soon!
As for promotion of the campaign, we have been working on some fun promotional videos that you will be sure to see on your feed soon. As well as that I also showed up at our Recent Re-Freshers Fair to cater for everybody’s hydrational needs (Minus the Morph suit)
Thank you to everyone who engaged with me!
With Varsity coming up, im looking to push promotion even further as this is a very athletic, high intensity event, where hydration should be a key focus! I’m planning on being at as many games as I can to provide hydration to all and remind them to stay at the top of their game!
Care Leavers:
I have also been focused on developing our care leaver campaign, in which we aim to better develop the mechanisms we already have in place and to cater more effectively for these students.
In terms of progress made so far, we have already hosted a plethora of events over the winter holidays to accommodate students staying in Wycombe. This included Christmas card making, Hot Chocolate making, a Winter walk and Boxing Day dinner. All of these were well attended for what they were, and even though we are not expecting them to have record breaking numbers, we are still proud to provide that level of inclusion.
Because of this we are looking to continue these types of events in the future, filling the space during the easter and summer holidays with events catered for students staying locally. As well as this I have also worked with the student hub to get into contact with our care leaver students and enquire about there experiences. As always, if you know anyone who would be interested in providing feedback, please get in touch!
Raise and Give (RAG):
Moreover, I have also been helping with our second RAG Fundraiser week, in which students could take part in several activities to support our chosen Charity, ‘Mind’.
We took part in soak a staff member, where students could have at it at their favourite staff members with buckets of water, as well as a guessing game of how many condoms are in a helmet. We then finished it off with a talent show at the end of the week, aptly named ‘Bucks Got Talent’, in which members from different clubs and societies went on stage to sing their hearts out! The turnout was awesome, so thank you all for attending.
Oh, as well as this, I donned a Luigi Fit for the day, along with our Activities Coordinator Alex and CEO Tristan!
Disability and Inclusion:
I am also looking at raising awareness around Disability and Inclusion around campus, with the help from one of our Student Voice Officers! One of the ways I will be doing this is by incorporating more disability mixers in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for those! As well as that I will also be highlighting key dates for disability awareness, such as Tinnitus Awareness week, International Epilepsy Day, and International Wheelchair Day!
To conclude, there has been a lot going on in the world of Bucks, from Campaigning to Fundraising. I am incredibly grateful that you guys, the students, have given me this opportunity to assist you throughout your year, and I can’t wait to keep on doing so!
As always, if you need anything or have any enquiries, Contact me on my socials.
Stay Hydrated!
Updates, Updates, Updates!
Chairs, Boycott Your Bed, feedback, Uxbridge and Aylesbury.
I hope everyone is well and is feeling good after the exam period. Please reach out to us if you want to talk, share feedback, or even say “hello”.
For this edition’s update, I wanted to let you know about a few things I have been up to as well as sharing more information about feedback we have received about Uxbridge and Aylesbury.
Uxbridge - Park Room Seating:
We have been working with the university to provide more suitable seating for students in the Park Room. The University have organised and order which is being placed and processed. They are waiting for a final confirmation on a delivery date.
The chairs that have been ordered, were tested by students who shared their feedback when testing a sample of 5 chairs. The chairs chosen were chairs with padding and a large wooden folded about desk. This desk can be swapped from left to right (vice/versa).
Even though there is a wait for a confirmed delivery date, chairs are being sorted for the Park Room.
Uxbridge - Sports:
Bethany Jackson
Vice President President Education and Welfare (Uxbridge and Aylesbury)
bethany.jackson@bnu.ac.uk
@buckssuvpew_au Bucks VPEW UxAyls
If you are interested in any of these activities, please fill out this form below
Due to the nature of the Uxbridge campus, there are no sporting facilities available on the campus. What we can offer on the campus is:
Yoga - students would need to sign up using the form, to fill out an expression of interest, students would then be invited to book on when the session is scheduled.
Table tennis - students would need to sign up, filling out an expression of interest. Students would then be contacted about which room the table tennis is taking place in.
In the surrounding area of the Uxbridge campus, we can offer:
Tennis – Students would need to sign up, filling out an expression of interest. Student would then be contacted about collecting equipment to borrow. This would take place an approximately 5-minute walk from the campus.
Badminton - Students would need to sign up, filling out an expression of interest. Student would then be contacted about collecting equipment to borrow. This would take place an approximately 30-minute walk from the campus.
or contact sport@bnu.ac.uk or bethany.jackson@bnu.ac.uk
Uxbridge -Campus Link :
Just a reminder that after several discussions the campus link has an additional service during the lunchtime period.
This new service departs High Wycombe campus at 12:30pm and 1:15pm from Uxbridge.
Uxbridge -Activities:
Activities run during the week, keep an eye out in pulse for the activities, and posters showing what and where they are.
We also have the games shelf in pulse. This shelf of games is free to use, please be sure to return the games once you have finished so other can enjoy them too.
You can suggest an activity by using the QR code on the ground floor, but the What’s On wall or alternatively by filling out this form:
Campaigns/Events:
Kitting Out Wellbeing: You can also collect a free wellbeing kit from any of the Student Union spaces, alternatively you can email bethany.jacksn@bnu.ac.uk to arrange a collection. These boxes are filled with self-help strategies and signposting resources, alongside some other goodies. These are designed to support you, supporting your wellbeing.
Safer Internet Day: Tuesday 11 February is Safer Internet Day. This is a day about raising awareness and educating individuals about how to be safe online. This year’s theme is “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”. This is focusing on online scams, looking at the scale of the issue, experiences individuals may have had, as well as looking at ideas of how to tackle the problem.
Aylesbury - Activities:
Within the Aylesbury area, we are offering students the chance to take part in the activities during the day/evening in Aylesbury and surrounding area. The activities on offer are:
Bucks Goat Centre, Bowling, Go Karting , FlipOut Aylesbury , Bucks Museum/Roald Dahl Museum and Gallery, Swimming and Fun Swim Sessions
Students can book onto activities in Aylesbury and the surrounding area. Students can register onto these sessions by emailing surecactivities@bnu.ac.uk.
Alongside this we have the table tennis table which students can use. You can collect the bats/balls from security at the main reception desk, by using your student ID.
We also have the games box by the ‘Help yourself to the bookshelf’. This box of games is free to use, please be sure to return the games once you have finished so other can enjoy them too.
You can suggest an activity by using the QR code on the ground floor, but the What’s On wall or alternatively by filling out this form:
Boycott Your Bed: On Saturday 1 February, students came together to boycott their beds in order to raise money for Wycombe Homeless Connection, a local charity that operates in the South Buckinghamshire area. This event was held overnight 7pm – 7am, for students to boycott their bed for the floor. Students who participated at the chance to gain 12 volunteering hours. This opportunity gave students a chance to gain knowledge and understanding about the harm of homelessness. Keep an eye out for our final total raised amount.
You can read more about the charity here: www.wyhoc.org.uk
Time to Talk Day: Thursday 6 February is Time to Talk Day. This is a day about encouraging each other to talk and have conversations about mental health. It’s about creating supportive communities, whether this is you having a conversation with your family, friends, or colleagues. We’re encouraging you to start a conversation. We all have mental health and having a conversation can help you and others too! By having a conversation, this shows others that you are prepared to listen and talk.
This time to talk day, we’re offering a space to chat, activities and handing out wellbeing kits.
You can find more information, tips and signposting here: www.timetotalkday.co.uk
You can find more information and tips here: www.saferinternet.org.uk/saferinternet-day/safer-internet-day-2025
Break the Stigma: Monday 10 March to Friday 14 March, students will have the opportunity to join the national movement of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. This week will end with a collage created at the Uxbridge campus. Students can be involved across all three campuses by decorating their stigma - lollypop stick, and then snapping it. You can then add your name to the paper backing too. These stalls will be available during this week, except for the Wednesday 12 March, keep an eye closer to the week to find out where these stalls will be held. These are just a few of the updates of campaigns I have been working on recently. Keep an eye around these dates to see how we’re getting on. You can also suggest your own campaign here:
Keep an eye on the what’s on page and around the campuses to see how you can get involved.
You can always reach out even for a quick chat.
Hi everyone. Following our fourth Union Council of the year on Thursday 16 January, here’s a summary for those who missed it. We had the usual Elected Officer updates, a Trustee update and spoke about Strive and Elections, including a discussion a small quiz about the Elected Officer positions led by Lucy Ryan from the Representation team.
Elected Officer Updates
Our Elected Officers have been busy with events and campaigns.
Amy Pile (President), updated us on her ‘Safety Net’ campaign, University Council Day Away and the Big Sleep Out. The Campaign ‘Umbrella of Safety’ has recently changed its name to ‘Safety Net’. The aim of this campaign is to ensure that students feel safe and supported at University by having all the resources in one place. Amy is currently putting together a spreadsheet with all the current resources and support available. The Student Hub and Dean of Students have been involved also.
The University Day Away is fast approaching! It is a council which students have the opportunity to speak about their experiences with the Council Board members. There are currently 5 students taking part. The Big Sleep Out is a volunteer experience for Wycombe Homeless Connection. Amy will be doing this at Adam’s Park, alongside Harry. Find out more about this on the What’s On page. (amy.pile@bnu.ac.uk)
Wren Sell (Vice President Achievement and Belonging), updated us on Varsity and Dance Competitions. The dates for Varsity are 9 and 12 March 2025. Tickets are on sale now for £15. The first point to play for is at the Reading Dance Competition on February 22 However, Bucks Dance Competition is first on February 15 and this requires a separate ticket! Your varsity ticket includes a t-shirt, programme, lunch, wristband (essentially your ticket, so a must have!) and travel if needed.
The deadline is the 2nd of March and if you do not have a ticket by then, you are unfortunately unable to go. The 2025 Varsity Captains were announced, so a massive congratulations to Will and Daisy! Wren is also looking for videographers for Varsity. If you are interested, email Wren expressing your interest and sharing some of your work. If you are selected, you will have to buy your spectator ticket but this will be refunded and you will also be rewarded £50 after the two days of Varsity. (wren.sell@bnu.ac.uk)
Harry Tomlinson (Vice President Education and Welfare (HW), shared how his Christmas holiday was, how the Uxbridge inductions went, the support and activities provided over the Christmas break and provided an update on the Laptop Lockers. Firstly, Harry enjoyed his Christmas break, especially getting involved in the activities the Students Union provided over the break which supported the Care Leaver Students Harry is focused in helping in his Care Leaver Campaign. Harry is hoping to plan events for the Easter and Summer break for students sticking around. Secondly, there has been promotional materials made for his campaign, ‘Harold’s Hydration’ which focuses on considering what you are putting into your body and drinking enough water.
There have been posters and leaflets put up around campuses and there is more promotional materials on social media as well. All of the posters and leaflets have QR codes which explains his campaign and why it is important to think about what goes into your body and how much water you drink Harry was present at the Refreshers fair serving water to all our new students. Harry hopes to expand the campaign during Varsity. Lastly, there were new Laptop Lockers installed in the Library to help reduce digital poverty. To access these, speak to the Library staff. These lockers should be active as of 13/01/25. (harry.tomlinson@bnu.ac.uk)
Bethany Jackson (Vice President Education and Welfare (Uxb/Ayls), updated us on her campaign ‘Kitting Out Wellbeing’, Welcome Week in Uxbridge and Aylesbury, Boycott Your Bed and all things happening in Uxbridge and Aylesbury. The ‘Kitting Out Wellbeing’ kits launched on December 18 and students can collect these from the SU offices of any campus. The boxes contain resources for self-help strategies and techniques for wellbeing, as well as leaflets to signpost you to support services. The boxes are plain to encourage you to decorate it and make it your own. It is also bigger to allow you to add to the items already included such as a stress ball, a hand cream and more! During Welcome Week, Bethany welcomed January 2025 cohort students and told them all about the Students’ Union (and the Big Deal!) and also welcomed back returning students after their Christmas Break. There were a range of activities across Uxbridge and Aylesbury campuses for all students to take part in. Bethany also attended Refreshers events in High Wycombe. The park room chairs are now being actioned; after speaking to many stakeholders within the university, an order has been placed for more chairs and they are waiting for a delivery date. Once Bethany has received a delivery date, she will pass this information onto students. Bethany lobbied for an additional trip between High Wycombe and Uxbridge on the Campus Link bus and she was happy to update us and say there is a new service running during the day! This has been in service since January 13th. Lastly, Boycott Your Bed! Boycott your bed is happening on February 1st and it is 12 hours of swapping your bed for the events hall floor. This is to raise money for Wycombe Homelessness connection, which is a charity in Wycombe who support individuals with homelessness. The event starts at 7pm on the Saturday and will finish at 7am on the Sunday. There will be activities happening throughout the evening. You must be signed up via the What’s On page, where you can also find the fundraising article. Please share and sign up (bethany.jackson@bnu.ac.uk)
Student Trustee Update - After a Trustee Board meeting on Tuesday 14th January, we were updated on what’s been going on.
Dee Whyte (Student Trustee), shared the outcome of the recent Trustee Board meeting. There have been updates from Elected Officers and CEO about the new incoming Vice-Chancellor and his relationship with the Students’ Union. Some polices have been discussed and approved.
Thank you Dee for this update on the behalf of all the Student Trustees.
STRIVE - Next, we discussed STRIVE with Jessica Hughes. This year, the employability festival will be held 24th to 28th February. There is plenty of workshops, guest speakers and skill sessions to boost your employability. There will be a networking event to kick the festival off. This event will have multiple employers attending from various professions. The sessions will be held throughout the week on topics such as public speaking, time management, use of social media and leading a team. These sessions will be beneficial to anyone thinking of running for an Elected Officer role. They are aiming to record the sessions, so they are available after for those who are unable to attend. To find out more, head over to the What’s On page.
Elections - Another congratulations to our winners of Varsity Captains for this year. The Elected Officer and Student Trustee roles are currently open for nominations. Nominations close 14th February and voting opens on 3rd March. For the January cohort, the nominations for Student Rep closes January 24th and the voting opens on 27th of January and for the September 2025/26 cohort, nominations close 14th February and voting opens 3rd March.
Could You Be a Leader?
Discussion lead by Lucy Ryan from the Representation Team. The question is, why do we talk about leadership roles so much? The answer is because being in one of these roles as a student can help during and after your studies. You can gain skills that are transferrable to your chosen profession and that you might not have gained otherwise. These skills include communication, problem solving, team work, negotiation and so many more. These skills give you an advantage in the employment market. Lucy created a small, Buzzfeed inspired quiz to see which leadership role you are most compatible to. This quiz was shared with those who attended in person and online. We are also shown examples of previous students who were in leadership roles, and where they are now. If you are interested in a Leadership Role, speak with the Representation Team either in person or via email. (surepresentation@bnu.ac.uk)
Elected Officer Hot Seat:
Who’s going to win varsity?
All: We are!
Rugby at Varsity: this year will be playing mixed touch rugby, is it worth taking part as it will be a friendly and doesn’t count towards the main result?
Wren: Not sure why this year rugby will not be played for a point but it is still worth taking part to still experience varsity.
What does everyone’s role entail?
Wren: In the VPAB role, you work with sports and societies as well as committee members and the activities team to ensure they have everything they need. Also help with volunteering and green initiatives, Varsity, you sit on the EDI committee and make sure everyone feels welcome.
Harry: all four roles represent the student voice and look to amplify your needs and deliver messages to those higher up. He is VPEW for HW and BJ is VPEW for the other campuses. In the role you work with the representation team and school officers, receiving feedback and taking it to those higher up. The aim is to enhance the educational experience. Also run welfare campaigns.
Amy: as president you would aim to ensure the student voice reaches all platforms. There is the opportunity to make the role your own. If you would like more details, come and speak to them.
Bethany: Same as HT but work in Uxbridge and Aylesbury. Those campuses have different needs and require a different approach.
What are your plans for the upcoming cultural events?
Wren: Currently planning for Chinese new year including OMB! Night. Feb is also LGBTQIA+ history month so planning events to mark this. If there are any events that need celebrating let her know.
What measures do you have in place to ensure transparency in your decisions and accountability to the student body?
Harry: union council is one forum that students can hold the officers and the union to account.
Amy: the union has a trustee board that will review decisions and strategic plans the union makes. Also make sure that students can voice any feedback they have.
Can you please explain what the trustee part of an elected officer role is?
Amy: a trustee works with to hold the union to account, ensuring the correct decisions are made. An important part of the role will be to review policies, strategic plans and decisions.
How do you think the events as refreshers have gone?
Harry: has gone amazingly, Dick and Dom event went well.
Amy: Refreshers Fair was well attended.
Bethany: It has been great meeting students at these events and being seen outside of the office. Seems everyone had a good time. Was able to speak to students and gain ideas for Uxbridge and Aylesbury.
Why should I run for a sabb role? It sounds like a lot of stress and meetings?
Wren: sounds like a lot of meetings but isn’t. It is a lot more student facing and you can gain lots of experience like planning events, reading and writing reports etc It is so much more than job description and difficult to put into words.
Amy: It is 50/50 helping support students as well as gaining skills yourself. I have gained skills in public speaking as part of role which will help in my future career as nurse. I enjoy coming to work which is really important.
Bethany: It is what you make it and is a varied role.
Amy: the union is also a friendly and supportive place to work.
What are your plans to support students who aren’t on typical academic years (Jan cohort) through the summer? We can’t play sports or join societies – how can we get the same university experience?
Wren: you can still join societies and sports clubs throughout the year.
Harry: planning to put on events during the summer as part of care leavers campaign but these will be open to all students .
Amy: it is a good question. Times are changing where university is open all year round and this is something the union will have to discuss .
Prize Draw and any other business
Each month, a lucky student wins a £20 supermarket voucher for attending Union Council. The winner of the prize draw this month is… Madhav Jayalal!
Our next Union Council meeting will be Hustings for Elected Officer roles.
Want to join Next Time?
Our next Union Council Meeting is Thursday 27 February 2025 and 5.00pm, both in HW Room S3.02 and online.
Health
Group Sessions
What’s going on during STRIVE??
STRIVE 25 is here, and we are ready!!
Our yearly employability festival kick starts on the Monday 24 February and runs all week until Friday 28 February. We have many different events that suit all schools and many different courses.
At our networking event, there will be employers from:
We are very excited for the week we have planned, and we cannot wait to share it with you! See the timetable on the following page.
If you have any questions about STRIVE, please email sutraining@bnu.ac.uk
“Being able to learn skills and develop them in front of new people”
“Public speaking helped me a lot with my confidence”
“Getting to connect with different professional and their organisations”
MONDAY 24
TUESDAY 25
TIMETABLE
Employer Showcase & Networking Event
noon - 3:00pm, The Atrium
Careers in Aviation
Ekaterina Andreeva, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering & The Air Charter Association
3:30pm - 4:30pm, OH1
Professional Headshots
10:00am - 3:00pm
Stop Your Inner Critic
Clare Sutton, Clare Sutton Coaching
noon - 1:30pm, Online
Community Engagement and Your Future
Kelly Wiles AFHEA, Activities Coordinator (Volunteering & Charitable Fundraising), Bucks Student’s Union
12:30pm - 1:30pm, HW-N4.02
Careers in Film, TV, and Gaming
National Film and Television School Panel
2:00pm - 3:00pm, HW-N2.04
Public Speaking
Hilary Lyons, Creatively Coaching
2:00pm - 5:00pm, HW-N4.02
Time Management
Natasha Neal BSc (Hons) CAA AFHEA, Student Engagement Coordinator, Bucks Students’ Union
2:30pm - 3:30pm, UXB - 1.08
WEDNESDAY 26
THURSDAY 27
TIMETABLE
Time Management
Jessica Hughes BSc(Hons), PGDip, AFHEA –Training & Development Coordinator, Bucks Students’ Union
11:30am - 12:30pm, HW-N2.02
Building Resilience
Clare Sutton, Clare Sutton Coaching
noon - 13:30pm, Online
Alumni Q&A Panel
2:00pm - 4:30pm, HW-Gateway Lecture Theatre
Social Media for Students
Professor Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor, Buckinghamshire New University
11:00am - 12:00pm, HW-N2.06
Habit Building Hacks
Clare Sutton, Clare Sutton Coaching
noon - 13:30pm, Online
Leading a Team
Jessica Hughes BSc(Hons), PGDip, AFHEA –Training & Development Coordinator, Bucks Students’ Union
noon - 13:00pm, HW-N4.04
‘Me’ PLC
Barbara Vinden-Cantrell, Royal Engineers
2:30pm - 3:30pm , HW-N4.04
FRIDAY 28
Community Engagement and Your Future
Kelly Wiles AFHEA, Activities Coordinator (Volunteering & Charitable Fundraising), Bucks Student’s Union
noon - 1:00pm, HW-N1.05
Leading a Team
Natasha Neal BSc (Hons) CAA AFHEA, Student Engagement Coordinator, Bucks Students’ Union
3:00pm - 4:00pm, UXB - 1.08
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, 5.30pm–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
Instagram @buckssulounge
Vice President Education and Walfare (High Wycome) Email harry.tomlinson@bnu.ac.uk
Vice President Education and Walfare (Uxbridge and Aylesbury) Email bethany.jackson@bnu.ac.uk
By Kelly Wiles
RAG - WEEK 2
RAG week 2.0 was a huge success, with a packed week of activity we kept everyone busy.
The women’s football team started with pie a footballer in the SU garden, and a doughnut day in Uxbridge.
Tuesday saw the busiest day of the week with Bucks Men’s Rugby in the lounge with a darts challenge and the chance to win a hamper of goodies, the SU staff braved the cold in soak a staff member and ended the day with Volleyball 4 RAG, with prizes for the best player and the winning team.
Wednesday brought the best day of the week Doughnut Day! Featuring Krispy Kreme doughnuts for all including the vegans amongst us. Who doesn’t love doughnuts!
The RAG ambassadors hosted Bucks got Talent in the venue with Judges CEO Tristan Tipping, Activities Coordinator Alex Ditchburn and VPEW Harry Tomlinson.
From Singing, dancing and harmonica playing our students covered it all.
Leah Barrows blew everyone away with her signing voice and won the Trophy.
Thursday we had a guessing game of how many condoms in the helmet, this had everyone laughing and was great to start rounding out the week.
Friday was the event of the week with Rodeo 4 RAG in the venue, everyone had a great time riding the rodeo bull, and learning line dancing.
If you would like to run your fundraising event please email volunteering@bnu.ac.uk
Events Calendar
Jam Night - Mon 10 Feb 2025 (7pm - Midnight, The Venue)
Jam Night is your chance to shine or cheer on fellow students as they showcase their musical talents. Whether you play, sing, jam in a band, or just want to enjoy the music, everyone’s welcome!
Sip and Paint - Tues 11 Feb 2025 (8pm - 11pm, The Lounge)
Join us for a relaxing Sip and Paint Night! Unwind with friends, drinks, and creativity in a cozy lounge setting.
OMB! Mr Worldwide - Wed 12 Feb 2025 (10pm - 3am, The Venue)
Get ready to party like it’s a global fiesta! On February 12th, we’re bringing you OMB! Mr. Worldwide, a Pitbull tribute night featuring an electrifying performance from @pitbullworldwidetribute!
Throwback Thursday: Traffic Light Party - Thur 13 Feb 2025 (10pm - 2am, The Lounge)
Get ready for a throwback party with great music, good vibes, and dancing! Wear your colour and see where the night takes you!
Bingo Lingo - Fri 14 Feb 2025 (7pm - Midnight, The Venue)
Provocative, daring and wildly fun—Bingo Lingo turns traditional bingo into a thrilling, interactive party!
Leicester vs Arsenal - Sat 15 Feb 2025 (12pm - 4pm, The Lounge)
Get ready for an epic game of football as Liecester takes on Arsenal in the Premier League!
The Big Quiz - Sun 16 Feb 2025 (6pm - 11pm, The Lounge)
Join us in the Lounge every Sunday for some factual mayhem, different themes and over £100 to win every week.
Wine and Cheese - Mon 17 Feb 2025 (7pm - 11am, The Lounge)
This event is the perfect way to unwind and connect with others in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a curated selection of fine cheeses paired with a range of drink options from our bar.
Open Decks Night - Tues 18 Feb 2025 (7pm - 11pm, The Lounge)
Ever wanted to DJ? Now’s your chance! Join Open Decks Night in the lounge and spin your own tracks on a pro setup.
OMB! With Special Guest - Wed 19 Feb 2025 (10pm - 3am, The Venue)
Your weekly student club night returns with big tunes, great vibes, and non-stop energy—plus a special guest! Stay tuned.
24hr Game-a-thon - Thur 20 Feb 2025 (5pm - 5pm, The Venue)
Join us for a 24-hour gaming marathon featuring Mario Kart, tabletop games, Just Dance, and more, all while supporting a great cause! Play, compete, and game for good!
Fruity Fridays - Fri 21 Feb 2025 (8pm - 1am, The Venue)
Shake off the midweek blues with Fruity Fridays! Indulge in delicious cocktail deals, groove to a live DJ set, and enjoy a late-night food menu to keep the party going.
Everton vs Manchester United - Sat 22 Feb 2025 (12pm - 4pm, The Lounge)
Get ready for an epic game of football as Everton takes on Manchester United in the Premier League!
The Big Quiz - Sun 23 Feb 2025 (6pm - 11pm, The Lounge)
Join us in the Lounge every Sunday for some factual mayhem, different themes and over £100 to win every week.
COMING SOON
Try our Warm Pancakes £2.95!
Open 8am – 4pm, Monday – Thursday 8am – 3pm, Friday
BREAKFAST
Breakfast pastries:
(Served from 8:00am - 11:30am Mon - Fri)
Butter Croissant
£0.80 400kcal Ham & Cheese Croissant £1.25 921kcal
Chocolate Croissant £1.00 377kcal Vegan Croissant £0.60 395kcal
Cinnamon Swirl £0.70 444kcal Toast & Preserves £0.80 1222kcal
Breakfast Baps: (Please ask if you require a gluten free bap)
(Served from 8:00am - 11:30am Mon - Fri)
Bacon Bap £1.55 GF 439kcal
2 rashers of bacon served in a warm bap.
Sausage Bap £1.45 V° GF 520kcal
2 pork sausages or vegetarian sausages served in a warm bap.
Free Range Egg Bap £1.25 V GF 390kcal
Free range fried, scrambled or poached egg served in a warm bap.
Bacon and Sausage Bap £2.20 700kcal
1 rasher of bacon & 2 sausages served in a warm bap.
Breakfast Bap £2.85 831kcal
1 rasher of bacon, 2 sausages with free range fried scrambled or poached egg served in a warm bap.
Vegetarian Breakfast Bap £2.85 V 744kcal
3 vegetarian sausages, 2 hash browns & free range fried, scrambled or poached egg served served in a warm bap.
Quorn Sausage Muffin £2.85 V 672kcal
A warm breakfast muffin with 2 Quorn sausage pattie, cheese & a mini omelette.
All-day Breakfast £4.25 834kcal
Choose from the following: Bacon, Red Tractor pork sausage, baked beans, hash browns, mushrooms, tomato & free range fried, scrambled or poached egg.
All-day Vegetarian Breakfast
£4.25 V 610kcal
Choose from the following: Sausages, baked beans, hash browns, mushrooms, tomato and free range fried egg, scrambled or poached egg.
Eggs Benedict £3.85 V 618kcal
S
w
e e t t r eatS
(Served from 8:00am – 4:00pm Mon–Thurs, 8:00am – 3:00pm Fri)
Warm Pancakes £2.95 VG 622kcal
A stack of 5 American pancakes with a forest fruit compote.
Tulip Muffins £1.85 V 1001kcal
Triple chocolate, blueberry crumble, victoria sponge, or salted caramel.
Chewy Cookies £1.25 V 491kcal
Double chocolate, triple chocolate, or oat raisin & lemon cookies.
Wedge of Cake from £2.30 V 325kcal
Please ask what we have for today’s cakes.
Fresh Fruit Platter Box £2.25 VG 234kcal
Fresh watermelon, pineapple, green / black grapes & strawberries.
BUrGeRS
(Served from 11:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Thurs, 11:00am – 3:00pm Fri)
All burgers are served with your choice of fries or spicy wedges.
Upgrade to sweet potato fries for only 60p. Gluten free baps are also available.
The Classic £3.50 828kcal, double £4.95 1129kcal
Flame grilled beef burger with tomato relish, shredded iceberg lettuce served in a bap.
The Rooster Booster £3.95 912kcal, double £5.50 1122kcal H°
A spicy coated chicken breast with mayonnaise, shredded iceberg lettuce served in a bap.
The Mighty Lone Ranger £4.60 1029kcal, double £6.10 1282kcal GF VG
A quarter pound of Plant based Burger with a tomato relish crisp lettuce topped with Vegan cheese served in a bap.
The Red Tractor £5.75 1071kcal, double £6.95 1328kcal H° GF
A 6oz 21 day aged burger with tomato relish, crisp lettuce, sliced gherkin & topped with cheese served in a bap.
The Halloumi £5.95 883kcal, double £6.95 1199kcal V GF
A halloumi stack with an Asian sweet chilli slaw served in a bap.
The Fish Finger Bap £4.30 851kcal VGo
3 Cod Fish fingers, with iceberg lettuce, garlic mayonnaise & a tomato & red onion salsa, served with fries.
Three giant onion rings 85p V 241kcal Bacon 65p V 180kcal
Cheddar cheese 50p V 325kcal Vegan cheese 50p VG 285kcal
Jalapeño peppers 30p VG 20kcal
Free range fried or poached egg 50p V GF 131kcal Add toppings to own your burger!
RUSTY,S TOWER CHALLENGE
£13.95 - Three beef burgers, three spicy chicken burgers, stacked with bacon, cheese, beef tomato, fried egg, red onion, Jalapeño peppers & iceberg lettuce separated by our brioche bun floors; served with baked beans, garlic flat bread with cheese, onion rings & either chips or spicy wedges (contains wheat gluten, milk, mustard & egg) 3549kcal
Served from 11am–4pm Mon–Thurs, 11am–3pm Fri
Eat all the food on your plate in under 30 minutes to win an exclusive I Rusty t-shirt! This is a one person challenge, are YOU up for it?
SIDE ORDERS
(Served from 11:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Thurs, 11:00am – 3:00pm Fri)
Chips
£1.20 GF VG 139kcal
Chips & cheese
£1.40 V GF 553kcal
Chips & curry sauce
£1.35 V 559kcal
Spicy wedges
£1.20 VG 135kcal
Spicy wedges & cheese
Sweet potato fries
Garlic flat bread
£1.40 V 549kcal
£1.90 GF VG 158kcal
£1.20 V 287kcal
Garlic flat bread with cheese £1.70 V 701kcal
6 giant onion rings
£1.70 V 241kcal
Breaded garlic mushrooms £1.80 V 162kcal
Side salad £1.00 GF VG 50kcal
snacks, salads, paninis, jacky p's & toasted sandwiches
(Served from 11:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Thurs, 11:00am – 3:00pm Fri)
Panini or Toasted Sandwich £2.70 V from 385kcal
Toasted to order with your choice of fillings. Please see the chalk board for the selection of fillings, treat yourself to a side of chips.
Chilli Nachos £3.75 V GF 1162kcal
Tortilla chips loaded with chilli con carne & cheese with a sour cream dip.
The Club Sandwich £4.10 664kcal
Classic triple layered toasted sandwich with shredded iceberg lettuce, beef tomato, chicken mayonnaise & grilled bacon.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites
£2.95 V 394kcal
Macaroni pasta & a mix of three cheeses in a crispy coating of breadcrumbs served with a tomato relish dip.
Chicken Nuggets £4.80 351kcal
Chicken coated in breadcrumbs served with chips or wedges.
Halal & vegan option available.
Jacket Potato from £1.80 GF V° VG 390kcal
Jacket potato with a choice of fillings. Please see the chalk boards on the bar.
House Mix ‘n’ Match Salad from £1.70 329kcal
Salad leaves and a mix of cucumber tomato sweetcorn & peppers with a choice of toppings:
Chicken Strips £1.60 Smoked Salmon £2.95 Smashed Avocado £1.75
Tuna Fish £1.80 Grilled Halloumi £2.50 Caesar Dressing Inc
French Dressing Inc Mayonnaise Inc Garlic and Herb Croutons 50p
Dirty Fries £2.35 894kcal
Fries loaded with bacon, peppers, Cajun spice, red onion & melted cheese.
Big Foot Sub £2.80 520kcal
A foot-long sub filled with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato red onion, with chicken strips & Emmental sliced cheese served warm.
H o m e Favo u r i t eS
(Served from 11:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Thurs, 11:00am – 3:00pm Fri)
Lasagne £5.20 V 138kcal
Layers of spinach pasta filled with a rich tomato sauce with British beef, topped with a béchamel sauce & cheese served with side salad.
Fish ‘n’ Chips £3.95 GF 422kcal
Jumbo cod fillet in a crispy batter with chips or spicy wedges & your choice of mushy peas, garden peas or baked beans & lemon. Gluten free fish available.
Sausage ‘n’ Mash £3.35 V° 1038kcal
Jumbo sausage with mash potato and gravy with garden peas or baked beans.
Penne pasta from £2.50 GF VG 603kcal
Penne pasta served with a choice of sauces & sliced garlic bread, add cheese for an extra 50p.
Stuffed Crust Pizza
£5.20 260kcal
A choice between a Four Cheese Pizza or a Pepperoni Pizza.
Chicken Katsu Curry
£3.10 475kcal
Breast of Chicken in a Crisp Panko Crumb cut into strips with plain rice & Katsu Curry Sauce.
All our food is prepared in a kitchen where nuts, cereals containing gluten and other allergens are present, and our menu descriptions do not include all ingredients.
If you have a food allergy or intolerance, please let us know before ordering Full allergen information for food is available upon request.
LOUNGE THE SPECIALS
Monday 10 February – Sunday 13 April 2025
Curry Club £4.50 V° 801kcal
Check out what Today’s Curry is Served with Plain Rice & Garlic & Coriander Naan Bread.
Lounge Platter
£6.20 221kcal
Made to share, Spicy Wedge Potatoes, Onion Rings, Garlic Bread, Garlic Mushrooms & Southern Fried Chicken Goujons with BBQ Dip, Sweet Chilli Dip & Sour cream Dip.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME SPECIAL
Chicken Fajitas £3.25 V° H 610kcal
Strips of Chicken Breast with Mixed Peppers, Red Onions with a Mexican Fajita spice
Wrapped in a warm Flour Tortilla Served with Sour Cream.
Scan the QR code to view our most up-todate menus and special offers.
Volunteering Roundup
Volunteering is still going and we have been making dolls for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals. These dolls support children having surgery, explaining medical procedures, and art therapy. We supported the Venue and Events team by making Lunar decorations for the Lunar new year evening event.
As always, we are still in support of One Can trust and we have been making food parcels and sorting donations in the warehouse.
You can check out all the opportunities on the What’s on page or if you are looking for a longer term opportunity we you can check out the volunteer portal for all the charities and opportunities.
January Volunteer Award winners
Laura Eustration
Oliver Gee
Fran Bridges
Jaydon Wheeler
Finn Beaumont
William Yates
Shannan Vale
Pip Williams
Our committees are running sessions and getting involved with all the volunteering on offer.
Don’t forget you can get involved by looking at the What’s On page on our Bucks Students’ Union website. At Bucks Students’ Union we want to make sure you are acknowledged for all your hard work and achievements. We do this by Social media posts, Newspapers, and certificates.
We have a scheme for your hours:
These are accumulated over your time at university, so there is no panic about doing 400 hours in a busy year. If you complete 30 hours volunteering within the community, you can also get our amazing volunteer bundle. This consists of: Hoodie, Polo, Water bottle, Power bank and Poncho
Phillip Newland
Izzy Eastham
Harriet Kozlowski
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
The experiences I gained through my time as a student.
By Imogen Sanders
How Bucks Students’ Union can shape your future (without you even realising)
When I was a student, I took part in a LOT of activities, and it was all completely free!! I was a netball committee member for two years, alongside being a member of Hockey, AU Council and Union Council. As I was in 2 sports teams, I was put on Sport Specific First Aid and Mental Health Awareness, this helped me to integrate into the club and become a vital part of the team.
I was a Fresher Helper for two years and a Bar staff for 1 year, where I attended training each year for free. I completed over 240 hours of volunteering, reaching the Gold Volunteering Award..
I also raised money towards the RAG total each year, where in my last year I won RAG contributor of the year for the money I had raised for the Big Sleep Out
In my 3rd year, I also ran for Varsity captain, which was unsuccessful, but it provided me with great networking skills and boosted my confidence as I had to speak to many new people and show them why I would be a good captain.
Joining in with all these opportunities contributed to my job at the Students Union. Through the interview process, I was able to talk about the experiences I gained whilst being a captain and being a part of different teams. I also was able to speak to Jess Hughes to work through
how an interview works and she gave me some great tips.
In total, it saved me around £300 over the course of 3 years as a student. If I was a student at a different university, it would have cost me a whole lot more! Especially because the food in the Lounge is discounted and we also get free entry to all the evening events.
By Charlotte Owen
Swimming Club’s first term back!
This year the swim club has started off with a splash! The swimming club has joined the British University Swimming League (BUSL). Where we can compete against different universities, so far this year we have competed against 3 different universities and we are so proud of all of our swimmers who have competed!
The swimming club swims once a week at Wycombe Leisure Centre on Tuesdays between 9-10 PM. For those who want to swim at their own pace we recommend joining the recreational squad. It is run in the same way as a public session, lanes are divided into slow, medium and fast. You pick your lane and can swim as far as you want. You are your own coach and set your own goals.
Or you can join the competitive pathway where you can improve your technique, fitness and learn new skills, like race diving. The session is run by a swim coach who will take you through a program, building on what you did in the previous week. This pathway is about having real improvement over the year as well as getting swimmers race ready, giving them the confidence to compete.
“I never considered myself super sporty in secondary school, but joining in with the competitions has boosted my self confidence and showed me sport could be fun in a supportive and friendly atmosphere like the swim club. I can’t wait for the next meet!” - Soufriere
“I wasn’t sure about the competitions at the start as I had never competed before. But, as soon as I had done it, I absolutely loved it. It was a great way to push myself and swim against other people from different universities!” - Rory
Scan to visit - BNU Swim
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 Tara-Lee Hollander
professional artists?
This year, incredible artists have joined our university through the Artists Access to Art Colleges (AA2A) programme, bringing a fresh burst of creativity and inspiration to our community.
Since 1999, AA2A has been connecting artists with universities and colleges, giving them access to facilities they might not otherwise have while creating amazing opportunities for students to interact with working professionals in the arts.
Supported by Arts Council England, the programme is all about collaboration: artists develop their practice in a
Joanna Cohn
I am a multidisciplinary artist; my practice involves painting and printmaking in an expanded field. I am concerned with the sensory potential and metamorphosis of technically mediated images.
Examining the human voice, justice, resistance and the natural world, I approach image-making as a subversive form of mapping the world. And a way of navigating the unknown.
I examining the human voice as a singer. With print, sculptures and installations I bring my voice into a new realm. Each print, a repeated image, behaves like a song. It can be reinterpreted and translated through its repetition, and in this way can transcends its original form.
I have recently moved from 2D to 3D and installation in my practice, thinking about human imprint, legacy and sustainable ways of making.
Website: www.joannacohn.com Instagram: @jocohnprints
dynamic academic environment, and students gain valuable insights into what life as a creative professional really looks like.
Have a look at the AA2A website for more information www.aa2a.org
So, who are these three artists making their mark on our campus this year? Let’s meet them. campus this year? Let’s meet them.
Mez Kerr Jones
Mez is a London-Welsh artist whose practice delves into the connections between power and spatiality, place, and ownership. Her site-responsive work seeks to understand the relationships formed between a place and its inhabitants, articulating questions and ideas through actions and materials. She works across sculpture and installation, moving image and photography, ceramics and drawing, as well as teaching and participatory projects including site explorations, talks, workshops and seminars.
Mez graduated from the Sculpture and Environmental Art programme at The Glasgow School of Art in 2018, with an exchange semester spent majoring in ceramics at Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Canada. She was the Artist Woodwork Fellow at City and Guilds of London Art School (2022-23) and received a Creative Cardiff scholarship to attend Art School Plus in Autumn 2023 and Summer 2024. Mez is currently Artist in Residence with Hackney Library Services, and was selected as an artist laureate for Fluxus Art Projects and will be taking part in a residency at FRAC Bretagne in Rennes 2025. She has taught in academic and technical positions at various UK art schools, as well as in community and gallery spaces.
Website: www.mezkerrjones.com
Rachael House
I am a multi-media fine artist who makes participatory events, objects, performance, drawings and zines. Concerns in my work include claiming public space, collective joy, ageing, mental health, queer family, feminism and gender. My projects include Rachael House’s Feminist Disco - putting the ‘disco’ into ‘discourse’ & piñatas representing gender binary, heteronormativity & patriarchy, to be gleefully and noisily smashed with big glittery sticks. In 2021 I received an ACE Projects Grant for a book, Resistance Sustenance Protection, also funded by Metal.
In 2023 a tiled panel welcome trans queer non-binary aliens was acquired for V&A permanent collection & Wellcome Collection are buying sketchbooks of work made over the first year of C-19 for my book. Recent work has shown at Whitechapel Gallery, Parlour Gallery Deptford, Queer Britain, Arnolfini Bristol, De La Warr Pavilion & New Hall Art Collection. In 2023 I was in residence at The Feminist Library, leading to an exhibition of research & work in progress. Recent publications include Crafted With Pride, edited by Daniel Fountain, pub. Intellect. Menopause A Comics Treatment, pub. Penn State University Press, In Other Words, Pub. Metal/LADA, The Art Of Feminism, pub.Tate.
Instagram: @rachaellhouse
Selina Latour
Selina Latour is an interdisciplinary artist from Montreal, Canada, currently based in London, UK. Her work in textiles, drawing and performance emerges from themes of care, slowness, nostalgia, reciprocity and repair. Collaboration is at the heart of her practice, informing the artwork made during a number of artist residencies attended in Nova Scotia, Iceland (with Mea Bissett) and Portugal (with Justine Latour).
Also a pedagogue, she hosts numerous participatory projects that invite informal learning of craft techniques. In 2022, she won the Elspeth McConnell Award to support a mending workshop series facilitated with Mea Bissett at the Point-StCharles Art School, in Montreal.
She obtained her BFA at NSCAD University and is a recent MFA graduate from the Fibres and Material Practices program at Concordia University. Her work has been supported by the Old Diorama Arts Centre in London, by ARTCH, Ada X and CALQ and exhibited at Maison Pierre-Chartrand, le Liveart, and 4th Space in Montreal.
Website: www.bissettandlatour.ca
Instagram: @selina.latour
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.
TUESDAY 5PM - 6:30PM
Starting Tuesday 14 January 2025
