’ FRESHERS SURVIVAL GUIDE Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association
Scottish Charity No. SC022887
I love Caley Got to be honest with you. My reasons as to why you should share this healthy obsession may be slightly biast! I am very proud to be a part of this University and have already had the most phenomenal time here. But as you will see, I am not here to tell you what has happened, I am here to tell you that it’s about to get that much better… Want to start off by mentioning that it has been an ambition of mine for sometime to write this and with that in mind I have decided to fit as many stupid words as I can in this page without you noticing. Correct guess of how many ridiculous expressions on an email will receive 1st prize of a hug from me and 2nd prize, two hugs!! University is what you make of it! Unless you do as much as you can whilst it’s still there to be done you’ll regret it, FACT! Glasgow Caledonian University was 15 years young last year, we are very proud of what we are and who we are but most importantly who we are still to be. Whether you This is are reading this in anticipation of your first year here, sitting on the pan or are returning to the where mighty Caley Uni, first off, congratulations for getting here! Secondly, I would stress that this you is YOUR University, your education, your future, your life. You own a piece of this University. come in It is ours as students here and unless we ensure we use this power, things will never improve for us!! Always remember how important you are. If it wasn’t for you, the lecturers wouldn’t lecture, the tutors wouldn’t tutor, the drinks at the brand-spanking new student bars (under new management) would go un-drunk, baguettes would … go stale, Caledonian wouldn’t be Caley without you!! We are all part of this community and I’m not going to tell you what to do but if I was, then just Get This is where we Involved! The Students’ Association is here to help you along your University life. We are dedicated to come in. sorting out any issues you may have at all to ensure you learn in the most qualmless environment
possible. We represent you in the University and provide opportunities for you to do that wee bit extra. Write in this magazine, tune into Caley fm, give a little back through RAG (read on and find out), represent your Uni at sport, represent your class as a rep, start a society… maybe run for election?!? Imagine thousands Whether you are at uni to get a better job? for the experience? to learn? or even just for that student reading discount, getting involved will add to your CV, enhance your experience and get you meeting a your mince Always whole bunch of new mates, guaranteed! Reading on in your personal copy of this magazine will unveil the absolutely endless opportunities for you as a student of Glasgow Caledonian University and how easy it is to get inabuse volved with the community you are now a vital member of!! this!! If you would like a refund of that 5 minutes I have just bumped from your life, want to find out why I end every sentence with !! or even just want me to explain my apparent (total) lack of banter then please pop over to my office NH212 upstairs in the Students’ Association HQ, in the North Hanover Street Building or drop me an email… !! Hope you survive Freshers ’08 and all the best for the year and beyond, Love,
Paddy xx Paddy Hastie, Student President paddy.hastie@gcal.ac.uk
YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Paddy Hastie Student President The Student President is the figurehead of the Students’ Association and takes the lead in representing all students.The Student President is a full-time elected and paid student officer.
Denise McCaig Vice President Support and Advice The VPSA ensures welfare provision on campus as well as promoting student welfare campaigns. The VPSA is a full-time elected and paid student officer.
Graeme McMullen LGBT Officer The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) Officer ensures that LGBT students are represented within the University and externally.
Patric Donnachie Vice President Student Development
Hannah Dunwoody Vice President Sports and Societies
The VPSD ensures student development through training and support for volunteers and student reps. The VPSD is a full-time elected and paid student officer.
The VPSS is responsible for developing a diverse range of sports clubs and societies as well as encouraging involvement.The VPSS is a full-time elected and paid student officer.
Faisal Baig Communications Officer
Jas Sangha Women’s Officer
The Communications Officer ensures that the student body knows what is happening within the Association and university.
The Women’s Officer ensures that women students are represented within the University and externally.
Position Vacant International Students’ Officer
Stewart Marshall Campaigns Officer
The International Students’ Officer ensures that all international students are represented both within the University and externally.
The Campaigns Officer takes the lead in Association and National Union of Students campaigns.
As a student at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) this means that you automatically become a member of GCUSA (Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association). GCUSA’s main function is the representation of GCU students to the University and Nationally to make sure that you get the best student learning experience possible. GCUSA nationally represents GCU students through NUS (National Union of Students). GCUSA sends delegates to NUS conferences and events that decide the national policy of NUS. GCUSA also gets involved in national campaigns and consultations led by NUS. www.nus.org.uk
GCUSA operates many services and activities. GCUSA provides a Welfare Department, sports and non-sporting clubs and societies, volunteer and student development activities, a student magazine called Re:Union, a brand new radio station and our Give It A Go programme. All GCUSA activities and services must comply with our equal opportunities policy. The Students’ Association aims to be a safe space for all GCU students. GCUSA operates within the parameters of our Constitution which is democratically determined by the members of Caledonian Student Parliament and annual elections of the student officers.
GCUSA supports all student reps within GCU to improve the student experience. More information can be found by visiting w w w. c a l e d o n i a n s t u d e n t . c o m /studentreps GCUSA is run by nine elected student officers called the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee are made up of current or former students elected across campus. You can hold the Executive Committee to account for the decisions they make at Caledonian Student Parliament. www.caledonianstudent.com/ studentparliament
Caledonian Student Parliament
Executive Committee
External Organisations (e.g. NUS)
Student Association Activities and Services
University
For more information:
www.caledonianstudent.com
ers ised student lead gn co re y an m e th To complete the Bronze Level of the Student t from the Become one of ity and stand ou rs ive Un an ni do le Ca ow sg la at G Leaders Programme, all you need to do is… crowd! ities YOU Attend induction e following activ th of y an in d If you are involve training for your udent Leader: can become a St volunteer role. ber em m ee itt m m ies Co Sports or Societ • er Nightline Volunte • Class Rep • er Re:union Volunte • Attend a Personal er Welfare Volunte • ember M t en am rli Pa t Development Seminar Caledonian Studen • of your choice. RAG Volunteer • r to Student Men • tary Work and Psychology Volun • me Volunteer Mentoring Sche ) Student ity Links (GOALS un m m Co • panding Attend the Bronze e is a rapidly ex m m ra og Pr s er ad the d an ity rs The Student Le ive Level Leadership Un e intly between th jo n ru d an e m ills m sk ra prog Seminar. u develop your iation to help yo Students’ Assoc improve your CV. mplete Programme to co e th of ls ve le e There are thre ting each one d. After comple ol G d an r lve Si iversity – Bronze, te from the Un ca ifi Fill in 6 rt ce d ne sig k a thousand you will receive a ea sp l wil at th t participative logs & ent Presiden Principal and Stud hin the Glasgow wit ip sh er ad le d a short reflective enship an words to your citiz . ity un m m log detailing your rsity co Caledonian Unive involvement. mme has the ra og Pr e th in t involved donian UniAlso, each studen for Glasgow Cale ed at in m no be r receiving a opportunity to ar with the winne Ye e th of t en versity Stud Return the completed the Summer. ion Ceremony in at du ra G e th at trophy participative logs, opr e th reflective log and ation about d out more inform fin or er st gi re To checklist to the ent.com. w.caledonianstud gramme go to ww
Student Leaders.
Congratulations! You have completed the Bronze Level of the Student Leaders Programme and are invited to attend the Student Leaders Awards Ball!
Welfare volunteering
Volunt
The Welfare Department run a number of health promotion campaigns throughout the year on issues that may affect students, from sexual health to alcohol awareness. The department can’t run these campaigns without the help of Welfare Volunteers. Welfare Volunteers run the campaign stalls, talk to students, give out information, give out freebies and generally promote the issue as widely as possible. Welfare Volunteers get full training on the role of a volunteer, and also full training on the campaign topic the week before the campaign. If you think being a welfare volunteer might be for you, then contact Denise on denise.mccaig@gcal.ac.uk
Re:Union magazine
Re:Union is the free Students’ Association magazine written by students, for students. This gives volunteers a great chance to cover features, areas of interest, fashion, music, the list is pretty long and is only limited to a volunteers imagination. Volunteers gather, edit, and pass on articles to the editor for inclusion in their section. Involvement requires that you attend roughly 10 meetings per year, each lasting approximately 1hr, and yup you guessed it, full training is given. This represents a great opportunity for the stories, thoughts and ramblings of volunteers to be published in the sleek beast that is Re:Union. If you fancy getting involved, contact Josie at josephine.mckay@gcal.ac.uk
Student Radio
We have a shiny new student radio station that we folks at the Students’ Association are launching this year. Initially all shows will be broadcasted via podcasts which can be downloaded from the Students Association website. This great opportunity has a variety of roles for volunteers to get involved in, from DJ’s to committee members to presenters and as always no experience is necessary as full training will be provided. In addition volunteers are eligible for both the Students Leaders Programme and Star Awards ceremony, hoorah! Competition will be fierce so get involved early to avoid disappointment. Contact Adelle Hopkins at adelle.hopkins@gcal.ac.uk
Give It A Go Give it a go! is a programme of taster events run by the Students’ Association. Simply put it’s a timetable of events ranging from Salsa classes to cocktail making to sign language sessions and best of all, it is entirely free! All you have to do is choose which class you wish to attend, sign up and then turn up, it is really that easy. The programme also doubles a great way to meeting new people within the university in a relaxed, fun environment. Keep a look out for what’s on offer and get yourself involved! Contact Adelle Hopkins at adelle.hopkins@gcal.ac.uk
teering
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential student listening and information service, run by students for students. Nightline volunteers man the phones from 7pm – 7am, Monday to Thursday during term time. Nightliners are given comprehensive training to ensure that they are equipped to deal with calls on a wide variety of subjects, as callers can phone about absolutely anything – which means two shifts are never the same! We don’t expect the Nightliners to stay awake all night, and there are beds, sleeping bags, a tv, dvd player and other facilities to use during the night while you’re not on the phone! Nightline is a great way to meet like-minded people and to make new friends too. If you want to know more about becoming a Nightliner then contact Denise on denise.mccaig@gcal.ac.uk
R.A.G.
RAG stands for Raising and Giving and is the student’s charities group. The RAG group raises money for various charities by holding fundraising events and those cheeky street collections that many of us avoid like the plague. The charities and fundraising activities are chosen by the volunteers. Volunteers are asked to attend regular meetings and get involved with the planning & running of fundraising events giving up as much free time as they wish to do so. Involvement in the programme gives you the chance to become part of the Student Leaders Programme and attend the Star Awards ceremony. No experience is necessary as full training and support will be provided. All that is asked of you is that you get stuck in! Contact Adelle Hopkins at adelle.hopkins@gcal.ac.uk
Star Awards
The Star Awards are where volunteers from societies, welfare, RAG, Re:Union and Caley FM are nominated to receive a shiny award for all their hard work over the year. It’s a great chance to let you’re hair down and a great chance for us to thank you for all those volunteering activities. Nice people so we are.
for more info got to www.caledonianstudent.com
What is it? Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association is the representative body for all Caledonian Students. Caledonian Student Parliament (CSP) is the ultimate decision-making committee of the Students’ Association and is made up of students just like you, representing all areas of student life at Glasgow Caledonian.
How does it work? Lots of Student Reps get elected to sit on it for an academic year and make decisions about student campaigns, GCUSA policies and directing your student representatives. It meets six times a year – three times in each semester.
What’s in it for me? By becoming a member of CSP, you will be directly affecting the student experience at GCU by representing your fellow students whilst developing your own skills and experiences for the future. You will also get the chance to meet lots of other students and become a real part of the Caledonian student community.
Where do I sign up? All you need to do is complete the relevant nomination form from www.caledonianstudent.com and return it to the Clerk to CSP, Marie Wilkinson on marie.wilkinson@gcal.ac.uk and we’ll get in touch with all the information for the next year.
Interested?
If you want to find out more about student representation, you can contact Patric Donnachie, your Vice President Student Development: Tel: 0141 273 1601, patric.donnachie@gcal.ac.uk
Caledonian Student Parliament will be held on: Friday 24th October 2008 @ 2pm – M201 Tuesday 11th November 2008 @ 3pm – B024 Friday 28th November 2008 @ 2pm – M201 Friday 13th February 2009 @ 2pm – M201 Tuesday 10th March 2009 @ 3pm – M201 Friday 24th April 2009 @ 2pm – M201
So, you’ve arrived at university and will soon be starting classes where the hard work begins, but what about the fun stuff? What are your hobbies? The last thing you want to do is give up the things you enjoy because your environment has changed. No matter who you are or where you’re from, joining a society is a great way of meeting new people with a common interest and having fun. A lot of our societies organise hugely successful events each year and there is a yearly awards ceremony which is attended by all societies. We have over 20 societies already available for you to join! There are course-based, faith, hobby based, social and more. For more information about existing societies or to find out how to start your own society, visit: www.caledonianstudent.com/societies or contact: Adelle Hopkins (Societies & Volunteering Co-Ordinator) adelle.hopkins@gcal.ac.uk
www.caledonianstudent.com/ societies
A GL
IVERSIT Y
SGOW C
EDONIAN UN
Sports
AL
SPORT
GCUSA offers a wide variety of sports and recreation activities to get involved in. Whatever your ability and aspirations are, becoming active in a sports club can be a great way to make new friends, enhance your social life and get fit as well as participating in your chosen sport. Active sports clubs: American Football, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (m & w), Cricket, Football (m & w), GAA (Gaelic Sports), Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey (m & w), Horseriding, Karate (Tei), Kayaking, Mountaineering, Muay Thai (Kick Boxing), Netball, Rugby (m), Rowing, Skiing, Swimming, Snowboarding, Table Tennis, Taekwon-Do, Trampolining, Volleyball (m & w).
Sports Bursary Programme
Sports Membership
Over the past decade Arc Recreation and Glasgow City Council have provided assistance to aspiring and talented GCU student athletes in various disciplines. A typical full bursary may include:
ACTIVE sport
£20
a Access to specific and top quality sports facilities throughout the City,
ACTIVE student
£40
a Financial assistance for costs involved in non-domestic competition and training, a Academic support. To be considered for the bursary programme you should have reached or have the potential to reach World, Olympic, Commonwealth, European, British or Scottish standards. If this applies to you application forms are available from Arc Reception. Closing dates for all applications is mid October 2008.
For more in formation
w w w.c a le d
Includes membership of all sports clubs only.
Includes membership of all sports clubs and unlimited entry to all Arc exercise classes.
ACTIVE student PLUS £100
Includes membership of all sports clubs, unlimited entry to all Arc exercise classes and sports clubs; plus unlimited use of gym & brand new showering facilities.
Available from Arc Reception and open to GCU students only, all are valid from 15.09.08 to 31.05.09.
on each spo rts club go to:
o n ia n s tu d e
n t. c o m /s p o
r ts
Arc Arc Recreation is open to all Glasgow Caledonian students. Student gym and sports memberships are available allowing access to three gyms containing a range of cardiovascular equipment, resistance equipment and free-weights. Qualified staff can offer exercise advice and design tailored personal exercise programmes. Bodypump, Body Attack, Boxercise, Spin, Yoga, TTB and Circuits feature on the varied exercise class timetable. Exercise classes are available in the early morning, lunchtimes and in the evening. The student gym and sports memberships include free entry to exercise classes and online payment is available.
Getting Involved Fayre Wed 17th Sep 2008 in the Refectory Extension (beside the Hamish Wood Building)
10.30am – 3pm Find out more about GCUSA by browsing round the stalls at the Get Involved Fayre. Volunteers and Staff from Welfare, Sports, RAG (Raising and Giving), Societies, Class Reps, Re:Union, Student Leaders will be on hand to provide help and information.
Be Involved in your Students’ Associ
ation.
Two multi-purpose halls may be used for a variety of activities such as football, badminton, basketball and martial arts. Students may participate in the sports clubs offered by the Students’ Association or book the hall at student rates for any activity.
ARC Sports Club Weds 17th Sep
Students are welcome to pop in to the Arc for a look around or to discuss their requirements with an instructor. The recreation facility is open from 7.30-8.30pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30-8.00pm Fridays and from 10.30am-4.30pm at weekends.
Thurs 18th Sep
formation log
For further in
on to
ian.ac.uk/arc www.caledon
5-6.30pm Gymnastics, Trampolining, Table Tennis, Volleyball (M&W) 6.30-8.30pm Martial Arts Festival (Taekwon-Do, Karate and Muay Thai) and Netball
5-6pm 6-7pm 7-8.30pm
Women’s Football Cricket Basketball (M&W) and Badminton (M&W)
Your chance to try out a number of different sports over two days and meet the coaches, members and volunteers from all the Arc Sports Clubs. COME & TRY!!
Studen t R ep s
Student Learning Experience
You should get involved in making your student learning experience as good as it can be and become a student rep. In the University there are various student rep roles such as Class Reps, Programme Board reps and School Board Reps. These reps are important to the University to comment on the student learning experience on University committees and to allow GCU to ensure high quality teaching and learning. The Students’ Association runs classrep training events, e-learning and provides briefings for all types of representatives. Check out www.caledonianstudent. com/studentreps for more information.
SO WHY SHOULD YOU GET INVOLVED? Improve Your Skills
Being a Student Rep gives you the opportunity to improve your skills to build your confidence and your CV - Negotiation skills; Presentation skills; Communication skills; Working with others; Problem solving
Improve Your Course/ Programme/School
Gather opinion from your class mates and help improve the course content, structure, teaching methods, teaching facilities, learning resources, assessments and a lot more
Improve Your University
Become a Student Rep and you will join 500+ other students just like you working hard to make the Student Learning Experience at Glasgow Caledonian University the best it can be
d as preo-ordi-
www.caledonian.ac.uk/caledonianconference
Shape your course. Shape your University. Shape your future. Calefderoennian ce Con
Interested?
If you want to find out more about student representation, you can contact: Student Representative Co-ordinator Kevin Ward, 0141 273 1614, kevin.ward@gcal.ac.uk or Vice President Student Development Patric Donnachie, 0141 273 1601 or at patric.donnachie@gcal.ac.uk
g i h n t l l a d n e Sp the phon e? on Nightline is now recruiting for new volunteers, training will run on Sat 4th & Sun 5th October Nightline is a confidential telephone listening service for the students of Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde Universities. It is the only service on campus that offers both information and support throughout the night. There are many benefits of becoming a nightliner as well as boosting your cv. For more information on Nightline please contact Denise McCaig (Vice President Support and Advice) on 0141 273 1612 or e-mail: denise.mccaig@gcal.ac.uk or locate her office in room NH211 (top floor of the Students’ Association building).
of the If you want to drop in to see one uiry enq r you ing ard reg s Welfare Adviser 117 NH m roo in er Mill e olin you will find Car NH118. and Kirsty McGregor in room email or Alternatively if you prefer you can phone for an appointment. Support Denise McCaig, Vice President elected & Advice is a student sabbatical to the to co-ordinate matters relating nteering welfare of students, welfare volu resents and campaigns. Denise also rep within students on all major committees ise by the University. You can find Den second going to the reception desk on the floor of the NHS building.
Denise McCaig V. P. Support & Advi ce
Direct Line: 0141 273 1612 E mail: denise.mc caig@glasgow-cale
donian.a c.uk
dviser er Welfare A ill M ne li ro Ca 1 273 1613 014 Dire ct Line: .a c.uk e.miller@gcal lin ro ca l: ai m E -
lved with Whether you want to get invo d some nee , ent artm Dep the Welfare tion, or information, support or representa door is just want someone to listen, our always open.
Kirsty M cG
E mail: kirs t
re gor Welf are Advise r
y.m c gre go
r@g cal.a c .uk
For more information about the Welfare Department you can visit our website:
www.caledonianstudent.com/welfare
We’re Here To Help vides a free non-judgemental and pro resent e Welfare Department
Th . We rep all Caledonian students confidential service to dents and the sts of both individual stu and promote the intere ependently to ole and we operate ind student body as a wh the University. ing: de range of issues includ We offer advice on a wi Appeals and lations including • Academic Regu ur ability to do s anything affected yo Special Factors: Ha or exams? well in your coursework your rights aries: Information on • Student Disciplin jor offences e.g. luding minor and ma and responsibilities inc g. plagiarism and cheatin anti-social behaviour, with fellow ur course: Difficulties • Problems on yo is not right for you feel your course students or tutor? Do you?
• Financial Worrie s: Why not come in an d talk to someone about it? We can refer you to other appropriate services. • Employment Righ ts: Your rights to the Na tional Minimum Wage, break and holiday entitlemen ts. • Listening and Su pport: If you just want to talk and need someone to listen in complete confi dence or you are worried abou t a friend, then pop in at any time, we are here to he lp. • Sexual Health: Would you like an un limited supply of condoms an d information about sexual health and clinics? Vis it us and register for your C-Card now. We are a registration and dis tribution site linked to The Sand yford Initiative.
VOLUNTEER’S - WEL
FARE DEPARTMEN
The Welfare Department promotes several health awareness days for students. Information stalls can be found outside the Welfare office and the Saltire Centre. Du ring these
T NEEDS YOU!
campaigns Welfare Vo lunteers will be available to answer questions, hand out inf ormation and give out freebies! You can get involved by helping us to manage the stalls and provide information for the other students. Our Volunteer Programme is a grea t way to meet new pe ople and develop your sk ills. There is no expe rience required as we will pr ovide the necessary tra ining. Our training sessi ons are organised to en su re students feel equipped to help out at the awar eness stalls. For all your hard work and participation you will also receive a certi ficate for the training an d campaigns you helped out with as well as an end of year social. For further informatio n on how to get involv ed check out: www.caledonianst udent.com/volunte ering
r A Part Time Job?
Are You Looking Fo
e University Career e jobs please go to th tim rt pa r fo g kin loo If you are areers/vacancies onian.ac.uk./student/c led ca w. ww : on ite bs Service we will include: view te information which da to up t ge to le ab You will be s, local newspapers , recruitment agencie es sit job e lin on , ies live vacanc ncy information. and sector specific vaca ail alerts, view live vantage of vacancy em ad e tak d an y da to Register es. d edit saved job search vacancies and create an
Coming to university can often mean a major change from the lifestyle you are used to, students often find that the university environment allows them to be open with who they are, people are generally much more accepting of diversity here. Many choose this time to “come out” to their new friends. GCUVIP is part of the Students’ Association and is the Universities LGBT Society. Organised by Students; activities include film and dinner nights, bowling, pub crawls and sometimes trips away. You can enquire about the society by e-mailing contact@gcuvip.co.uk and don’t forget to check out the website www.gcuvip.co.uk. During the first few weeks almost everyone is new so don’t worry about not knowing anyone because you will make new friends really easily. Glasgow itself is viewed as the gay capital of Scotland, with various bars and nightclubs there is always a good night to be had any day of the week. To top it off almost all the venues are within a 15 minute walk from campus. More details can be found at www.gcuvip.co.uk/society/scene Sometimes things don’t always go to plan and when that happens we are here to help. Coming out can be a very stressful time and if you need to talk to someone then the Student Counselling service is here to help. You can also e-mail the LGBT officer at gmcmul12@caledonian.ac.uk for a non judgemental listening ear. The LGBT Officer is a part time student Executive member and is here to deal with any queries or problems you may have relating to LGBT life on campus. We also run various campaigns in alongside the National Union of Students and other LGBT organisations if you would like to get more involved with this then feel free to get in touch. See you around, Graeme LGBT Officer
Shoes Shoes Shoes! We can never have enough, eh ladies? Maybe its things like this that stop us from achieving the best we could, but other (more important) examples include: domestic abuse, pregnancy, relationships, bad hair days and finances! (SHOPPING!) But no worries dudes and dudettes there is always ways to beat these problems and achieve the best we can at uni. With so much help at hand no matter what year of study your in, age, gender, and no worry how big the problem is there’s always a hand at help. So CONGRATULATIONS in being selected to study in one of the most modern universities in Glasgow! At this university there is no space for ‘boredom’. GET INVOLVED in the students association! Weather it’s in the executive committee, welfare volunteering, RAG, in the juggling society or simply just chillin’ - make sure you HAVE YOUR SAY! Not only will you meet enthusiastic students like yourself but you’ll have millions to add to your CV making university life that little more challenging for you and your friends. For me, the position of Woman’s Officer stood out and I became keen to get involved. Below are some of the ideas I will be exploring over the next year:
Woman’s Violence Day
A day to highlight the problem of those who are abused behind the curtain. Find out more about what domestic violence is and where to get help and support if you are experiencing it.
More Help For Pregnant Students
Do you feel there is not enough help for these students? Enough childcare support? Enough funding?
Woman’s Health Week
A fun-filled week packed with information to tackle some of the biggest issues our bodies encounter: from breast cancer to menstrual cramps and sexually transmitted diseases. LADIES NIGHT A little time for ladies to let their hair down in the Students’ Association, with an Ann Summers Party!
Feel free to contact me to GET INVOLVED! So with no time to spare, so much to get involved in and millions of events to experience, contact me at jsangh10@caledonian.ac.uk to let YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Take it Easy! Jas Sangha Woman’s Officer
Starting University can be a difficult time, especially if you’re moving away from home for the first time. So we’ve put together a guide of useful things to know.
Accommodation Glasgow Caledonian University has its own halls of residence – Caledonian Court. And these are located right behind the university. Beside Caley Court are several other private halls of residence, so if literally being able to roll out of bed and into your 9am lecture sounds good, then halls may be for you. Glasgow is a student friendly city, and as a result if halls are not for you, then it is relatively easy to find a private flat to rent either by yourself or with friends.
Drinking Glasgow has a wide and varied nightlife, and the city centre is full of all different bars and clubs; so whether you like Hip Hop or Cheesy Pop you’ll find somewhere that suits what you like. The West End also has a good selection of bars, but tend to have less student friendly prices. Where ever you decide to drink, we advise that you do so responsibly. Please see the ‘Survival Guide’ for more information.
Eating On campus there are several catering outlets, so where ever you are there is always somewhere near by to grab something to eat – whether it’s a sit down lunch, or a sandwich to go, you’ll find somewhere to suit your tastes. The city centre is full of bars, cafés and restaurants to suit all budgets, so if university food isn’t for you, you’ll only need to walk a short distance to find something that is. The city centre also has several supermarkets within easy walking distance of the university, so there are no excuses for not buying and cooking your own dinners!
Health Glasgow has lots of different health and fitness facilities. The Arc on campus usually offers good deals for students on memberships, and is ideally located for working out between seminars! Also offering a variety of facilities is the Glasgow Club, Glasgow City Council’s gyms. You can join one and then use any of them all over the city. There are also private gyms all over the city that are worth looking into.
Transport Glasgow has a great transport network, with a wide range of busses, trains, and underground services available. Caledonian is right beside Buchanan Bus Station the main bus terminal for Glasgow; it’s only 5 minutes walk from Buchanan Street Underground Station; 5 minutes walk from Queen Street Station and 10 minutes walk from Central Station. So where ever you live, getting to Caledonian is pretty straightforward. Taxis are plentiful in Glasgow and unless it’s pouring with rain it’s easy to flag one down on the street. Private hire taxis tend to be cheaper than Black Cabs, but the downside is you need to phone them up and wait for them to come and pick you up. It is illegal for a Private Hire taxi to stop and pick someone up if it has not been pre-booked – the only taxis you can flag down are traditional Black Cabs.
Getting Ready
It’s the start of U ni and a perfect tim e to make friends a nd socialise. Here a re some things to th ink about...
hol Lining your stomach before drinking alco re befo helps you last the night. A good feed give you go out will help you last the night and ta, pas de inclu s food l you more energy. Idea potatoes and a pint of milk.
Going Out
You know your limits. You don’t have to keep up with the fastest. If you stick with others who drink at the same rate as you, you can tak e charge of how quickly you drink and how much you spend. If you think the drink is hitting you too quickly, take a break. A small lemonade, water or coke with ice and lemon look just like a shot and mixer. A pint of water every hour and a salty snack such as crisps or pea nuts will help maintain the fluid and sal t balance of the body. Watch out for people spiking you r drink. If you must leave your drin k, make sure there is someone the re you trust to keep an eye on it.
Coming home
you got enough Do you know the time of the last bus or train? Have home separate money to get home? A good tip is to keep your fare from your spending money. and make sure We all drink too much at times so look out for each other one day! everyone gets home safely. Remember, it could be you Should someone pass out: * Don’t leave them on their own
e you are * Call an ambulance and stay wher ion * Help them into the recovery posit * Keep them warm
When back home
le of pints or Before you go to bed, drink plenty of water (a coup bed. the e more if you can manage it) and keep some besid
Useful Numbers... University/General
Students’ Association Welfare Department The Base Student Wellbeing Service (Counselling) Nightline Chaplaincy University Switchboard NUS Scotland
0141 331 3886 0141 273 1613 0141 273 1000 0141 273 1449 0141 55 22 555 0141 331 8576 0141 331 3000 0131 556 6598
Accommodation
Glasgow Caledonian University Accommodation Office at Caledonian Court Glasgow City Council Unite – Halls of Residence Victoria Halls – Halls of Residence
Health
Financial
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) Student Loan Company (SLC) Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) National Debtline National Minimum Wage Helpline The Benefits Agency Tax Enquiry Centre Council Tax Helpline University Funding Adviser – Sue Hindhaugh
0845 111 1711 0800 405 010 0844 848 9600 0800 808 4000 0845 600 678 0141 557 4000 0845 302 1452 0845 600 8040 0174 273 1246
Woodside Health Centre Townhead Health Centre NHS 24
Sexual Health
The Sandyford Initiative The Family Planning Association
0141 331 3980 0141 287 4324 0141 339 6272 or 0141 333 9837 0141 354 1000
0141 531 9200 0141 531 9800 08454 24 24 24
0141 211 8130 0845 122 8690
Mental Health
GAMH – Advice and Support on Mental Health Issues Samaritans Women’s Aid
0141 552 5592 08457 90 90 90 0141 553 2022
www.caledonianstudent.com/nightline
0141 55 22 555 Confidential Listening and Information Service
Course Work and Exams
Congratulations! Given that you are
completed readin g this, you have already lifi cation your first step towards a qua the prospe ct by gettin g into University. If someone of years of studying without m a little nag gin g you through it may see are not daunting at first. Remember you are 14,500 plus alone in your studying; there ! students going through it too The New2GCU website on
gcu will www. caledonian.ac .uk/new2
ful information provide you with lots of use GCU. on kick starting your time at
The most common forms are essays or reports, presentations and the dreaded exams! Know what the plagiarism policy is and what counts as plagiarism. Copying or cheating is not tolerated and can have serious consequences for your degree. If in doubt, ask your tutor. The size of the reading list you are presented with at the start of your course may be immense but you may not have to buy the entire list. If you can only purchase a few books, try and find out the key text for the course and rely on the library for the rest. Share books with friends too.
Know where you ca n go to solve any problems
Lectures
These provide the foundations for your courses. They vary in size, frequency and length. However, one common thread is that, no matter how tempting it is to miss them, you should try and make the effort to attend and take semi-legible notes.
Tutorials/seminars
These are small groups of around 10-20. They generally discuss in more detail the topic s covered in that week’s lectures. Active parti cipation is encouraged and attendance compulsory.
Labs
Generally used by the scien ces and usually compulsory attendance, labs are usually three hours in length. Vital to your courses, it is worthwhile payin g attention to your practical work, espe cially as you will often have to write up reports on what you have achieved.
For academic proble ms your course tuto r or Head of Departm ent should all be ab le to help you depend ing on the seriousne ss of your problem. Yo ur academic adviser is also an important point of contact to remember. The Base in the Sa ltire Building is a one-stop-shop for in formation about support that the Un iversity offers. They can refer you to care ers, childcare, counselling, disability service, effective learning, funding an d many more service s provided for you. M ore information can be found at www.learningservice s.gcal.ac.uk/thebas e or telephone 0141 27 3 1000. If you feel you don’ t want to discuss yo ur problem with a mem ber of University staff, you can always come and speak to someone in the Wel fare Department in the Students’ Associatio n.
Getting e r y a F d e Involv Wed 17th Sep 2008 in the Refectory Extension (beside the Hamish Wood Building)
10.30am – 3pm Find out more about GCUSA by browsing round the stalls at the Get Involved Fayre. Volunteers and Staff from Welfare, Sports, RAG (Raising and Giving), Societies, Class Reps, Re:Union, Student Leaders will be on hand to provide help and information.
Be Involved in your Students’ Associ
ation.
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