Freshers '19 Welcome Magazine by Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union

freshers magazine

contents welcome

quiz

presidents

page 4

page 5

page 9

student opportunities

freshers events

coastal mindfulness

page 13

page 31

page 35

voices

ResLife

advice service

page 37

page 43

page 41

night services

student voice

page 44

page 47

welcome

Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union is The SU for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall. We are a membership-led charity which aims to ensure that every student has the highest quality of education and the best student experience possible whilst at university. We offer academic representation, advice, and a huge range of sports clubs, societies and volunteering opportunities to meet the needs and interests of an ever-changing and diverse student population. Come and say hi to your SU team during Freshers. We can’t wait to meet you all!

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/thesufalexe thesu.org.uk

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@thesufalexe

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thesufalexe

info@the su.org.uk

quiz So you've made it to campus but what next? This quiz will help you identify potential areas of interest as you embark on student life.

1. What's the most exciting thing about university life? a) the social life b) the extra-curricular activities c) change! d) the networking and employability opportunities

3. It seems like there are hundreds of freshers events in the first couple of weeks! What tasters do you go to? a) a society-led pub tour b) go to a sports club taster session c) join Zero Waste Society and clean the local beaches d) check out my department's upcoming guest lecture series

5. Good news! Wednesday afternoons are lecture-free. How are you going to use that time? a) catching up with mates at the bar b) jamming with friends c) volunteering and campaigning d) browsing for internships

2. It's been a long day settling into accommodation. How do you spend your first night on campus? a) head to the campus bar to meet new people b) get to know everyone in my block with my new flat squad c) watch a documentary on Netflix d) head to the Meet Your Mentor event to find out more about my course

4. Freshers has come to an end, but there's still more to come. What are you most looking forward to? a) regular parties in the Stannary b) joining one of the student media groups c) Sustainability Week d) nominating myself for a student representation role

6. Out of all of the glorious breads in the world (yes, we went there), which describes you best? a) toast - good with everything b) pretzel - a bit twisted c) garlic bread - bit smelly but amazing at heart d) wholewheat - healthy and wholesome

profile a

the social type

We have a packed Freshers programme to introduce you to the student community. Head to page 31 for a taste of what’s to come. There will also be opportunities throughout the year for students to host their own events. Keep an eye on our online events calendar for all of the latest additions at thesu.org.uk.

profile c

the change maker

Whether you’re a fundraiser, volunteer or eco-warrior, we get the feeling you’re here to make a difference. Go to page 14 for details about volunteering, page 33 if you’re a green bean and 14 if you like a challenge for charity.

profile b

the team player

We support over 140 student-led activity groups, from the magical and mind-bending Harry Potter Society and Quititch Club, to the more traditional Rugby and African Caribbean Society. Find the full list of activity groups on page 15 & 19. For more information about what we have to offer including how to access a £2,000 sports bursary, head to page 11.

profile d

the academic

If we’ve got it right, then you’re really passionate about your course and engaging with as much of it as possible. Go to page 47 to see how you can get involved with student representation, either as a Course Rep or a member of our Leadership Team.

flip me

our core values we will always be...

inclusive

collaborative

empowering

we consider the impact of our work on and for everyone, not just those who are most visible. We strive to reach, respect and work with those who may need our help and support the most.

we work in partnership with our universities, other organisations, and the wider community to achieve the best student experience for our members.

we want to help our members achieve the best they can. We focus on giving enough support to help people to help themselves to succeed.

our vision

“A world-class student experience for all of our students” our mission on pursuit of this vision

“To have a positive impact on every member’s personal student journey”

our team will always be...

professional caring fun!

callie edwards president falmouth /SUPresidentFalmouth callie.edwards@thesu.org.uk thesu.org.uk/presidentfalmouth

hello! I am Callie and I'm your President Falmouth. I was elected into this role last year and was elected in again for this year! It is my responsibility to act as your representative regarding all things academic and related to your life at university. In my role I go to tonnes of meetings with the senior management of the University and I present feedback from the students, working with the University to make sure that decisions are made with your best interests.

Falmouth is a growing university with so many students who are distance, off campus, postgrad, undergrad. And in my role I am making it a priority to make sure that the University is growing with all of you in mind so no student gets left behind. Personally, from my manifesto, I am looking to: - Use what I have learnt from the last year to make lasting changes to better our representation system - Increase the amount of student artwork around the University - And work on bettering our Union 'business as usual' so that we are the best at representing you If you ever want to get in touch with me please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate, you can contact me through Facebook, email or by dropping into the office.

joe rigby president exeter

/SUPresidentExeter joe.rigby@thesu.org.uk thesu.org.uk/presidentexeter

hey there! My name is Joe and I’m your President Exeter. My role is to represent the voices of the University of Exeter students at our Cornwall campuses in Penryn and Truro to the highest levels of the university. My focus is to use your feedback to ensure you have the best academic experience while you’re studying here.

The year is set to be very exciting and super busy for all of us, please make the most of The Students' Union throughout the year and never hesitate to get in touch if you have any problems, come in to the office, message me on Facebook or drop me an email.

I graduated with a BSc in Zoology in 2019 and have loved spending three years in Cornwall studying at Penryn Campus. Studying here gives you so many opportunities, especially as we share our campus with Falmouth University. This is a unique collaboration so make the most of it! Everyone in The Students' Union is here to provide you with the best experience they can while you are studying here. We use your feedback to make the changes you want to see, whether this comes from the Rep Online System or chats with me. I will take your comments and work with the university on your concerns and make it clear what you want to see more of.

allie guy president welfare & inclusivity /SUPresidentWelfare allie.guy@thesu.org.uk thesu.org.uk/presidentwelfare andinclusivity

hello! I’m Allie Guy, your first ever President Welfare & Inclusivity. Although the title has changed my remit stays pretty similar to your previous President Community & Welfare but with a stronger focus on the inclusion of all students, no matter your background. My main role is to support students outside of their academic studies. This includes assisting student communities, developing and encouraging the creation of welfare campaigns and maintaining and improving student welfare services. To summarise, my job is about everything and anything concerning your welfare and inclusion during your time at University. University can be one of the most amazing experiences but if you find that you’re having a bad day or something a little more serious has happened then I’m your first port of call. Come to me for a chat, to share an idea or find out about what welfare services are available to you and I’ll see what we, as your Students’ Union, can do to help you make the most of your time at university.

sarah redman president student experience /SUPresidentExperience sarah.redman@thesu.org.uk thesu.org.uk/presidentstudentexperience

hiya! I'm Sarah Redman, your President Student Experience, and I represent students from both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campuses. This basically means that it is my job to oversee facilities (the space and things you use), student opportunities (the stuff you do outside of your studies) and sustainability (to help make our campuses cleaner and greener).

Alongside the extra-curricular stuff, I am also the main link between the students and the commercial services, such as the Stannary Bar, Fox Café, the shops, the Sports Centre, and more. I also work with FX Plus-owned and managed accommodation such as Glasney, Packsaddle, the Sidings and more. Plus, now that both universities have declared climate emergency (you're welcome), I help to make sure that our campuses are as green as they can possibly be. Finally, I work with the library and IT, as well as estates and transport. If you have any queries or feedback on our facilities, feel free to drop me a message, as your feedback is really, really important!

There are absolutely tonnes of things for you to get involved in whilst you’re at university, from sports clubs, to societies, to events and trips, and the best part is that they’re all designed to help you meet like-minded people and have a great time. We also run projects like Choose Your Day, which I'm here to help you, whether that is listening to your you can join at any time. concerns, helping you to get involved, or making an idea into a reality. I look forward to meeting you all soon and make The SU is very student-led, so there are many opportunities sure to add me on Facebook to stay tuned. for you to get involved and, if you’d like to, improve your leadership and organisation skills. If you have an idea that you want to make a reality, whether that’s setting up a new group or something even wackier, let me know and I will see how I can help. If you want to really put your skills to the test, you can become a representative for students and help feed back to The SU on anything from sport, to jacket potatoes, to future building projects. Exciting, right?!

student opportunities Your Students' Union has many brilliant sports clubs and societies for you to get involved with, as well as countless volunteering and fundrasing opportunities. . Getting involved in activities is how many students find their place at university, taking up old (and new) hobbies, making friends and socialising with like-minded people.

societies Our societies offer amazing experiences and opportunities for socialising, learning, and improving your employability. Whether it’s a course-related society, a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or something new, we can guarantee that once you’ve joined in with a society you will never look back.

sport

If you feel we don’t have the activity group you’re looking for, you can always set up your own. We will provide you with support and we may be able to give you some financial assistance to get your club off the ground. Email your President Student Experience, Sarah Redman, with any ideas at sarah.redman@thesu.org.uk

From traditional sports like hockey and rugby, to quidditch and surfing, our sports clubs are a great way to get active. Not all of our clubs are super competitive; there’s something for everyone to get involved in. Students of exceptional sporting talent are also invited to apply for our Sports Bursary. Successful applicants will receive up to £2,000 to cover training and competition costs, such as entry fees, travel and accommodation, essential equipment and physiotherapy. Applicants must demonstrate achievement at national level and above, or show potential to compete at national level. Each application will be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration the chosen sport, achievements to date, potential BUCS points, selection process, league structure and sporting aspirations.

volunteering Volunteering projects are a wonderful way to meet new people whilst giving back to the community. From taking part in beach cleans, to community arts projects and conservation initiatives, there are so many ways you can help improve the environment and community. If you volunteer, make sure to log your hours through our Legends scheme on the SU website and receive awards and goodies for your efforts. No matter how much time you give, if you volunteer, you are a Legend to your Students’ Union.

fundraising Here at your Students’ Union, we are really passionate about fundraising. Last year we raised an insane £88,976.97 for charity! Throughout the year, we support individuals with their own challenges, counting the coppers for fundraising marathons, 5ks, tough mudders, channel swims and pretty much everything else you can think of. Lots of our student groups get involved in fundraising, with many of our sports clubs, societies and volunteering projects choosing to Adopt a Charity for the year. To find out more about all of our wonderful activities, head to the SU website: thesu.org.uk/studentopportunities

sports clubs Airsoft American Football Archery Athletics Badminton Ballet Ballroom & Latin Dancing Basketball Boxing Cheerleading Circus Clay Shooting Climbing Cricket Cycling Dodgeball EFU BSAC Dive Expedition Fencing Football CSM Football FalEx Football Ladies Gig Rowing Gymnastics Hip Hop Society Hockey Ladies Hockey Men's Horse Riding Jazz & Lyrical Dance Kayaking Kung Fu

Lacrosse Motorsport Netball Parkour Pole Fit Quidditch Rounders Rugby Ladies Rugby Men's Sailing Sea Swimming Shinty Skate Snowsports Squash SUP Surf Club Surf Life Saving Swimming Taekwon-do Tang Soo Do Tap Dancing Tennis Touch Rugby Ultimate Frisbee Vertical Dance Volleyball Yoga

"Don't be afraid to get stuck in. Try something new and find your passion."

joe phillips BSc Zoology Sports Officer

If time flies when you’re having fun, then what happens when you’re having the best time of your life? My first year at university was three years ago but I can remember being a Fresher as if it were yesterday. University is your chance to discover yourself and realise your strengths and weaknesses. Sport provides the perfect platform to make new friends and embed yourself in university life. The opportunities that are on offer are too good to miss. So, if I had any advice for those starting this year, I would say throw yourself into everything and don't be afraid to get stuck in. Freshers will give you the chance to try out as many sports as you like… for free! From horse riding to shinty, the sports world is your oyster.

I had always loved playing rugby and football at school but I wanted to use university as a chance to try something new. Studying at the ‘University of Falifornia’, I thought it would be appropriate to get stuck into the beach boy scene. Picture this: bobbing out back with your mates after a ‘hard’ day’s work. Watching the waves roll in and the sun setting across the stunning Cornish coast. It’s safe to say I caught the bug. And I’m sure you will too. Where else can you go for a pre-lecture surf and rock up to your 9am in trunks and flip flops? Having played a variety of sports for the university over the last three years, I decided to run for the Sports Officer position on the Leadership Team. After being elected, I spoke with the Presidents to discuss how sports can be improved at the more elite level and also ensure it’s accessible to those newcomers. One project I am excited about is the kit rebrand. Over the next year, we will try to create a consistent design across all sports kit, whether CSM or The SU, which will help create that family feel. So, whether you're playing hockey, rugby or lacrosse, you can look across the library and know you're all part of the same team, fighting for the same cause. Being on the SU Leadership Team as Sports Officer, I love hearing from students, whether regarding sport or anything else that may enhance student life down here. If you've got any ideas or suggestions, I would love to talk to you about it to try and make our university better than it already is. So, if I could leave you with one message, it would be this: Don't be afraid to get stuck in. Try something new and find your passion. That’s what university is all about.

"It allowed me to broaden my friendship circle and make the most of my university experience."

laura armogie BA(Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising Sports Bursary/FRA I’ve just completed my second and final year as a fast-track degree Fashion Buying and Merchandising student at Falmouth University and I was so happy to be offered a sports bursary, especially as I studied off-campus in London at the Fashion Retail Academy. I think it’s amazing to be recognised despite this and it has been great to come down to Falmouth and spend time competing with the athletics team at varsity events and meeting other bursary students. It has allowed me to broaden my friendship circle and make the most of my university experience.

My sport is athletics, specifically high jump, and with this I travel quite a bit for competitions across the country and sometimes Europe. The Sports Bursary has helped me get to these places to allow me to compete at high level competitions. Here is a breakdown of my achievements since being a bursary student:

I began my 2018 season representing England at an international event in Hustopece (Czech Republic) I achieved a silver medal at the Indoor British University Championships – where I travelled and stayed with the team for the long weekend, which was great fun! I won the gold medal at the Indoor Essex and Eastern County Championships I won the bronze medal at the Outdoor British University Championships I won the Senior Southern Inter-County Championships, where I represented Essex I received the silver medal at the U23 National Championships I achieved the bronze medal at the Senior England Championships and CAU Championships I won the Gold medal at the Southern Athletics Championships I came second at the Southern Intercounty Championships I came fifth at the National Age group Championships   I have been so grateful for the continued support from the bursary, especially through a tough season with an ongoing sciatic nerve issue.

COME JOIN US TODAY 90 station gym and studio A large timetable of fitness classes 4 court sports hall Community memberships Student Memberships from ÂŁ34 Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE

fxplus.ac.uk/sportscentre

01326 370770

societies ACS (African Caribbean Society) AIM (Ambition in Mind) Anime & Manga Arab Society Art Fal Society Asian Society Autistic Soc BeeSoc The Beach Clean Project The Chorus CSMSA (Camborne School of Mines Student Association) CSM SEG (Camborne School of Mines Society of Economic Geologists) Cornish Celtic Society Creative Writing Christian Union Chess Debating Union Eco Soc English Society Entrepreneurs Society Events Society The Falmouth Anchor Feccles Drama Fern Sessions Film Society First Aid Society Flicka The Force Academy FX3D FXUrovison Generation Wild Geog Soc GfTD (Geology for Global Development) Ghanaian Book Connection Green Living Harry Potter Hispanic Society History Society Islamic Society Jazz Harbour

K-Pop Labour Society Law Society Les Republicains Life Nature Magazine Math Soc Marine Watch Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meals Meditation & Mindfulness MUN (Model United Nations) Orchestra Penryn Memory Cafe Penryn Press Penryn Produce Pic Soc Politics Society Pokemon Poker Society Pride Society Play in Motion Public Speaking Radio Soc RES (Renewable Energy Society) SADI Association Scouts & Guides (Kernow SSAGO) Song Writers Street Art Table Top Gaming Society Tolkien Society Truro Med Soc Truro Paediatric Soc Tremough Follies Musical Theatre Viva Voce Video Gaming Society The Wave Project Wild Doc Soc Women in Business Women in Mining Young Conservative Association Young Liberals Zero Waste Society

sam sanford BA(Hons) Acting President of the Harry Potter Society Everyone has a nerdy hobby, a niche interest, a favourite book series. I’m Sam Sandford, incoming President of the Harry Potter Society and, for me, Harry Potter has gone from a childhood love to something that brings me together with friends who I consider my family. From arts and crafts like wand making, to Common Room pub nights at The Three Broomsticks (Beerwolf Books), and Cards Against Muggles and board game nights to our Christmas Yule Ball, Harry Potter Society is chock full of fun activities. We are also looking into trips such as a visit to the Screech Owl Sanctuary, the Museum of Witchcraft, and much more. Our members come from both Falmouth and Exeter Universities, with a variety of course backgrounds. I have found that I am meeting people I likely never would have, had it not been for this society; my roommate and best friend is doing a totally opposite course to me! We pride ourselves on being an inclusive society; everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin (like me), you are welcome to come, pull up a chair, eat a pumpkin pasty and share a butterbeer with a group of likeminded people (all while debating the moral implications of using polyjuice potion to pretend to be your lecturer). Some may call us nerds, hell, we would be inclined to agree with you. Give us a Harry Potter quiz and we’ll be answering it all in five minutes, correcting your spelling mistakes and telling you that the answers you’ve provided are technically wrong according to the books. We take pride in the fact that, though our knowledge may not be seen by society as useful, (‘you can’t get a

"I have found that I am meeting people I likely never would have, had it not been for this society."

degree in Harry Potter’), it bonds us together and makes us happy, and that, to us, is all that matters. Yes, other societies may give you practical skills, but our society gives people a place to let go and relax, to, as cheesy as it sounds, find a little magic. Our society has become more than just a place to talk about our shared love of a classic book series, it has become a safe haven for misfits, the shy people, the people who are too loud, the people who ‘stick out too much’, and I honestly love it and look forward to running it this year. So, come and join us on Wednesdays from 6.30pm in Peter Lanyon Seminar 3. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

nicola cowper MSci Environmental Science Fundraising Officer

In my first year at university, I was barely involved with The Students' Union at all. Moving to a new place, meeting all those people, getting used to different timetables and a different style of teaching made me think that starting a society, or doing something new, would have been all too much. I stuck to similar things that I had done at home, like going to choir and church, and made friends through my course and who I was living with. Midway through first year, one of my lecturers proposed an idea to send second-hand books from schools in the UK to schools in Ghana. I thought this was brilliant - a sustainable idea which promotes education and international development. A group of us met up and we eventually turned into a committee. We then set up the group as a society to start running the following September as Ghanaian Book Connection. This led to so many opportunities in the second year. We collaborated with so many societies by putting on events and raising the money to send books to Ghana. We also travelled around Cornwall collecting books and teaching students in schools about what we were doing. At home, charity and fundraising was always a large part of my life, but I never thought I would be part of setting up my own 'charity' in a way, through all the ups and downs of sending off over 1,000 books within six months, to sending many emails to other coordinators and not getting anywhere with it. Setting up a society is hard, and to go far you and your team need to be passionate and prepared to put in the time to get the rewards and

"I am looking forward to helping other students pursue all of the opportunities that The Students' Union has to offer."

recognition. We won ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at The Students' Union Activities Awards and I managed to reach my Gold ‘Legends’ volunteering award by volunteering over 250 hours to get Ghanaian Book Connection up and running. Through meeting like-minded students who were passionate about the environment, volunteering and fundraising, I was encouraged to run for Fundraising Officer and have succeeded. I am looking forward to working with RAD (Raise and Donate), societies and individuals to promote sustainable fundraising and helping other students pursue all of the opportunities that The Students' Union has to offer.

emily guilford BSc Zoology President of The Beach Clean Project

For many people, university might sound like a very daunting prospect. Coming straight from my A-Levels, I assumed my degree would involve a lot of contact hours and no free time to do things that I wanted to do. Thankfully, I was very wrong! Many people come out of university with just their degree, and that’s absolutely fine, but I wanted to boost my CV while learning and contribute to things in the local area. I started volunteering once I reached second year by helping out with postgraduate projects and volunteering with student-led groups and groups in the local area. I also took my community volunteering abroad over the summer, logging over 500 hours working at a bear sanctuary in Romania. Working with The Students' Union and a group of like-minded friends in my final year, I helped to take-over and revamp ‘The Beach Clean Project’, one of The SU’s volunteer projects. While connecting the group with the local branch of international charity Big Blue Ocean Clean-Up, we ran events with the aim of cleaning up the local area, raising awareness about single-use plastic, and enhancing relationships between students and the local community. In February, we organised a campus-wide Plastic-Free Week, raising funds for our adopted NGO, Big Blue Ocean Clean-Up. The week included events such as a PlasticFree Market with local companies and organisations such as Lush, Tidal Revival and Incredible Bulk, a conference featuring speakers, such as author and creator of the #2minutebeachclean, Martin Dorey, and Sue

Sayer from Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust. The week attracted interest from over 500 students and local people and raised £250. Our Plastic-Free Week even earned us a National Society Award from the National Union of Students for the Best Fundraising & Campaigning Society against over 800 other student-led groups across the country. Other events, such as our Big Street Clean collaboration with the Community Wardens and Falmouth Civic Society, attracted the attention of local news outlets and was shortlisted for The Students' Union’s Activities Awards. We were also shortlisted for Volunteer Project of the Year, and both Co-Presidents (myself included) for Most Outstanding Committee Member. Using The SU’s platform ‘Legends’, I could record all of the volunteering that I’d been doing across all of these activities, which then gave me an idea of all of the skills that I’d gained and how many volunteering hours I’d accumulated. I am grateful for all of the opportunities which I’ve been able to have, thanks to The SU and other projects in Cornwall. They’ve allowed me to connect more with other students outside of my course, connect more with my surroundings in Cornwall, and accumulate over 1,000 hours of volunteering for my CV and to talk to future employers about. All of my volunteering earned me a School’s Commendation Award from my college for outstanding contribution. I’ll be continuing on next year as President of The Beach Clean Project while studying my Masters, and am excited to continue on my volunteering journey!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok not to be ok. How are you? Not so good? Email studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk Feeling lost? Contact info@the su.org.uk Want online help? Visit the su.org.uk/welfare In crisis? Call Samaritans 116 123

"Being a part of a committee for something you're passionate about is something that I would highly recommend if you get the chance. "

tom mcintosh BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography Wellbeing Officer University is a big step. The change can be daunting and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of new people and so much to do that it can be hard to know where to start. I remember over summer being really nervous about the idea of coming to university but then, as soon as I arrived and started to get involved, I realised that coming to Falmouth was one of the best decisions Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made. For me, throwing myself into as much as possible was the greatest thing I could have done, and with so much on offer it has allowed me to not only pursue past interests but also try out new things I have always wanted to do. This year, I have been a member of 11 societies with a diverse range from astronomy to rock climbing, and surfing to cheerleading; there was no shortage of things to experience. And whilst I couldn't attend everything that was on offer, I had a constant flow of things to do. Personally, this was the best part of my uni experience,

as I've kept busy and have made my closest friends through the groups I most regularly attend. I advise everyone to try and get involved with anything they think they might find interesting. The way I did it was just to try out as much as I possibly could during Freshers and I then stuck with what I enjoyed the most. This year, I also founded my own society, along with my flatmate, called AIM (Ambition in Minds). AIM is a mental wellbeing society, with the goal to raise awareness, fundraise and help to make the uni experience that little bit easier for everyone, whilst keeping our support informal and easy to access. We essentially are aiming to be that stepping stone between self-care and professional support. Mental health is a big topic at the moment, which affects many of us in many different ways. Going to university is one of the biggest changes people go through and can prove to be a difficult time, so we believed it important for there to be a student group that would work closely with The Students' Union, and with the Wellbeing Team, to help support students in the best possible way and provide them with the tools to help themselves, but also provide them with a platform should they need support. Running a society has been an amazing experience for me, as I have been able to put together and run a number of events across the uni related to wellbeing. In doing so, I have learned so much about management, and about communication and organisation with peers, The Students' Union, staff and people external to the uni. Being a part of a committee for something you're passionate about is something that I would highly recommend if you get the chance.

self-care By Allie Guy President Welfare & Inclusivity

You’ll have had the talk from your parents and friends; don’t drink too much, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, pizza is not a sustainable diet, blah blah blah. But you have much more pressing things on your mind. What do you wear for Freshers events? Who will you sit next to on your first day? Where’s the go-to pub in town? All pressing matters but, actually, your welfare is important too so here’s ten quick tips to keep you on track when you have a spare second between socialising. 1. Fruit and veg A balanced diet is more than a little important for your wellbeing. Your gut is where your body creates serotonin, so a happy gut equals a happy head. Remember fruit and veg, just a little every day is a good start (and no, grapes in wine doesn’t count). 2. Try to get eight hours sleep, at least once every couple of days Yes, you’ll be partying till the early hours throughout Freshers but sleep really is important. Aim for six to eight hours a night on those days you aren’t boogying in Mangos. 3. Time to yourself Socialising is majorly important in your first couple of weeks at university but remember that it’s okay to say no and take some you time instead. There will be plenty of other opportunities over the next three years to have a gossip.

4. Talk a walk The grounds on both Penryn and Falmouth campuses are beautiful so make the most of it; find the secret garden, stroll around the Italian Gardens and sing in the outdoor amphitheatre. And don’t forget to make the most of Cornwall, the beach is on your doorstep. 5. Pop into the Chaplaincy Contrary to belief, the Chaplaincy isn’t only for people with religious beliefs. The staff in there are friendly, welcoming and more than happy to see you for a cuppa and a chat at any time. There’s also a lovely seating area, bed to have a lie down in and kitchen there so make yourself at home. 6. Exercise It doesn’t have to be a fully blown HIIT workout but a brisk stroll or some yoga can do wonders for the soul. And don’t forget that the all-weather sports pitch and gym on campus are there for all your activity needs.

7. Water It’s recommended that you should drink around three pints of water a day, and with the alcohol consumption that might happen during Freshers, you should probably aim for a few more than that! Dehydration has also been directly linked with fatigue, so keep an eye out for that.

10. Social media blackout Yes, you look fab in that Boomerang and you want to know which of your new friends have liked it but, actually, ten minutes every hour away from social media can be a blessing. Get back in touch with reality, put the phone down, and engage with the bright new world around you.

8. Mindfulness As well as being the latest craze, mindfulness is actually really helpful. Apps like Calm and Headspace can teach you basic mindfulness and help you escape the stresses of everyday life. Give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.

University is an experience like no other, full of excitement and opportunities, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t down days and stressful moments. Remember that your Students’ Union is there to help and support in any way we can.

9. Get creative Falmouth is an arts university so there are plenty of opportunities to get creative around here. Doing a little doodle or creating a masterpiece can be the perfect wellbeing experience and remember, art is in the eye of the beholder, so be confident in your ability.

Who to contact if you need wellbeing support: The Students’ Union E: info@thesu.org.uk T: 01326 255861 Student Services and Wellbeing Team W: compass.fxplus.ac.uk E: studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk T: 01326 370460

fresh 29

full events programme and ticket info available online

hers the su.org.uk/freshers

ellie brown

flexible combined honours co-president of penryn produce

My journey into improving the sustainability of Penryn Campus began early on in first year when I got involved with some of the more 'environmentally minded' societies such as Green Living. It wasn't until second year, when I applied for NCS Student Eats funding with three other students, and Penryn Produce was created, that I was able to recognise a desire within myself to create the solutions that change people's behaviours to one's that are more sustainable. I saw this as more important than my studies in many ways, because it was actually using my knowledge of landscape degradation, climate change, societal breakdown etc, to make a difference. This meant I didn't have to wait for graduation before contributing to change.â&#x20AC;Ż We were able to receive funding from Student Eats whose main aim is to give students both opportunities to develop businesses dealing with sustainable food and have access to the food itself. Receiving

this funding was the beginning of a steep learning curve, which brought me into contact with many wonderful, inspiring people and highlighted to me what I want to make my life's goals. With the support of The Students' Union, NUS Student Eats, and, of course, other Penryn Produce committee members and customers, we have been able to keep expanding and have become well known on campus.â&#x20AC;Ż Cornwall, and in particular Falmouth, is an extremely special place to study because it still has a close community, especially around the development of sustainable and local food. I feel that I am living close to many people who are passionate about a reconnection to food and therefore the land and nature providing it.â&#x20AC;Ż I believe reconnecting to our food is a gateway into living more sustainably as it makes people slow down, take time to understand the foods that are seasonal right now, and also feel closer to the individuals dedicating time to growing it.

Moving forward with Penryn Produce is also going to be super exciting as we were able to receive a substantial sum of money to expand from NUS Student Eats. This means more of the good stuff! Grant writing is such a useful skill to have and one of the many that I have been able to practise within Penryn Produce. I recommend making use of opportunities like this, whilst you have organisations such as NUS Student Eats or The Students' Union to support you. It's a lot more fun and there's space for mistakes when it's not your money riding on it succeeding!

I will be heading into final year now, and I am not sure how easy I will find it to balance the work load, Penryn Produce, Green Living and all the activities I hope to get involved in. But it's all about the journey, not the outcome, and I am for sure learning and laughing a lot.  Can't pretend though that deadlines don't still suck...but when you have found your fellow 'green beans' then this is much easier to cope with.

l a t s a o c fulness mind By Carrie Bristow

I created a book for my final university project, featuring coastal photographs and colouring pages full of shells and seaweed. The project was motivated by my own experiences of anxiety and how the beach and ocean helped me to relax and gain a clearer perspective whilst studying. It highlights key features found at the coast and lists mindful activities that could encourage you to explore the local beaches in and around Cornwall. They may be used to bring a sense of calm in this scary but exciting time as you enter a new place and find your feet.

Walk bare-footed to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, noticing the sand or shingle between your toes. Notice the temperature and texture of the materials beneath you. Take a deep breath and notice your chest rise and fall like the waves Search for sea glass, shells or starfish. Observe the colour of the ocean. How does this make you feel? Go for a swim, a paddle or simply watch a single wave rush over your feet, Light a BBQ and watch the flames flicker and the embers glow. Write down your thoughts and feeling, hopes and worries. Take photographs of, or sketch, items from the surroundings. Switch off from technology. Try taking a break from your phone and social media accounts to be present. Share your experience and take a friend. Do your bit. Spend two minutes collecting litter on your own little beach clean.

Voices is a student-led campaign, providing a platform for people whose voice might previously have been lost in the noise. Over the past two years, the Voices team have published 10 beautiful print editions covering 10 different emotive and, sometimes, painful topics.

stories that need to be shared, no matter the topic. But don’t panic, Voices will still have three stunning print editions; BME, pride and disability.

If you want to be involved in the making of Voices then please get in touch at voicesSU@gmail.com or check out Now we’re back for a third year! This time www.thesu.org.uk/news/article/6013/Joinwe’re taking it back to the original themes the-Voices-team-2019/ to find out what but with a few new and exciting side projects. roles are available. This year will see the launch of the Voices website; a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of those who feel that their voice has been lost in the noise. By taking the project online, we are enabling the capture of all

zoe burden

BA(hons) creative events management inclusivity officer Hi I'm Zoe Burden, a 23 year old third year Creative Events Management student.  I’ve enjoyed roles such as Course Rep, President of the Don't DisAbility Society, and Disabled Students Mentor Leader Falmouth, and I am now expanding my experience and responsibility in my new role as Inclusivity Officer. Whilst my previous experience with inclusivity has largely been around representing disabled students, I believe the empathy, compassion and understanding of what it feels like to be 'the other' required to do this, is something that can be applied to other minority groups. My aim in this role is to be the voice of the minorities to create a students’ union that benefits EVERYONE.    Things I have done for inclusivity: Ran alternative inclusive events to the large-scale ones at the Stannary for special occasions (such as Halloween) for people who struggle with crowds and/or are socially anxious Ran an accessible sports day to showcase and encourage disability sport Collaborated with minority representation societies/groups on events and campaigns such as Pride, BSL, Autistic Soc and the Liberation Committee

Ran/managed meet and greets and a social media page to bring disabled students together Created the Cornwall Accessible Venue Guide Delivered inclusivity training at the Students’ Union’s Committee Conference Kept in constant communication with the Accessibility Team to improve physical access on campus (such as the repaving of brick pathways to a smoother, safer surface) Created and managed Disability Week – an awareness and support campaign, particularly targeting the use of offensive language Event managed the recent Diversity in Entrepreneurship and Experience Design Conference

Things I hope to do: Manage Disability Week 2020 Work with the Liberation Committee on creating a campaign week (like Disability Week) for all minorities Host a larger accessible sports day involving more sports and organisations Further improve/expand inclusivity training across both universities Host more events to encourage the socially anxious to become more confident Continue to work with the Accessibility Team to improve physical access on campus Most importantly, in my role as Inclusivity Officer. I will be there to listen to and act upon the feedback of the students with inclusion issues and/or suggestions, so please get in touch:  ZB205545@falmouth.ac.uk

LIVE @AMATA PASS AVAILABLE FOR FALMOUTH AND EXETER STUDENTS TO BUY The Live @AMATA Pass offers subsidised tickets to the programme of professional work shown in the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) throughout the year. There are two pass options: ■ A one year pass that includes 7 tickets for performances in 2019/20 and costs £60. ■ A three year pass that includes 21 tickets for performances (7 per year) and costs £155. Further information: amata.org.uk/livepass

advice & welfare Your Students’ Union Advice Service Free | Impartial | Confidential The Advice Service’s primary role is to deliver free, confidential, impartial advice and guidance to all University of Exeter Cornwall campus and Falmouth University students. We can do this because we are independent of both universities.

university-related issues From time-to-time, some students want to appeal against a University decision – sometimes about an exam or assignment and other times about other decisions. If that’s you, we can help. Similarly, if you want to make a complaint or if someone’s made a complaint about you, we’re here to help and support you through the process. The University has lots of rules and regulations – academic (including academic misconduct), disciplinary, extenuating circumstances, mitigation, fitness to study. Not everyone reads them, but our advisers do. So, if you get caught up in anything of this sort, contact our Advice Service and discuss it with an adviser.

money matters Money can be a big factor in many aspects of student life. The Advice Service is here to help you if you get into financial difficulty and can also provide information and advice on student loans, bursaries, grants, tuition fees, welfare benefits, council tax, income tax, budgeting, financial hardship and debt management.

consumer rights Faulty goods, inadequate service and you want to make a complaint against the manufacturer, retailer or supplier? Speak to one of our advisers.

housing Whether you live on or off campus, if there’s a housing issue you want to discuss, probably the Advice Service can help. If you’re about to move in, we can check the contract for you. If you’re about to move out, we can provide good practice tips that should help you avoid losing some or all your deposit. Or, if you’re part way through your tenancy and have a query or even a dispute, come and see us for advice.

employment If you’ve got (or possibly even lost) a job and want to discuss your employment rights and obligations, speak to one of our advisers. The Advice Service can also help you with understanding any income tax and national insurance payments you might have to make.

contacting the advice service The Advice Service operates an appointments service (in-person or telephone appointments are available, whichever suits you best). To book an appointment, phone The Students’ Union reception (01326 255861) or drop in to either of our Falmouth or Penryn Campus offices. If you have a quick question, but don’t need an appointment, email it to advice@thesu.org.uk

Falmouth and Exeter ResLife is a programme all about creating a community in halls. It is run by staff and students to help welcome and support you as you settle in to your new Cornish home. Our jam-packed programme, available only to students living in university halls and accommodation, works around three core values: developing new skills, supporting your wellbeing, and offering exciting social opportunities. We’re here to ensure that you have access to the greatest opportunities to settle into your new home, find new friends, and feel like you belong in Cornwall. There will be ups and there may be downs but the ResLife Team are always here to help.

From cooking classes at Ready, Steady, Cook to re-energising with Mindfulness Yoga, and never having a dull Saturday again with our Koofi Takeovers, to finding the right support for you with ResLife Coffee Mornings hosted by the Living Support Team, ResLife have you covered. Make sure to say hi to your ResLife Assistant Team. They’re a lovely bunch of students who are here to help you settle in and enjoy yourself. They’ll be putting on a whole host of events and activities for you to get involved with throughout the year so introduce yourself and let them know what events you’d like to see.

night services Hello and welcome to Penryn Campus and your Night Service Team! We are based in the Lodge on Penryn Campus between 7.30pm and 7.30am, 365 days of the year, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all of you on site. So, what do we do? We do loads!  We respond to all calls regarding your welfare, including first aid and wellbeing. We’ll come and see you if you are having accommodation issues, including boiler faults, constantly dripping taps, electrical trips or the occasional flood. We respond to all fire alarms and at times we have to evacuate the flats - regardless of the time (apologies for that but your safety always comes first). We patrol the Halls of Residence throughout the evening to ensure there are no concerns for anyone’s safety – you’ll be surprised how many we find lost or in a bush fast asleep. There are also times when we find people breaching the accommodation rules. These include things like wedging open fire doors, smoking inside the blocks and covering smoke detectors to

avoid alarms being activated – who’d do such a thing? ;) Complaints from other students regarding noise and disruptive neighbours are part of our job too, which is no fun for anyone, so help us to help you – be mindful of your surroundings.  Both Penryn and Falmouth campuses are our responsibility, ensuring you have a safe environment in which to work and socialise. So when we are asked ‘are you just security guards?’ the answer is no. We are your support team at night, so If you need us, let us know. We are here to help you. Pop in to the Lodge or call us. Say hello when we are out on patrol and if you need anything just ask. We’re a really friendly bunch and want you all to have the very best experience during your time here.

be, I still thought I rambled too much about Cornwall’s micro-politics. I knew from the interview that I really wanted this job, so when I received the call that I was one of the new wardens, I was genuinely so happy my rambling had paid off for once in my life!

elyse emanuel BA(hons) english & history student community warden

In August 2018, I applied to be a Student Community Warden, knowing I needed a part-time job in second year. After several attempts at waitressing, I knew couldn’t do anything that involved handling plates and taking directions from angry chefs.  The brief for the role in its simplest form was helping students and local residents come together and growing Falmouth as a green and safe space for everyone to live. As both a student and Cornish resident (my parents and mum’s family are dotted around every part of Western Cornwall imaginable), I thought this could be the perfect job for me. However, I truly had no idea how much it would enrich my second year experience going in. I filled out the written application with ambitious creations of projects to draw the student community and local Cornish residents together. In my interview, which wasn’t nerve-wracking like I thought it would

During training, the six of us got to meet lots of different local organisations which helped students and residents, as well as work with The Students' Union and Living Support. As a testament to Cornish friendliness, on our first patrols introducing ourselves to local residents, we were welcomed with open arms. Everyone in the community seemed really keen to tell us about how much they thought the student community benefited Falmouth. Of course, there were some grumbles: parking, noise and litter seemed to be most consistent issues, but we learned that it was a small minority making a lot of noise about students being disrespectful. The positive feedback and in-depth conversations we had with local groups and residents really put us at ease for the rest of the year from the offset: that students are generally an appreciated and wanted presence in Falmouth. Each of the six wardens is designated to a pair and we all got our own part of Falmouth’s Smithwick ward to be the point of contact for. Rachael, my partner, is level-headed and solution-focused, which means she is great at handling grumbles. Her personality complemented my upbeat personality and chatter about Cornish issues. Together we soon learned that we loved the community projects aspect side of Wardens and made that our year’s mission. In the run up to Christmas, we organised a food bank drive for Penryn and Falmouth foodbank and held a Christmas bakes and book sale for Helston and The Lizard foodbank. Both were incredibly successful and spread the message about the vital work foodbanks do in Cornwall.

Throughout the year, we had opportunities to learn about recycling management, alcohol abuse and mental health first aid training, fire safety training, and environmental support training, just to name a few. Frequent job opportunities included coffee mornings, residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meetings, community beach cleans and litter picks, as well as our regular walk-arounds.

days straight. I have hopes it will continue from September, working closely with other university groups to make our community as safe and green as possible.

The highlight of Wardens, apart from the general great feedback we have had from helping local residents and students, was winning The Andy Hocking Award in June for outstanding community work. It was an absolute honour and none of us were Our summer project was a community expecting to win, so it was a wonderful cafe called Bloom, which aims to reach surprise. I have also loved being a part out to students to increase awareness of of such a close-knit group of supportive opportunities within the local community people, with all of the Wardens and The and act as an outreach service, signposting Students' Union. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to return in to all of the welfare groups that the September to keep abusing my coffee universities and Falmouth/Penryn have privileges in The SU office and meet the new to offer. We held the cafe in the yurt on Penryn Campus with an open door policy: we Wardens team. reached a fantastic amount of students with Find out more about the community awareness of the Wardens scheme, got to hang out with some great dogs and societies, wardens project at thesu.org.uk/community and eat hot cross buns all day for three

student voice The student voice is at the heart of everything we do here at your Students’ Union. The Leadership Team, including your elected Presidents, are there to listen to you and speak on your behalf to the Universities and represent your views to external agencies. We work hard to ensure your voice is heard and to help you get the most out of your university experience. Check out thesu.org.uk/studentvoice to find out more and remember you’re always welcome to pop into the office for a chat and a cuppa.

student reps Student Reps are students, just like you, who volunteer some of their time to gather and represent the views of their coursemates. They attend meetings with their course staff, with other Reps, and with The Students' Union, to pass on student feedback about all aspects of their course and wider student experience. Working together, they come up with new ideas and make sure the student voice is heard at every level. Being a Rep is a great way to get to know everyone on your course, develop networks with other courses, gain skills and confidence, and ultimately be part of something that is all about making everyone’s student experience the best it can be. Maybe this sounds like something you’d like to get involved in. Staff from your Students’ Union and continuing Reps are available to answer any questions you might have, or you can find out more on our website at thesu.org.uk/reps.

ROS ROS (the Rep Online System) is how we gather and manage student feedback about your whole university experience. The more feedback you provide, the more your University listens! That way they know what you like and can keep doing more of it, and they know when things aren’t working quite as well as you’d like and can do something about it. This can be anything from the type of food served in the cafes, to the way your academic work is assessed. Your Student Reps will be asking you for feedback, which either you or they will give to ROS. This does three things: 1. Feedback about services, such as the Library, gets sent straight to them; a quick and effective feedback loop for everyone. 2. Student Reps can act quickly on smaller academic-related issues, liaising with course staff directly. 3. All the feedback is being put into one central place, which means The Students' Union can spot trends in student feedback and can target resources efficiently on the things you want us to do. To learn more about ROS, to give some feedback about something that is or isn’t working well for you, or to submit an idea of how to make something even better, please visit thesu.org.uk/ros

finding suitable solutions. It was an exciting experience, especially during the strikes and unexpected snow storms, and it has made me more aware of just how easily numerous things beyond the control of the students influence their academic performance, as well as measures for mitigating the impact of such events.

lucia valachova BSc human sciences course rep and subject chair

As a part of my already busy Freshers Week, I attended one 9am introductory class, where I first heard about the course representatives. The Subject Chair had explained to us what it means to be a Course Rep and how it can help improve the quality of the programmes. I remember being really excited about the prospect of being part of the university on a different level, not only attending lectures and studying for exams, but also influencing the study environment for other students and improving the quality of their experience. Thus, I decided to apply for the position and I was pleasantly surprised when it all worked out and I became the Course Rep. At the beginning, I was not really sure how to effectively represent students and convey constructive criticism, therefore I was extremely grateful to have the guidance of the Subject Chairs, who answered all the questions and supported me through the whole process. Throughout the year, I have been reporting issues that bothered my fellow students, and engaging in discussions with the aim of

My year as a Course Rep has showed me how important it is to give a voice to the student body, as many problems raised at SSLC meetings were identified and solved thanks to student feedback. Also, due to the fact that Human Science is a relatively new programme, it is important to shape it to students' satisfaction and apply gained experience to eradicate potential inconveniences in the system. I was quite pleased to be part of that process and that also, thanks to my input, the future students will have a better experience. In addition to giving me an opportunity to help others, being a Course Rep has helped me as an individual as well, because it has taught me many viable skills, such as presentation, negotiation and communication. Furthermore, it has made the process of settling in at the university much easier, as I had the pleasure to meet many like-minded and lovely people, who have made my first months at the University much more enjoyable. As I truly enjoyed my time as a Course Rep, I decided to take up more responsibility and become a Subject Chair. This was primarily so I can be more involved in solving the problems directly, organising the meetings and actively support other Course Reps so they can represent their classmates in the best way possible. I have yet to discover what it is like to be a Subject Chair, but if it is anything like being a Course Rep, I am sure I will enjoy it and I will do my best to make sure that the student voice is heard.

something new every day about the area and people which kept amazing me every day.  I started developing my group of friends through my course and the Freshers events that The Students' Union provided. I know it’s sometimes very stressful for many to meet new people especially if the first time you meet them is on a night out. I met my course mates through a group chat on Facebook and later met them all in one of the first Freshers events.

noureldin adib BSc Business President of the Arab Society and international student

Studying abroad is one of the best experiences one can have and ask for, nothing worth trading for. My name is Noureldin Adib, studying Business BSc at the University of Exeter on the Penryn Campus. Coming to Penryn was, and still is, very interesting, especially that I have never heard of it before or thought of going there; it was a shocker for me to see what I saw on this campus and area. I am an Egyptian who lives in the capital that consists of 12 million people, where compared to Penryn that consists of a couple of thousand people. At the beginning, I did not know if it was the right decision or what the hell I was doing and many of my close friends were saying I’m crazy to go somewhere that far away from London or any major city in England; but I was always saying “it’s probably not that bad as I’m studying at one of the most prestigious  business schools in the UK, how bad can it be?” The journey, or experience, as many may say, started on my train journey from Paddington to Truro and finally arriving on Penryn Campus. This was a new chapter and, for the first time, I genuinely felt happy and at ease. The thing that surprised me was how friendly the people are, the nice weather, and the mix of cultures on campus. I was always learning

Living as an international student, you may think a place like Penryn has very little things to offer but, on the contrary, I know what you think 'cause I was in your shoes. This place is a paradise compared to many places in the UK. It all comes down to how you manage your time between studying and socializing and making sure you get the best experience in your three years, everyone’s university experience is different. The campus also facilitates a lot of international aid, which is always in reach whenever needed. Moreover, there are numerous societies on campus which I didn’t get involved in until the second year. There is something for everyone, whether it's surfing, diving, politics, hip-hop, Hispanic, Asian or Arab societies, you will find something that suits you. With that in mind, you have a perk that many universities don’t have, you are a 15-minute bus ride to the beach, where you can swim, paddleboard, and if you don’t like what’s on campus, there is always room for innovation. You can start your society or business, I started my own society “Arab Society.” I've lived all around the UK but nothing beats living in Penryn and Cornwall, it’s an experience that I recommend many to try.  Finally, you live with and meet people from all around the world, nothing better than grow your networks and become multi-cultured. I can assure you that this experience is one that I will never forget and Penryn/Falmouth will always have a place in my heart.

Society, Engineers Without Borders FXU (now SU!) and Mary's Meals at The Students' Union during my second and third year.â&#x20AC;Ż With the kind support I have received from The Students' Union team, student leadership team, other committee members and fellow students, I have managed to give back to the university community just like how I have experienced it myself in first year.â&#x20AC;Ż

pimonpan (peach) phurappa MENG Energy Engineering Societies Officer and international student

It was and still is quite scary and lonely being so far away from home and was stressful when I worried about my English so much. So, during the first few weeks of the academic year I decided to go to many taster sessions and ended up joining a sports club and a few societies in my first year. Throughout that time, I had learnt a lot from people I have met and made friends with from clubs and societies. Meeting new people who share similar interests made me feel a little more comfortable in a new environment and I found myself worrying less, not only about my English, but also about adjusting to University life in general.â&#x20AC;Ż The experience I gained in my first year left a strong impact on me. I now want to be able to meet more like-minded people but also be able to organise and deliver activities to fellow students. Hence, I have been part of the committee teams for Renewable Energy

Joining clubs and societies as well as attending events are one thing, but organising activities for fellow students is a different story. It was more challenging and somewhat nerve-wrecking but the outcome is so rewarding and I am proud of every bit of organising I have taken part in. My best achievement is to know that the events and activities I helped organise also inspire other people and that they have gained valuable experience from those activities. From a member of clubs to a part of committee teams, every moment has shaped and encouraged me to continue support more than just one society! Without realising what I was actually doing amid tons of coursework, the next thing I know I had already submitted my application to run for societies officer. I was fortunate enough to be elected and become part of The Students' Union's leadership team. I hope to support all societies' committee teams, all students who would like to start new societies or those who just have a question. I (and, I dare say - everyone in The Students' Union office too) am more than welcome to help as much as I can so just give me a shout if you need any help! To all freshers, WELCOME to this lovely campus. And to all the returners, welcome back and let's roll!!!

freshers international events

full events programme at: the su.org.uk/freshers

My third year went by in a whirl. Placements were challenging but of all the hospital staff and consultants are so supportive. And because of our close connection to the older years here down in Truro, because we are quite a tight knit community, they’d give you helpful tips for surviving! As I got to fourth year, I felt it was time for me to give a bit back, as I had found Medsoc so helpful to me. So I ran for Charity Sec.

hanna beare

truro medical school charity sec for truro medsoc Having spent the first two years of my studies in Exeter, the prospect of moving down to the Truro Campus for my third and fourth years was a daunting and exciting prospect. I had settled well in Exeter, and enjoyed my role as VP for the Exeter Medsoc, getting stuck in with lots of events and medical student life. It seemed a shame to be leaving that all behind. I was also nervous about spending more time on clinical placement. But I was determined to face the change with positivity!

It was really good fun to be on a committee again. We raised lots of money for our two charities - St Petroc’s Homelessness and MESHE (Medical Education, Sanitation and Health Ethiopia) - and hosted lots of fun events. I organised a treasure hunt around Falmouth, bake sales, HIIT on the beach and lots of pub quizzes! We also had a few pub crawls, brewery tours, and coastal walks going on.

I’ve done so much since living in Truro. I’ve started babysitting for lots of the doctors in the hospital, walked lots of dogs and smashed some PBs at the weekly Trelissick parkrun. Having thought it would be a quiet place, I haven’t been stuck for things to do at all! I feel that I have really been part of not only a university community down here, but also got more stuck in with the wider community, which has been very rewarding. Despite my apprehension, I quickly felt at home in Truro. We found a lovely house very I have loved how the beautiful coast, and spending so much time outside, has near the hospital site - which is where we have our placements and our academic days. given me some freedom from my medical textbooks. There aren’t many places where The houses are much nicer in Truro than in you can be surfing on a gorgeous beach just Exeter, they definitely don’t feel studenty! 30 minutes after finishing lectures!  I joined Morgan’s gym and signed up to Borrow My Doggy to find some four legged Now that I am looking towards my friends in the local area. I got my student intercalating year and final year of medicine National Trust membership for Christmas back in Exeter, I am really sad to be leaving that year, and set about walking lots of the Truro. I feel that it really has become my coastal path! And of course Truro Medical Society organised lots of events to get stuck home. One things for sure, I will definitely be in to, and really welcomed us and showed us back! the sights!

freshers truro events

full events programme at: the su.org.uk/freshers

mish casserly BA(hons) interior design course rep and mature student

Allow me to introduce myself. Mish, mature age student of 41, parent to a 7-year-old daughter and 3rd year Interior Design student. I am also a long way from my original home, being the west coast of Australia. Cornwall has been my home since 2006. Deciding to leave full-time employment and enter the world of education was easy. I desired a better life for my daughter, alongside a drive to work for myself, and I needed a change of direction, although met with some anxiety, knowing I would spend the next 3 years with students being half my age or close to it. This took some adjustment at first; however, I do enjoy being around my fellow students. After all age is just a number. Many have been a massive support, especially when it comes to software needs. Older does not mean wiser!!! I never went to university after leaving high school, entering into the world of learning at this level did cause me some anxieties. Am I good enough? Can I handle the level that is required? This did not stop me. I always wanted to go and it was now or never. Here I am. Sometimes I have to kick myself that I made it. Being in a learning environment is great. There are times I feel like a fish out of water. Lecturers have been very helpful, and I have had no problems talking to any of them when the need arises.

Before taking up a 3-year degree I had already spent 1 year at Truro College, completing an Art and Design Foundation Diploma. This gave a great foundation to start from and of course being used to being back in education after years of working. As I reflect over the last 2 years of my degree, with many many many challenges along the way, I certainly do not regret making the decision. I have made friends with 2 mature age students; we have become close friends and enjoy each other's company outside of uni. Looking back to my first week, I checked out a couple of clubs. Unfortunately, none took off. It was more about time, not the want to get involved. I would certainly recommend getting involved in a club or society if possible, helps to mix things up. For this last year, I put myself forward for the role of course rep, add a little spice to my last year and hopefully be part of making some positive changes. Here are some helpful tips I have discovered along the way. • Allow yourself time any assignments and research. Deadlines will sneak up before you know it, do not leave things to the last minute. • Be sure to learn any new software as early as possible. • Make use of any learning support available. The SU has been brilliant. • As far as money is concerned, budget and make no unnecessary purchases. It is not forever. I certainly enjoy being a student and will miss being one. I have learned a lot of new skills; you are never too old to learn. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world, now I am thinking about doing a masters. Perhaps in a year or two. If you are reading this and wondering what to do, I say ‘go for it’.

freshers widening participation events

full events programme at: the su.org.uk/freshers

freshers notes

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Class favourite. Students, get 10% off and £100 extra credit when you trade-in a device and buy a MacBook Air. Plus, get 6-months free Apple Music.** From

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14 Pydar Street, Truro TR1 2AX Find us at: www.stormfront.co.uk/students TM and © 2019 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Stormfront © 2019. All Rights Reserved. *Students can purchase a MacBook Air 13-inch Retina display, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5, 128GB (MVFHB/A) RRP £1,099 with 10% discount. When any eligible device is also traded-in at time of purchase an additional £100 trade-in top-up will be applied. Figure based on trading in 2015 MacBook Air 13-inch 1.6GHz core Intel i5, 128GB (MJVE2B/A) worth £175 at time of print, plus £100 trade-in top up. Student discount is available online and in-store. Trade-in is available in-store only. Students must qualify for discount. To be a qualified purchaser you must: be aged 18 or over and enrolled in higher education and able to provide proof of student status e.g. valid student I.D. card or offer letter. Also available to a teacher, lecturer, tutor of other such person in a supervisory role involved in the provision of education to students with proof or teacher status e.g. employee I.D. card or an official letter from the institution showing the teacher is affiliated to Primary, Secondary or Higher Education Institution. This offer is only available during the promotional period, while stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Student promotional period starts 28 July 2019 and ends 28 September 2019. Promotional trade-in top-up is limited to a particular sale quantity. When this limit is reached the promotion will be removed immediately. Stormfront reserves the right to change or remove this offer at any time. All prices correct at time of print. **6-months free Apple music trail subject to eligibility. Available to new subscribers only. No purchase necessary. Requires compatible device. Subscription charges apply after trail period ends. For full terms and conditions visit stormfront.co.uk/terms/apple-music.

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