Fresh.

fxu.org.uk

Stories

Activities

Advice

Student Voice

Freshers Programme

Your Students' Union:

Fresh. a taste of what’s to come.

We are the Students’ Union for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter Cornwall campuses. We are a membership-led charity; run by students, for students. We are the only Students’ Union in the country to represent students from two different universities.

Welcome.

We aim to ensure that every student has the highest quality of education and best student experience possible during their time studying in Cornwall. We provide representation for all of our students and deliver quality services that meet the needs and interests of an ever-changing and diverse student population.

FALMOUTH AND EXETER STUDENTS’ UNION IS A REGISTERED CHARITY IN ENGLAND AND WALES NO. 1145405

Start here.

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 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 your block with your new flat squad C. Watch a documentary on Netflix D. Head to the Meet Your Mentor event to find out more about your course it seems like there’s hundreds of freshers events in the first couple of weeks. what would 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

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 good news! wednesday afternoons are lecture-free. how are you gonna use that time?

A. Catching up with your mates at the bar B. Jamming with your friends C. Volunteering and campaigning D. Browsing for internships out of all the glorious breads in the world (yes, we went there), which describes you best?

A. Toast—good with everything.

B. Pretzel—a bit twisted and super salty C. Garlic bread—bit smelly but amazing at heart D. Whole-wheat—healthy and wholesome

local beaches D. Check out my department’s upcoming

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guest lecture series

check your answers on the next page

>

5 profile a

The social type We have a packed Freshers

profile b

The team player We support 139 student-led activity

If we’ve got it right, then you’re

Whether you’re a fundraiser,

The course-focused

The change maker

group, head to page 14.

additions at fxu.org.uk.

to offer and how to set up your own

events calendar for all of the latest

more information about what we have

events. Keep an eye on our online

list of activity groups on page 10. For

the year for students to host their own

African Caribbean Society. Find the full

will also be opportunities throughout

to the more traditional Rugby and

for a taste of what’s to come. There

Harry Potter Society and Pole Fitness,

student community. Head to page 30

groups, from the whacky and wonderful

programme to introduce you to the

profile c

profile d

of our Leadership Team.

challenge for charity.

whether as a course rep or a member

a green bean and 24 if you like a

involved with student representation,

about volunteering, page 20 if you’re

Go to page 42 to see how you can get

difference. Go to page 18 for details

engaging with as much of it as possible.

the feeling you’re here to make a

really passionate about your course and

volunteer or eco-warrior, we get

End there. sta rt expl orin g

outh FXU President Falm Callie Edwards

Hello!

I'm Callie and I'm your new President

University grows with you in mind and that

Falmouth. I've been elected into this role

no student is left behind. Personally, from my

by the Falmouth students and it's my

manifesto, I am looking to:

responsibility to act as your representative regarding all things academic. In my role, I go to tons of meetings with the senior management of the University and I present feedback from the students and work with

•• create better opportunities to improve how we collect and review feedback •• increase the amount of student artwork around the campuses •• fill our ‘Wednesday afternoons free

the university to make it a better place for

from teaching’ with tons of activities that

all of you.

complement your learning

Falmouth is a growing university

If you ever want to get in touch with me, please don’t hesitate. You can contact me

learners, studying off-campus, postgrad

through Facebook, via email or by dropping

and undergrad. My role ensures that the

into the office.

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with many students who are distance

r FXU President Exete Izi Robe

Hi there!

My name is Izi and I’m your President

Everyone at the Students’ Union is here

Exeter. My role is to represent the voices

to make sure that you can see what changes

of the University of Exeter students at our

have been made to the student experience

Cornwall campuses in Penryn and Truro to

based on your feedback, through our online

the highest levels of the University. I focus on feedback system, working with our brilliant ensuring that you have the best academic

course reps, and by chatting to me directly.

experience while you’re studying here using

I’ll take forward your comments and work

feedback direct from you.

with the university to act on your concerns

I graduated with a BA in Geography in 2018 and in my three years here fell in love with the community on this campus and the beautiful places to explore.

Studying at the Exeter Cornwall

and make clear what is going well and what you want more of.

This year is set to be super busy but full of exciting stuff. Use your Students’ Union to get the most out of your time and, if you have any problems, please don’t hesitate

to create and collaborate, especially sharing

to get in touch—come and see me in the

our home with Falmouth University. Make

office, drop me an email, or message me on

the most of it!

Facebook.

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campuses offers some unique opportunities

FXU President are Community & Welf Harry Bishop

Hello!

I’m Harry Bishop, your President Community of interesting, moving and diverse events. & Welfare. My role is about supporting

Your time here will hopefully be an

different student communities, developing

incredible experience, but it might also be

student welfare services, and organising

tough at times; whether it’s housemates

some truly unique campaigns and events.

‘borrowing’ your milk, having to balance your

But, most importantly, my job is to make

work and social life, or maybe it’s something

you feel like you belong and are supported

more serious; we can signpost to the right

during your studies.

support for you. Remember that it’s okay to

I’ll be working with you on really exciting projects, such as renovating the student

not be okay sometimes, so come and chat to me at one of my Frazzled Café drop-in

services building, constructing the first-of-its- sessions. Whether you just fancy tea and kind University and Samaritans collaboration, cake, have an idea for me, want to chat, or creating an online self-care toolkit,

just sit quietly and have some down time,

continuing to direct the Voices project, and

that’s what Frazzled Café is there for.

working with our Community & Liberation

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Committees, along with bringing you loads

And don’t hesitate to email me or contact me on my work Facebook.

FXU President e Student Experienc Sarah Redman

Hiya!

I’m Sarah Redman and, as the President Student Experience, it's my job to oversee

we are as sustainable as we can possibly be.

I'm also the main link between the

all the fun things at university, such as sports,

students and the commercial services, such

societies, fundraising and volunteering for

as the Stannary Bar, the Shop, the Sports

students from Falmouth University and the

Centre and more, and I work with FX Plus-

University of Exeter’s Cornwall campuses.

managed accommodation, such as Glasney

We are very student-led, so there

and Packsaddle. If you have any queries or

are many opportunities for you to get

feedback on our campus facilities, or the

involved and improve your leadership and

transport network, feel free to drop me a

organisation skills. If you have an idea that

message, as your feedback is really, really

you want to make a reality, no matter how

important.

whacky, let me know and I will see how I can

I’m here to help you, whether that is listening to your concerns, helping you to

for a greener Students' Union and greener

get involved, or making an idea into a reality.

campuses. I work closely with our student

I look forward to meeting you all soon and

groups and Leadership Team to ensure that

be sure to add me on Facebook.

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help. I also look after sustainability, pushing

Societies African Caribbean Society Anime & Manga Architecture Archaeology Astronomy Autistic Society

Feccles Drama Feminist Fern Sessions Fetish Film Finance & Investment

Politics Pokemon Poker Pride Real Ale Society

Force Academy

Renewable Energy Society

Geog Soc

Sci-Fi Soc

Harry Potter

Songwriter’s Society

Her Campus

Stitching

Herpetology

Table Top Gaming

Hispanic

Tolkien

CSM Student Association

History Soc

Cornish Celtic

Horror

Tremough Follies Musical Theatre

Islamic Society

Truro MedSoc

International

Truro Paediatric Soc

Jazz Harbour Big Band

Vegetarian & Vegan

Labour

Viva Voce

Law Society

Video Gaming

Les Republicains

Visual Communications

Libertarian Society

Web Design & Development

Bee Soc Business Soc Chorus CSM Geology for Global Development CSM Society of Economic Geologists

Creative Writing Chess Club Christian Union Deaf Awarness & BSL Debating Union Don’t DisAbility Eco Soc English Society Entrepreneurship Events Engineers Without Borders The Falmouth Anchor

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First Aid

Life Nature Magazine Marine Watch Meditation Model United Nations Nature Watch Orchestra Penryn Press

Wild Doc Soc Women in Business Women in Mining Young Conservatives Young Liberals Zero Waste

Sports Clubs Jazz & Lyrical Dance

Athletics

Kayaking

Badminton

Kung Fu

Ballet

Lacrosse

Ballroom & Latin

Netball

Basketball

Pole Fit

Cheerleading

Quidditch

Climbing

Rugby

Volunteering projects

Cricket

Sailing

Amnesty International

Cycling

Sea Swimming

The Beach Clean Project

Dodgeball

Shinty

Enactus

EFU (Snorkel & Dive)

Snowsports

Flicka Volunteering

Expedition Society

Squash

Generation Wild

Fencing

Surf

Ghanaian Book Connection

CSM Football

Surf Life Saving

Green Living

FalEx Footbal

Swimming

Mary’s Meals

Ladies Football

Tang Soo Do

Memory Café

Gig Rowing

Tap Dancing

Penryn Produce

Gymnastics

Tennis

RAD (Raise & Donate)

Hip Hop Society

Touch Rugby

Truro Marrow

Mens Hockey

Ultimate Frisbee

Wave Project

Ladies Hockey

Volleyball

Horseriding

Yoga

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find out more about these groups

Archery

at fxu . org . uk / activities

American Football

Branwen Cleaver politics and international relations

societies officer

| cheerleading

| debating union founder | student ambassador

society member

When I started my first year at

and events. I made the best of the

University, I was overwhelmed. The

experience by going to every event,

adjustment to uni life was something I

signed up to all the sports and society

thought that I was prepared for, but no

taster events at the Sports and Societies

amount of move-in vlogs and stories

Fayre and went out loads. There’s a

from friends can give you a full picture of good chance that your rather fragile what your university experience will be.

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Freshers was a blur of faces

post-Freshers self won’t go to half of them again and will split your free time

between Mango’s and your comfy

was an invaluable way for me to log

double bed in Glasney (believe me, I’d

volunteering hours across the year—and

know). However, Freshers is a great time

I achieved a silver award for logging

to push yourself out of your comfort

100 hours. This goes on your degree

zone and try absolutely everything you

transcript so it’s more than worth doing!

ever wanted to.

If I could go back to my first-year self,

I can’t stress enough how much I loved first year; I found my passion for

I’d tell myself to go to all of my lectures

debating and made amazing friends

and start my coursework a lot earlier

who shared my determination to

than the day before! It’s easy to get

succeed. I found people that I could go

The more you get involved, the more you get from your time here. overwhelmed with all of your deadlines,

out with, people that I could hang out

society events and managing your new

with, and people that I could work hard

friendships, as well as those at home,

with during deadline period. The ASK

but once exams hit, you will appreciate

(Academic Skills) team are incredible—if

pushing yourself to go to that 9am

you ever feel like you’re struggling on an

lecture after your friend decided to drag

essay, go and visit them in The Compass.

you to Club I on a Thursday night.

I would also tell myself to get

The more you get involved with the University and everything it has to offer,

involved with our Students’ Union from

the more you get from your time here.

the get go. FXU provides so many

Remember why you’re here and where

opportunities, from creating your own

you want to be; with those two things in

society to volunteering. I set up my own

mind, you can do anything you set your

Debating Union and the support I had

mind to.

to run events was amazing. The V-Team

Best of luck with your studies!

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Award (now the Legends scheme)

Activities Your Students’ Union has so many brilliant activity groups for you to get involved with, from sports clubs to societies and volunteering projects.

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

they’re quite your thing, we have a range of

can guarantee that once you’ve joined in

other low-commitment schemes for you to

with a society you will never look back.

get involved in:

If you feel we don’t have the activity

Why Not Wednesdays? is a project in

group that you’re looking for, you can always collaboration with the Sports Centre, which set up your own. We will provide you with

helps you try something new for a couple

support and we may be able to give you

of hours each week, from colour runs to

some financial assistance to get your club

bouncy castles and taster sessions for a

off the ground. Email your President Student variety of sports.

Experience, Sarah Redman, with any ideas at sarah.redman@fxu.org.uk.

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Finally, if activities groups don’t feel like

To find out more about all of our wonderful activities, head to the FXU website fxu.org.uk/activities.

Sport 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 ÂŁ2,000 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

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structure and sporting aspirations.

Laura Armogie buying and merchandising for fashion

| sports

bursary recipient

athletics club member

This year has been my first year as a

and it has been great to come down to

fast-track degree Fashion Buying and

Falmouth and spend time competing

Merchandising student at Falmouth

with the athletics team at varsity events

University and I was so happy to be

and meeting other bursary students.

offered a sports bursary, especially as

It has allowed me to broaden my

I study off-campus in London at the

friendship circle and make the most of

Fashion Retail Academy. I think it’s

my university experience.

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amazing to be recognised despite this

My sport is athletics, specifically high

I was so happy to be offered a sports bursary, especially as I study off-campus in London. jump, and with this I travel quite a bit for

•• I won the bronze medal at

competitions across the country—and

the Outdoor British University

sometimes Europe. The sports bursary

Championships.

has helped me get to these places and

•• I won the Senior Southern Inter-

allowed me to compete at high level

County Championships, where I

competitions.

represented Essex.

Here's a breakdown of my achievements since becoming a bursary student:

•• I received the silver medal at the U23 National Championships.

•• Most recently, I achieved the

•• I began my 2018 season

bronze medal at the Senior

representing England at an

England Championships and CAU

international event in Hustopece

Championships.

(Czech Republic).

I still have a few competitions left this

•• I achieved a silver medal at the

season, which I am really looking forward

Indoor British University

to, and then I will be beginning winter

Championships—where I travelled

training in mid-September. I will also

and stayed with the team for the

be starting my second and final year

long weekend, which was great fun!

at Falmouth University, where I hope

•• I won the gold medal at the Indoor Essex and Eastern

to continue achieving for the athletics team.

County Championships.

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

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.

Don’t fancy committing to a long-term project? We’re launching a new scheme this year: Make a Difference Days are one-off volunteering opportunities which fit nicely into your week, allowing you to take part in a local community project, such as painting benches, gardening and many more.

If you volunteer, make sure to log your hours through our Legends scheme on the FXU website and receive awards and goodies for your troubles. No matter how much time you give, if you volunteer, you

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are a Legend to your Students’ Union.

Fundraising Here at your Students’ Union, we are really

helping build playgrounds in Uganda. They

passionate about fundraising. Last year we

also run a number of events throughout the

raised an insane £78,762.45 for charity!

year, like Take Me Out, a naked calendar,

Throughout the year, we support

colour runs and the Presidents' Big Quiz.

individuals with their own challenges,

They pick a Charity of the Year and a Local

counting the coppers for fundraising

Cause of the Year to fundraise for and each

marathons, 5ks, tough mudders, channel

challenge they run is in aid of a different

swims and pretty much everything else you

charity.

can think of.

Lots of our student groups get involved

Last year, RAD supported Hope for Children, Worldwide Cancer Research,

in fundraising, with many of our sports clubs,

Action Against Hunger, East African

societies and volunteering projects choosing

Playgrounds, Meningitis Research

to Adopt a Charity for the year.

Foundation and elected the Alzheimer’s

We also have one particular student group, Raise and Donate (RAD), which

Society as our Charity of the Year.

If you would like to get involved in fundraising, find RAD at the Freshers Fayre

money for charity as possible. They take on

or get in touch with our Fundraising Officer

crazy challenges like a Guatemala Volcano

Iona Davis, or email Sarah Redman, your

Trek, hiking to Everest Base Camp and

President Student Experience.

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dedicates themselves to raising as much

Lydia Allegretto environmental science

| pernryn produce project leader | rad challege officer

volunteering officer

beach clean project president

realised I didn’t need to wait, there were

I’ve often felt that, even though what I

so many events related to sustainability.

was studying was important, nothing I

All it took was one beach clean for me

was doing with my degree was actively

to be hooked; I went to every event the

helping the environment, which often

volunteer group organised that year

felt quite frustrating. I didn’t want to wait

and became its President the next.

until I graduated and (hopefully) found

Even though what we were doing was

a job in the sector, but in Freshers I

small, we felt we were actually doing

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As an Environmental Science student,

something and seeing the project and its campus. Since then, we’ve traded over impact grow was amazing. One of my

1,000kg of sustainable produce, giving

highlights was our collaboration with a

me fuzzy feels about that blissfully small

local artist. The gallery featured photos

carbon footprint as we support students

by a fellow committee member, Alice,

to consume veg sourced in Truro.

depicting volunteers and litter found at

As a third year student, I felt it

beaches all over Cornwall. During the

was really important not to take on

second term of my second year, we ran

too much work, so alongside running

a collaborative campaign called Project

Penryn Produce, I also joined the RAD

... that’s where I found some of the best people I’ve met.

Blue, where we challenged ourselves

committee and became Volunteering

and others to take on plastic-free Lent,

Officer on the Leadership Team. They

organising science nights, litter picks and

may have been a hefty addition to my

workshops, helping us reach an even

workload, but they were also the reason

wider audience.

I got to explore the Cornish coastline,

of a reputation for being a sustainable person or, as I say, a green bean, which

make penis cupcakes for charity and jump out of a plane.

I found my place in volunteering,

led to myself and three other students

sustainability and fundraising, not

being scouted to apply for funding

only because those were the places

from NUS to launch a sustainable food

where I felt I could make a difference,

enterprise. Completely unexpectedly,

but because that’s where I found

we were actually awarded that funding,

some of the best people I’ve met

and in January 2018 launched Penryn

whilst at university—all prone to

Produce, a weekly veg bag scheme that

dancing, awful puns, hard work and

provides local organic vegetables on

all the fun you can imagine.

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I’ve somehow acquired something

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Mikki Choy english

| subject

chair

| rad

president

I knew I'd made the right choice when

we completed the event that day,

I first volunteered to do LOST with two

exhausted and in last place, but it didn’t

of my flatmates in my first year. It’s a

matter because the experience itself

challenging event, run by FXU RAD

was so fun and meaningful—which is

(Raise and Donate), which raises money

what first attracted me to RAD. In my second year, I became part

It took my team a long time before

of RAD’s committee as Hitch Officer,

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and spreads awareness for charity.

managing the very event that first got

events has also been unforgettably fun

me into RAD. Everything from marketing with all the energy and enthusiasm that the event, to writing up risk assessments

everyone has.

and sorting out the Awards Night was

Being in RAD not only exposed

in our hands, but we also got to decide

me to different, crazy, fun fundraising

on the secret location of the event (fun

events, but it also developed my skills

fact: we picked the furthest location in

in event management, marketing,

RAD history!) and watch the madness

time management and leadership.

I gained so many valuable and transferable employability skills just from volunteering with RAD. unfold on the day. Planning and running

My confidence reached new heights

the whole thing was super exciting and

through these experiences and I’ve

knowing that it had such an impact

met a lot of amazing people too; RAD

on so many people was even better;

also allowed me to further appreciate

I also gained so many valuable and

and understand the significance of

transferable employability skills just from

fundraising and the causes we’re doing

volunteering with RAD.

it for. When the time came for a new committee to be selected, I ultimately

to hold a Race2Amsterdam event in

went with my gut and applied for the

place of RAD’s usual Jailbreak. It was

role of President. A few days later, I got

stressful at times just preparing the

the email. I’ve only been in the role for

event, but when teams started arriving

a couple of months, and already there

in Amsterdam, bonding over drinks

are new challenges and stresses to face,

and exchanging stories about their

but the past year has geared me up for

experiences on the road, it felt really

it and I’m excited to see what RAD will

rewarding. Helping out at other RAD

achieve this year.

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For the first time, we also decided

Advice Service your students ’ union advice service free

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.

| impartial | confidential

money matters

Grant/loan entitlement, bursaries, University hardship funds, emergency loans, budgeting, debt, welfare benefits

ho u s i n g

Rights and responsibilities

e m pl o ym e n t

Income tax, National Insurance, employment rights

consumer rights

Faulty goods, inadequate service

u n i v e r s i t y- r e l at ed is s ues

To book an appointment, drop in to one of the Students' Union offices— in The Hub on Falmouth Campus or opposite The Stannary on Penryn Campus—or phone the Students’ Union reception on 01326 255861.

Alternatively, email your enquiry to advice@fxu.org.uk You can also find more information at fxu.org.uk/advice

sharpen up

Academic appeals, academic misconduct, complaints, disciplinary issues, fitness to study, extenuating circumstances, mitigation, interrupting, withdrawing

26

the advice service is staffed with trained expert advisers, but does not run a counselling service. students requiring counselling or other emotional support should seek support from student services via the compass.

1 . o ve rdraft

top money tips

2 . a v oi d th e ‘b i g b lo w - o u t’

When student loan cash arrives, it’s all too easy to celebrate with a big blow-out. But, while it may be tempting, it could leave you short later in the term.

3. do a pr oper b u d get

It sounds boring, but believe us, running out of money is bother you can do without.

4 . a c h a n ge in h o u s e h o l d i n c ome

The amount of most students’ maintenance loan depends on household income (HHI). The higher the amount of HHI, the less loan the student will receive. 2018/19 loans are assessed by reference to HHI in 2016/17. If your HHI has fallen by 15% or more, you can ask to have your loan entitlement re-assessed based on current year income, which should lead to you getting more maintenance loan.

5. g e t a d v i c e

If you get into financial difficulty, don’t delay, get advice from the Advice Service.

27

get advice

Most students need an overdraft, so make sure you aren’t charged for it. The amount of overdraft you can get will depend on your bank and your circumstances. Once you’ve got it, use it carefully. Once you’re up to your limit, the flexibility it can provide is gone. And don’t go over your limit—it can get expensive.

Voices ser i es t wo

Being a student can, at times, feel like quite an isolating experience. The aim of Voices is to give a platform to students whose voices might otherwise get lost in the noise, by bringing people together to share their experiences and stories.

Over the last year we’ve celebrated and championed the experiences of different student communities, such as black students, students of faith, LGBTQ+, women, and

disabled students, all of which you can find online at fxu.org.uk/voices.

This year, Voices will be bringing you five new editions on the themes of Survivors, Masculinity, Community, Body Image, and EU & International Students. If you’ve got a story and you think it might fit into one of these editions, or you’re unsure but you’d like to be a part of the project, then drop me an email at harry.bishop@fxu.org.uk.

# conservationcolouring —

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 on 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 water’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.

•• Write down your thoughts and feelings, hopes and worries.

•• Take photographs of, or sketch, items from your 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

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your own little beach clean.

Stannary Sun 16 Sept

WELCOME PARTY

Stannary Wed 19 Sept

7pm early entry 9pm main stage

Stannary Mon 17 Sept

INTER HALLS

PROFESSOR GREEN

Fresh AMATA Wed 26 Sept

MURDER MYSTERY

Stannary Thu 27 Sept

OUTDOOR CINEMA

for the full programme and to purc

Stannary Tue 18 Sept

7pm early entry 9pm Big Quiz

PRESIDENTS' BIG QUIZ

Stannary Sat 22 Sept

7pm early entry 9pm main stage

LOVE ISLAND BEACH PARTY

sh.

Stannary Sat 29 Sept

AMATA Mon 24 Sept

GAMES NIGHT

Fox Café Tue 25 Sept

CHEESE & WINE

7pm early entry 9:30pm main stage

chase your tickets , visit fxu . org . uk

FRESHERS BALL

32

by carrie bristow

| carriebristowphotography . com | @ carrie _ bristow

frazzled café FRA Z Z L E D CAF É I S T H E P L ACE TO G O Here at your Students’ Union we know that sometimes you might be feeling a little frazzled— and that’s why we created Frazzled Café.

Whether you just want to sit quietly, have a rest and drink some tea, or want to come and chat about something, that’s exactly what Frazzled Café is for. It’s also an opportunity to drop-in with your President Community & Welfare, Harry Bishop (and special guests), and talk about anything you want. Whether you’re having problems in the community, feeling overwhelmed, need advice or you have a question and you’re unsure who to ask, Frazzled Café is the place to go. Frazzled Café will ‘pop-up’ in various locations. Look out for details.

If you have a question and you’re unsure where to go, feel free to email your President Community & Welfare: harry.bishop@fxu.org.uk

Madi Pringle illustration

| pride

society committee member

student mentor

| voices

| lgbtq+

officer

project strategic advisor

rad recruitment and wellbeing officer

the second year running, and last year I

pronouns, I’m 22 years old and I’m going

became the LGBTQ+ Officer (Liberation

into my third year on BA Illustration.

Committee). Adding to that, this year

Whilst at university, I have tried to throw

I’m working for the Voices project and

myself into the Students' Union and

I’m volunteering as the Recruitment

volunteering in general. I am a Student

and Wellbeing Officer on the RAD

Mentor, on the Pride Committee for

Committee.

34

Hi! My name is Madi, I prefer they/them

Oh, also I have anxiety and depression. And in my first year, I was

a positive, rather than doing little but surviving all year.

involved in none of these things. I sat

One of the things I’ve found

in my room most of the time, feeling

with volunteering is that it gives me

isolated and alone.

something to get up for in the morning.

To cut a long story short, having

You get to make new friends and meet

mental health issues hasn’t stopped me

other people who, like you, are spending

doing anything so much as it has been

their Saturdays voluntarily helping at

a disadvantage that I’m learning to work

an open day to make new students feel

with and compensate for. Last year I had

welcome. No one is forcing you to be

little choice but to intermit due to my

there, you’re there because you want

mental health, but I stayed in Falmouth

to be. I’ve met some of the best people

and, despite everything, was determined

through being part of the SU.

not to let it get the best of me. I stayed

I want to make a difference and

connected to the Students' Union when

maybe I can’t reach the whole wide

it would have been really easy to crawl

world, but I can try to help individuals

into my shell and not come out, lie in bed here at this uni. There is something with the covers pulled up over my head.

really satisfying about bringing even

I’ve done a lot of that in the past and it

a little bit of happiness to people that

never makes me feel better. It would

you recognise yourself in. I don’t want

be really easy to feel ashamed that my

people to feel the way I did and I know I

helping others lets you help yourself. degree is taking me more than the usual

can’t reach everyone, but your Students'

three years. Instead, I decided that, if

Union is all about supporting people who

it’s going to take me longer to get my

want to make that difference. If there

degree, in the meantime I can build up

is anything I can advise anyone with

my experiences doing amazing things.

mental health issues, it’s that helping

So, despite being in a bad place, I tried

others lets you help yourself.

35

my best to turn the spare time I had into

First things first words by kristýna hřivnáčová

Do you remember starting first grade?

The thing is, though, that there’s no-one to pack your lunches and lay out clean

going into your first year at university is not

clothes for you to wear every morning.

much different. Everyone is excited about

So, first things first—there you have two

that first taste of parent-less independence,

opportunities to gain cookie points (and eat

slightly scared and wants sweets.

real cookies, because there’s no-one to stop

36

Good. Hold on to that information, because

you): keep yourself fed, ideally with a nice

it’s easier to write an essay last minute if

warm meal, and dressed, ideally in clean

you don’t have to sort through a semester’s

clothes.

worth of material.

What is there more to being a student?

Ah, right. Studying.

To be frank, people usually don’t just

Why would you need to write an essay last minute? Well, if you’re self-organised, diligent and don’t get swept up in party-

soar through university on clean white

crazes or TV shows too often, you’ll probably

wings, singing Walking on Sunshine. The

have everything done a fortnight in advance.

previous educational system was built to

If you’re like me and have 17 series to

push you towards the books and make you

watch… welcome to the last-minute club,

remember things you’ll never actually need

here’s your piece of advice.

in your life. Uni, on the other hand, teaches

There are more things I should say, like:

you what’s vital for your future career and

don’t worry, you’ll find friends; that eleventh

gives you time for independent study, which

shot on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea;

sounds great in theory but is horrible in real

and, clean the bathroom before it becomes

life, because it means you and only you hold

sentient and devours you in your sleep.

the power to make yourself learn.

But I will not say them because I

The best thing you can do is piece

think that, deep down, you already know

together routines; stereotypes, if you will.

everything you need to know. If you find

Ew, what, why? Nobody likes a stereotype.

yourself in doubt, however, just remember

Having a routine means you have a list to

this one thing: there are people who

follow and if you stick to it for a longer time,

can help you with almost anything, from

it’ll become natural. Wake up before midday proofreading your essays to struggling with on days off, attend all your classes (even the

fitting in. University can be amazing if you let

9am ones), do your reading and homework.

it, and it’s right here—so, ready or not, here

I know it sounds dull, but I can promise you

we come!

—

falmouth - anchor . co . uk

37

kristýna appears courtesy of the falmouth anchor

Kirsten Perkins politics and international relations bame officer

| politics

| liberation

committee chair

society committee member

african - caribbean society committee member

| mun

committee member

a majority white campus, made up of

the Liberation Committee Chair for

students from privileged backgrounds,

the 2018/19 academic year. When I

who I’d have nothing in common with.

first came to university, the biggest fear

Also, moving to Cornwall was a large

I had was the prospect of not being

cultural shift from a city, and I greatly

able to make any friends. Being an

feared the local community and thought

ethnic minority from London, my view

I would stand out immensely. However,

of universities such as Exeter, was of

the first society I joined at university was

38

My name is Kirsten Perkins and I am

I was able to celebrate my culture and find a space that I could relate to. the African-Caribbean Society, which

revolved around FXU: being part of

greatly helped me gain friends from a

two society committees and the BAME

variety of backgrounds, and helped me

Officer. I was able to organise events I’ve

feel more accepted and comfortable

always wanted to attend at university,

in a space which I was not familiar with.

and even trips, and in doing so felt very

I was able to celebrate my culture and

useful and engaged in life on campus. I

find a space that I could relate to, which

was able to continue to grow my social

overall gave me more confidence to

circle, and the staff at the Students'

exist on campus and socialise with

Union also became a support system,

people in every space. I also joined the

allowing me to feel very comfortable at

Politics Society, which was great for

University.

me as I am a Politics and International

Having gone from someone who

Relations student, and helped me

completely dreaded the country life in

engage in political activities outside my

Cornwall, to someone who has become

course, and socialise with people who

a dedicated member of the Students'

had similar academic and social interests

Union, and therefore an active university

to me.

student, I have FXU and my friends to

Before I knew it, I was so involved

thank for helping me feel comfortable

in the Students' Union societies that I

in an unknown space. It has also given

ran for two elections in my first year,

me multiple employability skills which

becoming very engaged with FXU. This

puts me a step ahead of other students

gave me skills and invaluable experience

in the job world, as FXU has given me

that I used in job interviews outside of

opportunities for professional leadership

university, and also helped me feel very

training as well as awards that have

integral to the community on campus.

boosted my employability confidence.

39

My life in second year has completely

This is everything that happens on a night out in Falmouth words by carl altaner illustration by paul wai

At last, it’s Thursday night. You sit on your

tell her about how you polished off the last

bed and ponder if the sesh is beckoning you

season of Brooklyn Nine Nine.

Faced with such overwhelming

because, if you don’t, are you really even a

considerations, you inevitably decide to

Fresher? When Mum skypes you to ask how

go out. After a couple rounds of Ring of

your first week of uni went, you can’t exactly

Fire, in which no one can remember all the

40

or not. Freshers may feel obliged to go out

rules, you stumble into the drizzle. For the

Doom Bar. Someone mentions Fives and an

excruciatingly hilly journey to town, you pack awful chill runs down your spine. Toast it is. the essentials: a water bottle of squash and

Three somewhat disturbingly named ‘My

vodka, or maybe a couple cans of Foster’s

Little Pony’ shots later, you finally feel ready

or Red Stripe, depending on whether you

to go out and throw some shapes in the

study Mining or Creative Writing.

club.

Eventually you and the Banter Squad spot the lights of ‘Spoons in the distance.

Things are starting to blur, but the musty odour of Club I remains unmistakable. It

Freshers whip out their passports like they’re hits you like a wall, at the entrance to the off to Ibiza at Gatwick Airport, but instead of

Mordor-esque staircase. Glad to be dancing

bag searches it’s tattooed bouncers.

at last, soon you’re vaguely aware that half

You fight your way through to the counter, only to realise after half an hour that literally hundreds of people

your group is either queueing for the toilets or snogging a randomer.

Somehow you find somebody you know

who definitely got there after you are

and stumble out onto the streets. It’s like a

being served first. Everybody at the bar

warzone; students are strewn around on the

feels frustration rise inside them at how

cobblestones, crouching next to bins and

annoyingly sober they’ve become.

sheltering in side streets. It’s chaos. There’s

It’s approaching eleven. Your Flat Mum/ Dad pipes up and announces in a tone that belies their sozzled state that you should all

chunder in every alleyway. Yet you only have one thing on your mind.

Cheesy chips. Greasy and glorious,

get stamps for Club I. Suddenly filled with

you scoff them down before piling into a

a sense of purpose you haven’t felt since

taxi with just about anyone, vainly hoping

GCSEs, you follow as they march/stagger

it ends up somewhere near your house. If

out.

you actually contribute to the fare, you’ve

Having acquired your mark of shame, a

probably way overpaid.

dizzying array of choices now face you and

All in all, a night out in Falmouth isn’t

your friends. Where to go now­—Grapes?

exactly as glitzy as Leicester or London and

Toast? If you’re in CSM, chances are you’re

more than a bit grim in places—but at least

still in ‘Spoons savouring your seventh pint of it’s ours.

—

falmouth - anchor . co . uk

41

carl appears courtesy of the falmouth anchor

Student Voice The student voice is at the heart of everything we do here at your Students’ Union. Your 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 fxu.org.uk/studentvoice to find out more and remember you’re always

42

welcome to pop into the office for a chat and a cuppa.

Being a Student Trustee The Students' Union is an independent charity governed by a trustee board; the trustee board has a number of student representatives who oversee the strategic direction, financial and legal obligations of FXU, as well as holding the CEO to account to ensure they are working in the best interests of students.

“Being in all the board meetings, you get to have your say on big changes and decisions that are being made.”

— Gracie Sodzi, Falmouth Student Trustee 2017/18 “I did it because it’s a great chance to get involved in decision making with the Students’ Union and make sure that they are doing what is right for Exeter students.”

— Matthew Clark, Exeter Student Trustee 2017/18 If you would like to find out about joining FXU’s Trustee Board, please contact Ben at

43

ben.rowswell@fxu.org.uk or call into the office for a chat.

Zoe Burden creative events management

| course rep | student mentor | student ambassador

disabled student mentor leader

don ’ t disability society president

I’m Zoe, a 22-year-old Creative Events

Since starting my course, I have taken

Management student with Cerebral

on many challenges and completely

Palsy—but there is a lot

immersed myself in university life. I have

more to me than that!

made amazing friends, expanded my

My first year at university has gone

knowledge of my chosen profession and of my own capabilities, gained

whilst it’s been far from the easiest thing

practical industry experience, and now

I have ever done, I can honestly say it’s

hold representative positions within the

been the best thing I have ever done.

university that make a real difference

44

by in a whirlwind of excitement and,

With a strong work ethic and the right support; you can achieve amazing things! to the student experience and local

this has been fully counteracted by the

community.

support of university staff. What sets

One of my most memorable

the University apart from others is the

experiences from my first year has been

amount in which they listen to and act

my placement at the Academy of Music

upon feedback from students. In only

and Theatre Arts (AMATA) on the Penryn a year of being here, I have witnessed Campus. This led to me being asked to

changes in campus infrastructure and

manage the Garden Festival (a campus-

practises to enable disabled students to

based community event, involving classic make the most of university life. fĂŞte games, live performances and

In my roles as President of the

more). Though event management can

Don’t DisAbility Society and as Disabled

be stressful, the day was incredibly fun

Student Mentor Leader, my passion for

and filled me with a sense of pride to see making the world more accessible has everyone enjoying what I (with the help

grown. This is something that is not only

of an amazing team) had created. The

obviously important for my personal life

success of the event has really made me

but has also had an impact upon my

believe that I have a bright future ahead

professional one. I am now committed

of me within the events management

to aiding the campaign to make event

industry.

managers take notice of the need for

Coming to university with a disability can (and often does) add another

accessible and inclusive event planning.

This year has proved to me that

element of concern and difficulty to

despite any disability or difficulty you

an already life-changing experience.

may have, with a strong work ethic

Cornwall in itself also doesn’t appear

and the right support, you can achieve

to be the most accessible place to live

amazing things!

45

due to its natural terrain but, for me,

Course Reps Course 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 Student Presidents

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.

Elections are held to get Reps in place, giving them a mandate to represent their peers’ opinions. Once they’re elected, we deliver

Education & Academic Officers

fun (honestly!) training, ensuring our Reps are properly equipped to do the role, and we also provide ongoing support through the year, along with other training and development sessions, and opportunities for more social gatherings.

Our Reps become part of a team of students and staff across your subject area who are all committed to making positive

Department Reps & Subject Chairs

change for students.

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

Course Reps

in. Staff from your Students’ Union and continuing Reps will be buzzing around all through Freshers to answer any questions you might have, or you can find out more on our website at fxu.org.uk/reps.

Even if you don’t want to be a Course Rep yourself, maybe you

Student Body

know someone who would be a great one, so give them a nudge.

And make sure you vote when the time comes to make sure your

46

voice is being represented.

ROS (Rep Online System) is our brand spanking new tool to help 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 cafés to the way your academic work is assessed.

Your Course 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. Your Course 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.

There will be lots of different ways you’ll hear about how your voice is making a difference—your Reps and course staff will tell you what they’ve been doing, and individual services will have ‘You Said We Did’ announcements, so look out for them!

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

47

visit fxu.org.uk/ros

Lucia Valachová human science

| subject chair | course rep | chorus social secretary

global chums mentor

ghanaian book connection project president

programmes. I remember being really

week, I attended one 9am introductory

excited about the prospect of being part

class, where I first heard about the

of the University on a different level, not

course representatives. The Subject

only attending lectures and studying

Chair had explained to us what it

for exams, but also influencing the

means to be a Course Rep and how

study environment for other students

it can help improve the quality of the

and improving the quality of their

48

As a part of my already busy Freshers

My year as a Course Rep has showed me how important it is to give a voice to the student body. experience. Thus, I decided to apply

give a voice to the student body, as

for the position and I was pleasantly

many problems raised at Staff Student

surprised when it all worked out and

Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings

I became the course representative.

were identified and solved thanks to

At the beginning, I was not really sure

students’ feedback. Also, due to the fact

how to effectively represent students

that Human Science is a relatively new

and convey constructive criticism,

programme, it is important to shape

therefore I was extremely grateful

it to students' satisfaction and apply

to have the guidance of the Subject

gained experience to eradicate potential

Chairs, who answered all the questions

inconveniences in the system. I was

and supported me through the whole

quite pleased to be part of that process

process.

and that also, thanks to my input, future

Throughout the year, I have been reporting issues that bothered my fellow

students will have a better experience.

In addition to giving me an

students, and engaging in discussions

opportunity to help others, being a

with the aim of finding suitable solutions.

course representative has helped

It was an exciting experience, especially

me as an individual as well, because

during the strikes and unexpected snow

it has taught me many valuable skills,

storms, and it has made me more aware

such as presentation, negotiation and

of just how easily numerous things

communication. Furthermore, it made

beyond the control of the students

the process of settling in at the university

influence their academic performance,

much easier, as I had the pleasure to

as well as measures for mitigating the

meet many like-minded and lovely

impact of such events.

people, who have made my first months

My year as a Course Rep has

at the University much more enjoyable.

49

showed me how important it is to

Be part of the next generation of inspiring innovators and makers! workshops : events hackathons : networking mentoring : funding ex.ac.uk/thinktrydopenryn

Ciaran Clarke postgrad researcher

| postgrad

research officer falmouth

falmouth research student rep

I have lived in Falmouth since I was five, so I didn’t expect to need to find my

collaboratively focused. Attending an Arts Institution to undertake a PhD

people when enrolling as a Postgraduate means that we can often be found Researcher in 2016. I am so glad I did,

working together, offering insightful

and they’re a mighty team.

views on one another’s work, organising

The Postgraduate Research

lunchtime research talks, or taking time out to nurture our shared interests

incredibly supportive, passionate, and

beyond the PhD programme.

52

community at Falmouth University is

But the community is not simply

surrounding areas have so much to

one of students, we are also incredibly

explore, so take a drive to the Helford,

lucky to have the members of staff

or catch the ferry to Flushing: there will

supporting us every step of the way.

always be more work you can do, so be

They’re an excellent group, they all

kind to yourself and take regular breaks.

work incredibly hard year-round to

One way to meet new people and

ensure that the Postgraduate Research

make new connections is through the

experience at Falmouth University is the

Students' Union and its societies, who

We’re one postgraduate community across Exeter and Falmouth. very best it can be. And it isn’t always

work tirelessly to improve student life

easy. The support we offer one another

across campuses and encourage and

as members of our community is crucial,

foster cross-campus collaboration and

but so too are the services offered by

friendships. We’re one postgraduate

FXPlus like Wellbeing, Study Skills, and

community across Exeter and Falmouth,

the always excellent team in the Library.

and the excellent FXU makes sure

These services are there for a reason:

that friendships and connections

Postgraduate Research can be hard, so

thrive between institutions. We’ll be

do make use of them.

doing much more this year to foster

The most valuable lesson across the first two years of my PhD has been to

links between Falmouth and Exeter postgraduate students, through research

look after myself: whilst undertaking your talks, events, activities and much more, research, cultivate a group of supportive

so do join the Facebook group (Post-

friends, join a choir, a five-a-side team,

Graduates Cornwall Campuses) to

do something completely unrelated

keep informed.

53

to your subject area. Falmouth and its

I am feeling discriminated against

I feel isolated in the community

I was picked on because I’m a student

I am concerned about safety

I have been called names because of my culture

I was shouted at because I am gay

Tell.Me@fxu.org.uk

Hailey .M Tshuma National Union of Students exp: 09/09/19

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