RGU:UNION

Going to university isn’t just about the studying, there are also many opportunities available to try new things, meet new people and make the most of your time at RGU.

RGU:Union is your Students’ Union. It is an independent charity run by students, for students, focused on making your experience the best it can be. You automatically become a member of RGU:Union when you enrol as a student at the University, which gives you the opportunity to try exciting new activities, from being part of a sports club, taking part in charity fundraising, student media or volunteering in the community. There are over 40 student societies to get involved in, from course related to social societies including gaming, film, music or photography. There are also political and faith-based groups. If you can’t find a group that covers your interests, why not start up a society of your own?

www.rguunion.co.uk/societies

RGU:Union also has over 30 sports clubs for you to get involved in, including badminton, water polo, basketball, indoor hockey and rock climbing.

www.rguunion.co.uk/sport

If you’re looking for a fun way to boost your CV and gain invaluable experience, why not try volunteering! From skydiving and sports coaching to youth work and fundraising, the Union can help find the right opportunity for you. There are lots of different ways to get involved, either in a voluntary role as part of the Union’s representative team, in the community with one of our local charity partners, or if you would rather not commit regularly you could try your hand at a one-off volunteering project.

www.rguunion.co.uk/ volunteering

RGU:RAGis the charity fundraising arm of RGU:Union. Their team organise a number of exciting charitable events throughout the year, with all proceeds going to local, national and international charities. Students at RGU have raised well over £100,000 for countless different charities over the past few years through various different methods including bake sales, street collections, fashion shows, and they have even sent students to climb Mount Kilimanjaro!

www.rguunion.co.uk/rgurag

RGU:Union also supports a student-led media group. The group produces content around all aspects of student life, published in a range of formats including videos, written news and regular podcasts.

RGU:Union is one of only a handful of higher education institutions who offer you the chance to complete your

Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

(DofE). It is open to anyone aged between 14 and 24, and is an opportunity for you to build important transferrable skills and greatly enhance your CV and employability. If you didn’t have the opportunity to take part in DofE at school, or if you have started but didn’t complete the process, RGU:Union can support you.

www.rguunion.co.uk/dofe

RGU:Union also focuses on representing your student voice through our Student Partnership Agreement. They work in close partnership with the University to involve students whenever important decisions are made across the campus, and help to tackle any issues that are faced by RGU students.

There are a number of democratic and partnership roles you can get involved in, including:

■ Student President and

Vice Presidents ■ Student Representatives ■ School Officers ■ International Representatives ■ Equality Champions trained staff who can provide advice in a number of areas, including academic issues, health and wellbeing, faith and belief, social support, and equality concerns.

RGU:Union has a dedicated

Go Green team whose aim is to spread the word about environmental topics and provide the tools and opportunities to empower you to look after our shared planet. Some of the Go Green initiatives include: Kaim Co-op is a

multipurpose space in the heart of the campus and home to swapshop areas and creative up-cycling workshops. Rent A Bikeis our BikePad maintenance workshop that accepts donated bikes, and with the help of skilled volunteers, service and bring them up to rental standard so you can hire a bike during the term. VegBag is a fortnightly scheme bringing fresh, organic and locally sourced vegetables to you on campus, which are guaranteed to be cheaper than equivalent supermarket prices.

www.rguunion.co.uk/about/ campaigns/gogreen/

Sometimes you may need a little extra support and RGU:Union has a range of independent and impartial advice and support initiatives available. They have

RGU:Nightline is a studentled peer-to-peer helpline that offers a non-judgmental, confidential and anonymous listening and support service to RGU students outside of academic hours (operating from 8pm until 8am).

www.rguunion.co.uk/ nightline

Peer Support is a newly introduced student-led group that offers confidential in-person support, delivered by a team of trained student volunteers. You can also participate in a series of workshops and self-help sessions which have been developed to assist with early intervention for wellbeing issues.

www.rguunion.co.uk/ peersupport

For more information on RGU:Union visit:

www.rguunion.co.uk

Follow RGU:Union on Facebook