The Essential Guide
Cover model of the Percy Gee building: Jake Dodsley (11)
Everything You Need To Know About Your Students’ Union
The truth behind the awards What the Union really does for you
Order of The Phoenix Leicester’s cultural hotspots explained
The Casual Vacancy Find out how to combine work and study
www.leicesterunion.com
facebook.com/StudentsUnion
@percygee
Fantasy films. Reality prices. Student discount available on every film, every day. Experience cinema like never before. cinemadelux.co.uk facebook.com/showcasecinemasuk twitter.com/showcasecinemas
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So you’ve said goodbye to the rents, unpacked your laptop and highlighters and surveyed the landscape that is Leicester. How are you feeling?
Hello and Welcome to Leicester! Well, if you’re anything like we were when we got here, you’re probably excited and a little bit nervous. Moving away from home is great – but you’d be very unusual if you didn’t worry, just a little bit, about how it will turn out. And that’s where we come in.
M ar yn a
Life What has the Union ever done for us? . . . . . . . 3 The Ripple’s Guide to Leicester . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The University of Leicester Students' Union is your union. We’re all about you. Whatever you are, we are. And the National Union of Students (NUS) think we’re pretty good at what we are.
So you want to party? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Not blowing our own trumpet or anything, but we have just (ahem!) won the Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year award.
So you want to be a media star? . . . . . . . . . . . 21
We’re all students, or we’ve been students in the past. So we understand that it’s not just getting your degree that’s important. Your lecturers and tutors are there to help you do that. We’re here to help you with everything else!
M ic ha el
Contents
If you’re passionate about playing sport, keen to earn money, enthusiastic to play a role in any of the 150+ groups we run for students, eager to speak up for your course mates or simply grow as a student, we know – because we’ve all been there too. We’ve written this guide with you in mind. It should have the answers to all the questions you’re likely to have about making your time here truly great. You might not remember it all in one go, so keep this guide safe and refer to it when you need to.
Support So you want to make some new friends? . . . . 18 So you want to play in a winning team? . . . . . . 22 What is this crazy little thing called ARC? . . . . 25 So you want to make a difference? . . . . . . . . . 26 Who’s this guy called ED? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 So you want to get a part-time job? . . . . . . . . 30 So you want to save money? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Voice So you want to have a say in your Union? . . . . 34 So you want to be elected? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 So you want to speak up for your mates? . . . . 38 Happy birthday to us! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 So you want to be rewarded? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Save the date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
And if it doesn’t answer your questions, or you want to make a suggestion, get in touch and tell us.
Se an
Because we want you to love Leicester as much as we do. Dan, Maryna, Michael and Sean On behalf of everyone in the Students’ Union
| Life | | 01 |
Welcome to the hub from Endsleigh You’ll find news, advice, student blogs and everything else you need to know during your time at university & when you leave.
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What has the Union ever done for us?
(with sincere apologies to The Guardian for blatantly ripping off the format of its series, Pass Notes) Name: The University of Leicester Students’ Union Age: 90 Not to be confused with: De Montfort University Appearance: Good for its age, with a penchant for colourful, oversized lamps, big windows and glass roofs
That sounds like the Percy Gee building. Indeed. Home of the University of Leicester Students’ Union. So are students obsessed with well-lit buildings? There are more than 22,000 students at the University of Leicester – they’re not a homogenous group; some undoubtedly contemplate architecture but, generally, obsessions are restricted to other things. Like cheap drinks in the Union bar? Not necessarily. Students don’t drink as much or as often as the media would have you believe. Research suggests that almost a quarter of the students at Leicester never drink at all. Get out of here! Have you been to Shabang on a Friday night? It’s easy to stereotype people. Lots of students go drinking, especially in their first year. But generally, the older they are, the less they drink. In the grand scheme of things, cheap drinks aren’t the biggest priority for most students any more.
| Life |
If you can’t get a cheap drink at the Union, what’s the point of it? I didn’t say you couldn’t get a cheap drink. I said there are other things that are important that the Union helps with. Oh really. And what might they be? Saving money. Offering a sympathetic ear if things go a bit Pete Tong. Having someone stand up for you. Can you give an example? Sure. Last year, the University of Leicester Students’ Union successfully negotiated with the University to remove all extra course costs. What extra course costs? On top of tuition fees, around 1,300 first year students were expected to find up to £600 for other stuff essential to their course, like field trips, lab coats and readers. The Students’ Union put forward a well-argued case to say these costs should be removed. Collectively, first year students saved nearly £165,000. Awesome! So they had more money to spend in the bar? If they wanted to. The point is, they didn’t have to get in to even more debt. And by having the Students’ Union represent all first years, they were listened to. Safety in numbers and all that. The Union should get an award for that: It did. NUS awarded it Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year. | 03 |
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The Ripple’s Guide to Leicester If your knowledge of Leicester starts and ends with vague facts about a King in a car park, read on. Drawing on their experience of student life in the biggest city in the East Midlands, The Ripple’s Section Editors sum up all the places you need to know about.
Meeting
by Christopher Everett (Ripple President)
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eicester isn’t your typical 10th largest city in the UK/ ancient hosiery manufacturer. No sir, the city is blessed with a fair bit of green and public space for you to meet with your friends, dates and companions, including:
Victoria Park: Right on the doorstep to the University, you really can’t and shouldn’t miss Victoria Park when the weather is good. Students will often be seen here in early autumn, spring and summer, laying on the grass and buying ice cream from the Mr Whippy van some intrepid businessman has driven up the footpath. Perfect for picnics, but avoid it at night if you’re on your own: it’s poorly lit and there are lots of blind spots that provide for an uncomfortable walk through. The Square/Common Room: The Square, aka the bit with the sofas and giant lamps in the Students’ Union, is the perfect alternative to Vicky Park on colder days. Surrounded by the student bar (1923), the shop (Nourish – I recommend the £3.29 meal deal) and of course Starbucks, spewing forth hot foamy cups of hot chocolate and coffee all winter, it makes for a cosy and comfortable meeting place – if full, head downstairs to the Common Room, which provides cheap baked goodies and more cushioned seats, to bridge the gap between that 9am and 2pm lecture.
The Clocktower: Leicester has a bit of a fetish for Clocktowers, the greatest and most revered being the one in the town centre, known to one friend as simply ‘The Edifice to Time’. In the very middle of town, the Clocktower is next to Highcross (the shopping centre), a stone’s-throw from nightclubs Republic, Chilli Whites and Mosh, as well as being close to the bus station/several bus stops; this monument is an instantly identifiable meeting point for any students going to town. Honourable Mentions: New Walk – A beautiful footpath that takes you from University Road to Town, via the Bar Crawl favourite Vodka Revolution. Those chairs – The marble ones outside the library that have been designed for as much comfort as a medieval torture device. The Library – Because contrary to common belief, even first years have to study eventually.
Find out more about The Ripple on page 21.
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Shopping
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Lanes, located just behind Highcross,
Time to Shine
Finally, while at the University of Leicester you will learn to embrace the art of fancy dress, with your first big opportunity being Halloween if not in Freshers’ Fortnight itself. Head over to Paper Tiger if you dare to compete for the best costume of the night. Located in Haymarket, Top Girl serves as a slightly cheaper alternative. You’ll thank me for these fancy dress tips one day. Despite what others may tell you, you will have numerous nights out at cheesy Red Leicester.
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For bargains, make a bee line to Leicester Market, located in the heart of the city centre. Consistently voted one of the UK’s favourite
markets, it has a great variety to match any supermarket and prices to fit every student’s budget.
For those of you after an alter-
will cater to your every need with its numerous boutiques and independent stores. It offers a range of vintage fashion, handmade jewellery and gift ideas. If that’s not enough, Leicester Cathedral plays host to a Vintage Fair each academic term. Always delivering a lively environment and a wide choice, this is a definite recommendation.
te rM ar ke t
ith a vibrant and busy atmosphere, Highcross is Leicester’s main shopping centre and home to high street giants, including Topshop, River Island, Office and many more. Twice a year Highcross also treats its University shoppers to ‘Student Takeover’ nights, offering 20% off most stores, and allowing us all to take advantage of our beloved loans. The first and most popular of these two events takes place just after the Freshers’ Fortnight -- providing a perfect opportunity for new flatmates to make an evening of it together.
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by Karina Maduro
67 Granby Street, Leicester Leicestershire, LE1 6FB Tel: 0116 254 0778 www.thetanningshop.co.uk
Gigs
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he O2 Academy on campus is arguably the best music venue in Leicester for catching your favourite acts. However, there are many other venues around the city which all keen gig-goers and performers ought to know about. Here are a few… De Montfort Hall Location: Granville Road Website: demontforthall. co.uk Leicester’s other major venue couldn’t be easier to find; the back gate to this grand hall is accessible via University Road. With the likes of the Beatles and the Smiths having graced its stage back in the day, the venue still puts on an impressive range of established bands and comedians. And in case you wondered, the venue bears no connection to Leicester’s other university!
by Alexander French The Musician Location: Clyde Street Website: themusicianpub. co.uk Tucked away on Clyde Street, not far from the city centre, this relaxed venue hosts an eclectic variety of acts from bluegrass to metal. On Monday evenings The Musician hosts the City Acoustic Club, one of the city’s best open mic nights. The Looking Glass/Hub Bar/Natterjacks Location: Braunstone Gate If you don’t mind venturing beyond the city centre, a number of great smaller venues can be found on Braunstone Gate, a street at the heart of Leicester’s local music scene. Catch the stars of tomorrow here!
The Soundhouse Location: 28 Southampton Street Website: soundhouseleicester.co.uk Located in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, this pubcum-venue hosts an impressive range of smaller acts. Tuesday is open mic night, so turn up with your guitar – or just your voice - if you’re eager to play in front of an audience. Firebug
In the centre of the city sits a lively bar with a small but bustling venue on the floor above. With artists such as Foals, Frank Turner and Frightened Rabbit performing there in recent years, in addition to comedians Russell Howard and Josie Long, Firebug is a haven of up-and-coming talent.
Fi re bu g
Location: Millstone Lane Website: firebugbar.co.uk
The O2 Academy on campus is arguably the best music venue in Leicester for catching your favourite acts.
The Donkey Location: 203 Welford Road Website: thedonkeybar.com An intimate venue with a notable roster of past performers (Seth Lakeman, By the Rivers), The Donkey is just a short walk from the top of University Road. Open mic sessions are held every Wednesday evening.
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Days Out by Nicky Skinner
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Fancy a flutter? Try your luck at Leicester Racecourse in Oadby. A flat course with fixtures throughout the year, it’s a guaranteed fun day out…even if you come in last!
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Heading a little further afield, you can hop on a train and be in Birmingham in less than an hour. Boasting great shopping at the famous Bullring centre, day returns start at only £12.50, making it an affordable day out too.
or a breath of fresh air why not get out of the city and visit nearby Bradgate Park, Leicestershire’s largest Country Park. Extending to some 830 acres, it’s got great walks and beautiful sights throughout the year. Try and visit at Christmas to see their herd of reindeer!
Indulge or spark an interest in the final frontier with a visit to the National Space Centre. Just two miles from the city centre, it’s a cracking attraction dedicated to space and space travel – and definitely not just for the kids. Look out for the special Dr Who celebration in November. You’ll get discounts if you have an NUS Extra card.
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Culture
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Eating by Emily Gussin
f you fancy an alternative night out to clubbing, Leicester has a veritable banquet for your cultured eyes to feast on. With many great venues and even a cultural quarter there are plenty of ways to sit back and enjoy the show. The cinema is somewhere all students go and Leicester gives you the choice of three. The Odeon in Leicester is a 15-minute walk from the university, making it the easiest option when on campus. The Showcase Cinema de Lux at the heart of the city centre is great if you’d like to have pre-film dinner or a post-film drink.
For ultimate convenience, there’s our own 1923 café bar in the Percy Gee, serving scrumptious breakfast baps, delicious burgers from locallysourced beef and tapas in the evenings.
Finally, the independent Phoenix Square Cinema is perfect for students. It’s cheaper, they let you bring your own food and drink (pizza and a bottle of wine is never going too far) and the seats are amazingly comfortable. The Phoenix also shows a lot of independent films, alternative content and film marathons, so if you’d like to see something a bit different The Phoenix is the place to go. If you want something more 3D than film, head to Curve, Leicester’s own state of the art theatre. Producing its own shows, it also has many visits from touring companies. Musical theatre, drama, dance, comedy and opera can all be found at Curve – plus they have student-friendly prices. Leicester is also home to Dave’s Comedy Festival; this annual celebration of fun brings comedy heavyweights to the city alongside emerging talents. With a variety of prices and held in many venues around the city it’s not to be missed if you like a laugh. The University also has its own arts theatre Embrace Arts, just 10 minutes’ walk away from the Percy Gee building. Showing a wide range of art forms, from classical music and jazz to dance and comedy, there’s always something to watch right on your doorstep. For some performances, you can get in for a fiver with your NUS Extra card.
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by Conor Wickham
eicester is a unique place of culinary delights ranging from excellent Indian and Chinese food to the UK's best market. A stone’s throw from the Student Village, Oadby boasts a number of budget friendly pubs. Try The Oadby Owl or The Cow and Plough – well worth a trip on a lazy weekend! If you’re on campus, head to The Marquis Wellington for a yummy roast dinner, or The Lansdowne for a cocktail and a bite to eat – their sweet potato wedges are the best in town. Nearer to campus, Jones’ Café on Queens Road is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee and a delicious cupcake. If you’re especially hungry (and brave) try Jones' 666 challenge. But be warned. Only four people have ever polished off the mountainous six pancakes, six bacon rashers, six sausages, six eggs, six hash browns and six slices of toast in 30 minutes, and been awarded the champion’s t shirt. For those with smaller appetites, try the amazing Eggs Benedict – served on a toasted bagel with crispy hash browns. Other highlights on Queens Road include tapas at Barceloneta and Salvador Deli for melt in your mouth lunches. For ultimate convenience, there’s our own 1923 café bar in the Percy Gee, serving scrumptious breakfast baps, delicious burgers from locally-sourced beef and tapas in the evenings. If you love curry, you’ve picked one of the best cities to study in. Leicester is famous for its Golden Mile and has previously been named as the Curry Capital of the UK. There are so many good Indian restaurants in Leicester that you could visit a different one almost every week for a year – Shimla Pinks, Queens Tandoori, Agra… My top tip is to join the Curry Society if you want the inside information and best deals. If the only time you eat out is three in the morning, and only the greasiest chicken burger or cheesiest pizza will do, don’t worry. There’s more choice than you’ll ever be able to sample and many of the takeaways in town are open late into the night (including Dominos – who deliver until 5am every day).
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Sport
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by Conor Wickham
f you're a sports fan, you’ve made an excellent university choice. Leicester is home to the 2012/2013 Rugby Union Premiership Champions, Leicester Tigers. With the stadium within 10 minutes’ walk of campus and cheap tickets for selected games available through the Students’ Union, this is a unique chance to see domestic and European rugby played at the highest level. Dressing in tiger stripes is optional, but popular. Football fans are well treated in Leicester, too. Leicester, playing from the magnificent and atmospheric King Power Stadium, just 15 minutes’ walk from campus, narrowly missed out on a play-off place this year. Leicester currently has an impressive squad featuring ex-premier league players like Kasper Schmeichel and David Nugent. With reduced priced tickets available from the Students' Union, there is no excuse not to follow The Foxes. If you prefer summer sports, then Grace Road is probably more your thing. Leicestershire cricket club play regular matches including the exciting twenty20 format and students are entitled to discounted tickets here as well.
If you're a sports fan, you’ve made an excellent university choice. Leicester is home to the 2012/2013 Rugby Union Premiership Champions, Leicester Tigers, Leicester City Football Club and Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
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| Life |
Drinking
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ecretly most students’ reason for going to university, in Leicester you can find every type of bar, club or pub you could possibly hope for. We’ve got it all! Cocktails and Shots There are quite a few cocktail bars in Leicester, with a variety of prices. One of the most popular bars is Firebug. It hosts a variety of different performers from music to comedy, and boasts a chilled out atmosphere. If you go at Happy Hour, cocktails are normally around £3.75 – fair pricing and certainly worth it for the atmosphere. Rainbow&Dove – also one of Leicester’s gay bars –is another good one. The prices aren’t as reasonable but the venue is more intimate and a great night all the same! For something exotic and friendly try Hakamou. It’s not cheap at about £5.50 a cocktail but a night in there is a real experience! If it’s cheap cocktails you want, then Revolution in New Walk is for you. They do your standard Sex On The Beach and Woo Woos if that’s what you’re after and on Monday nights they do half price drinks from 8pm ‘til late, making it even more affordable. Beer and Cider For something laid back and authentic, The Pub on New Walk offers an impressive range, totalling 33 draught products. It also hosts a range of live music and provides an impressive food menu. Although not exactly a student atmosphere or cheap, it’s worth a try if that’s what you’re into. However, if you’re looking for a somewhere to watch sport with a couple of pints and cheap food then The Loaded Dog and The Dry Dock (both part of the same chain) are highly recommended. Here a burger and a pint cost £4.99 and there are more screens then you could possibly need!
| Life |
by Samantha Blundell The BEST Student Nights Mondays are dominated by Republic, Leicester’s biggest club with several different rooms. The club also hosts the only official joint UoL and DMU night out. On these nights double vodka mixers will become your best friends as they’re normally only £2. But, don’t forget to save a couple of quid for the taxi ride home, as it’s not as close as our Students’ Union! Tuesdays you’ve got the option of Mosh or Religion - two popular venues, both smaller and a bit more unusual. For indie music, Mosh is your best option. This club has three levels; the upper playing chart, ground playing indie, and the basement playing cheesy music. There’s a real variety and the drinks are reasonably priced. Religion is all about Hip-Hop, and is a new and up-and-coming night in Leicester. Again, both of these are located in the city centre so save money for a taxi (and perhaps a Subway on the way home). Wednesdays is all about our Students’ Union’s O2 Academy which hosts Red Leicester, playing wellknown cheesy music and attended by a MASSIVE collection of different fancy dress. This is the night when sports and societies go out as a group and have a great time – mid-week! Also, it’s quids before midnight! After 3am the party continues upstairs in the Scholar until late… and also, you’ll only need £1 for a taxi home if you’re in a group! If you’re looking for somewhere for Thursday nights then Famous in the city centre is your best option. Again top student drink deals and chart music. Shabang on Friday nights is a MUST. Held at our O2 Academy, this is the most popular student night of the week, especially as you have Saturday to recover from your Shabangover! Last year Jägerbombs were 4 for £7 and VK’s were 3 for £6 (and these prices are staying the same this year!). These greats deals keep you buzzing all night. You’ll hear all the latest chart music in the union until 3am then once again, the party carries on in The Scholar.
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facebook.com/o2academyleicester twitter.com/o2acadleicester youtube.com/o2academytv Text APP to 62002 or scan here:
#helloleicester
No one’s denying that a good night out is part of the University experience. You’ve got to have time off sometimes, after all. If gigs and club nights are your ideal way to unwind, slip on your dancing trousers and party pumps and head to your very own O2 Academy in the Percy Gee.
So you want to party? Y
ou’ve heard of the O2 Academy, right? If you’re into watching live bands, the chances are you’ve been in one at some time because there are about 14 of them up and down the country.
Ours opened in 2010. It was the very first venue of its kind to open in partnership with a Students’ Union. Purpose-built and fitted out with state of the art sound equipment, it’s also the only one to be found actually on a University campus. That in itself makes it pretty special. But working in partnership with the Academy Music Group means you get to see some awesome acts right on your doorstep. We famously launched with a sell-out show from Professor Green (who’s practically our best mate now). And since then, we’ve hosted a whole load of major names from Plan B, Chase and Status and Ben Howard to Jake Bugg, The Courteeners and Primal Scream. And we can’t wait for Bastille to visit this October.
We had a great time the day Leicester’s very own Kasabian came to play. The stadium-fillers played here as part of the Radio 1 Student Tour hosted by Zane Lowe. During the day, 200 lucky students got to watch as Fearne Cotton hosted the live lounge from The Scholar. Needless to say, people started queuing for tickets the night before they went on sale. Just as well that, as students at Leicester, you generally get advance warning of gigs and can get in early. It would be rude to ignore the club nights. Working with Rockstar Promotions, the O2 Academy is home to your weekly Union events and many one-offs. Look out for the insanely popular club nights (Annie Mac, Sub Focus, Toddla T, Skream), and the biggest all-night party of all every June - Summer Festiball. To find out as soon as bands are announced, follow us on Facebook - O2 Academy Leicester
For information about all our events, go to www.leicesterunion.com | Life |
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You fancy catching some premiership rugby at Tigers, but don’t want to go on your own. Or maybe you want to hook up with people who share your love of Harry Potter. No problem. It’s easy to find like-minded people at any one of our hundreds of student groups.
So you want to make some new friends?
W
henever we’ve asked current students what they were most worried about before coming to Uni, all of them have always said Making Friends. Let’s say right here, right now, that finding new buddies at the University of Leicester is the very last thing you need to worry about. Whenever we’ve asked our current students what the least of their worries were when they got here, all of them have always said Making Friends.
Of course, it does require a little bit of effort. If your gameplan is to sit back and wait for a string of suitable new friends to beat a path to your door, you could be disappointed. Even if you’re living in halls, where you’re bound to meet lots of people, you still need to look interested and interesting.
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Then there’s your course. You’d be hard pressed not to connect with at least a couple of compatible souls studying the same subject. A wise man* once said: Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’ So if that’s the kind of spark you’re hoping for, make a date with the annual Fresh Fair. This two-day extravaganza is the main platform for all our student groups to showcase their talents. It positively vibrates with Freshers discovering that they’re not the only ones with a fondness for making rockets. Or speedcubing. Or singing. Or horses. Or Quidditch. Or politics. Or…with nearly 200 student groups, this could be a very long list so please fill in your specialist interest here.
| Support |
These pages show just a tiny glimpse of the dazzling array of groups you can join. You can find out about all of them on our website and, of course, at Fresh Fair.
It’s safe to say that whatever your passion, it’s highly likely there’s also a club that will welcome you with open arms (usually for a small fee). We’ve highlighted some of the types of student groups we have at Leicester in the pages of this guide. You can read about our media groups on page 20, Team Leicester (our sports clubs) on page 22, and our Volunteers on page 28. But these pages show just a tiny glimpse of the dazzling array of groups you can join. You can find out about all of them on our website and, of course, at Fresh Fair. Feel free to join as many as your time and money allows. And enjoy! *The wise man was C. S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia
For a full list of all our groups, go to www.leicesterunion.com/groups#club-society
1923 is a relaxed and informal cafÊ bar, serving a selection of wines, beers, hot drinks and tasty cuisine throughout the day. From bacon butties at breakfast time, to piping hot jacket potatoes at lunch or a delicious coffee and pudding, all our food is cooked fresh on the premises. We also do a fantastic fish finger sandwich! Our tapas menu, served from 4pm, is simply scrummy – the perfect way to relax after a long day of lectures and seminars!
leicesterunion.com/eat/1923-cafe-bar
You’ve signed up for medicine. Or engineering. Or languages. Or…(enter degree subject – you get the picture). But you hanker for a proper outlet for your innate creativity, where your wit and innovation will be seen and read by others. You’ll find the perfect channel with our media groups.
So you want to be a media star?
O
ver the years, we’ve nurtured hundreds of budding journalists, DJs, presenters, directors, actors, writers, producers and editors. Some do it for fame. Others for the glory (we’ve won awards). Mostly, media stars do it because they just love it. You can get involved as much as you like – from hosting a regular radio show to writing an occasional article. The media groups are run by elected committees and although independent, work closely with the Union’s full-time marketing team to produce content. It’s great fun, but the deadlines are real - so you’ll get plenty of communications experience to add to your CV (which could be handy whatever you decide to do with your degree). Choose one or all of the below to fulfil the media personality in you.
| Support |
The Ripple is the editorially independent, weekly student newspaper of the Students’ Union, featuring news, reviews and sport - telling you all you need to know about all you need to know, when you need to know it. If you’re interested in writing for The Ripple, head over to their website, where you’ll find an application form. www.the-ripple.co.uk Broadcasting from the heart of the Percy Gee, LUSH Radio has been run and presented by students since 1997. With over 100 shows, you’ll get the chance to mix and play the music you like, review bands and gigs and report on Union news. www.lushradio.net As well as being the media department of the Student Union, LUST is also affiliated to the National Student Television Association (NaSTA) and a recent piece of work was a runner-up in the People’s Choice Awards. LUST pride themselves on creating an enjoyable work environment where members are able to develop skills needed to excel in television and media. Check out their Facebook page for more information (search for LUSTELEVISION).
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If you already compete at county or national level in your preferred sport, then you can play a huge role in leading Leicester to BUCS glory. If you haven’t been particularly sporty before, there are plenty of opportunities to have a go. Win or lose, you’ll make friends for life.
So you want to play in a winning team? By Jamie Burton, Sports Editor, The Ripple
W
hether you‘re an accomplished sportsperson already or looking for a new hobby or challenge, I would urge you to be part of Team Leicester. That’s the name for 30 or so sports teams that play competitively in University leagues at the highest levels. The teams cover a great variety of sports - from the mainstream ones like rugby, football and cricket, to those you may not have come across before such as lacrosse, fencing, and ultimate frisbee. The pinnacle of the sporting year comes in March when the University of Leicester unite to take on our local rivals De Montfort in the Varsity contest. It’s
a time when everyone rallies around as we look to get bragging rights over our neighbours in a whole host of sports. Without doubt, the showpiece event is the rugby union Varsity which takes place at Welford Road. Crowds flock to pack out the home of the Leicester Tigers to support both the men and the women, and the atmosphere is one of the best you’ll ever wish to experience. I should mention that we thrashed our noisy neighbours last year to win the title convincingly, and signing up talented, hard-working newcomers at Freshers Fair will be vital, if we are to repeat the victory.
For a full list of all Team Leicester sports and more information, go to www.leicesterunion.com | 22 |
| Support |
Case Study
Sam Rowbotham However, there are far more benefits to Team Leicester than just performing well and winning. Firstly, speaking from experience, being part of a club is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends. Almost every sports team at the University has a thriving social scene which can be seen at its best on Wednesday nights during Red Leicester. The general motto is work hard on the pitch, play hard off it! Interestingly though, the biggest positives of playing sports at university will come once you’ve graduated. A recent study by the Sports Industry Research Centre found that graduates who engaged with sport at university earned on average £5824 more a year than those who didn’t. The main reason for this lies in the many mental attributes and skills you can develop through playing sport, including determination, teamwork, leadership and communication. Employers are looking for all these traits and they could prove valuable in an increasingly competitive job market. The University of Leicester is about being elite but not elitist. Nothing sums that up better than Team Leicester.
A recent study by the Sports Industry Research Centre found that graduates who engaged with sport at university earned on average £5824 more a year than those who didn’t.
S
am Rowbotham wasted no time in getting involved with Team Leicester. The Swimming and Water Polo Club captain joined the club at Fresh Fair in his first year and got stuck in straight away. Within just a few weeks of joining the club, he was off for a two-night stay in Sheffield competing in his first BUCS Competition. “It was a bit daunting at the time,” says Sam “but it turned out to be really beneficial. I got to know loads of people in a very short space of time and started building great relationships. It made me feel very at home and has given me a great foundation for the rest of my time at Uni.” As he racked up more and more BUCS competitions, Sam’s confidence continued to grow. “It gave me self-belief to go for Club Captain,” he says “A position I have held from 2011 and continue to hold.” Self-belief wasn’t the only thing Sam has gained from his time competing and holding a committee position. “It has enhanced my ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from staff members to sponsors and many more. This is a skill which will be invaluable in the future. I’ve also learnt how to work as part of a team, to lead when necessary, and to take a step back when needed.” So, what are Sam’s highlights of playing sport at Leicester? Obviously, being awarded the 2012/13 Sports Personality of the Year award and being elected captain of the Swimming and Water Polo Club rank highly. But there are more. “I’ve honestly had so many highlights,” Sam comments. “The two years on the Students’ Union Sports Executive Committee were great. Helping my club win Most Improved Club 2012/2013 was also a great feeling.
“And so was having the chance to make important changes to the way sport is run at the University and making important professional and personal relationships in the sporting world.” | Support | | 23 |
Yo ur
local campus
p o sh
Pop in and take advantage of our fantastic meal deals, grab a paper or even stock up on loo roll! Nourish also sells great gifts and hoodies, plus it’s the place on campus to top up your phone, withdraw cash, or buy stamps.
leicesterunion.com/shop/nourish
Is it a bird? (No. You’re thinking of auk). Is it a boat? (No. That was Noah’s Ark. With a K). Our ARC stands for Activities Resource Centre. Still no wiser? Read on – all will be revealed by Ian Read, Ian Thursfield and Kerri Wheeler who work there.
What is this crazy little thing called the ARC?
O
K, so ARC stands for Activities Resource Centre. But what does it do?
What’s the most important thing about the ARC?
It looks after all sports clubs, societies, media groups and associations. By “looking after”, we mean that the ARC team deals with many things - from training, supporting events, organising competitive sport to managing group accounts and helping groups with any problems they might have.
The student/staff relationship. ARC exists solely for its student groups. If the ARC staff and the student groups didn’t work closely together, it would be impossible for the ARC to function.
Why does the ARC do this?
Can the ARC help me if I get a sports injury?
To help make sure the groups run smoothly so you get the best possible experiences, whether you try something new or pursue an existing interest while you’re at University.
That depends. If you have a sports card and your injury needs to be claimed through insurance (ie. the injury is causing you extra expense due to travel issues, dental charges), yes. Otherwise, no.
So is the ARC a place or a thing?
Isn’t the ARC just the Group police?
As crazy as it sounds, it’s both. It’s a place and people. The Activities Resource Centre is the hub for student groups. It has rooms for those interested in student activities to meet, greet and share ideas. But the place is also home to the support staff who work there, dispensing knowledge and smiles. If you come to the place, you’ll see the people.
Of course not! We are more like the group fire brigade, putting out problems as they arise and educating people on how to prevent a ‘student group fire.’ Sometimes we have to say ‘no’ to certain requests, but we’ll always help you resolve any questions, queries or problems.
If the ARC were an animal, which animal would it be? For more information about the ARC, go to www.leicesterunion.com/studentgroups
A meerkat. We’re extremely social and work as a team. We look out for each other and for our students. If danger is round the corner, we endeavour to warn our clan before it’s too late.
| Support | | 25 |
University is all about you. It’s where you’ll set yourself up for your future while having some of the best times of your life. And while you might not have much money, you can donate your time to make the world a better place.
So you want to make a difference?
W
hether you’re an old hand at voluntary work or want to try it out for the first time, there are plenty of opportunities at Leicester. You’ll make friends, learn new things and generally have a great time. The tricky part could be choosing the right organisation. Students’ voluntary groups cover a wide range of areas, and allow you to give vital help to those who need it most. You’ll also get to learn important skills which will be of use to you no matter what you go on to do. Want to give something back to the community? Get in touch with Contact, the Union’s largest student group. Contact runs projects throughout Leicester including environmental work, teaching and working with the disabled – giving you a wide range of choices to get involved. If you want to become a lifesaving hero, we’ve got that covered too. Our LINKS group gives you training from St John Ambulance. As well as learning how to perform first aid – you get to put it into practice
| 26 |
by providing cover at big public events, such as the Diwali Festival and the London Marathon. We also have a platform for you to help out your fellow students when they’re in trouble. The Union’s Nightline service is a listening, support and information phone line providing emotional support to students in distress. The service runs throughout the night during term time – when other welfare services are closed. Maybe you want to help young people get their heads around a hot subject – in which case, Sexpression is the right society for you. The group teaches relationship and sex education in local communities - promoting self-esteem while encouraging respect for personal beliefs. If you want to volunteer, but can’t make a long term commitment, remember that occasional or short-term commitments can still help enormously. Donating blood doesn't take all that long--and you can feel really good about helping others when you do it.
| Support |
Case Study
Naima Fowlis
F
or Nightline volunteers like Naima Fowlis, every call is different.
While the first caller of the night could simply be after pizza numbers, the next person could be having serious thoughts about suicide. Each time, Nightline members are there to help and lend a sympathetic, non-judgemental ear. It may be just what the caller needs. “Volunteering with Nightline is really rewarding,” says Naima, a third year Psychology student and Nightline’s Internal Co-ordinator. “Sometimes, when people come to university they just wish there was someone to talk to – so it’s really important to have someone there to listen.
“We try to push our volunteers to the extremes during the training, because we don’t want them to be underprepared when they start taking calls for real.” One of the key messages Naima gets across to new volunteers is that Nightline is not there to give advice. “The caller always has to lead the conversation,” says Naima. “It’s not our place to tell people what they should do – and we aren’t qualified to. We are just there to listen and assist in helping people to weigh up their different options. “If someone asks us directly, we always try to get the caller to reflect on the issue – and ask ‘what do you think is best?’. They may have the answers themselves.”
“A lot of people feel a lot better at the end of the call than at the start. After each call, I always feel I have helped in some way.”
In her current role as Nightline’s Internal Co-ordinator, Naima helps prepare new training officers and looks after the welfare of all volunteers. She still does occasional shifts on the listening service.
Naima joined the service in her first year. After taking Nightline’s training course, she began doing regular shifts manning the overnight phone lines.
Her time with the service has helped her find her feet in the kind of work she hopes to do after finishing her degree.
During her second year, Naima became a training officer – helping to show new volunteers the ropes. She led role play sessions during the training weekends to highlight the kinds of situations which can come up during Nightline shifts.
“One of the main reasons I was interested in Nightline is because I really want to go into counselling,” explains Naima. The 20-year-old, who is originally from Watford, is hoping to volunteer at a mental health institute for teens after she graduates next summer.
“We have role plays to cover all the different scenarios and callers you can get,” explains Naima.
“Through taking calls, you start to listen much more to other people’s problems,” she says. “You learn not to be judgemental. Nothing really shakes me anymore.”
“We start off with easier calls – people wanting information – and then move on to trickier situations, like financial problems and self harm.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Nightline, come and say “hi” to Naima at Fresh Fair. She won’t be hard to spot – just look for Nightline’s giant bear Freddie.
You can call Nightline for confidential support and information on 0116 223 1230 from 8pm to 8am during term time | Support | | 27 |
NIGHTLINE LEICESTER 0116 223 1230 CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMOUS LISTENING, SUPPort and information service. open throughout term time from 8pm to 8am
we'll listen, not lecture C facebook.com/pages/Nightline-Leicester Mtwitter.com/nightlineleic
You’ve arrived at sunny Leicester with a clutch of handsome grades that secured your place at one of the Top 20 universities in the country. You know you can do this. What can possibly go wrong? Probably nothing. But if your studies do start to unravel, it’s good to know you’ve got a friend in ED.
Who’s this guy called ED?
I
t’s time to let you in to a secret. Two, actually, so come in a little closer.
First, ED isn’t a person. ED is a service. Here at Leicester, ED stands for The Education Unit - one of the most important services we offer in the Students’ Union. One of ED’s functions is to manage the Course Rep system, which you can read more about on page 38. But ED’s other raison d’etre is to help students with all things academic, whether you’re concerned about your grades, struggling with coursework or even having doubts about the course altogether. Which brings us to the second secret. Concerns about University work are a lot more common than you might think. Lots of people worry about their degrees for lots of reasons but no one really likes to mention it.
We mention it because we recognise that studying for a degree is a challenging thing. It’s why your qualifications are highly regarded. And we know that sometimes, you might have a wobble or even want to give in. We know because it’s happened to many of us. And the thing we were glad of was having someone to talk things over with. Last academic year, more than 370 students were very pleased to have ED as a friend. ED is completely independent of the University. Anything you say to the advisers is confidential. And their help and support is totally free. You might not need ED right now. But it might be an idea to keep this page in a safe place. Just in case.
If you ever need an academic friend, call ED 0116 223 1132. “The service, care, and genuine concern provided was second to none. I was, and still remain, thoroughly impressed.”
“The service far exceeded my expectations and the staff were kind, caring and very professional”
“Thanks to you I have started enjoying living in Leicester and feel that my student life will be fulfilled by everything I will experience”
“Thank you very much for all your well-aimed support/boundarying/ listening [list not exhaustive!] You were a star and I will remember you”
For more information about ED, go to www.leicesterunion.com/support | Support | | 29 |
It’s not so much you *want* more work. More a case of needs must, if you want all those student essentials like takeaway pizza and fancy dress items. Of course, any paid work needs to fit in around your studies. And social life. We’ve got just the job…
So you want to get a part-time job?
W
hatever the reason you decide to take a part-time job while at Uni, it’s not always possible to find an employer who understands that your studies must come first. We do. In fact, we take the matter very seriously. If you work with us, we won’t expect you to work more than 15 hours a week during term-time so that you don’t break University rules.
You’ll also be in good company. Almost all the staff who work in the Union’s bars, venues, shops and restaurants are students, like you. They make baguettes, serve pints, work the tills, take food orders, fill shelves, help with lighting for gigs, welcome visitors and much, much more to keep our award-winning Union a vibrant and great place to be. No one earns less than £6.34 an hour – which is well above the minimum wage for 18 to 20 year-olds. And although our jobs are part-time, we give a full-time
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commitment to your development with training and opportunities to progress to leadership and graduate roles. If that isn’t enough, you’ll also get discounts in some of our outlets and a natty, black polo shirt to wear! We really do try to be a great place to work. To keep a check on how we’re doing, we run an independent staff engagement survey every year and benchmark it against other Students’ Unions across the country. Last year, 84% of survey respondents said they are proud to tell people they work for the University of Leicester Students’ Union. And a whopping 94% said they would willingly put in extra effort in order to help the organisation. Naturally, the obvious benefit is that working alongside your studies gives you a bit more money. But there are plenty of other advantages. Many of our staff say that working boosts their confidence and they learn valuable skills and experience that will be a great help in their future careers.
| Support |
Case Study
Rachel Quinn
W
hen Rachel started her second year at Leicester, she decided it was time to earn a bit of extra cash.
Like many of us, she wanted to find some parttime work so she could get the most out of student life without breaking the bank.
If you work with us, we won’t expect you to work more than 15 hours a week during term-time so that you don’t break University rules.
“Your first year is all about having fun – it definitely isn’t the time to be thinking about working,” says Rachel. “But when it comes to second year you realise money doesn’t grow on trees.”
Working at the Students’ Union can be one of the best things about university life – just ask Rachel Quinn, trainee manager at the Union’s shop Nourish. She took an Erasmus year in France in third year, and returned to live with a French family for a year before starting her master’s degree.
Luckily, the Students’ Union gave her everything she had been after - and a lot more besides.
“When I came back to Leicester both times, my job was there waiting for me,” says Rachel. “There aren’t many jobs which would accommodate you like that.”
After a not-so-enjoyable spell working at a bar in the city centre, she applied for a job at the Union’s bars and clubs - and has never looked back.
She is now starting a year-long graduate scheme working as a trainee manager at Nourish, our main shop, after completing her master’s this summer.
“Working at the Union is one of the most social things anyone can do at university,” says Rachel, 24, who worked here throughout her LLB degree in Law with French and MA in Translation Studies.
Over the coming year, she hopes to set everything in place to begin working as a freelance legal translator when she finishes the graduate scheme.
“All your friends go out where you work – and all the people you work with are students. I have met some of my best friends working at the Union.
“When the position came up at Nourish, I decided to apply for it, given my trainee manager experience through the bars department” explains Rachel, who is originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland.
“It’s also really friendly and flexible. Your boss understands that university work is always going to come first.” Her work has also given her handy skills which have led to bigger and better roles. After starting out as a bars assistant, she moved up to bar supervisor with the added role of team leader and eventually trained as a bars manager. During this time, Rachel built up really strong links with the whole bars team – which meant it was never a problem to get her job back after time away.
For more information and our current vacancies, go to www.leicesterunion.com/work
“I wanted to stay in Leicester – it’s like a second home. Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made. Starting the graduate scheme will be a great transition for me into the working world outside of studies.” During her time here, Rachel has got involved with the Union in pretty much every way possible. She’s done everything from helping out with our legendary RAG charity weeks to shifts at our bar restaurant 1923. “There are so many different things you can learn when you get involved with the Union and there are so many different aspects to it,” says Rachel. “It’s what you make it – and once you’re in, you’re in.”
| Support | | 31 |
So you want to save money? Food, travel, textbooks, pizza… Beyond obvious uni costs, like accommodation and tuition costs there are day-today living expenses you need to keep on top of. Of course you want to save money where you can. Here are our top tips for keeping more cash in your pocket.
| Support |
1. Check out the charity shops
3. Check out your local market
The Students’ Union did a great job in negotiating with the Uni to get all extra costs for things like lab coats and field trips removed. Last year, that meant around 1300 students saved £165,000 collectively. But there are still things you need for your studies. Look for books in the library before buying and seek out used editions in second hand book shops and on the internet. There are lots of charity shops on Queen’s Road selling a range of academic books. Have a rummage! (Charity shops are also a great place to find fancy dress bargains)
There’s a great market right in the middle of Leicester and within walking distance of the campus. It’s open every day except Sunday and sells just about everything from handbags and mobile phones to shark and lobster. Prices are generally cheaper than supermarkets and the choice is superb.
2. Get around for less A railcard will set you back £30 for the year or £70 for three years, but then you’ll save a third on most rail journeys – great for when you want to visit family or friends at other Unis. Railcards are not just for the under 25s any more, either. Mature students on fulltime courses also qualify. Coachcards and coach travel are even cheaper, with the added bonus that you can get discounts during Festival season. For everyday travel to and from Uni, an Arriva student bus ticket will save you time and money.
4. Claim your student discount Invest in an NUS Extra Card. You’ll get discounts on almost everything from driving lessons to burgers. You can even get cash back when you buy from certain retailers online. Needless to say, the card is accepted at all our outlets, too. Bring £12 to The Point to get one.
5. Head out on student nights You can save loads by going out on student nights. Not only are entry and drinks are cheaper in our venues, but your taxi fare home from the O2 is likely to be cheaper than from town – especially if you share the cab with friends. Don’t forget you can still have a good time staying in with friends. Cheap as chips!
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You don’t have to aspire to be a politician to have an opinion. But with a seat at Union Council, you can play a key role in decision-making and campaigning across the university.
So you want to have a say in your Union?
N
ot all Students’ Unions are the same. They do many things. Some do them well, some do them excellently, and others less so.
But you can only influence what happens at this Students' Union, here at Leicester. And when we say you can have a say in how things are run here, we really mean it. If you want to challenge policy, ask a question or suggest an idea, all you have to do is submit your views online. Someone will get back to you – either to explain or to put forward your suggestion to Union Council. Union Council is the democratic body of the Union. It’s where all the decisions are made by 60 students elected from across the campus.
For the first time this year, Council has been divided into three zones: Education, Society & Community and Student Life. If your suggestion is chosen for further discussion, it will be debated in one of these zones – and you’ll be invited to help write new policy. Do you want to vote on key Union decisions? Or even spearhead your own campaigns and initiatives to help make the university a better place? Union Council is the place to do it. Think this might be for you? It’s simple – put yourself forward for the October Council elections and get campaigning. With enough votes, you can get yourself a seat – and play a vital part in your Union.
Together we can make a change on the things that matter to us. Last year, among other things, we voted • that all our staff are paid a Living Wage and asked the University to do the same, and • to campaign against unpaid internships.
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| Voice |
Case Study
Emily Wright
U
nion Council is a great way of having a say on Leicester’s campus - as passionate member Emily Wright will tell you.
Emily has spent a year as a Council member, voting on important student issues and suggesting changes to make things better for everyone. The role has also given her a racing start towards gaining her dream job as an MP in the House of Commons.
If you want to challenge policy, ask a question or suggest an idea, all you have to do is submit your views online. Someone will get back to you – either to explain or to put forward your suggestion to Union Council.
“I’m really into politics, and I would love to be an MP when I’m older,” says Emily, 20, a third year BA History student. “When I heard about the Union Council, it really appealed to me as something I wanted to do. “If there’s an issue you’re concerned about at university, you could bring it to Council – it gives people an outlet to change things.” At the beginning of her second year, Emily decided to run for one of the Council seats open to students. After a hard-fought campaign canvassing the campus, pushing out leaflets and getting her name known on social media, Emily was chuffed to find she had won the votes she needed. She joined more than 50 other Council members, and now votes on key issues while casting a critical eye on plans put forward by Union executives.
Emily Wright’s role as a Union Council member gave her the chance to make a real difference on campus and helped her take her first steps towards a career in politics On top of this, she and a friend developed a plan to make sure students can flag up inconsistently-taught modules. “Sometimes, it feels like you can have a completely different experience of a module from someone else on your course depending on the tutor,” says Emily. After winning support at Council, they worked with Union President Dan Flatt to add questions about “consistency in teaching” to the University’s student feedback questionnaires. Her hard work over the year saw her named New Officer of the Year at the University’s Student Awards 2013. And the extra responsibilities which come with the role certainly haven’t stopped Emily fitting in other things she wants to do. Alongside Council, she is President of the Conservative Future society as well as a member of the History Society, Public Speaking Society, Baking Society and the flute choir within the Orchestral Society.
“We act as a voice for students,” explains Emily, who is originally from Bridlington, East Yorkshire. “I always try and talk to people about the issues we are voting on to see what their views are.”
She hopes to defend her seat in the October elections – when the make-up of Council will be slightly different - and also plans to run for an executive position within the Union later on in the year.
The role has also given Emily the chance to bring her own ideas to the table.
Still unsure whether to run yourself? Go for it, says Emily.
Last year, she campaigned to raise the number of one-day library passes you can claim if you have forgotten your library card (we’ve all been there).
“The Students’ Union gives you so many ways to get involved,” she adds. “And Council was a great way to meet new people.”
| Voice | | 35 |
As a democratic organisation, elections are really important to us. If you’ve only had the legal right to vote for a short time, it’s not surprising you might not be sure what to do. Or considered standing for election yourself. So here’s a brief guide to explain the basics.
So you want to be elected? The whole election thing is really confusing. What am I voting or standing for?
It depends which election it is. We have lots of them! We vote for Council Members and the Executive Officers. Sports President. Course Reps. Liberation Officers. And then all the student groups elect a committee as well. Almost always, you’re being asked to vote for someone to represent you, who understands what it’s like to be a student at the University of Leicester and who will take the role they’re running for seriously.
How do I vote? Simples. You vote online at leicesterunion.com/ vote. There’ll be lots more information during elections on our website and Facebook page. Look out for notifications.
Once you’re elected, what do you do? The Students’ Union is run by students for students. It is one of the most democratic organisations there is and every member of the Union is entitled to have a say. But someone ultimately has to manage things, whether it’s the whole Union or a group for a few students. People who are elected into positions make decisions at Union Council. And when needed, they campaign for change. The Executive Officers are responsible for the whole organisation. It’s like running a small to medium sized business.
For more information go to leicesterunion.com/represent | 36 |
What if I don’t like the way things are being run? That’s one of the reasons it’s important to vote. If you have a view about what should happen in the Students’ Union, you probably want to elect someone who shares your opinions and can stand up for them. But if you’re unhappy about any aspect of the Union, you’re entitled to say so. And you can always run for election yourself and lobby for the changes you’d like to make.
So can anyone run for election? Any student at the University of Leicester. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you live or what year you’re in. It’s really easy. You just nominate yourself.
I’m not sure I can do it It sounds daunting, and while it takes guts to put yourself forward for election, you won’t be alone. The Union will be with you every step of the way, offering support and training. And you’ll have a whole team of people campaigning with you and for you. It’s very exciting! Step outside your comfort zone and you might find that you can do a lot more than you ever thought possible.
What’s in it for me? People involved with student government learn how to be good leaders. One thing you’ll learn is how to work with other people who don’t always share your ideas or views. The ability to have a reasoned discussion will help you throughout your entire career. But that’s not all; you’ll boost your confidence and improve your public speaking. Most of all, you can get great satisfaction from engaging with issues that matter to you and your friends – and, believe it or not, it’s a lot of fun. Nominations for the first election of the academic year open on September 1. | Voice |
Here are the people who are currently charged with running your Students’ Union. Between them, they’ve experienced just about everything possible at Leicester – ups, downs and in betweens. Memorise their faces. They’re here to help – whether you want to take part in a gig or protest, are having problems with your course or just miss your mum.
Meet your Officer Trustees Y
our experiences at University should be among the best of your life. It’s our job, as your full-time elected representatives, to make sure you not only have a whale of a time but also be there when times are less great.
You can find out more about us on our website www.leicesterunion.com. But here’s a quick overview of what we do. And some mugshots so you can recognise us on campus.
Feel free to email any of us with your questions, suggestions or ideas. Or come and say hello to us in the Percy Gee building. president
Education
Dan Flatt
Michael Rubin
I’m the principal link with the University. I have regular meetings with the University’s Senior Management Team and ensure that your experience is firmly at the top of the agenda Email: djf29@le.ac.uk
I want to put education at the heart of our Union by improving the Course Rep system, running academic campaigns and increasing the support we give to you. Email: mjr54@le.ac.uk
Engagement
Experience
Sean Kelly-Walsh
Maryna Danny
Getting you involved with the Union is my top priority, whatever your student status. I look after the Union’s ethical and environmental initiatives and its democratic structures (like the annual elections) Email: skw17@le.ac.uk
My goal is to make sure everyone knows just what a fantastic and diverse range of activities and groups we have in the Union. I want everyone to get the very best out of student life. Email: md288@le.ac.uk
| Voice | | 37 |
Sometimes, things don’t work as well as they should. But rather than just talking about a situation, you want to get it sorted out, so it’s better for everyone. We have a perfect way for you to do it.
So you want to speak up for your mates?
L
eicester prides itself on good teaching with good reason, as a quick glance at its consistently high National Student Survey scores will show. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t occasional issues which need to be ironed out. Thanks to our Course Reps scheme, you can take the driving seat and voice everyone’s concerns directly to the University.
Course Reps act as an essential link between students on each course and their tutors. If you or your friends have a problem – Course Reps can make sure something is done about it. There are generally two Course Reps per course in every school and department within the University. Course Reps are elected at the beginning of each year – and from here, make it their job to keep in touch with everyone to spot any concerns or suggestions for improving courses. They then feed these points back to staff at regular Staff/Student Committee Meetings (SSC) – attended by course directors and tutors. Course
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Reps see to it that everyone’s ideas get heard – and follow through to make sure something gets done about it. Items raised at SSCs can range from small logistical bugbears to more serious welfare issues. Course Reps’ successes include resolving timetable clashes, securing more library books and negotiating feedback about exam performance. Course Reps get all the training they need – and even get to attend a lunch with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. If this sounds like something for you, don’t think twice about running for election. You won’t regret it. Being a Course Rep gives you a chance to make sure your course runs as smoothly as possible, and also lets you learn new skills that could help you in your career after finishing your degree. Naturally, you’ll also earn the undying admiration and gratitude of your mates. Just don’t forget to remind them.
| Voice |
obert has been a big help to his course mates during his time at Leicester.
Course Reps like Robert Greenhill are a vital link between staff and students and make sure you get the most out of your course
As a Course Rep, Rob has been a go-to person for anyone with a problem – or simply an idea about how things could run more smoothly.
“In the last year, we had one particular issue where a tutor’s comments on an essay had left the student in tears,” says Robert.
He passes this feedback directly to the course leaders and tutors to make sure everyone is getting the best experience possible.
“She was very upset about it, and was thinking about leaving the course. My fellow Course Rep Mal Millard took it to the course director.
“It is one of the most satisfying parts of university,” says Robert, who is taking a part-time BA in Humanities and Arts. “You are able to help people out, and make things work the way they are supposed to work.”
“The course director sat down with the class and walked us through the situation. Afterwards, the student was very much reassured – which showed the system had worked.”
Case Study
Robert Greenhill
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Course Reps get all the training they need – and even get to attend a lunch with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Robert volunteered to be Course Rep during his first term at Leicester. “As part-time students tend to have more commitments outside studies, nobody else had come forward to do it,” explains Robert. “I thought to myself ‘somebody’s got to do it – and there’s nothing stopping me’.” After signing up, he was soon attending the regular Staff-Student Committee meetings - where Course Reps meet with the course directors and administrators. “When I went to my first committee meeting, I was petrified,” he says. “But very soon after that, it was no problem. Training for Course Reps is thorough and surprisingly enjoyable – and that really helped me relax into the part.” He listens to what everyone says about their experience of the course, and brings any views or issues they have to the meetings and, once a term, directly to the Vice-Chancellor at an informal lunch. In some cases, Course Reps are able to help out with more serious student problems as well.
Robert is now in his fourth year of a five year course, and has carried on his role as Course Rep each year. He has also gone out of his way to reassure new Course Reps in their new roles. “I have encouraged people to get involved if they are interested,” says Robert. “They can get a lot out of it. “I have made a point of trying to bring newcomers out of their shell because I remember how nerve-wracking it was for me – and have done a bit of informal mentoring for the new Course Reps over the last year.” His hard work earned him the title of Course Representative of the Year at the University of Leicester Student Awards 2013, where he was praised for “making sure the part-time and mature student voice is heard in the Students’ Union”. “Afterwards, a very good First Year Course Rep came up to me and said how much she appreciated the way I had listened to her over the year,” says Robert, 48, who lives in Syston, just outside Leicester. “It sounds clichéd, but that made me feel ten feet tall.” “Being a Course Rep has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. It has made me a lot more confident. Speaking to 40 people in a room is not a problem now – but I wouldn’t have dreamed of that before I started.”
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I
loved student life at Leicester in the 70s, and I’ve still got my student union card, complete with the photo of me with big afro hair. The day I arrived in Leicester all the Freshers crammed into the Queen’s Hall to be welcomed by the President of the Union, Ged Murray. He urged us all to get involved: “develop your ideas, have fun, fall in love while you’re here, and fight for what you believe in… you can do all that in the Student’s Union”. I was immediately star struck; that would be my to-do list for the next three years. I became your number one dungareed, dangly-earringed activist: President of the women’s liberation group, President of the anti-Apartheid group, Vice Chair of the Union, member of Union Council. Back then, we regularly had several hundred students turning up to Union meetings in the Percy Gee, discussing everything from fighting cuts in student grants, to sexism, anti-apartheid, sit-ins over library cuts, and the unappealing state of catering in the union canteen (cold fried eggs). It was an exciting and terrifying experience giving speeches to such a tough audience; you only got three minutes to get your point across before people start shouting “Off! Off! Off”! If they really liked you, you might get an extra minute, but that’s your lot. In my final year, Wilf Dillon, one of our former Union Presidents, encouraged me to stand for President myself. The first woman to be elected since 1923, and the first black woman, I was featured in the Leicester Mercury under the headline: “Students Pick Woman!”
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Ja ne af a n te d r3 W 0 ilf ye re a r un s. ite
We have a long and proud history stretching back to 1923 – and naturally we’ve been celebrating our action-packed 90 years. Some of the highlights are featured here – along with personal memories from Jane Esuantsiwa Goldsmith, who was President in 1976-77.
Happy birthday to us! which sounds painful. When I was President I had to go to senate meetings - me along with 90-odd white guys - so I made sure to turn up wearing banana yellow and big hair to scare the mortar boards off them. (To tell the truth, I was as scared of them as they were of me). We thought the 70s were pretty bad; three-day week, cold war, nuclear threat, and Abba. Yes, there are signs of progress: you have the internet and the X Factor now; and we still have Abba. But it’s getting even tougher for the current generation: youth unemployment, growing inequality, injustice, climate change. So 40 years later, I still want to change the world. I’ve always been lucky enough to have a career where I’ve been working on the things that meant the most to me at Leicester and still do today: women’s rights, equality, diversity, social justice. If I didn’t have to earn a living doing this I would be doing exactly the same thing for nothing. I learnt a lot of those values and how to fight for them right here at the University of Leicester Students’ Union. And now it’s official; your union has won the award this year for the best Student Union in the country. I hope you find your passion here, live it, and then go out there to make the world a better place.
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In 1963 the “Magic Four” (Oliver Andrew, Madeleine Hall, Geoffrey Ford and John Hewitt) took the first ever University Challenge crown.
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t’s probably just coincidence that the University of Leicester Students’ Union was born the same year as Sir Richard Attenborough (1923). Although the University has a long association with the Attenborough family, it was a different benefactor who is influential in Union facilities today – one Percy Gee. When the Queen opened the building that was named after him in 1958, the Students’ Union had already been in existence for 35 years. The building was specifically a place where students “will be able to meet and exchange ideas in debate and in their leisure pursuits”.
Glimpsing at the archives, finding places to meet on the pre-war campus had been very difficult. Student societies multiplied at Leicester from the start though some, like the Poetry Reading Society, are no longer popular. The spirited activism which campaigned from 1923 and eventually inspired a building continued through the decades. The University of Leicester won the first ever University Challenge in 1963 and saw one of its officers, Aaron Porter, elected to the National Union of Students' Executive Committee in 2008. And we are so proud to have been crowned Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year in our 90th anniversary year.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 officially opened the Percy Gee building, home to the Students’ Union, on May 15 1958. In her honour, the main hall was named after her.
The Percy Gee had a fantastic £16.5million refurbishment and re-opened in 2010. Its innovative design has won many awards.
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Excellence deserves recognition and if collecting trophies is your thing, you’re absolutely in the right place. We’re big believers in rewarding all the hard work that goes on throughout the year.
So you want to be rewarded?
W
inning awards is something we’re starting to get used to and are very proud of. We really, really like handing them out, too.
We’ve always celebrated the achievements of our student groups, but in 2013 we teamed up with the University’s Career Development Service to host a new glitzy Oscar-style ceremony. The Square in the Percy Gee building was completely transformed and dressed up for the evening to welcome more than 200 students, nominated for exceptional achievement in a variety of areas. And we were delighted to welcome back Jane Esuantiswa Goldsmith, our first ever black woman President, who gave an amazing and inspiring keynote speech. You can read more about Jane’s memories of her time at Leicester on page 40.
It was a busy night for our student staff who turned out to wait on tables and serve behind the bar at the after party and they received lots of compliments for their cheerful and efficient service. The sports clubs hold their own separate Awards Night, too, to celebrate all the team successes. There’s so many of them, we can’t usually fit everyone in at the Percy Gee, so they head off to an even larger venue in town. And it’s not just the students who win awards. The University is full of staff members who go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. So throughout the year, we encourage you to nominate your staff hero for a Superstar Award. They’re all invited to the Awards Night as well.
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| Voice | | 43 |
You haven’t survived until you make the Survivors photo hatever the next year holds for you, it’s very unlikely it will be boring. There’s so much going on – and so many different things you can get involved with – you’ll rarely have a dull moment. In fact, you’ll probably try to pack so much in, the time will fly by. Before you know it, it will be the summer holidays again.
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hard and you’ve made some fantastic new friends. And so every year we hold the Summer Festiball, a joyful jamboree in June.
The end of the academic year is always a great time to celebrate. Exams are over, you’ve worked
You’ll truly have survived when your face appears on the Survivors’ Photo at 6am after almost 24 hours of fun.
It’s one of our most popular events, with dozens of fun activities starting during the day and going on until the following morning
Save the date
21 June
Summer Festiball 2014
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| Voice |
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