FRESHERS’ GUIDE 2018 JOI N THE CO N V E RS AT IO N
WELCOME
THE OXFORD UNION IS EXTRAORDINARY The Oxford Union is unlike any other place on earth. Nowhere else will you find a line-up of such distinguished speakers, compelling debates, and vibrant social events. Our members have the opportunity to engage with leaders in every field; from politics and business to sport and the arts. We host events on an almost daily basis so that there is always something for members to enjoy. As a member, you will be able to confront the world’s most prominent people on pressing and controversial issues during our individual speaker addresses and our weekly debates. The Union also serves as a social hub and hosts a number of social events each term. This includes the Union ball, one of the most impressive yet inexpensive in Oxford. Furthermore, the Members’ Bar, snooker room, and TV area ensure members are not confined to the social bubble that is their college, but have access to a wider community.
In addition, our beautiful library, historic reading rooms, and extensive collections afford a scholarly and comfortable working environment, cherished all the more by members during exam season! These reasons lie at the heart of our claim to be the world’s best student society. This guide provides a detailed introduction to all the opportunities the Union offers its members. Over and above benefiting from our facilities and events, joining the Oxford Union means having the right to witness and participate in the free exchange of ideas at an extraordinary place. Come along to a speaker event or debate during the open period or to our Debaters’ Drinks introduction to find out more about what the Union has to offer, and join the conversation.
HISTORY
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EARLY DAYS The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 as a forum for open debate, challenging the restrictive University authorities. It soon became the key place for students to discuss political topics. W. E. Gladstone – later to become one of the most eminent British Prime Ministers
– was one of the leading figures of the Union’s early years. To this day, the Union continues to champion its founding principles of free speech and open debate. Uniquely, it is still run entirely by a democratically elected body of students.
ALUMNI The Union has dozens of alumni who have gone on to become internationally renowned figures. Five former British Prime Ministers (Gladstone, Salisbury, Asquith, Macmillan, and Heath) and several foreign political leaders including Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, have served as Officers of the Union. Numerous high profile figures across the political spectrum have held positions in the Union, including Ted Heath, Boris Johnson,
Tony Benn, Michael Heseltine, Michael Foot, Michael Gove, and William Hague, to name but a few. Our alumni, such as Michael Crick and Tariq Ali, have regularly gone on to succeed in fields outside of politics, such as literature and broadcasting.
SPEAKERS POLITICS The Union hosts leading political figures from around the world. Senator Robert Kennedy’s visit in the 1960s blazed a trail for America’s political heavyweights. In subsequent years, the Union hosted Presidents Nixon, Carter, and Reagan: it was at the Oxford Union that President Nixon first publicly apologised for the Watergate scandal. This tradition has continued to this day, most recently with Senator Bernie Sanders delivering his scathing rebuke to the nationalist spectre haunting American politics today. No other student organisation allows its members to directly confront some of the globe’s foremost powerbrokers. While still banned from appearing on television, Gerry Adams proposed the reunification of Ireland at the Union, Colonel Gaddafi argued for a new African Union via a live video stream
linked to our Chamber. More recently, Corey Lewandowski (President Trump’s Campaign Manager) faced scathing questions about his role in orchestrating the 2016 election. To ensure fair and rigorous debate, the Union aims to host speakers from across the geopolitical spectrum, and always provides an opportunity during events for our members to challenge the speaker. However, it is not all about controversy, and politicians of the highest calibre have spoken on a variety of contemporary issues: Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir John Major, Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai, and Australian Prime Ministers John Howard and Kevin Rudd are some such examples.
RELIGION We have hosted prominent religious figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Our debates often concern the most pressing
issues surrounding religion. Topics such as the existence of God, the relationship between religion and extremism, and the interplay between faith and politics have been debated in our Chamber in recent terms.
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Albert Einstein’s 1933 visit set a precedent for a great tradition of scientific figures visiting the Union. In recent terms the Union has hosted Richard Dawkins, Buzz Aldrin, John Ellis, Lord
Robert Winston, Dame Jane Goodall, Simon Singh and Prof. Stephen Hawking. Often these talks are followed by book signings and an opportunity to meet the speaker.
BUSINESS In addition to regular debates on business-related topics such as the viability of socialism and the morality of Wall Street, we host a number of world business leaders. From tech billionaires Jack Dorsey,
Peter Thiel, Eric Schmidt, and Brian Chesky to business moguls Mark Cuban, Bernard Arnault, and Lord Sugar, the array of entrepreneurial talent we host is unparalleled by any student society.
ARTS & JOUNALISM During his recent visit to the Union, Stephen Fry delivered an Oscar Wilde-infused account of his own life, eliciting tears of laughter from a captivated audience. Imperilled author Salman Rushdie, mystery writer P. D. James, and literary legend Phillip Pullman have
given equally enthralling talks. Luminary journalists such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Jon Snow, Nick Robinson, Andrew Neil, Robert Peston, and Frank Gardner have all helped continue the conversation in our Chamber with unprecedented insight and knowledge.
SPEAKERS MUSIC In 2001, Michael Jackson chose the Union to make his first public speech in over a decade, whilst three years ago Sir Elton John flew in to discuss Putin, gay rights and his stellar career in front of a packed chamber. In recent times A$AP Rocky, Tom Odell, Marina Diamandis, Akala,
Mark Ronson, and Shakira have all spoken. Our members are often treated to intimate concerts: Hozier, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, James Blunt, KT Tunstall, The Wombats, and Snow Patrol each delivered performances when they visited.
FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT From veteran thespians to Hollywood’s giants, when it comes to actors and directors the Union’s record is remarkable. We have heard from Morgan Freeman, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Gambon, Emma Watson, Mark Hamill, Natalie Portman, Zachary Quinto, Martin Scorsese, and many more. However, this is not just
an opportunity to ask about their latest blockbuster: in one of the most riveting talks to date, Sir Ian McKellen described, with a dramatic presence of which only a Shakespearean stage actor of his calibre would be capable, his lifelong support for the gay rights movement in the United Kingdom.
SPORT Alongside footballing royalty such as Diego Maradona, Edwin van der Sar and Sir Geoff Hurst the Union has hosted Rugby World Cup Winners Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Greenwood, cricket superstars Brian Lara, Imran Khan and Andrew Strauss; boxing legends David Haye, Chris
Eubank, and George Foreman; Formula One Champion Nico Rosberg; Wimbledon king Boris Becker; cycling icons Mark Cavendish and Victoria Pendleton; diving champion Tom Daley; and rowing titans Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, and Helen Glover.
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DEBATES
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VOTE WITH YOUR FEET The Oxford Union was founded upon the principles of debate and free speech, and since then it has been part of some of the biggest and most important discussions that have shaped world history. In December 1964, Malcolm X delivered his famous speech on extremism in defence of liberty. The Oxford Union has always been at the forefront of international politics and global affairs. Debating remains at the very core of what we do, and our Thursday night debates, held every week during term time, are a testament to this. In recent debates, Nick Clegg clashed with Nigel Farage on the subject of EU membership, Mehdi Hasan described why Islam is a religion of peace, and Angela Davis argued that extremism in defence of liberty is no vice to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Malcolm X’s visit to the Union. During every debate, our members are given a chance to have their say.
Not only can students speak alongside guest speakers, but members of the audience can challenge points that have been made when the debate is opened up to the floor. Results are determined by how many students walk out of the door marked ‘Ayes’, and the door marked ‘Noes’, in much the same way as at the House of Commons. Each of our main debates is preceded by an ‘emergency debate’ – a smaller scale, student only affair about a particularly current topic. This provides an opportunity for our members to hone their debating skills and speak their mind in a more relaxed environment than the following main debate.
DEBATES
DEBATES WITH IMPACT Debates at the Oxford Union have left their mark on the world. The outcomes reached and powerful words spoken resonate beyond the University. In 1933, the Union passed its famous motion, “This House will in no circumstances fight for its King and Country”, causing a maelstrom of political and public ire; indeed, Winston Churchill called it “that abject, squalid, shameless avowal.” In 1975, the passage of the motion, “This House would say Yes to Europe” with 493 ayes to 92 noes
reportedly had a considerable influence on the national referendum concerning the UK’s membership of the EEC, given that the debate was held and televised only a few days before the referendum. To this day, the Union remains a principal forum for national and international debate. Though public figures regard an invitation to speak at the Union as an honour, they are expected to defend their views on equal terms with any member who cares to challenge them.
THE ART OF DEBATING Aside from our formal Thursday night debates in the Chamber, the Union also has an incredibly strong tradition of competitive debate. Oxford Union debate teams have won at multiple World and European University Championships, as well as numerous other international and national competitions.
That said, whether you are an absolute novice, or a world champion, there is a suitable program for you. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced debate training squads weekly, and the first try-outs for the competitive squads are held at the beginning of Michaelmas term.
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MOTOWN, SOUL, FUNK & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
OPEN ‘TIL 3AM SIX NIGHTS A WEEK FREE ENTRY TO ALL OXFORD UNION MEMBERS
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THE UNION BALL The Union Ball is one of the most impressive social events in Oxford. At recent balls our Chamber has played host to one of the largest silent discos in Oxford, the courtyard has housed a vodka luge sculpted as the Eiffel Tower and our
members have been treated to a decadent array of cocktails, chocolates and cheeses. If dancing and drinking are not your taste, food and live performances guarantee nights you do not want to miss.
TERMLY SOCIALS In addition to the Ball, the Union puts on a number of additional socials during the year. Our garden parties, frequent pub quizzes, and black tie
events mark the Union as one of the most socially vibrant spaces in Oxford. These events are inexpensive for members but still offer excellent food, drink, and live music.
THE PURPLE TURTLE Located in the cellars of the Union, the Purple Turtle (the ‘PT’) is the most central and also one of the cheapest student
clubs in Oxford. It is open every day of the week, and free to all members of the Oxford Union.
LIBRARY & FACILITIES STUDY IN BEAUTY
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Originally the Society’s debating chamber, the Union Library houses an impressive collection in a breathtaking environment. The murals adorning its walls were painted by Pre-Raphaelites including William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti and retain the stunning vibrancy typical of Pre-Raphaelite art. The Library’s shelves are stocked with works across all academic disciplines, providing a convenient solution when college and faculty libraries have been stripped of popular texts. The Union Library also has a range of non-academic resources, distinguishing it from University institutions. Magazines, travel guides,
newspapers, and contemporary fiction are found in abundance. There is also a diverse selection of DVDs available to members, including classics, new releases, and the best of international cinema. Open Wi-Fi alongside a collection of comfortable armchairs and individually lit desks, contribute to an environment conducive to both study and casual page turning. The Library is run and kept up to date by a committee open to all members, and stock suggestions are responded to quickly. The Union Library is undoubtedly one of the most useful and spectacular spaces in Oxford.
THE BAR Few places in Central Oxford are classy and affordable – the Members’ Bar is both. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or an evening drink, members can enjoy high quality food and beverages at student prices. Our lunchtime menu has recently been updated to include a delicious selection of homemade options. Much like a
hall of fame, the Members’ Bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests. You never know who you might meet in the Members’ Bar, and current speakers often share a drink with members when addressing the Society. A place to meet friends and celebrities, the Members’ Bar is truly unique.
Opening hours Term Time Mon – Wed Thurs – Sat Sunday
10:00am until 12:00am 10:00am until 2:00am 12:00pm until 10:30pm
MEMBERSHIP HOW TO JOIN There are two possible ways to get membership: either complete the online membership form at www. oxford-union.org/joining or come into the General Office at Frewin Court and complete
the membership form there. Whichever method is used to apply for membership, membership cards are picked up from the General Office in Frewin Court.
WHO JOINS The majority of freshers join the Union when they arrive in Oxford before the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight (Thursday 18th October). There is no stereotypical Union member - it is a democratic and meritocratic organisation with people from all backgrounds, all demographics, and all political persuasions. Your background and political views are not a concern when you join the
Union, nor if you wish to run for election to the committee. Students of the University are only able to attend events outside of the Freshers’ Fortnight if they are members of the Union and cannot be brought as another members’ guest. Members can, however, bring guests from outside the University to events if they so wish.
WHAT DOES IT COST? If you join as a Life Member by the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight (Thursday 18th October) you are entitled to our discount fee of £242 (10% off). The full cost of joining after the Freshers’ Fortnight is £270, and can be paid in monthly instalments to spread the cost of membership over twelve
months. Although membership may initially seem expensive, it works out at roughly £27 per term for a three-year course and £20 per term for a fouryear course. There are also reduced cost Life Membership options available; see “Financial Alternatives” below.
MEMBERSHIP FINANCIAL ALTERNATIVES The Union’s Access Scheme offers a significant discount for those eligible for a full maintenance loan; within the open period Life Membership on the Access Scheme costs £145. The full cost of joining after the Freshers’ Fortnight on the Access Scheme is £160, and can be paid in monthly instalments to spread the cost of membership over twelve months. There are also a number
of different price options and membership options for Brookes’ and visiting students, and there is an Educational Affiliation available to University Members. To request an Access Scheme Form, or to enquire about our alternative membership options, please either email enquiries@oxfordunion.org, call 01865241353, or come into the General Office.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED All Officers and committee members are voted in; elections are always held on Friday of 7th Week. Being on committee gives members the opportunity to invite speakers, organise debates, and take an active role in the running of the Society. Instead of joining the elected committee, applications for Hilary Term’s appointed positions open
in 5th Week. Roles include organising the Union’s press and public relations, arranging logistics for debates, improving access/representation, and organising competitive debating tournaments. To enquire about appointed applications, please email the President-elect, at president-elect@oxford-union. org, for more information.
WHAT IF EVENTS ARE OVER-SUBSCRIBED For the vast majority of events there is no need to queue, but for more high profile events we operate on a first come first served basis. For the few
events which we anticipate to be heavily oversubscribed, we will provide live queue updates via social media.
GETTING MEMBERSHIP Join Now
Visiting Students
Brookes
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Life Membership
Temporary Membership £270 3+ Yrs £202 2 Yrs £135 1 Yr
Are you eligible for a full maintenance loan?
No
Yes
Full Price Membership £242 (until 18th Oct) £270 (after 18th Oct)
Access Membership £145 (until 18th Oct) £160 (after 18th Oct)
Payment
Contacts: 01865 241 353 enquiries@oxford-union.org www.oxford-union.org
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