Freshers Guide 2017
What will mean to you?
FRESHERS GUIDE 2017
What are the benefits of being a member? 1
Speakers History 2
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Debates 4
Social Events
Library & Facilities
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THE OXFORD UNION
History Founded in 1823 as a forum for open debate, the Oxford Union has historical significance, challenging norms imposed by restrictive University authorities. It soon became the only place for students to discuss political topics. To this day, the Union continues to function through its founding principles of free speech and open debate. Uniquely, it is still run entirely by a democratically elected body of students. Indeed, the Union boasts dozens of notable alumni, including Gladstone, Benazir Bhutto, William Hague, Jeffrey Archer, and Tariq Ali.
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FRESHERS GUIDE 2017
Debates The Oxford Union was founded as a debating society, and indeed debating remains at the core of what we do. Every Thursday evening during term the Union hosts a big debate. From the debate of 1933 which saw the Chamber declare, by overwhelming majority, that it would in no circumstances fight for King and Country, to that of 1964 in which Malcolm X delivered his famous speech on extremism in defence of liberty, the Union has been a part of some of the discussions that have shaped history. In every debate the audience is given a chance to get involved, both during the main debate, and in the topical warm-up ‘emergency debate’. 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, with the best speakers winning prizes. Results are determined by how many students walk out the ‘Ayes’ door, and how many leave through the one marked ‘Noes’. This voting system resembles that of the House of Commons. The Union also maintains a strong competitive debating tradition. We pride ourselves on training anyone who is interested in the art of debating regardless of whether you want to debate competitively, or just improve your public speaking skills.
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THE OXFORD UNION
Speakers Politics
John Kerry
Nixon
Colonel Gaddafi
Marine Le Pen
Buzz Aldrin
Michael Jackson
Science
Albert Einstein
Stephen Hawking
Business
Jack Dorsey
Lord Alan Sugar
Mark Cuban
Deborah Meaden
Film & Entertainment
Morgan Freeman 6
Johnny Depp
Emma Watson
Sir Michael Gambon
FRESHERS GUIDE 2017
Religion
Malcolm X
Mother Theresa
Desmond Tutu
Dalai Lama
Music
Sir Elton John
A$AP Rocky
Shakira
M.I.A.
Shia LaBeouf
Anna Wintour
Arts
Stephen Fry
Dame Zaha Hadid
Sport
Lindsey Vonn
Brian Lara
George Foreman
Boris Becker 7
THE OXFORD UNION
Social Events The Union hosts a Ball every Michaelmas and Hilary Term, and it is always one of the affordable yet impressive events in Oxford. Tasty food, chocolate fountains, cocktails, vodka luges, live performances, and silent discos guarantee a night you do not want to miss.
Union Ball
In addition to the Balls, the Union puts on a number of different socials during term. Recent examples include our Pub Quizzes, Summer Garden Party, Wine & Cheese Night, and Speakeasy Social.
Termly Socials
Located in the cellars of the Union, the Purple Turtle (the ‘PT’) is the most central and also one of the cheapest clubs in Oxford. It is open every night of the week, and is free to all members of the Union.
Purple Turtle 8
FRESHERS GUIDE 2017
Library & Facilities Originally the Society’s debating chamber, the Union Library boasts an impressive collection in a breathtaking environment. It provides a valuable set of additional resources located in the centre of town.
The Library
The Union gardens provide a calm place to relax in the centre of bustling Oxford. Whether you are enjoying a hot chocolate in the winter, or a cool drink come summer, the Union gardens are a welcome space all year round.
The Gardens
Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or an evening drink, members can enjoy affordable food and drinks in our Members’ Bar. A place to meet friends and celebrities, the Members’ Bar is truly unique, and forms an essential part of our vibrant community.
The Bar
The Union boasts full size snooker tables, which can be booked at any time.
The Snooker Room 9
THE OXFORD UNION
Getting Membership Join Now
Visiting Students
Brookes
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Life Membership
Life Membership
Temporary Membership £262 3+ Yrs £196 2 Yrs £131 1 Yr
Are you eligible for a full maintenance loan?
No
Yes
Full Price Membership £235 (until 19th Oct) £262 (after 19th Oct)
Access Membership £141 (until 19th Oct) £156 (after 19th Oct)
Payment If you join by the end of Freshers’ Fortnight (Thursday 19th October) you are entitled to 10% off and a £10 bar voucher. Why does it cost? The Union receives no financial support from the government and it is independent of the University. Therefore, the funds raised from membership fees cover all our running costs: this includes staff costs, building costs, and event costs. This may seem expensive but it works out at £26 per term for a 3 year course, and £19 for a 4 year course. 10
How do I pay? 1. Online (life membership online), but you will need to come to collect your card. 2. Fill out form and bring to General Office. If Access Membership, please bring letter of award with you Once you have membership, entry into all events (except socials) is free. There is also an Educational Affiliation available to University Members, which gives entitlement to the educational activities only. If you have any queries please contact the General Office on enquiries@oxford-union.org or 01865 241353.