Fresh magazine August 2014

YOUR SU PRESIDENT YOUR VP WELFARE

YOUR VP CAMPAIGNS

YOUR FRESH TV INTERN YOUR FRESH AIR RADIO INTERN

SEP

2014

YOUR SOCIETIES INTERN

WELCOME

YOUR GROWHAMPTON & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING INTERN

EDITION

ISSUE

17

CONTENTS Meet your sabbs

04

We ask your sabbatical officers the tough questions.

Your Colleges

06

An introduction to your four colleges, with welcomes from your heads of college, and college presidents.

Student Life

10

University isn’t all about studying. We take you through the first of the three areas the RSU focuses on.

Events

12

Our entertainments co-ordinator Steve Molyneaux talks us through our weekly events.

What is Growhampton?

The RSU’s award winning sustainability project — find out what they do, and how you can get involved.

S P I T L A V I V R U S 18

Top 10 Freshers’ Week survival tips

22

Our guide to surviving one of the most hectic weeks of your student calendar.

Student Voice

24

Your Students’ Union and sabbatical officers are here to represent you and here’s how we do it.

Your campaigns

26

Molly Vingoe takes you through your campaigns she’ll be running throughout the year.

Student Support

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FRESH MAGAZINE

From academic advice to sexual health and guidance, the RSU and University offers students a wide range of support services.

Editor in chief Victoria Crisp

EDITOR’S LETTER

Design Lewis Cotter Clare Hudson With additional thanks to Laura Baines Rachael Blaney Oliver Birrell Gwen Brookes Jackie Brown Mark Campion Jonathan Carter Lewis Cotter Simon Dorman Mark Garner Dave Greenwood Richard Hill Marie Johansen Siobhan Kelly Jonas Kontautas Maddie Lukes Lara McComish Steve Molyneaux Emily Parkman Nicky Reid Teresa Sheppard Christopher Stephens Jayne Tucker Molly Vingoe and Sport Roehampton Student Funding

The University of Roehampton is not for the faint hearted.

Whether it’s the struggle for the 9 am wake up, the recurring nocturnal library visit or the fight for a space on the last bus to Fez, none should be attempted without a thorough safety briefing in one hand and an overflowing snake bite in the other. But never fear, this issue is here to help and will act as a guide to this wonderful university which welcomes you with open arms.

I feel that congratulations are in order! All your hard work has paid off and now we can happily and enthusiastically welcome you to the University of Roehampton. It’s safe to say you have made a fantastic choice on where to spend the next few years; the community could not be any more caring or friendly and there is always a place for everyone.

This special edition of Fresh is written by our sensational Students’ Union to guide and excite as they prepare you for the amazing Freshers’ Week they have organised. Flick through and immerse yourself in the life of a student. What more could you want?

Once again, congratulations and good luck — make this experience count!

Want to contribute to FRESH Magazine?

Email: freshmagazine@roehampton.ac.uk

Victoria Crisp Editor in chief FRESH MAGAZINE

Roehampton Students’ Union Lawrence Building | Froebel College | Roehampton Lane | London SW15 5PJ Tel: 0208 392 3149 Email: freshmagazine@roehampton.ac.uk

roehamptonstudent.com

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YOUR SABBS

your sabbatical officers are your student elected officers who work for the RSU and university. They represent the student voice and movement, and work to enhance your student experience.

“I once got personally invited to a Tea Party at Buckingham Palace where I met Prince Charles and Camilla and ate my body weight in cucumber and mint finger sandwiches.”

MOLL VP C

N K A H B O IS SU PRESIDENTELLY

RACHAEL B VP WEL FA

RE

AMP

“I dressed up as Salad Fingers for my first year Halloween Bop, sticking spring onions to my fingers — I made LOADS of new friends that night, as you can imagine! (‘What’s that smell?’)”

Y LANE

E O G N I Y V AIGNS

“I went on holiday to Cornwall a few years ago, and ended up going out for dinner with Fern Britton and Phil Vickery!”

MOLLY VINGOE

SIOBHAN KELLY

RACHAEL BLANEY

Describe what you do as VP campaigns:

Describe what you do as RSU president:

Describe what you do as VP welfare:

As VP Campaigns my job has three main strands: representing the student voice both within the university and on a national level; organising and leading campaigns that reflect the needs and interests of students; and co-ordinating the fundraising of the RSU with a focus on RAG initiatives.

As RSU President, my main role is to represent you – the students!

Being the prime representative of the Students’ Union, I lead on orchestrating and delivering ‘Your Voice’ initiatives, on a university level as well as a national level. Working closely with the University’s senior management, as well as attending University Council, University Senate and other appropriate committees, my best interest always lies with students. As part of the sabbatical team I am also there to support our VP Campaigns and VP Welfare, who also represent you.

My job as VP Welfare is to represent and support all students at Roehampton, ensuring you are able to make safe, informed choices throughout your time at University. I am here as a guide to our University Services, sign posting you to our health & wellbeing department, student welfare officers, student funding, dyslexia & disabilities and many more services. I also work alongside VP Campaigns – organising welfare inspired events. Students can drop into the RSU at any time for a chat, or alternatively can call or email. All conversations are confidential.

What did you study?

What did you study?

Sport and Exercise Sciences

I studied Dance at Roehampton and I am still heavily involved with the department now I am a graduate, supporting student performances, teaching classes and creating work (taking advantage of being alumni!)

What did you study?

I studied Primary Education, specialising in Science (so I can sympathise with all the second and third year Primary Ed. students during placement and at deadline time). The best advice I ever heard?

Just keep swimming.

What’s your favourite university pastime?

I have three favourite pastimes – Bop, nights in with a pizza and a funny film, and organising events (which is great because I now get to do that for a living).

What advice would you give to new students?

The advice I would give to all students is this: get involved, try everything, be a yes man. It sounds a bit cliché, but once you leave university you will never have as much time or as many opportunities as you will have here at Roehampton. Now is the time for you to try new things and meet new people.

What’s your favourite university pastime?

It’s got to be The Bop, I’ve had so many great nights there, especially dressing up for the weekly themes throughout the year! And not forgetting the ultimate Bop burger at the end of the night!

What advice would you give to new students?

Embrace every moment at Roehampton from the very first second you arrive. I know it is overwhelming being in a new environment with new people you don’t know – but trust me, everyone is in the same boat! So get chatting to as many people as you can, get involved in a society or a volunteering project, and remember...you are only a fresher once.

Molly’s first Bop

Siobhan’s first Bop

Rachael’s first Bop

What’s your favourite university pastime?

I’m going to stick to my gut and say it will always be FRIGBY. The build-up, the banter and all the old and new faces who turn out in force to support their College team is priceless!

What advice would you give to new students?

Use your time at Roehampton wisely, because it will be over in the blink of an eye! Join a sports team, experience TOUR, join a society or two, explore London, spend endless hours in the Union, attend RSU events, and most importantly work hard. There is nothing more rewarding than taking every opportunity socially at Roehampton and then graduating with a good degree at the end of three years. You can do it! Boom town! roehamptonstudent.com

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SOUTHLANDS COLLEGE OVERVIEW

S

outhlands is the smallest residential community on the campus and we aim to be the friendliest and most welcoming.

Located at the north end of the main campus on Roehampton Lane, the college is a small quadrangle of buildings, combining student residences, staff offices, modern teaching spaces, a chapel, prayer rooms, a café and restaurant and our college social space, The Reef. Reception and the main teaching spaces, including the Chapman Hall, are found in the Queen’s Building. Here you will also find the departments of Media, Culture and Language, Music Education, and the Business School.

Members of Southlands can get involved in a huge range of activities. The college is particularly keen to support students in leading events and campaigns themselves. Amongst other special features, we are home to a large volunteer programme called the Southlands Venture; we are the base for our own special charity dining society; we are the hub for the music performance activities of the university; and we have pioneered the development of a college student committee, where individual students take responsibility for an area of college life.

Make sure you get in touch with Gwen Brookes, college life development officer, and Lewis Cotter, college president, if you would like to get involved in some of the activities at Southlands this year.

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FRESH MAGAZINE

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE At Southlands we pride ourselves on the friendly and supportive nature of our college community.

Our buildings, our traditions and our activities are all designed to bring people together, to create opportunities for participating, sharing and developing as individuals alongside one another.

Southlands was founded in 1872 by the Methodist Church as a college for the education of women. We retain the principles and the priorities of our founding body, applied afresh in our modern context.

The college has moved twice in its lifetime. Our buildings today were opened in the 1990s, now housing the Business School and the Department of Media, Culture and Language. We are also the hub for music activity in the university, housing Music Education and some impressive performance spaces.

Southlands is an excellent place to live and to work, combining a beautiful and peaceful green quadrangle with excellent teaching and social facilities.

WELCOME FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT Southlands will become a homeaway-from-home for many of you.

You’ll meet great people, make some great friends and have some of your best years so far.

I’m Lewis, your College President for this year. My job is to ensure your voices are heard and represented by the right people and in the right places. If you ever have any issues, complaints, or suggestions, then you can find me in my G Block flat on Southlands, send me an email, or you’ll be able to find me online on our Southlands’ Shiver of Sharks Facebook page.

We’ve got so many great events planned and I’m very excited to bring them to you. I encourage you get yourself involved with as many as possible. I hope you’re as excited as I am to be a proud member of Southlands college this year and I’m looking forward to welcoming you all.

Lewis Cotter Lewis Cotter

We are a diverse an eclectic community, where all are welcome and where all are encouraged to explore, to challenge and to take part in and make the most of college life.

I look forward to meeting you all and wish you every success in your time with us.

Dr Christopher Stephens

Christopher Stephens

WHITELANDS COLLEGE OVERVIEW

W

hitelands is a unique college, set apart from the rest of campus (although still only a 10 minute stroll away) it is nestled just above Richmond Park among its own woodland, complete with playing field, study spaces and 24 hour computer room, college bar and common room and academic facilities.

Whitelanders are proud of their mascot the Badger: a passionate, resilient and curious creature, and at college events the passion of Whiteland students is clearly visible, much to the envy of the other colleges!

Whitelands college boasts a long and distinctive history. Founded in 1841 as a teachers’ training college, it is among the oldest higher education institutions in England, and one of the very first to provide education for women, established by the Church of England.

Today, now as part of the University of Roehampton, the college is home to the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Psychology and offers state-of-theart lecture spaces, seminar rooms, and laboratories.

The College is known across Roehampton for: its exceptional formal dinners within the grand Manresa Hall; its delightfully quirky celebrations such as May Day, combined with a passion for raising money to help others as embodied by our May Monarch position; and finally a spirit of curiosity and discovery cultivated by all those that work and study on the site.

Welcome to Whitelands, we’re very glad to have you with us!

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE Dear Students, A very warm welcome to Whitelands. I am sure you will find that being a Whitelander is what makes your time at university particularly special and that you find living as part of the college a rewarding experience. You will be living and studying in a college alongside other first years as well as international students, students from the Glion Institute, and postgraduates from across the University. At Whitelands you’ll find that the college flat reps and the team of elected college officers have been working hard on a wide variety of activities for you throughout the year ahead.

Whitelands is over 170 years old, and we are very proud of our long history and traditions. It is a Church of England college, although we welcome students of any faith or none. There is a regular programme of events in the chapel, and everybody is welcome to come along and participate or simply observe.

WELCOME FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT My name is Marie, and I am your Whitelands College President 2014-2015. Myself and all my fellow Badgers are very excited to welcome you all as students at the University of Roehampton, and as the newest members of our very exclusive clan of Badgers!

Whitelands College is without a doubt the most beautiful college at our University, so whether you like a drink in the sun, playing football or having some ‘down-time’ on a bench with a book overlooking Richmond Park, Whitelands is the place to be! This year there is a lot to look forward to, such as exciting projects with Growhampton at our very own college, new events at Barcode as well as all the RSU events, which I hope you will all get familiar with during Freshers’ Week!

This is the time to take a step back and enjoy what will most likely be the time of your life!

Marie Johansen

The College Life Development Officer, Oliver Birrell, is available in G047. My office is next door, in G04.

We are both glad to meet you and discuss any issues you feel we may be able to help you with.

I wish you every success this year and throughout all of your time at Roehampton.

Marie Johansen

Dr Mark Garner

Rev Dr Mark Garner

roehamptonstudent.com

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DIGBY STUART COLLEGE OVERVIEW

D

igby Stuart is one of the four constituent Colleges of the University of Roehampton.

It was first established in 1874 as a women’s teacher training college by the Society of the Sacred Heart, an order of French religious women who settled at Roehampton in 1850 having first arrived in England in 1846.

Today Digby Stuart is home to four of Roehampton’s ten academic departments, the University Library, the newly opened Hive Café and remains the largest of the 4 Colleges at Roehampton with over 450 students living here.

Digby Stuart is the proud home of the Digby Lions who help rally the students together at every chance they can by hosting events, fundraisers and sporting occasions that the whole College can get behind.

The College has a very active Chaplaincy base that hosts events throughout the year and also puts on a delicious Fairtrade lunch every week which is just like getting your mum to cook!

Although traditionally a Catholic College, Digby Stuart is honoured to welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds and is very proud of the accomplishments of its students, which it supports through regular exhibitions of their work and opportunities to showcase their achievements.

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FRESH MAGAZINE

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE The ethos of the College is based on social justice and equality and all Digby Stuart students can expect to be treated with dignity and kindness. The College team are all here to support your academic endeavours by providing an environment where you can flourish and develop.

Co-curricular activity can be as rewarding as study and there are lots of opportunities to find out about new things through volunteering, sports, social life and College Cup challenges. We are also here to support you if you face any kind of difficulty or challenge.

If there is anything that is troubling you we want to hear about it and help to put things right.

Work is just starting to build new student residences on Digby Stuart College. This investment in the future of the College will provide first class accommodation and teaching rooms, giving Roehampton students the best facilities on offer. You belong to a thriving, growing College that you can be proud of now and in the future.

WELCOME FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT You’re going to be bombarded with information, leaflets and general propaganda over the next few weeks, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. Freshers week is going to be blurry and confusing, you’re going to meet everyone and learn absolutely zero names.

My top tip- this isn’t like school. Uni events are actually really great! You may scoff at the idea of a Friday afternoon benchball competition (I did) but in all honesty it’s stuff like that which makes Roehampton such a fun place to be.

I’ve had the best two years of my life here, and it’s my personal mission in my final year to ensure you enjoy yourselves as much as I have. Have fun settling in, and see you at Bop! Maddie Lukes

Maddie Lukes

Whether you live on or off campus there are many ways to get involved and so make sure to sign up to Facebook and Twitter for the College and your student representative team.

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown

FROEBEL COLLEGE OVERVIEW

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE

WELCOME FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT

The College is situated on its own picturesque grounds off Roehampton Lane, in the middle of the four Colleges that make up the University of Roehampton site. At the heart of its campus is Grove House, an 18th century Palladian-style mansion, which in turn is surrounded by formal gardens, green open spaces and a lake. Grove House itself forms the centre piece of several important events and dinners during the year, with its grand rooms imbuing those occasions with a rich sense of history and tradition.

Founded in 1892, Froebel College has a long and proud history, and I’m pleased that you are now part of its unfolding story.

Firstly I would like to say a massive welcome to all of the freshers who are about to embark on an amazing experience with us here at Roehampton and particularly on Froebel college.

Froebel College was initially founded as a teacher training establishment, and this focus continues with the School of Education being a major part of the campus. The renowned Department of Dance is also based here, with its superb facilities and dance studios.

There will be several events for both resident and non-resident Froebel College students during Fresher’s Week and beyond, and I look forward to meeting you shortly.

Please feel free to introduce yourself, add me on Facebook, email me or pop in for a beer with me at the The Union Bar (where I can be found gathering my thoughts from time to time).

Do remember to follow our Facebook page to keep up-todate with Froebel College news and events. The highlights of our social calendar include our formal Fresher’s Welcome Dinner, the boisterous fancy dress College Christmas Dinner, and other social events and outings organised by our College team.

I look forward to meeting you all and making the next year one which you will never forget.

We also have a strong College team (including a College Life Development Officer, College Tutor, College President and Social Secretary) who ensure that students are supported, represented and entertained.

We want you to get involved in college life, by volunteering, becoming a Flat Rep or just attending our events, so we hope you grasp this opportunity with both hands and make the most of your time with us at Froebel.

The College system at the University of Roehampton is one of its most distinctive features, and offers a range of social opportunities and welfare support that really set us apart from other non-collegiate universities. We have a rich history and ethos, and we are keen to ensure you quickly become part of the Froebel College community.

I’m sure that your time with us in your first year (and beyond…) will be a life-changing and positive experience.

Simon Dorman

It doesn’t matter if you live on or off campus, I encourage you to get involved as much as you can.

The College Cup is a perfect opportunity for you to meet students from the four Colleges and for off campus students to partake and experience some friendly rivalry.

Dave Greenwood.

Dave Greenwood

Marie Johansen

Dr Mark Garner

Simon Dorman roehamptonstudent.com

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C

oming to University is about learning and the best part is that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. University is also about making new friends, exploring new opportunities and developing personally and professionally.

Join societies, volunteer, work on the magazine, radio or TV station and enjoy a variety of daytime and evening events.

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RSU co-ordinate, deliver and support a wide range of opportunities for students to have fun while they learn. With RSU you can join societies, volunteer, work on the magazine, radio or TV station and enjoy a variety of daytime and evening events. The best part is, you’re already a member of RSU and the activities are led by your friends and peers.

We’re part of an incredible student movement so when you have free time, come join us and make the most of it. The activities on offer will widen your transferable skills and support you as you plan your careers, ambitions and dreams. From our experience they’ll also be some of your best memories of University.

FRESH TV is our online TV Station where we follow the adventures of the student body throughout their journey at Roehampton, capturing events and activities across campus to showcase the best of what our students do. Videos are regularly uploaded to our website so even if you miss out you still feel a part of it. Fresh TV provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in filming, editing, directing, presenting, acting and writing; if this appeals then please get in touch.

FRESH Magazine, our monthly online and print publication is available from all the colleges and up at the RSU reception. This student led publication is a great opportunity for aspiring writers and journalists to get involved.

There are also opportunities for students to showcase photography or advertise events from societies, volunteering projects and more!

You’ll also find updates from our Sabbatical and officer teams, with blogs from the interns and contributing editors, keeping you up to date with what matters most.

The RSU has three dedicated media channels run and organised by both our interns and our students. The Fresh media team is divided into three main areas: Fresh Magazine, FRESH TV and FRESH Air Radio.

FRESH Air Radio is the soundtrack to the student body. We have our own radio station playing throughout the university and available online, broadcasting a spectrum of shows ranging from the daily live shows to Live DJ sets. All filled with features and competitions to win exciting prizes of course. Fresh Air is a great opportunity for any student interested in gaining experience in radio, whether that be; presenting a show, choosing music for the PreBop Playlist, or working with us on audio engineering. Come and see us at the Students’ Union for more info!

Find out more on the RSU website, just search for ‘RSU Fresh media’.

Mark Campion and Siobhan Kelly | Photography by Jonas Kontautas

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Hi there, My name is Steve Molyneaux and I have been involved at the University of Roehampton for the last six years now, firstly as a Media student, then as an elected Vice President for the Students’ Union and now as the RSU Entertainments Co-ordinator.

The RSU strive to co-ordinate a diverse and inclusive event and entertainments schedule to ensure we provide the best possible university experience to as many of our students as we can. We have a great balance of varied events for all to get involved with.

Cast your eye briefly across the page and you’ll see a short breakdown of what a typical week/term looks like in regards to entertainments but please do check out all events online.

We have a Vimeo video channel where our Summer Ball videos are a must see, a Facebook page (facebook.com/roehampton.su) where our event photos can be found and a Twitter account (@ RoehamptonSU) which brings you all the latest updates, all of which 12 FRESH MAGAZINE

are accessible through our website www.roehamptonstudent.com.

The key message for me to get across really is that, throughout the year, myself and a team of RSU officers and staff will work tirelessly to ensure all events and entertainments run safely and smoothly, any ideas for new events are listened to and most importantly of all, you have an amazing time and can be a big part of what we do throughout the year ahead.

We look forward to seeing you all in Freshers’ Week where we’ll kick-start your time at Roehampton with our Freshers’ week, a line-up of 6 events back to back, from club night to comedy gig! Your 3 years at Roehampton will fly by so make a promise to yourself to enjoy every minute of it (even the studying!)

See you soon, Steve

What’s on?

All of our events are exclusive to Roehampton students so whether we take you off campus clubbing or for some on-campus karaoke, you can have peace of mind that you’re enjoying every moment of it with your fellow students. For details about bring guests, see our website.

on Mondays:

We take over the Clapham Grand once a month (see left), bringing you a classic club night in one of London’s hotspots for memorable nights. With around 1,000 Roehampton students attending each time, the Clapham Grand is one of our busiest and best nights.

Fancy dress and free transport are also thrown into the mix to ensure the night is one you’ll always remember.

ON Tuesdays:

No RSU specific events are currently held on Tuesdays, however, nights are reguarly held on each of our colleges, so check their Facebook pages for more information.

on Wednesdays:

Without fail, each week Fez Club Putney will be the much needed mid-week release from any study stress you might have. This infamous night is one of our most popular nights with an ‘anything goes’ music policy providing the biggest and best mix of tunes all night long. The fully functional flashing dance floor, themed nights and free transport make for a weekly event that is not to be missed.

over. Drink promos and free entry all night.

and ears open for who could be next.

Acoustic Night This one is for any budding singer song-writers that we may have amongst our students. With no benchmark for talent, you’ll be free to take to the stage and treat The Union bar to an acoustic version of your favourite track - feel free to bring your own instrument, too.

on Fridays:

Karaoke Night Through its simplicity this event has been a huge success since it was introduced to our Thursday schedule. Simply turn up, brave the stage, stitch your mates up or just sit back and enjoy everything our Thursday Karaoke has to offer.

Drink promos all night.

on Thursdays:

Over the last two years we have built and perfected a rotating Thursday programme that is a mix of the events listed below. In order, they will run on a 3 week cycle with the occasional interruption for our legendary Club Foot event.

Whatever the event, Thursdays are FREE! Slap It On! Fancy yourself as the next Calvin Harris or simply have a Spotify playlist that you think is better than the rest? Then try your hand at our open-decks night and slap on your favourite tunes. Pop your name down on the time slot sheet and await your turn to win the crowd

Club Foot This legendary night has been running for 10 years now and will find itself placed into the Thursday programme of events every now and then with live acts and Fresh Air DJs treating you to a mix of Indie, Electro, Pop and good old Rock n Roll. Some huge names have taken to the Club Foot stage since its creation, including White Lies and Duke so keep your eyes

Friday night is all about The Bop! The Bop is the biggest regular night on campus, taking place every Friday throughout the academic year, it’ll soon have a special place in your heart! It’s a no frills club night on the doorstep of all oncampus students, reaching capacity most weeks. Spread over two rooms, there is music for everyone — club classics, a slice of cheese and indie anthems. A different theme each week and drink promos add that little bit extra to Roehampton’s most popular night!

Weekends:

RSU do not host regular weekend events but there’s still plenty to do.

The Union Bar is open on Saturday and Sunday serving up their Pub Grub menu and showing the biggest sporting fixtures.

Finally, the week finishes off with The Union Bar serving a good roast dinner and pub quiz to end the week on a high.

FRESHERS WEEK

15-20 SEPTEMBER 2014 See the insert for details roehamptonstudent.com 13

R

SU’s volunteering programme provides an exciting range of volunteering opportunities to suit every student.

Make a Difference (MAD) projects, get volunteers out and about, having a positive impact either on campus or in the local community.

Partnerships include charities like Regenerate, Thames River Challenge and organizations like Barnes Wetlands Centre. MAD projects earn you points towards the College Cup. We create partnerships with charities and organisations that matter to you. The charities are decided by our elected officers at the start of the year. We are always open to new ideas and our volunteering team will be working

Cleaner Thames Challenge

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together to provide you with a great schedule of fun and inspiring activities.

Our aim is to offer you opportunities that complement your studies and enhance your University experience. Volunteering with the RSU offers you transformative experiences that will develop your skills and ensure you have a great time doing it.

Growhampton is an environmental adventure accessible to every student, with so many ways to get involved. The project is focused on sustainable living and food growing on campus. While volunteering with Growhampton, you’ll work with charities that support the local community.

You are welcome to help our grower Joel harvest fresh produce for our weekly farmers market, get involved in our Veggie Box scheme or lend a hand at the Thrift Shop.

For more information on this or any of our other opportunities, please visit our website: growhampton.com Volunteering is a great way to have fun, meet friends and give back to the community. Our intern, Emily Parkman is here to help keep you up to date with events and opportunities across the term.

For more information pop up to the Student Life Office or email: volunteering@roehampton.ac.uk.

S

ocieties lie at the heart of Student Life. With RSU societies you can enjoy a range of activities, meet new and exciting people and develop yourself personally and professionally.

It is also a great way to continue hobbies or interests from school, college or home life. Student activities at Roehampton are as diverse as the students who organise them.

At the Student Life Office we offer a huge range of opportunities so you can get the most out of your time here. We encourage and support all student led activities and will always help support you as best we can.

If you have ideas you’d like to share pop in and see us.

Several societies are currently advertising positions within their committees. Why not contact us to find out which positions are available and where you can get involved.

To get in touch please email societies@roehampton.ac.uk or pop into the Student Life Office.

Allotment Society Film Society Gaming and Role Play Society Orchard Pole Fit Roe Sno’ the snow-sports society Roehampton Players The Rainforest Conservation Society First Aid Society and St. John Ambulance

Dance Society Debate Society Life Science Society Psychology Society Student Philosophy Society Student Society of Art and Performance Afro Caribbean Society Asian Society Feminist Society LGBT Music Society Roehampton Palestine Solidarity Group Socialists Students Somali Society Women’s Society Writing society First Love Society Steel Band Society Christian Society Discover Life Society Hindu Society Islamic Society St Vincent De Paul Society

The Rainforest Conservation Society

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olleges at Roehampton are the living and learning communities for its students. The Colleges compete throughout the academic year, earning points from various activities.

The College with the most points wins the College Cup. Each College also has its own football team who play their largest matches in the summer term. These two competitions breed rivalries between the Colleges, the greatest of which are those between: Digby Stuart

and Froebel; Southlands and Whitelands.

The four Colleges are rather separate entities. Each has its own social space and accommodation, its own history and heritage. Each College has an academic who acts as head of college and two elected student representatives: president and social secretary.

A great deal of rivalry exists between the Colleges, encouraged by the sporting rivalries that exist.

The College with the most points overall at the end of the year will be awarded the College Cup; however, colleges also compete for specialist categories.

These include: college pride, volunteering, sport, environment & community and fundraising.

Colleges that excel in activities that fall under these categories will be recognised at the presentation ceremony of the College Cup. May the best College win!

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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

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WHAT IS GROWHAMPTON?

Growhampton is RSU’s sustainability project with a big focus on food and growing. We are funded by the NUS Students’ Green Fund and are one of 26 projects happening at Students’ Unions across England. We were established in September 2013 and are going into the second year of the project.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We have established a growing site and polytunnel (type of greenhouse) on campus, giving you the opportunity to volunteer and learn about growing your own food.

We run The Hive Café, located in the heart of the campus at Digby Square. The Hive is a sustainable café serving local, organic and Fairtrade food.

We also run lots of other exciting events, activities and volunteering opportunities, such as farmer’s markets, veggie box scheme, thrift store, bike hub, college growing sites and more…..

WHO ARE WE?

There are three of us on the project team, Teresa Sheppard - D] development officer, Joel Williams - grower and Nick Owen – coffee shop manager. There is of course Jess Lewis, our lead barista in The Hive and our part-time student barista’s. Emily Parkman is the growhampton & community volunteering intern. In addition we have many student volunteers assisting and taking part in all aspects of the project.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR We converted land on the campus.

A growing project needs some growing beds, so last year we established a main growing site with numerous raised beds and a polytunnel. This is our most productive site; growing lettuce, spinach, beetroots, kale, parsnips, chilli’s, courgettes and baby onions amongst other things for the weekly Growhampton farmer’s market.

We also created student growing sites at each of the four colleges.

These areas are for you to grow your own veggies as a college team.

We built and opened The Hive Café.

This was a major milestone for the project and one of the most exciting things that happened last year. The new Hive Café was built from scratch using two former shipping containers as the main structure. The interior and furniture have been made from recycled and upcycled items to create a friendly, rustic atmosphere. All the food and drink items on offer have been carefully sourced. Our freshly ground artisan coffee is from a family owned UK roaster and is triple certified (organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance).

Our bread and sweat treats are from a local baker in Putney and our sandwiches are from a local social enterprise, The Feel Good Bakery. They make their sandwiches fresh every morning and even feature basil, lettuce and parsley from our own growing site. What’s more, each sandwich bought, provides a meal for a child in a developing country. The Hive is Growhampton’s own social enterprise so every penny spent there gets reinvested back into the project.

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AFTER ALL THAT, WE STILL HAD TIME TO DO LOTS OF OTHER THINGS

• We won an award at The Chelsea Flower Show. We grew crops for the NUS stand at last year’s flower show a won a prestigious Silver-Gilt Award. Many of the crops and plants located around The Hive are actually originally from that stand.

• We established a weekly farmer’s market selling produce from the growing sites with students helping us to harvest produce in the mornings.

• Two Growhampton bee hives are now on the roof of the RSU building.

• With the help of volunteers we harvested 250kg of apples from Froebel’s old orchard and pressed 70 litres of fresh juice.

• Joel started writing a regular gardening blog for the Wandsworth Guardian.

• We have been selected as Green Gown Award finalists.

• We set up the UR Green Fund giving financial support to students want to carry out their own ‘green’ project.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Get growing on your college growing site Each college has a dedicated growing site where you can grow your own veggies as a college team. Joel will mentor the group and help you to get your crops established. College Cup points are available.

Harvest volunteers Each Thursday 10am-1pm, we harvest and pack produce from the main growing site, ready for the farmer’s market. Each volunteer receives a free coffee and produce for their efforts.

Veggie box volunteers Each week we need volunteers to pack the veggie boxes with lots of lovely fresh veg from our organic wholesaler. Each volunteer receives a free veggie box.

Love, Growhampton

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Freshers’ Fair is the opportunity for you to come and find out about all the societies and sports teams that we have here at Roehampton, as well as get more information about our student-run Fresh TV, radio and magazine, and volunteering or charity experiences offered through the Students’ Union.

Being a student means time to get involved in one, or some, of these things which means meeting new people and getting new experiences!

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Although having a single Ryvita with a quaver on top may seem like a reasonable dinner before you go to Grand (considering how busy you are and that your flatmate said this will help you get drunk quicker), think twice! Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, and it will just end up ruining your night as well as the flatmates who have to end theirs short to bring you home. Trust us, it’s not worth it.

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can g ilable still ava s it means you y n a e r a a if there ing one ive, and ommend gett r r a u o c ey nitely re e befor it! ht onlin t here. We defi e the most of g u o b e k e b a g n m u a o d n sc when y week a s’ band Fresher ity to buy them roughout the th un opport vent that runs e y r e v e to

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Remember, everyone is in the same boat. If you find yourself standing next to someone in a queue, or at an event, talk to them – they could be your future best friend, housemate, soul mate or the love of your life, you never know…

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be yourself

As Oscar Wilde once said; “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”. Some of the best friendships build from people being honest and open with one another, so don’t feel as though you need to be someone you are not – we think you’re pretty cool just the way you are!

 be safe

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During Freshers’ week you will be going to lots of new places, with lots of new people. We want to make sure that you are safe and you can do that by sticking with friends, making sure you let someone know if you are going somewhere, and making sensible decisions. It is also important to stay safe sexually, so up in the RSU we have plenty of free condoms – just in case!

7

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Having a big chunk of money suddenly appear in the bank account that usually just sees £10 a week from your grandparents can be very exciting. In fact, for some people it can be a bit too exciting.

Please don’t use your entire student loan to buy ten crates of beer, state-of-the-art speakers for your new flat, a pygmy-leopard, twenty pairs of Nike airs and a franchise Macdonalds. Remember that the money you get needs to last until January, so set yourself a weekly budget and try to stick to it.

Spending all your money in a week is not cool.

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8

come and meet us

Once you enrol at Roehampton you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union. We are based in Lawrence building, on Froebel and our doors are always open for students to come in and give us feedback, ask us questions or just have a chat. We don’t bite, and we would love to meet you so if you see us around come and say hello, and if not then come and find us!

ShoW your college colours

9

Roehampton is a collegiate university, which means every student is part of one of the four colleges. Whether you are a Froebel Zeebra, a Digby Lion, a Southlands Shark or a Whitelands Badger, you are sure to be joining a college with immense spirit and pride.

Find your college president and social secretary, say hello and find out how you can get involved with college life or take part in the College Cup!

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Explore the campus

Here at Roehampton we are lucky to have such a beautiful campus. Make sure you and some friends put some time aside to go and explore it – visit The Reef at Southlands, The Hive at Digby, The Union bar at Froebel, and Barcode at Whitelands. Then make sure you check out the services around campus, the library, the gym and everywhere else!

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W

e are your voice. Here at Roehampton Students’ Union, we value and represent the views of the students and encourage everyone to have their say. As a student at Roehampton, you are automatically a member of the RSU. Your membership to the Union is free and gives you the opportunity to voice your opinions and shape the future at the University of Roehampton!

RSU ensure that you are heard through embedding the student voice in decision making at the University. Your voice matters to us and we will use your feedback to enhance your experience during your time here at Roehampton.

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OUR 1O OBJECTIVES WHAT YOUR SABBS ARE AIMING TO ACHIEVE THIS YEAR

1 2 3

Increase student engagement.

Ensure that we are visible and approachable.

Work closely with the interns to promote and provide opportunities to enrich student life.

4 5 6 7

Utilise Fresh Media to promote campaigns, student services and RAG initiatives.

Work more closely with Sport Roehampton.

Reach our target of 78% third-year students completing the National Students’ Survey in 2015.

Increase opportunities for student feedback.

Promote Students’ Union Council in order to get more students involved.

YOUR VP WELFARE

YOUR SU PRESIDENT

8 9 10

Establish regular communication with the elected officers.

Reach our target of £11k raised for our RAG charities this year.

YOUR VP CAMPAIGNS roehamptonstudent.com 25

S

o, we are at the start of a brand new year which, for me, means presenting a brand-spanking, shiny new, exciting calendar of campaigns. The Oxford dictionary defines a campaign as “an organised course of action to achieve a goal”. For us this goal might be raising awareness of a particular cause, or fundraising, or increasing students’ engagement with the services or opportunities provided by both the Students’ Union and the university itself. If you see something below that interests you then don’t hesitate to contact me and find out more about how you can get involved – I will always welcome ideas, suggestions and helping hands!

the campaigns Grab A saBb

S.H.A.G days

 year long

 last thurs of the month

Your sabbatical officers will be visiting a different college every other Tuesday from 11-1pm, to ask (and maybe even film) your opinions, suggestions or feedback on various aspects of student life and experience. We will then take this and feedback to the senior team of the University, as well as using it to suggest improvements to services or activities around the campus.

Standing for Sexual Health, Advice and Guidance, it’s a campaign that invites local sexual health services onto campus, promotes and educates students on safe sex, what to do if they have contracted a sexually transmitted infection and how to lead a healthy, safe sex life .

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 22-27 of september The week after Freshers’ Week can be tough, you have forgotten everything your parents told you about making sure to eat well, you may not have stuck to the two units of alcohol a day rule and you definitely haven’t been on a run. That is why we’re running love your body, love your mind – a week long campaign focusing on healthy living and healthy eating – promoting our on-campus services and helping you get back into good habits.

breast cancer awareness

 6-17 of october

Last year Roehampton was 73% female, and considering that current statistics state that one in eight women will be affected

by breast cancer at some point in their life, it seems a no-brainer that Breast Cancer Awareness is a campaign we should be supporting. As part of this we will be having Pink Fridays, inviting support services for people who are suffering with or know someone who is suffering with cancer, getting some external medical services in to educate you on how to check your breasts, and talking about boobs (a lot).

 26-31 of october Our RAG (Rasing And Giving) week is packed with fun-filled activities and events all raising money for our three RAG charities (which will be chosen by our Students’ Union Committee in September).

Unfortunately I will not be dishing out any spoilers here, so you will need to remain on the edges of your seats for just a little longer.

However, I can tell you that we are looking for as many people as possible to get involved with this campaign so get in touch if you

37 rather impressive moustaches across the campus, but also through fundraising organised by the Mo-Sistas, so if you are a girl who can’t grow a moustache – do not fear, there are still chances for

Don’t diss-myability week

 February

you to get involved.

Based around the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this campaign aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the rights and wellbeings of persons with disabilities.

As part of the campaign Rachael Blaney, our VP Welfare, will be working with both internal and external services who work with students with disabilities to increase awareness of how they can

This is a national annual campaign that aims to draw people’s attention to climate change and look at or suggest ways in which we can live more sustainably.

With our fantastic Growhampton project in full swing, we are already supporting sustainable food projects throughout the year but this week offers an opportunity to both celebrate that and also look at other ways that we can opt for greener alternatives. Watch this space for more information of how we are going to do this and how you can get involved!

 1-5 of december

UR Voting

 January to march

help.

In light of the upcoming 2015 UK general election, we will be running a campaign on the importance of voting and having your say, as well as providing an education on how it may affect both the local community and yourselves as

100 for 100  Spring Term

 Month of november think it might be for you!

Movember is a UK-wide campaign which raises awareness of men’s health, whilst raising money for the same cause. Last year we raised £4,318 for the cause, ranking us the 2nd highest fundraiser out of all the universities, colleges and schools in the country. This was done not only through the sponsorship of

students.

This will be the second year of our annual 100 for 100 campaign, which raises money for our RAG charities. Here,100 students sign up to raise £100 over the term in whatever weird, wacky or unique ways that they can think of. Those who get closest to the target, or raise the most money, will win prizes, college points and eternal pride.

Campaigns week

 March

This is the opportunity for you to run in the RSU elections for either a part-time officer role, or a full time Sabbatical role. It is a fantastic chance for students to get involved by putting themselves forward to be a representative of the student voice. The week is great fun for both the candidates themselves, and for everyone else who get to watch the campaigns run throughout the week.

One Uni, One World Fiesta  April

We will be hosting a mini-festival to celebrate the huge diversity we have amongst the students here at Roehampton, showcasing different cultures through food, dance, sports and music. If you yourself would like to represent your culture by performing or helping out then please get in touch with your ideas! roehamptonstudent.com 27

Want to…

• Be the voice of your programme • Initiate change, • Represent your peers, • Enhance learning & teaching • Become more employable

Then…

• Become a programme rep How to become a programme rep

A

programme rep is an elected student from each course.

Their main role is to liaise and represent the views and opinions of students on that course and to feedback to members of staff and the Students’ Union.

As a programme rep you will sit on programme board meetings and push for changes on your programme that

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the students want to see. For this to be possible and to meet the full potential of the role you will be the central point of communication for students on your programme.

We can appreciate in this current climate employers are looking for more than just a degree from a student, they are also looking for skills.

Being a programme rep is a fantastic opportunity to develop and gain new skills.

If you’re interested in becoming a rep, talk to your programme convener, email Siobhan Kelly at Siobhan.Kelly@ roehampton.ac.uk or Gemma Foley at g.foley@roehampton. ac.uk.

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TOP 10 most exciting things about my first year (outside of my course)

By Lara McComish

U

Moral of the story – you won’t So, without further ado, here are niversity remember everything, but once the 10 most exciting things about you embrace the independence, my first year of university, outside the freedom flows more liberally. of my course. is about so much 1. Moving out 2. Meeting new more than the Like most undergraduates, I came people to Roehampton fresh out of my A partying and Levels, so it was my first time living If you have had the same friends away from home. since primary school, then what the drinking, or better opportunity to get to know a Unprepared but slightly more new bunch. after raiding Wilkinson’s even getting a equipped homeware department, I nervously Freshers are all in the same boat made my way to London. degree. with not knowing anyone, so nine A massive part of the experience is getting stuck into new exciting opportunities alongside the late night cramming sessions in the library.

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It was only on my arrival that I discovered that despite how prepared I thought I was, no one was going to provide toilet roll, salt and pepper, coat hangers or a spatula.

times out of 10, your flatmates or course pals will be just as keen to make friends. There is nothing more exciting than a budding friendship blossoming over Jägerbombs in Freshers’ Week.

3. Staying busy There is always something happening on the Roehampton calendar. Be it the weekly Bop or looking forward to the month’s Grand, you will never be bored for long.

Particularly in the build up to each semester’s big events like the fun and antics in Freshers’ Week or getting yourself on the front row for your favourite act at the Summer Ball.

4. Going out Being able to have a night out in the city and knowing that my bed isn’t far away, is one of the reasons I chose London.

Being a person, who doesn’t enjoy going out ALL of time means that when I do, I always have a great night. Plus, the city’s range of clubs, bars and pubs never fails to spoil you for choice.

5. Sightseeing Having one of the best cities in the world just a short train ride away, allows you to do some sightseeing and pose for those obligatory tourist photos in front of Big Ben or the London Eye. Living locally, means that you are also able to seek out some of London’s treasures that are less tourist infested; for example, with a passion for food, I made it my mission to venture to the city’s best food markets.

With a trusty oyster card in hand, London really is your oyster.

6. Having fantastic links to the rest of the country As a girl moving from rural Norfolk, the interconnectedness of London to the rest of the country was not something I was used to.

A familiarisation with the railway meant that whilst exploring my new home, I got to travel to places that I knew such as Norwich and Cambridge and visit new ones like Brighton, Lincoln and Canterbury.

Don’t let it stop there, with London’s collection of airports; the world can also become your oyster.

Admittedly, I came to uni knowing how to boil an egg and that was pretty much it.

Being forced to learn how to cook more than a pot noodle taught me so much and as a foodie, I’m now always looking at recipes to learn more.

9. Christmas in London Luckily for me, I landed myself with two flat mates who love Christmas almost as much as I do, so they were more than happy to accompany me on a November trip to ASDA for stockings. If this is a tad too early for you, then there is plenty to keep you busy over December.

7. Finding a new hobby

My favourite festivities of last year definitely included ice skating at the stunning Natural History Museum and London’s annual Winter Wonderland.

For a non-sporty person like me, this was getting into sporadically jogging around the gorgeous Roehampton campus or amongst the deer in its neighbour, Richmond Park.

10. Building on work experience

This led me to start swimming once a week at home and keep up with my Miranda Hart’s Marracattack DVD….

8. Cooking: A love/hate relationship with all university students

I know that this is technically going against the title but give me a break, this was the last one!

Get stuck into making yourself look more employable; get some work experience in your field like work at a newspaper, care home or school. It is exciting getting to know the industry you want to get into and will do you the world of good later.

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A Please do not hesitate to drop in or to book an appointment. There will always be someone here to talk to.

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t the RSU we are here to listen, to sign-post and to advise all students. Our aim is to ensure you have a well-supported student experience, using all the services the University of Roehampton provides.

If you find yourself needing to talk or to gather more information regarding your academic studies and the support you can get, financial situations, dyslexia and disability services, health and wellbeing support or just to have a friendly chat, please come and see us!

We have an open door policy, meaning you can pop into the RSU at any time! Please do not hesitate to drop in or to book an appointment.

There will always be someone here to talk to.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT ROEHAMPTON By Laura Baines G

oing to university can be one of the most exciting, nerve wracking and life changing experiences of your life.

Whether you’re leaving home for the first time or commuting, at Roehampton there are endless services and resources available to help you settle in and make the most of your time here.

For most new students, the most exciting build up to the start of the first term is finding out which events will be happening during Freshers’ Week and they never disappoint! BOP is the perfect Friday night out without having to leave campus, hosting a different theme every week and playing those classic nineties songs we all love, Fez is the ultimate midweek place to party in nearby Putney and Grand is the furthest away in Clapham which happens once a month.

Besides big nights out, there are plenty of other activities and events organised by the Students’ Union, such as comedy nights, Winter Wonderland, Summer Ball, Freshers’ Fair, fundraisers and plenty of sports events such as Frigby and Varsity that show Roehampton’s competitive side.

One of the most important things

when starting university is making friends and there are plenty of societies where you can meet likeminded people and continue your hobbies from college or home. The great thing about Roehampton is that the Union is shaped by the students and you’re able to start your own society.

“

Socialise, attend events, join a society and make the most of what will be the best years of your life.

With a full social calendar, it’s easy to overlook the responsibilities of starting a degree and becoming independent, but Roehampton’s services are on hand to help you every day of the week. The library is home to student support and advice on accommodation, finance and employment, as well as various computer rooms and study areas.

During exam time the library is open 24 hours for those last minute all-nighters.

Student life can be busy when you’re finding your feet as a first year, so it’s important to eat well and there are plenty of places on

campus to suit all tastes. There is a Costa and a Starbucks, pub grub at the union bar, the brand new Hive café and many more.

Everything you’ll need during your time at Roehampton is contained on campus, which is what makes it a great place to study and live.

Alongside the nightlife, study spaces and places to eat there is also a post room, Santander bank, laundry facilities and shop, all a short walk from each other.

In order to really enjoy your time at Roehampton, make the most of the help and guidance offered by your lecturers by attending regular tutorials and using their feedback to improve your work. It’s no use having a packed social life if your studies are going to suffer.

Your tutors can point you in the right direction when it comes to obtaining a good work life balance and reaching graduation with the best degree possible.

During first year, graduation will most likely be the last thing on your mind, so enjoy everything Roehampton has to offer. Socialise, attend events, join a society and make the most of what will be the best years of your life.

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ROEHAMPTON STUDENT FUNDING The Student Funding Office is located in the Information Centre on the Digby Stuart campus. Our aim is to assist students with the various funding issues that may occur whilst studying at University.

The start of University or a new academic year can be an anxious time and reading this article may help put some of your fears to rest as well as answer some of your questions.

Where is my money?

Probably the most common question students ask! Firstly you need to know your funding won’t be in your account until you have registered for your course (during Registration Week) and Roehampton have confirmed your attendance. This may take up to a week after your registration for continuing students and up to three weeks for new students. If your money hasn’t been paid into your account by then, and you don’t know why, please think about the following: • When did you apply?

If you applied late (from approximately 1 August onwards) your application may still be in the assessment process. Student Finance England (SFE) may also be waiting for supporting documents in order to complete your assessment. Because of the high numbers of students, SFE will not call you regarding any missing information they need.

You will be sent a letter or an email but this may take a while so if you haven’t received your money we advise that you check your online correspondence and call SFE on 0141 243 3600 / 0300 100 0607.

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• Have you signed and returned your declaration to SFE? Remember you cannot receive your funding if you have not signed and returned your declaration.

The declaration is sent to you along with the notification of your funding entitlement.

In which case, you will need to pay us a visit to Student Funding Office. Things do not always go according to a plan, but we will do everything we can to resolve any issue or answer the questions you may have.

• And finally: Have you checked your bank account?

This declaration is a contract between you and the Student Loans Company (SLC) confirming that you are aware you have been issued a loan, and that you understand the conditions of repayment.

Seems obvious, but we have seen many students who checked their bank account the day or two before and did not realise they were paid that very morning. Please double check your bank account just before you come to see us.

• Are you registered for your course?

Scholarships

You must register at the start of each academic year. If you have not completed the enrolment process then you are not considered a registered student and Roehampton cannot confirm your attendance for your funding to be released.

• Has your National Insurance Number been verified?

If you are a new student your National Insurance Number (NINO) will have to be verified before any funding can be released.

SLC will send your NINO to the Department for Work and Pensions after Roehampton has confirmed your registration. Unfortunately this may be a slow process and can take anything from a week to 10 days (in addition to the week when Roehampton confirms your attendance). Your NINO has to be confirmed only once: if you are a new student and you are receiving your first instalment.

NINO verification does not occur for subsequent instalments or for continuing students.

• “I’ve called Student Finance England and they insist none of the above apply to me.”

• New Home Undergraduate Students: Information about all Roehampton scholarships and eligibility criteria can be found on our Scholarship page: http://www.roehampton. ac.uk/Finance/Scholarships/ You do not need to apply for the scholarships. The Student Funding Office will write to all eligible students and will also advise SFE of a Fee Waiver where applicable in November 2014.

If you think you are eligible to receive a scholarship and have not heard by the end of November 2014 you should contact the Student Funding Office.

• Continuing Home Undergraduate Students: Scholarships will continue to be paid to those students who received them in 2013/14 provided they have made satisfactory academic progression on their course.

Student Funding Richardson Building 014 studentfunding@roehampton.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 8392 3090

A

t Roehampton we provide a specialist service for students to help them manage their money while they are at University.

The Money Doctors is one of many services that form part of the student experience department, based in the Information Centre, Richardson Building on the Digby Stuart College.

ONLINE BANKING

BILLS

Set up online banking – so you can check on a regular basis the status of your account.

This is more important now than ever before due to the increased amount of card fraud.

You have a responsibility to check your account on a regular basis.

Money Doctors is about supporting/helping and teaching students to manage their money and develop long lasting and transferable financial skills for life.

Pay your biggest bills first – Rent will always be your biggest outlay. Make sure you have paid this before you start to splash the cash!

USEFUL CONTACTS

During Freshers’ Week we will be out and about with budget planners, cookery cards, best deals information and top tips to help you get started.

If for any reason you feel there may be a problem with paying your accommodation costs contact the accommodation finance office immediately; they are there to help you, so don’t feel anxious to ring them.

Tel: 020 8392 3199 Monday – Friday 10am until 4pm – just drop in and see us.

Here are a few gems of advice MONEY MANAGEMENT Just because you have a large amount of money in your account when you receive your loan/grant, do not think you are loaded!

Whilst it may look like a lot of money, remember how long it has to last you and what it needs to cover.

BUDGETING Set yourself a budget – an amount you can afford for the week, and don’t go over this.

It may sound boring but it really will help you in the long run.

Money Doctors moneydoctors@roehampton. ac.uk

FOOD Food – make sure you buy the things you need rather than just things you want.

It is always a good idea to stock up on the basics like rice and pasta for your store cupboard.

Fresh vegetables and fruit are important for a healthy diet.

Nearly all supermarkets have special deals on fresh produce to beat the credit crunch.

It is cheaper to cook from scratch than buying ready meals or jars of sauces.

Don’t be afraid to make large meals; you can always freeze leftovers for another day. roehamptonstudent.com 35

roehamptonstudent.com 36

S

port Roehampton is the University’s Sports department and is responsible for organising the wide range of sport and physical activity programme on offer to students, staff and the local community. We believe “sport is for all” and realise the positive impact it has on groups and individuals involved in the University.

Sport Roehampton offers a range of sports clubs, competitions, exercise classes, dance based activity, social and recreational sport. As well as this, we offer a number of competitive memberships at our on campus gym. So take your pick of the sports on offer and come and have a go!

We cater for those interested in the fun side of sport as well as those seeking a competitive element and our play programme is all about having fun and trying something new.

Sport at University is a great way to discover new sports you might not have tried before, meet new people and stay active and healthy.

You don’t have to worry about how good you are or having to commit to training every week.

New members are always welcome throughout the year, so don’t worry if you miss out in the first few weeks of term.

As well as the sport side of things, we have the social events covered too. Sport Roehampton organise a number of big events throughout the year like Varsity and the Sports Awards to make sure you get the best possible sporting experience at University.

VARSITY Varsity is the biggest sporting event on the University calendar and sees us take on Buckinghamshire New University across twenty-one fixtures in nine different sports to battle for the coveted Roebuck Trophy.

Last year Roehampton secured the trophy for the second year on the trot after a thrilling finish to the event.

The scores were close throughout the fixtures but Women’s Basketball, led by the Women’s Player of the Day Cherie Ayres, secured a Varsity victory for Roehampton in the penultimate game of the day to claim a hardfought 11-10 victory overall.

SPORTS AWARDS To finish the sporting year in style, Sport Roehampton hosts an annual Sports Awards evening to celebrate the success of the University’s sports clubs activities both in and out of the sporting arena. The event takes place in a marquee on Froebel Lawn and offers a chance to acknowledge the hard work that goes on across all the clubs at the University.

take your pick of the sports on offer and come and have a go!

Sport Roehampton has a track record of supporting elite sport and has a number of international standard student athletes. For those Roehampton students who are particularly talented at their sport, there are a number of scholarships and bursaries available. We also provide a range of subsidised courses and vocational training for those who want to become a sports coach or official.

For more information about what we do, you can drop in to our office and say hello, visit our website or email: sportroehampton@roehampton. ac.uk

roehamptonstudent.com 37

USEFUL CONTACTS Roehampton Students’ Union

Student Funding

Tel: 0208 392 3221 Email: rsu@roehampton.ac.uk

Email: studentfunding@roehampton.ac.uk Tel: 0208 392 3090 Accommodation

RSU Sabbatical Officers Tel: 0208 392 3607 SU President – Siobhan Kelly Email: Siobhan.kelly@roehampton.ac.uk VP Campaigns – Molly Vingoe Email: molly.vingoe@roehampton.ac.uk VP Welfare – Rachael Blaney Email: Rachael.blaney@roehampton.ac.uk Academic Advice – Gemma Foley Email: gemma.foley@roehampton.ac.uk Tel: 0208 392 3736

Email: accommodation@roehampton.ac.uk Tel: 0208 392 3166 Library Email: library@roehampton.ac.uk Tel: 0208 392 3770 Medical Centre Email: studentmedicalcentre@nhs.net Tel: 0208 392 3679 Security Email: roehampton.security@roehampton. ac.uk Tel: 0208 392 3140

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