Leaders can succeed by

There are some exceptions to this, such as if your accommodation comes with your employment. Please contact the RUSU Advice Service if you need more information on this or if you find a discrepancy with your deposit.

WHAT IF MY DEPOSIT IS NOT REGISTERED WITH A SCHEME?

Some types of tenancy do not require your landlord to register your deposit with a scheme. Shelter’s Tenancy Checker will help you work out what type of tenancy you have and if your deposit should be held in a deposit scheme: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advi ce/downloads_and_tools/tenancy_rig hts_checker

HOW WILL I CHECK OUT?

This is where things may change slightly under COVID-19. Ideally you would have taken your belongings from the property, however due to the lockdown, this may not have been possible. There are companies which can aid you in packing your belongings and forwarding them to you (be aware this comes at a charge).

CHECK OUT INVENTORY?

Again, there may be minor changes with this too. Video technology can be used for a virtual tour with your landlord to check the property at the end of your tenancy. If you did not get a chance to clean your property to the standard of when you moved in –work with your landlord to see if you can employ a cleaning company to do this. Make sure to always get quotes so you know it’s a fair price!

If you can be present during the checkout inventory and it is permitted under government guidelines, please ensure that you stick to COVID-19 guidelines by keeping a safe distance and ensuring good hygiene measures.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY LANDLORD WHAT TO KEEP ALL OR PART OF MY DEPOSIT?

Do you have a copy of the inventory from when you moved in? If not, ask your landlord for a copy. As long as your deposit is protected, the deposit company will mediate on your behalf. It would be helpful if you have pictures of the property when you check out, so ask your landlord to send you some pictures or record the virtual tour and keep a copy.

WHAT ABOUT MY UTILITY BILLS?

It is important that you have your meter readings from the property at the end of your tenancy. It would be best to have picture evidence of the meter readings. Contact your utilities companies and either cancel or transfer your utilities provider to your new address.

If you would like further support in claiming your deposit back, you can contact RUSU Advice Service: www.rusu.co.uk/advice/get-advice 19

Huge progress in the coursework resit policy!

RUSU Education Officer Fifi successfully lobbied the Uni to introduce uncapped re-sits for coursework! This will have a significant impact on all students, especially those assessed through modules with 100% coursework. She is really pleased that this has been approved and she has been able to make a positive difference for all students.

The RUSU Welfare Directory was launched!

As part of her 1in4 campaign, RUSU Welfare Officer Gemma launched the RUSU Welfare Directory last month during Mental

Health Awareness Week. The directory was created to give Reading students the ability to get help with whatever they are struggling with quickly and easily, including emergency services numbers, mental health support and advice on a range of issues. rusuwelfaredirectory.co.uk

We announce our Excellence Awards winners!

Last month the Full-time Officers decided the winners of this year’s Excellence Awards, including our School Rep of the Year Sara Dahash and Course Rep of the Year Leah Logan! All were very deserving winners and you can check out our social media to read the heart-warming nominations as well as what the winners had to say about receiving the awards.

Sports and Societies Awards are a success online!

This year the Sports and Societies Awards Balls became shows broadcast on RUSU social media. There were watch parties across the country and over 300 viewers at their peaks! As much as everyone would have loved to celebrate in person, students loved being able to share the experience with friends and family that wouldn’t normally have been able to attend. It was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed all round! 20

Recent Scrutiny Panelist, Oscar Minto was excited to dive into the virtual Scrutiny Panel training last term. He also gives his top tips for new Reps…

RR: What have you learnt so far that you think will help in your upcoming Senior Rep role?

OSCAR SAYS: The Scrutiny Panel Training taught me how to read programme proposals with a focus on the student experience. This is quite different from being a Course Rep as the focus is on the identification of issues that could make a programme less appealing or difficult for students. These issues could well crop up regarding student workload, or whether the programme aims are clear. Nonetheless, I am using this newly obtained skill in my current Scrutiny Panel and it has also allowed me to start to thinking deeper about the student experience of my own programme. RR: Any top tips for upcoming reps? OSCAR SAYS: Teamwork is key; working alongside other reps spreads workload effectively, allows you to get a better picture of important issues and means the same point is never covered twice in meetings! Also, learn from others. Your peers will always have innovative ways of gathering student opinions and interesting ideas on how to better your school. Although the training for Course Reps is great, remember to also listen to those around you. 21 “ The University year can be quite stressful even without a global pandemic, so message your cohort occasionally and keep an eye on course group chats for suggestions.” RR: You have attended a few training sessions during the lockdown period. How have those been? OSCAR SAYS: I was really excited to attend virtual Scrutiny Panel training. The session seemed to transfer really well virtually, and I am glad I attended. The session was very effective in explaining exactly what a Scrutiny Panel was and what the student members role is within it. The presentation tasks were enjoyable, and I was just pleased that the session was still possible. It was definitely a nice change of pace to my usual lockdown Wednesday. RR: You’ve just been accepted to a Scrutiny Panel, what can you tell us? OSCAR SAYS: The current Scrutiny Panel I am on is being done entirely online, exclusively through email. I suppose this is very different from a traditional panel, however I am just happy to be part of it.

Senior Rep training dates confirmed for summer term

Choose 1 of 6 sessions that will run online (we will send you the Teams link nearer the time!) but please sign up to your preferred date and time on the Doodle Poll below: doodle.com/poll/2kz3g9952gabxhci June - 1st 5-7pm, 2nd 1 -3pm

Announcements

SAVE THE DATE: School/Senior Rep Consultation (handover session) - Friday 5 th June 2-4pm Sign up here

doodle.com/poll/udek9fp4vm52tqm3

UoR Careers team are pleased to announce the first VIRTUAL Graduate Recruitment and Internship Festival, taking place 10-12 June, featuring over 30 organisations with graduate, internship and placement vacancies, some of which are available for 2020 start dates. You can participate in any or all of our activities!

Take part in our back page quiz and get a free Starbucks and Academic Rep water bottle!

Sharing a coffee with MPCS Senior Rep… Harrison Wallage

Quickfire Q’s

Comedy or horror? Comedy Text or call? Text Pasta or pizza? Pizza Insta or Twitter? Neither Apple or android? Android Night in or night out? Night out Truth or dare? Dare Cats or dogs? Dogs Book or movie? Movie Exam or Coursework? Exam Mojos or Mondial? Mojos Early bird or night owl? Night owl

WHAT FILM TITLE DESCRIBES YOUR LIFE?

My life is too crazy to align with just one film.

WHAT SKILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO MASTER?

Speaking Italian.

IDEAL DINNER PARTY GUESTS?

Gordon Ramsay and his top chefs.

FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING?

Go back to sleep.

GO-TO TAKEAWAY?

Mr. Cod.

CURRENT WALLPAPER ON YOUR PHONE?

The Statue of Liberty.

TOP 3 SONGS ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

Astronomia 2K19 - Stephen F, Iron - WoodKid, Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash.