SOAS SU Handbook 2013 14 by SOAS Students' Union

SOAS Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Handbook 2013/14

Carnival Of LOVE photo-diary. May, 2013

The Journey from SOAS to Scala...

...the People...

...the Bands.

Photographs: Steve Taylor

Fonts: Dosis; Frederika The Great, Cabin Sketch, Courier, Special Elite, Rosewood, Stencil, Paddington

Hello! Welcome Y

ou’re now part of a five-thousand strong academic community of people from all over the world. London might be an exciting new place, a completely foreign country, or just another city to you, but for the next few years it’ll be home - and SOAS will be at the centre of it. SOAS Students’ Union is here to help you make sense of it all. From your education, to finding a place to live, to learning new skills and giving you the opportunity to enjoy the full and active student life, whether it’s joining a sports team and a society or leading and starting one! The union is made up of three full-time officers: Co-President Activities and Events (Johann Barbé); Co-President Democracy and Education (David East); and Co-President Welfare and Campaigns (Leah Edwards). There are also fifteen part-time officers (elected in October and March) who are responsible for specific parts of student life, and volunteer their time to make sure that SOAS is the best it can be. Every student is a member of the Students’ Union - your input and your effort makes the union what it is. If you have a specific idea for what the union can achieve, bring it to the Union General Meeting - the union can help you in writing a motion - and you and your fellow students will discuss, debate and vote on it at the UGM. If it succeeds, it becomes union policy. If you’ve got any questions or need help, email us or come to our office in G8. Our office hours are 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30-5pm. Most importantly, there’s so much on offer in this university and in this city. So go out and enjoy it!

Leah, David and Johann

Contents What / Who is the Union..? Trustees Charity status Elected Union Executive Co-Presidents & Part Time Staff Student Reps Democratic structure Strategic Priorities Union General Meetings; NUS Campaigns cut-out ‘Bust card’ Our History

2-15 2 3-9 10 11/12 13 14 15 16, 47-49 49/50 19/20

Activities, Sports & Societies Societies and clubs for 2013/14 Creating and maintaining societies SOAS Radio Enterprise Welfare, Peace of Mind Money: budget / bank / saving Health (general & sexual health) Acommodation Transport in London Keeping Safe Student Advice Services The North Block S.U Equality & Diversity The SOAS Charter Complaints a how-to guide

21-34 21 35 32 36 37-45 37/38 39 39-40 41-42 42 43-45 46 50 51 52

Stuff to do Surviving first term, mastering London, and discovering things to do... Local area, map 1st Freshers Party 2013: Nakama

53-59

Coursework planner

60-62

57/58 59

Stand-up Calendar & Diary

63-109

Useful Contacts School & Union’s / Helplines

110-112

Trustees & Charity Status SOAS Students’ Union is a registered charity in the UK, whose charity number is 1150717. What does this mean? It means that the Students’ Union is an independent organisation to SOAS which must conform to UK Charity Law in its operations, and is answerable to the Charity Commission. There are a number of rules which come with charitable status: we must prepare and publish our annual accounts and an annual report, we have rules about what we can spend our money on and all of our work must be to further our charitable aims. Our charitable aims are all about YOU, our members, and come from our Constitution - the Union’s official governing document. 1. The aims and objectives of the Union shall be within charitable purposes to: (a) act as an official organisation promoting the interests of its members, and in particular to (i) develop, foster and promote the cultural, intellectual, social and athletic recreation of its members; (ii) develop, foster and promote the education, welfare and general interests of its members; (iii) act as a channel of communication between, and represent the interests of, its members to the School and to any other bodies which may affect its members; (b) endeavour to provide such non-commercial services as may from time to time be required by its members; (c) develop and foster among its members the formation of clubs and societies of the Union fulfilling the aims and objectives described above. Everything we do is for you our members. This is paid for in two main ways. SOAS is our principal funder and we also make a small operational surplus from our commercial services. The Union is in a healthy financial state and has had a recent governance audit and a Bronze in the national scheme the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative. The Union, as a charity, is run by a board of Trustees, who are the Students’ Union Elected Officers. The role of charitable trustee is a responsible one to oversee that the day to day management of the Union (as done by the General Manager, permanent staff and the sabbaticals). They set the operational plan for the year, check the management accounts and are responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Union. However the Union General Meeting (UGM) is seen as the main source of policy for the Union, if something is passed by a UGM and the Trustees do not do it, they have to report back to the student body why. As a charity the Union is here for our students, and to make the education at SOAS better. Therefore anything you do to help the Union, societies, as a student rep, running an event, is actually volunteering for a charity! Who knew it could be such fun.

1150717

Co-President Activities & Events Johann Barb� é activities.events@soas.ac.uk jb86@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4994 @SOASJohann Room G8; Sabbatical’s shared office hours: 10:30 - 12:30 14:30 - 5:00 Congratulations, you have just entered one of the most inclusive, multi-cultural, EXCITING and dynamic universities in the world. When people say that life is what you make of it…Well… The same is true for your university experience! Even more so for SOAS. SOAS is your oyster. All the different aspects of SOAS (the courses you choose, events you attend, societies you join and people you meet), without you realizing, will encourage you to get involved, push your limits, and inspire you to always want more. And one day, you’ll look back, and you’ll say thank you, as I did. As Co-president of Activities and Events, I am here to ensure that you will explore and enjoy what SOAS has to offer. Not only great courses, but also endless extra curricular activities will appear in front of you, opening new doors. Your job as a student is to grab any opportunity that comes in front of you, and make the best out of it - it will only be beneficial. Being involved in university societies, sports and attending/organizing events is extremely rewarding! It is a great opportunity to meet people, have fun and challenge and share your own beliefs.

The choice of societies and sports teams is huge, and the ball is in your hands if you want to create new ones. Whether they are political, of entertainment, cultural, musical or sports teams (in teams or individual)– they are waiting for you and your ideas. The societies handbook can be found on the website (LINK); feel free to join, create, and enjoy! I will help you do so. You will hear around you that SOAS is like a little village… For me, SOAS is like a strong team in which combining solidarity and having fun is the key to success. Having a successful degree doesn’t only result to academic studies, but also with the activities that you choose to do outside. The union is here for you. We’re here to make sure you have a great time, feel free to come see us during our office hours!

Co-President Democracy & Education David East democracy.ed@soas.ac.uk de6@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4995 @SOASDavid Room G8; Sabbatical’s shared office hours: 10:30 - 12:30 14:30 - 5:00 Islamic Law. Intensive Elementary Tibetan. Death And The Meaning Of Life. These are just some of the courses you can take at SOAS, and it’s (part of) my job to make sure they’re running up to standard and meeting students’ needs. I’m David and I’m Co-President Democracy & Education. Dramatic introductions aside, my job is to ensure students are getting the most out of their education at SOAS, and to make sure that the union is run in a democratic matter (that’s the ‘Democracy’ part). The union’s main deciding body is the Union General Meeting (UGM). These are meetings of all students in the union, held twice per term, where students submit motions and vote on union policy. Another way of representing students is the Student Representative system. Each programme will elect two representatives for the entire class, and it’s their job to listen to their classmates and relay those opinions to the school. This year, I want to focus on

helping reps to create Departmental General Assemblies - forums where staff and students in a department can discuss and act on issues inside and outside the school. Part of my job is to sit on the Academic Board, discussing and deciding educational policy with the academics and management of the university. This is why the union compiles a list every year of the things we want to see changed in our education system. This has ranged from feedback on exams to more flexible learning spaces to better pastoral care for students. They’ll be voted on at the first UGM, so please come and contribute! At SOAS, the things you learn outside the classroom are just as important as what you learn inside. This community can take you to weird and wonderful places as long as you’re willing to engage with it.

Co-President Welfare & Campaigns Leah Edwards welfare.campaigns@soas.ac.uk le8@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4997 @SOASleah Room G8; Sabbatical’s shared office hours: 10:30 - 12:30 14:30 - 5:00 I write to you from the SU Office, a hive of activity and the hub of SOAS life. It’s a summer evening, live Congolese music is playing outside the window, accompanying a BBQ. Earlier today, the courtyard was filled with the raucous chants of the Justice for Cleaners Campaign and as sunset falls a communal iftar meal will be served by students on the SOAS green to break the Ramadan fast. Welcome (back) to SOAS! SOAS has one of the most active student bodies in the country and everyone you meet will be involved in something, somehow; from fundraising by selling waffles in the JCR to organising a conference like last year’s Gender Matters. Don’t be daunted by all this activity – get involved! The SU is here to provide the support and resources you need to explore new horizons, learn new skills and be part of something bigger than yourself. Juggling work, play and activism whilst making friends that you want to keep for life can be tough at times. When I moved to London I felt incredibly lost, lonely and

confused, and I dropped out of university after one term. I kept my problems to myself. Here at SOAS, you don’t need to. There is a wide range of support, from your personal advisors, to counselling offered by Student Services. Don’t be afraid to use them: they are there for you. Additionally, the Tea and Empathy Society offers drop ins and group sessions where you can speak to trained students about your anxieties, and you can always come to see me for a quiet chat. As your Welfare and Campaigns Officer, I am here to support your ideas and initiatives for change, whether in our school, your workplace, the wider community or even overseas. My primary focus this year will be accommodation, joining with housing charity Shelter to campaign for lower London rents, the abolition of letting agents fees and the prosecution of bad landlords. I also sit on number of committees and boards, including those developing the new North Block campus. From furniture to services, I want to hear what YOU want your new building to look like, and what alterations need to be made to our Union.

Black Officer Hey guys, welcome to SOAS. As your Black Student Officer it is my job to make life easier for BME (Black minority ethnic) students at SOAS. ‘Black’ is also a political term and used politically as a common identity adopted by many Asians, Africans and Caribbeans. It expresses solidarity with anti-imperialist struggles abroad and anti-racist struggles in Britain. So if you need help or advice on a personal level, or want to get involved in black student campaigns, which range from fighting fascism to eradicating female genital mutilation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kabir Joshi

black@soas.ac.uk

Research Student’s Officer

Connor

My name is Connor and I’m the Research Officer for the 2013/14 school year. I’m here to help make your time at SOAS better and to represent the interests of all MPhil and PhD’s in co-operation with other reps and the Doctoral School. We have a great community for research at SOAS but we can always strive to make it better. Let no PhD student be left behind! Myself and other members of the RSA will be organizing events throughout the year so take a break and come by. Here’s to a Youngberg good year and good research!

pgr@soas.ac.uk

Accommodation Officer

Larni Phoenix

accommodation@soas.ac.uk Hello! I’m Larni and I study Politics. I am determined to improve and promote affordable accommodation through negotiations and campaigns (and to also be friendly and support anyone who needs advice about accommodation!) I aim to use the support of the Student Union, to challenge unruly landlords and help SOAS students! I will create a central bank of accommodation information, and a Dinwiddy Union for the purpose of putting pressure on Sanctuary Management. I will also support campaigns opposing the criminalisation of living in abandoned properties.

Anti-racism Officers

10 tips on accomodation, pages 39-40

We look forward to promoting Anti-Racism within SOAS this year and believe there is much potential for building a more inclusive student environment. Moreover, we aim to address and contextualize various forms, and expressions of racism, both in London and the UK, through awareness campaigns, mobilisation for demonstrations and collaboration with societies. Through supporting anti-fascist movements we can work towards countering the many modes of discrimination; be it via media platforms, acts of violence or institutional racism. Finally, we look to draw upon the strength Simon Campbell of SOAS as an institution for social justice through showing our & Binto Bali solidarity with those abroad facing emerging far right groups and islamophobia.

anti-racist@soas.ac.uk

LGBTQ Officer Hi! I’m Tom, your LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer) Officer. My role is to provide support to all LGBTQ students, whether that’s just being around for a chat or to deal with more serious issues, and to campaign to make our Students’ Union, and the society in which we live, not just “more tolerant” but a place where everyone is treated equally. In the context of brutal austerity, my campaigning priorities are to oppose the cuts which are having a disproportionate effect on our communities, demand that SOAS provide hardship funds and welfare support targeted at LGBTQ students, taking action on homelessness and ensure that trans students are not left off the agenda. Look forward to getting to know you all!

Tom King

lgbtq@soas.ac.uk

LGBTQ Society, page 23

Disabilities Officers Welcome new students and old! Disability affects all of us - whether you have sensory impairment, mobility issues, learning differences or mental health issues, or find that you are in a flat or class with someone who does. We are both in our second year studying Politics and Development Studies. As students with disabilities ourselves, we are continually learning how to make SOAS more accessible and how to survive as disabled students in London! Please do not hesitate to contact us, we would love to chat with you over tea or coffee :)

Karmel Carey & Jivan Mohanty sudisabilities@soas.ac.uk

Academic Affairs Officers

Mustafa Zafar & David Suber

SOASIANS, new and old, WELCOME!! David and I will be your academic@soas.ac.uk Academic Affairs Officers for this year, representing You and Your educational life in the SOAS Student Union. Our job is to make sure YOUR academic experience is fulfilled to its best, that YOUR courses run as they should and that YOU are fully engaging with them through the year. As AAO’s we intend to facilitate the communication between the students, staff, and our lovely academics. Our duty is to make sure that Our voice is heard in the everyday making of Our educational experience. However, this job is nowhere near to be useful without YOUR help. We warmly encourage You to become student reps on all levels (course rep, department rep, faculty rep!) and get involved directly with Your fellow course-mates in the running of your classes, departments and faculties. By actively engaging in these spaces we can productively make use of all that SOAS has to offer and contribute in maintaining its aura of awesomeness, while the world outside falls deeper into chaos. Student Reps info, pages 11/12

Campaigns Officer

Georgina Robertson

Welcome to SOAS!!! As your Campaign’s Officer my role campaigns@soas.ac.uk is to facilitate all student activism, working with other SU officers, societies, groups and individuals in advancing the causes people are passionate about. University provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with the world around us, encounter new ideas, free our minds and form educated opinions. I will enable students to take full advantage of this, through spreading information and by using our vibrant and diverse campus and Student’s Union as a forum for dynamic and enlightened debate. This is also a means through which we can unite around common concerns to act and drive change. I will champion issues which are in the interest of all students, particularly the fight for public higher education and the democratisation of decision-making at SOAS. Your time here will fly by, so don’t hesitate to make the most of it - this is the time to be idealistic, involved and active! More on campaigns for 2013/14, pages 16, & 47-49

Women’s Officers Hello! We’re Vithyah and Resham and we are honoured to be your women’s officer team next year. We are here to ensure that women’s rights both nationally and internationally are brought to the vanguard of soas consciousness. We are not only looking to tackle personal issues concerning women but to keep in line with the spirit of SOAS by ensuring that events like Gender Matters continue. We want to strengthen the fight against sexism as well as other political Vithyah Chelvham issues such as austerity which disproportionately affect women. We are here for you whether it’s a conflict that affects you, ideas & Resham Akhtar you want to discuss, or if you would just like to have a chat. Do women@soas.ac.uk not hesitate to contact us! Women’s Society, page 30

Mature Students Officer Hello everyone- welcome (and welcome back) to SOAS! I’m a second year Study of Religions student and I’m your Mature Students’ Officer for the upcoming academic year. Returning to education isn’t easy and can throw up many challenges, so my role is to represent the needs and views of the Mature Students at SOAS. I will encourage and promote the integration of mature students through the student rep system and also the ADD, as well as organising social events. Whether its course or welfare related issues, ideas to improve the SOAS experience or you just feel the Grace Wilcock need for a chat, don’t hesitate to contact me- I’m here to help and mature@soas.ac.uk to make your time at SOAS the best it can be!

Entertainments Officer

Shahrzad Jahanbani.

Hey! I’m Shahrzad and I’ll be your entertainments@soas.ac.uk Entertainments Officer this year. As a final year student I hope to help you have the best possible time at SOAS as I have done the last few years! By focusing on SOAS’ cultural diversity with a greater emphasis on the societies available and by being more approachable to a wider variety of students, I believe SOAS can truly live up to its reputation of having the best and most original university entertainment in London. Through all aspects of SOAS entertainment, “No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep. No one.” …To a great year!

International Students Officers Ahmed Chaudhry & Muhaymin Maneka

Environment Officer Emily Judson environment@ soas.ac.uk

international@soas.ac.uk Dear Spirit readers, Your newspaper is proud to voice your opinions and protect all rights entitled to SOAS students. I am Mohammed Tahboub and I am proud to be running your newspaper, The Spirit, for my second and last term as editor. This year is full of great prospect as build on our foundations intending to continue giving everyone opportunities to gain valuable work experience and explore the field of journalism. Our newspaper aims this year to engage society in serious debate on all the issues that affect SOAS students’ lives. We will concentrate on the student first and ensure that both the administration and the union are accountable to their students. Our newspaper isn’t only about news but we cover a wide range of activities such as our features section that allows our writers to explore the social and cultural aspects of both SOAS and London. We also have the most successful sports section in London with it outlining the most exciting SOAS achievements and events. Therefore, I invite you to be a part of our talented family of writers that truly embody the SOAS spirit that binds us all together. Yours Sincerely, Mohammed Tahboub, Editor-in-Chief editor1@soasspirit.co.uk

General Manager: Peter Baran The role of General Manager is to manage the day-to-day activities of the Union – and to make sure that it can continue to be successful. I manage the commercial services, making the money which allows the Union to run. I also manage the statutory charitable aspects, making sure the Union is properly administered and run. I also give advice to the sabbatical officers, as I have been around a long time I can help them avoid past mistakes. That kind of experience can also help all students; my door (G7) is always open to answer any questions you may have. My role is to do anything that helps the Union run smoothly, from doing tax returns to assigning lockers (and breaking the locks). I’m also a bit of a film buff, so if you want to just pop in a see my growing collection of film posters, feel free.

Commercial Services Manager: Khaled Ziada Hi, I’m the cheery smile that greets you every day into the Union. Now, you may be asking yourself, ‘why does he smile so much?’ Well, I’ve got a secret: you can’t get better service & prices on those day to day items that right here in the Union Shop or Bar. Sounds crazy, I know, but trust me – I’m a Palestinian. Profit is not my aim, spreading love and happiness is. Love and happiness is the only way to achieve world peace. I find happy people like to buy me duty free fags. (Marlboro Light please) Visit the SU Online Shop for a range of merchandise and delivery options: shop.soasunion.org

Bar Assistant Managers: Arash & Jim SOAS Bar is one of the most famous student bars in the world, and having studied at SOAS ourselves we know that the slightly lived-in atmosphere is what makes you love us. Arash: “I don’t think you should come down to the bar at all, unless for some tea or coffee. You’re here to study!” Jim: “Music and socialising is part of life, and no bar does it better. Term-time we are here for you, 11am-11pm”

Student Representatives

reps.soasunion.org

Reps have a vital role. A well co-ordinated rep network gives students the scope to influence the student experience, and be the voice of fellow students on all educational matters. You can be part of that now... Democratic Student Representatives are elected from among student peers, usually at a core lecture or main workshop when students are together. For first years the opportunity to stand as rep is over the first 3 weeks of autumn term. For other years we aim to seek new nominations by mid-term. Vocal and Active Reps attend department meetings ensuring students’ concerns are raised, and pressing for solutions. Reps are a crucial contact for each department, and for the S.U. The Union looks to reps for input in determining what education campaigns to take up, because reps know what is actually happening in the classrooms. Quality Assurance Audit -results Last year the 6-yearly Quality Audit was conducted, inspecting all aspects of learning, teaching and student experience at SOAS.

The Union, working with reps, made a Student Written Submission. The final report gave a number of reccomendations, and referred to the SWS several times. This gives reps a basis to argue for certain changes that have been promised. You can read the QAA report online, (get to it via the reps web page), and look at the Educational Priorities which the SU will work with reps to promote, and win! Support Reps share experiences with each other to solve problems and make progress on student concerns year-on-year. We are here for those times when it gets frustrating, working closely to create a network who can lean on the Union and each other. See some examples: page 47. Reports from meetings appear on the Union website, so you can see what has been discussed and what action is being taken. Reward Students get a great deal from representing their peers and being inolved in thier department. Taking initiatives can lead to change things for the better. Why not consider it yourself?

From the Reps of 2012/13... “The school listens ... make sure you make an effort to let your opinion be heard” “Speak your mind at department meetings, it’s what you’re there for!” “...just be active, stand up in the lectures to encourage people to get back to you if they have concerns, and remember that academic staff is usually more than happy to have some contact with student opinion.” “If you don’t know the answer, be honest - say you don’t know, and that you’ll research it. If you think something’s outside your role as a rep, say so - it gives confidence when, even if you can’t answer their question, you know someone with expertise that can.” “Make your voice heard. Nothing will change unless you let the staff know!”

useful contacts for

Student Reps:

reps.soasunion.org t righ c.uk B a i as.a David East: ton An 3@so democracy.ed@soas.ac.uk ab9 Most relevant Part-time Exec:

Z: stafa & Mu s.ac.uk S Connor Y id a Dav ic@so pg r@ m so e as.ac.uk d aca

Antonia Bright My main responsibility is toward the rep system. Student reps take up issues within their course or faculty. We (in the S.U.) provide training, and organise the network that links reps across the school. This provides important support, and fresh ideas. If you’re interested in being a Student Rep, or want to know more about it, just ask! I can be found in the SU offices, in Russell Sq but only for half of the week - I’m a part-timer. You can always email too.

Educational Priorities The SU Educational Priorities are the issues that the union wants to see addressed in our education. They are decided through a process of consultation with students, particularly through the student rep system, and with the help of the Student Written Submission for last year’s QAA. They will be voted on at the first Union General Meeting of the year on Thursday 10th October, and put to the school’s Academic Board on Wednesday 13th November.

• • • • • • •

•

• 12

Encourage greater use of the BLE as a learning tool Schoolwide implementation of exam feedback Departmental General Assemblies Student involvement in design of assessment strategies, course approval and withdrawal October Elections More frequent and more transparent course assessment Your first chance to run for Change the Masters dissertation cap election is October. Positions include certain roles the S.U Encourage sharing of best practice Exec, and NUS Delegate, This is in teaching and assessment also when the Affiliations ballot methods is held (see current affiliations Schoolwide implementation of on p.110). Nominations open diagnostic coursework for PGT on the 30th Oct. Check the students soasunion.org for positions Greater support for Graduate open, and the rules. Teaching Assistants

Democratic Structure - who does what? ALL students

exec / reps / societies / clubs / general student body

The UGM

(Union General Meeting) At least 1 per term; the policy-making body of the S.U. All students can attend, submit motions, speak in the debate, ask questions and vote.

Student Reps

for every dept: (approx 120 in all) Research, Masters, UGs (all year groups), Special Programmes

Faculty Reps...

18 in all: 6 per faculty

Research Student Association RSS, PGR Officer, Rep from each faculty

S.U Trustees

3xfull-time; 14xpart-time roles; (5 PT roles are job-shares this year) (Staff: see page 10)

Dept meetings

Faculty Committees: Faculty Board = 1x UG rep + 1x PG rep Learning & Teaching = 1x UG rep + 1x PG rep Research = 2x research rep RSA meetings with all research reps invited, & S.U Welfare Ed officer, PGR & Academic Affairs

2 elected in Oct

The PGR Officer is an SU trustee, and attends the School-wide Research Committee, with one other research student rep.

Governing Body Supreme policy-making body for the school. (2 Co-Presidents) Other school committees are attended by S.U Exec officers (e.g Student Experience, Estates, Equalities...). They can assert issues which reps report at UGMs, meetings & through the S.U website Informal meetings throughout the year: - with the Director - with each Dean

NUS Delegates...

Reps / SU meetings every 1/2 term.

NUS Conference April 2014

ULU / NUS Zones and liberation campaigns / London Citizens / Halls / local forums / other external liaision

Strategic Priorities The Students’ Union has a fiveyear Strategic Plan, which went to a referendum for the whole student body three years ago. The referendum was used to canvas student opinion on what they thought were the most important areas for the Union to develop. The six most popular became the Union’s Strategic Priorities and were as follows:

Education: We have developed annual educational priorities papers for Academic Board. In the last three years we have won faster turn around time for feedback, increased library opening hours and a fairer mitigating circumstances policy. This year we will be following up from last years schoolwide Quality Audit (QAA).

Sport Development: Sport is under-developed at SOAS, and we have successfully increased the number of sports and teams being played, and had our budget for pitch hire and facilities doubled by the School. We still want to imcrease the number of students playing sport for fun, and the number of teams we have, with a particular emphasis on women’s sport.

Internationalisation: We have set up International, and “new to London” forums to discuss the issues of International students, and worked harder to integrate Foundation course students. For our students on years abroad we finally have online voting.

Environment & Ethics: We achieved a Gold Green Impact award for our environmental work two years in a row, recognising our lobbying power within the School and our own attempts to cut our Carbon Emissions. This year we will develop an Ethics Policy around how the Union and students interact with the world.

Enterprise & Employability: We have supported a number of student enterprise projects and social enterprises such as the Food Co-op, nut butter project and the SOAS Recipe Book. We will be lobbying this year to extend careers service provision to graduates and extend volunteering provision.

Welfare: We won our demands for all School funded OFFA awards to be bursaries rather than fee waivers (students would rather have the money) and fees by installments to be available for international students in 2013-14. This year we will be lobbying hard to improve accomodation and look at housing cooperatives and headed tenancies. We will be setting out our actions in these areas in our 2013 Operating Plan, so watch this space.

Increasing number of sports teams now include basketball, hockey, netball, badminton and more

UGM’s

(Union Gerneral Meetings) Got a burning issue that you’d like our union to support? Want to mandate us to lobby the school on an issue? If so, the only way to change things is to persuade other people to agree with you, ‘pass a motion’ and make it Union policy. In short, you need to come to Union General Meetings. This year there will be two UGMs in first term, two in second term and one in the final term; these are the policy-making arm of the Union. Emergency General Meetings (EGMs) can be called at other times. All societies are mandated to send a representative, as are Student Reps & Union Officers. We as the Union Executive Body are making it a priority this year to report back on discussions and actions taken on motions passed at the UGM. After all, UGMs are about you, the student. Our first UGM is on Thursday 11th October, 5pm, in the JCR. All the Union exec officers will

be there explaining UGM Dates: what they hope to do. We’ll debate Thursday 10th Oct motions on new Thursday 28th Nov campaigns, and Thursday 23rd Jan other pressing Thursday 6th March issues, local or international. Thursday 8th May The period for Visit soasunion.org submitting motions for times, and to read starts at the previous minutes for beginning of every motions proposed. half-term. Motions must be received at least 4 working days before the UGM - the Friday before the UGM. To get started in the UGM process, look online at soasunion.org. There, you’ll find a handy guide on the correct procedure for proposing a motion. Make sure you check the constitution online to see the framework upon which this union depends. If you need any help, or have any questions, email David East at democracy.ed@soas.ac.uk

The National Union of Students is the representative voice for students across the UK, it has a proud history of standing up for the rights of students, and fighting to ensure you can gain access to a world-class education system. NUS has played a critical role defending your rights and winning campaigns to make student life better. The climate is challenging for education, with Government cuts to education starting to bite. NUS will be campaigning with SOAS S.U on feedback, contact time, quality of teaching, environmental issues, liberation, global justice, volunteering, employability, academic representation... As a member of an affiliated Union you are a member of NUS, and you can therefore buy an NUS Extra card for £12. It lasts one year from the date issued (even if you stop being a student after that date). It gives you access to a host of nationally negotiated discounts. You can also add on an ISIC Card for £2.99 more. For more details go to the website - www.nus.org.uk

r ce fo i t s u J ners 3Co Clea sa s

Campaigning Sa v Ou e Stu r die s

A ts GT rac nt co

2013/14

ampaigning may be defined as a set of organised actions around a particular issue in order to bring about changes in the policy and behaviours of institutions, public groups and individuals. This encompasses a broad range of activities; there is something for everyone to get involved in. Our campaigns, like our academic studies, are about challenging societal structures to try and build a more just world. Whether campaigns are social or environmental, local or international, SOASspecific or led by external organisations, they are not separate and disparate strands of activity, but part of the same, broad aim.

*Democratise SOAS *SOAS Anti-Cuts *SOAS Justice For Cleaners Turn to pages 47-49 for campaign outlines and how to get involved....

These are just some of the campaigns that the Studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union are supporting this year. Check out the campaigns section of our website for information about all other campaigns at SOAS. Three campaigns that will be a focus in 2013-14 are: *Democratise SOAS Aiming to ensure that the University is run in the interests of its students, academics and staff, who together make up the SOAS community.

*SOAS Anti-Cuts Demanding an end to austerity in the UK. *SOAS Justice For Cleaners Demanding that the cleaners be given equal terms and conditions with other SOAS staff: pensions, sick pay, and holiday pay. Go to pages 47-49 for full details, background, and how to get involved. Contact Georgie at campaigns@soas.ac.uk.

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Our History 1916: School of Oriental Studies founded. 1927: SOS ‘Union Society’ Founded “with a view to promoting social intercourse amongst students and staff”… Union membership fee ½ crown.

1934: The Magazine of the Students’ Union founded, precursor to today’s Spirit. 1938: Renamed the ‘School of Oriental and African studies’ 1941: SOAS moves to the current Russell Sq site. 1945: SOAS SU gains first constitution; The Mallet magazine founded. 1957: SU split ideologically after Soviets march into Hungary. After a debate regarding ‘Jailhouse Rock’, the Union bans Elvis as a fad which will never take off. 1959: SOAS SU one of the first institutions to instigate a boycott on South African goods. Ban on Elvis overturned. 1964: First ever Union handbook published.

1916-2013

Government discuss introduction of student loan system, rejected and heavily campaigned against successfully by SOAS SU. 1970: SOAS SU disaffiliates with the NUS, claiming it was “too reactionary”. The college bar opens. 1972: Union gains first fulltime sabbatical officer: President.

1974: Union gains representation on the School’s Academic Board. 1977: Students occupy the Registry in protest of the government’s regulations quadrupling overseas fees. 1978: Union gains Common Room (JCR). As protests endure against government cuts, SOAS SU becomes the Reggae venue of choice for London. 1981: Overhaul of the Union constitution. Union gains second sabbatical post: Vice President. 1985: School shut down twice

by the Union over the new Education Reform Act as well as Palestinian Rights. 1989: SOAS becomes famous for its American New Wave Rock scene: acts include Mudhoney and Soundgarden. Nirvana play first ever UK gig in SOAS. 1991: Union gains third Sabbatical officer. During the Gulf War, SOAS Union helps set up a helpline for victimised Arab Students. SOAS Spirit Founded. 1994: Union disasagrees with SOAS and NUS’ stance on no-platform for Hizb ut-Tahrir, following 400member strong UGM with the press waiting outside. 1996: Union loses its third sabbatical officer due to financial mismanagement. 1997: The three-week ‘Great Occupation’ of the library regarding School’s refusal to buy library tickets to Senate House Library for students. Students win tickets back. 1998: The First SOAS Festival of Arts and Diversity formed, as a result of fears over merger with UCL. Merger does not happen. 2000: Union occupies the Directorate over the introduction of tuition fees.

Our History Gallery regarding proposed education cuts and imposition of fees, again. Union starts ‘Saturday School’ volunteering scheme. Leads to largest ever UGM of over 500 people to ask them to come out. 2001: Union takes over the SOAS bar from the School. Has to deal with the legacy of drug use on the premises. Union also gains representation on the School Governing Body. 2003: Addition of the Sports & Societies Co-President. SOAS SU confirmed as having the largest proportional turnout in the country for its annual elections. 2005: Smoking ban in the bar solves the drug problem! SOAS Radio founded. 2009: Summer demonstrations lead to SOAS cleaners winning the London Living Wage. First ‘Beyond Borders’ tour takes Football team to Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. 2010: Huge refurbishment of the JCR and bar. A Food Co-op ‘hub’ is built in the JCR - wholsale nuts, pulses, lentils etc. go on sale every Wednesday. Occupation of the Brunei

Food Co-op, JCR

2011: First ever SOAS recipe book published. SOAS Radio (formerly Openair) taken over by the Union. Uprisings and occupy movements occur across the world - including Britain. News of the Arab Spring is televised in JCR. Donkey Day is celebrated. Paint-throwing for Holi becomes an annual event amoung students around Bloomsbury. 2012: For London’s Olympic year road layouts are changed including Russell

Holi, 2013

Square’s: its goes from one-way to two-way; resulting in several cars driving down the wrong side of the road. SOAS purchases the North Block of Senate House. Financial scandal occurs in the S.U.

2013: Campaign to bring cleaners inhouse continues throughout the year. Camels make a pre-Camel Conference visit. Political and democratic structure of ULU (est. 1921), put at risk. UGM votes to end the CoPresident positions as they were, and create 3 new Sabbatical roles. CAMEL DAY, June 2013

Pre-registered societies for 2013/14 SAPA JAM; Urdu Conversation Group; Guerrilla Choir; Women’s Society; Christian Union; TEDxSOAS; AIESEC; SOAS Detainee Support Group; Green Group; Common Ground Garden; The Art Society; Sambatage; SOAS Yoga Society; SOAS Games Society; Climbing & Mountaineering Club; Horn of Africa Society; Literary Society; Indonesian Society; AIESEC; Marxist Society; SOAS Israel Society; Women’s Basketball; SOAS Men’s Rugby Team.; Krishna Consciousness Society; SOAS Conservative Society; SOAS Martial arts and Karate club; The African Diplomatic Exchange; Women’s Football; StatelessMedia; ActionAid Activista SOAS; SOAS Debating Society; SOAS Jindokai; Nordic Society; Netball; Men’s Tennis Team; Persian Cultural Society (Parsi Society); PSCORE; SOAS CEILIDH Band; Flamenco Society; Ahlulbayt Islamic Society ; Circus Society; SOAS WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom); Eurovision Society; SOAS Thai Society; SOAS Investors; Men’s Football, First Team; Team Up; Islamic Finance and Ethics; East Asia Society; Korean Drumming Society; Soas Model United Society; Iranian Society; Feminist Society; VOSTOK: Research Group on Central Asia and the Caucasus; SOAS Energy and Climate; SOAS Cricket Club; SOAS Women’s Tennis Team; SOAS Rebetiko Band Society; SOAS Global Brigades; Students for Cooperative Housing; African Security Society; Pacific Society; South Asian Film Society; SOAS JingKun Opera Society; Chinese Music Ensemble (Silk & Bamboo); SOAS Jewish Society; Men’s Basketball; Human Rights Defenders; SOAS Islamic Society; SOAS Food Coop; SOAS French Folk Dance Society; SOAS CHESS SOCIETY; Cuban Big Band Society; SOAS African Development Forum; Francophone Society; Taiji Quan and Qi Gong Society; Native Spirit Society; SOAS Traditional Aikido Society- Airenjuku Dojo; Chinese Culture Society; SOAS Korea Society; Asio-European Cultural Exchange Society (ACES); Language Landscape

Activities, Sports, Clubs & Societies Whether you’re joining one, running one or starting a-fresh, extra curricular activities can be a wonderful part of your university experience and if anything, a testament to the fact that learning goes beyond the classroom and the campus. At SOAS, the range of societies available are eclectic as the wonderful kaleidoscope of students that make them! If you see a gap in the list of interesting interests (on your left), that’s your cue to step in! Starting and running a society is incredibly rewarding. Come talk to your Co-President of Activities and Events, Johann Barbé, for further guidance in the Union, we’re here to support you if you can’t find your answers in the handbook!

Climbing Mountaineering Club We are the Few, the Proud, the Vertically Unchallenged. If you are unfazed by the highest of life’s hurdles, preferring to go over obstacles - not around them, then the Climbing & Mountaineering Club is for you. If not, heck, come along anyway, we can work on that. Every reading week we hit up one the best crags our island has to offer, and if that isn’t enough, every Spring we run a weeklong trip to one of Europe’s best sport climbing destinations. In the past joining we’ve forces with UCL to climb in Mallorca and Southern Spain. We meet several times a week to climb indoors, providing training for novices, encouragement for intermediates, and challenges for pro’s. Climb with us, travel to where few have been, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and meet some awesome people … EXCELSIOR! Henry Crawley, (3rd year music), FB: fb.com/groups/soascmc

in El Chorro, Spain. Credit: Alex Chan

Running Club

Tennis

Ever struggled to get up early on a cold morning to go for a run? Then join the SOAS Running Club, and find fellow bleary-eyed students to pound the streets with! We are a friendly, relaxed group aiming to organise regular runs twice a week – a weekday run through the city, and a Sunday ‘hangover’ run in one of London’s stunning parks. We also aim to enter a public race once a term, with entry partly subsidised by the society. All levels of ability are welcome, so get those trainers on and join us - those early starts are a lot easier when you have others to run with, promise!

The SOAS Tennis team has gone through a fine 2012-2013 season, marked by heroic victories on the court and outrageous socials off the court. The Men’s team in particular have secured certain glory for SOAS by going through their entire season undefeated against other top London teams. The Woman’s team as well has performed mightily in their matches, proving to be a fearsome side. The team aims to repeat these feats in the coming 2013-2014 season. Marked by a fighting spirit, prodigious talent and a never-give-up attitude, the SOAS Tennis team is bound to achieve further glory in the coming season.

LGBTQ Soc

Yoga

Warm welcome to all. SOAS LGBTQ society is a vibrant and inclusive society for all; whether Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Queer, everyone is welcome! Our society hold various weekly events such as film screenings, open mic evenings, host inter(national) speakers, speed-dating and night out in the West End and Soho. SOAS LGBTQ society is also very vocal and active at demonstrating and remonstrating the LGBTQ and overall equality cause. The society is open to any ideas from members. Join us at one of our events and make your SOAS experience that bit better! We look forward to seeing you soon! Web: lgbtq.soasunion.org

The SOAS Yoga Society provides students with a variety of yoga classes at very low prices. Our classes cater to both beginners and to those who have done yoga before. Yoga is an excellent way for individuals to keep fit, healthy and stress-free which is what students need to cope with the busy academic year. Our classes are taught by professional teachers and we offer different styles of Yoga and Meditation: Hatha Yoga, Hatha Flow, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Jain Meditation and Yoga Nidra. We are also looking to promote a wider understanding of Yoga through workshops and special events held throughout the year. Contact: soasyogasociety@gmail.com, www.yoga.soasunion.org, and on Facebook.

SOAS Badminton ...where there are surprisingly less Asians than expected! We listen to what you want and respond. As a result, our society as developed a recreational side and training side, which gives you the option to either whack your bat about or get sweaty. After a great year with our former club president winning Sportswoman of the Year, we are heading into 2013/14 with full spirits and enthusiasm. We play on weekends for 2 hours. Our court is based in Sobell (10 minutes by tube). For the experienced, inexperienced, the lazy and proud, SOAS badminton salutes you!

Taekwondo Beginners Only Friday 4-5.30 Everyone Mon & Thurs 6-7.30 Training sessions, ÂŁ3 p/session. Includes meditation, basics, forms, self-defense, freesparring, stretching... All you need. Suitable dress please (tracksuits / T-shirt & shorts).

Netball SOAS netball society aims to deliver competitive sport within a friendly collegiate environment. It is as much to do with working together as a team and having fun keeping fit as it is to do with the winning. We will aspire to build on the success of our predecessors and continue to move up the league. We will aim to have one training session a week along with one or occasionally two matches and we will try and arrange informal fitness sessions. SOAS netball prides itself in creating a perfect mix of competition and conviviality. We take our sport and our social life equally seriously.

Model UN

Team Up

SOAS Model United Nations Society seeks to raise awareness of the workings of the United Nations as well as international diplomacy and inter-state relations. We seek to broaden the horizons of members by encouraging awareness of different cultures and nationalities. To achieve these aims, the society sends delegates to Model United Nations conferences across the country and abroad to encourage interaction between SOAS students and their fellow global citizens. The society also hosts the SOAS International Model United Nations Conference tackling key issues concerning our globalized world.

TeamUp’s mission is to “increase social mobility by establishing inspiring teams of university students that empower pupils to reach their full academic potential”. Students are matched with Secondary School pupils to tutor in English, Maths or Science. Sessions run as after-school clubs during the week, and as a Saturday School at Russell Square campus. We are geared toward providing an organised and efficient tuition service at Team Up SOAS. This is completely down to our dedicated volunteers, so if you feel you could give an hour and a half a week to help pupils achieve their potential, please get in touch – it always proves to be a fun and rewarding experience!

Turkish Society

Tennis (men’s & women’s), 2012/13

Turkish society has strived to be the home of all who have or would like to obtain an interest in all things Turkey. Through fortnightly film screenings and food gatherings we have shared our passions and interests. These have allowed the nurturing of interests, building of bonds and friendships, and ability to conduct stimulating discussions. Peace and Love./ Çiğ köfte

SOAS Palestine Society One of the most active student societies in the UK, dedicated to stimulating debate and organising around justice for Palestinians and Palestine. For over 30 years the student-run society has heightened public awareness and understanding of the Palestinian people, their rights, culture and struggle for self-determination. We organise a range of informative events including trade fairs, photographic exhibitions, seminars and public meetings with Palestinian and international academics, journalists, NGO activists, and Palestinian figures. Amongst our most popular events are The Annual Conference, Israeli Apartheid Week, the Palestine Film Festival and an academic conference (now in its 9th year), which attracts high-profile academics, activists and intellectuals from around the world, and a broad audience from the UK and abroad. PalSoc invites all students - Palestinian and non - to participate in meetings, events, and to contribute to activities. Email: palsoc@soas.ac.uk

Thai Music rehersals...

African Diplomatic Exchange This organisation aims to arrange for presentations to be given by diplomatic representatives of Africa to the student body at SOAS. In a setting of shared respect and openmindedness, we would encourage the envoys to talk on the current issues faced by their respective countries, their relationships with their neighbours, as well as their experiences in dealing with Europe and other major trade partners. This organisation will specifically target those parts of Africa that are covered in great detail within SOAS’s existing courses as these would be most useful to the student body.

Isreal Society We look beyond the boundaries of the conflict to explore the interplay of social, political, economic and cultural dimensions in Israeli society. SOASIS offers an alternative space within which to voice perspectives on Israel often unheard in other on-campus sites. It is open to anyone interested in a more nuanced discussion of Israel. In 2012-13 we held events on topics such as: African refugees in Israel; the economics of the occupation; remembering the Shoah; Middle-Eastern Jews in Israel; the attacks on Gaza; testimonies of the war of 1948. http://soasisraelsoc.wordpress.com http://www.facebook.com/soasisraelsociety

Thai Ensemble ...a group of students of various nationalities (Bulgarian, Polish, Singaporean, Thai) who have a love for learning about and playing traditional Thai music. Our beautiful instruments were donated over 20 years ago by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The group has since been active with weekly practice and regular performances. Last year saw performances at the CoExist Interfaith Festival, SOAS Music Day and the King’s birthday at the Thai Embassy! This year we have a new teacher, Suchada Sowat (SOAS Thai student). We welcome new students - no experience required! Contact: 592748@soas.ac.uk

SOAS Debating Society We send SOAS students to tournaments all over Europe. We hold workshops twice a week and teach our members debating and public speaking skills. We aim to be as inclusive as possible, and we are proud of how diverse our debating society is. Please come along, whether a complete beginner or someone who has been debating for years already! Everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you at a session. Visit: http://soasdebatingsociety.wordpress.com Contact: soasdebsoc@gmail.com

Marxist Society Always had the feeling that current system is incorrect but struggled to explain why? Always felt that revolution is not just some idealist, romantic event, but a profound transformation that needs to shake all known structures? Then Marxism is for you! This lively and active society organises weekly presentations and debates on fundamental Marxist topics, as well as current affairs that can (and should) be analysed from a Marxist perspective. It’s an excellent way to get involved in the construction of revolutionary organisations across the entire world.

Korean Drumming Society Our society performs samul nori, a contemporary Korean genre of percussion music. Based at SOAS for more than ten years, we run a weekly practice session, organize regular instrumental workshops, and have performed at various cultural events. We are open to beginners as well as all those with performance experience. Concert: In June 2013 our society successfully opened a concert ‘Cool Beat of Korea’ at SOAS. We played various styles ranging from taegum

sanjo, to samul nori rhythms for piano and changgo, to solo changgo performance, to standards of the samul nori repertoire. For more information: hs_kwon@soas.ac.uk

SOAS Food Coop

Economics & Finance Society

Is a non-for-profit food cooperative run by YOU! And for you! Saying good-bye to the supermarket we offer good affordable organic fair trade foodstuffs from wholesalers. Couscous, rice, quinoa, seeds, muesli and a whole lot more are on sale in our permanent spot in the JCR. What you fancy isn’t on the shelves? Place a personal order! Minimising packaging, pesticides, food miles and exploitation, we supply students across London. Get involved! Support us: volunteer for a shift, or attend one of our events, or simply buy some of our scrumptious foods! Meet us at Freshers’ Fair in the JCR or email: soasfoodcoop@gmail.com

We believe that your professional life starts right on campus. This is the reason we want to provide you with all kinds of events that shall broaden your horizons beyond what you may learn in the lecture halls: networking events, world-class talks, high quality material allowing you to get ahead of the competition, and more…! We are one of the most active student societies on campus, covering various economicsrelated fields. These range from investment banking to developmental economics, and our membership itself comes from all sort of backgrounds and degrees. The efs is not just a successful career catalyser, it is a platform for your personal development: meet and interact with like-minded individuals, build up your skills through workshop and seminars and assess your strengths by taking our sponsors’ aptitude tests. Meet us at the Freshers’ Fair or get in touch via our website! www.soasefs.com

SOAS Korea Society We are one of the most unique and diverse groups at SOAS. Our members include Korean students and students with interest in Korea. The aim of SOAS Korea Society is to bring people together through fun and informative events. The society will arrange language exchange, contests, wine & dine, movie nights and more. Please do not hesitate to contact the committee for inquiries or suggestions to events. Contact information is provided below. We welcome old and new members to join us in various events this year!

SOAS CEILIDH BAND The band (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) plays the traditional dance music of the British Isles and Ireland. We restore the rhythm to life. But more than that, we have a strong activist presence. Our “flashmob guerrilla ceilidh” plays at university occupations and protest marches. Each year we tour to foreign parts as part of Ceilidh Beyond Borders. In 2013 we toured to Paris for Valentine’s, and in March to Istanbul and Iraqi Kurdistan. In March 2014 we go to IRAN. If you want to join the trip, e-mail ed.emery@soas.ac.uk. Once a month at full moon, we organise a ceilidh dance at SOAS. It’s hot, sweaty and fun. A caller explains all the steps, so if you’ve never done it before, it’s easy to join in. We invite new members to JOIN UP – fiddles, flutes, guitars, drums, whatever you play. Rehearsals are at SOAS Monday evenings, term time, 7pm. For our tunebook, or to join our mailing list, email ceilidh@soas.ac.uk. Clip of Kurdistan tour: youtu.be/41B8cVremEY

Creative Arts Society Hey everyone! Are you a musician, DJ, photographer, artist, designer or filmmaker? Then join your fellow creatives in our studentled collective aiming to exhibit the wide array of talent that SOAS holds! We’ll host a variety of events, from live jam sessions to film/documentary screenings. No matter what it is, there will be bags of vibe and good times! Look out for us at Freshers! www.facebook.com/groups/216274418528053

SOAS REBETIKO BAND Every October the residents of the Greek island of Hydra eagerly await the arrival of the SOAS Rebetiko Band. We play an allnight dance party of rebetiko music -a form of Greek urban blues music. We’re quite famous in Greece, partly because (confronting traditional enmities) we have both Greek and Turkish singers and musicians in our band. Every Monday night term time we play a session in the JCR. Grooviest parties at SOAS! If you’re a Greek, Turkish or Middle Eastern musician you are welcome to join us. Our music is rebel music – a smattering of dopesmoking and prison songs alongside “songs of love and liberation”. The band arose from a programme of rebetiko seminars organised at SOAS by Ed Emery, and this programme of research continues. In 2014 we’ll produce

Holi; 2013

a Rebetiko Songbook. All in all a fascinating combination of historical research, critical intelligence, and soul-stirring music. You are invited to join the band! Bouzouki, baglama, guitar, ‘ud, accordeon, violin, percussion. Singers and dancers also welcome. For more details or to join our mailing list: rebetiko@soas.ac.uk. Website: www.youtube. com/soasrebetikoband

SOAS Detainee Support Group

SOAS Nordic Society We began six years ago with the aim of promoting and sharing Nordic culture, and since grew gaining an ever increasing number of students to learn and enjoy Nordic culture. Our activities include celebrating Nordic festivities, feasting on Nordic food and drink, going ice-skating, screening Nordic films, teaching Nordic languages and more. We co-operate with the Nordic Societies at other universities and arrange joint events such as pub evening. This year we aim to increase our co-operation and joint events with other societies. SOAS Nordic Society is ambitious and wants to be even more active, creative and fun! Sign up at Freshers Fayre, or email Sofie Øiestad (535817@soas.ac.uk). Whether you are Nordic yourself or know nothing about Nordic countries and culture you are most welcome!

SDS is an initiative working in solidarity with asylum-seekers and other migrants in detention centres. We aim to reduce isolation through visits, to empower detainees and campaign for an end to immigration detention. We run community projects with people who have been released from immigration detention, such as our new cooking project and radio show, as well as hosting ‘Release’ parties: wild dancing and soulful music. Contact soas_detainee_support@riseup.net & see http://soasdetaineesupport.wordpress.com

SDS protest SERCO Middle Eastern music at CoExist event

The SOAS Iranian Music Society

Iranian Band perform in BGLT

The SOAS Iranian band was established in 2009 by Peyman Heydarian and follows a crosscultural, yet authentic approach to Iranian classical music. Each September, new musicians and singers join and get to know Iranian music and culture. We perform and promote musics of cultures within Iran and beyond the borders, such as Persian, Kurdish, Azeri, Lori, Balouchi, Guilaki and Armenian music. We have monthly concerts and weekly music classes for santur, daf and music theory on Thursdays. You’re invited to our website to listen to our music and we hope to see you in our Iranian music concerts and our multicultural concert series ‘The Voice of the Santur’. Web: www.thesantur.com. Email: soasiranianmusic@yahoo.co.uk

Audience at Nowruz celebration 2013

At the 20th anniversary of the Oslo process conventional views still regard Oslo as a winning formula that only suffered from a lack of implementation. Critical analyses however agree that it only accelerated the Zionist settler colonial project, allowing Israel to further expand its grip on Palestinian land, while destroying the lives of more Palestinians. This conference aims to identify the failures of the Palestinian liberation movement and attempts to understand how Oslo transformed Palestinian life and struggle. The conference will look at ways Palestinian leadership and elites have become embedded in the logic of settler colonialism, embraced neoliberal capitalism, and reproduced social and political accommodation of the Oslo process. It will also examine the ways in which Palestinian political resistance, and international solidarity, has reproduced the very conditions it seeks to overturn. Topics of discussion: - Palestine and the global history of anti-colonial struggles - The necessity of self-criticism - Social reproduction under Oslo and the consequences for resistance - Oslo and the fragmentation of the body politic - The problems of international law and human rights discourse

More information I soaspalsoc.org/conference Activista Debate on corporate injustice and poverty at SOAS is widespread, but often unconstructive. We seek to change that. We are a new society that works in tandem with the global charity ActionAidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK offices to bring students a platform to debate on these issues, and promote ActionAidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant campaigns that help fight them, mainly focusing on how biofuels are destroying crops that need to be used for food, and highlighting how much multinationals avoid tax. Debates, film screenings, campaigning workshops and organising street protests will all be on the agenda this year, so come join us at the freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fair!

#soaspalconference

Islamic Society (ISOC) Welcome to one of the largest and most diverse societies at SOAS. With members from across the globe, meeting several times a day, you are never without a sense of community in the Islamic Society. The ISOC provides a plethora of regular events and services for everyone, including educational talks by world-renowned scholars, dinners, weekend trips and sporting events. Let us help you fulfil your intellectual, spiritual, social and academic needs and achieve your potential. We welcome all students, Muslim and nonMuslim, who may be interested in what we do, and want to get involved. Whoever you are, the Islamic Society is here to cultivate YOU. Contact us at isoc.soas@gmail.com

Women’s Basketball A group of motivated and passionate women from all different playing levels and backgrounds who get together to play basketball for the sheer love of the game! We play against other universities and practice twice a week! Anyone is invited to come along and we would love to see you there!

Women’s Society The Women’s Society aims to celebrate women, drawing from the potential and inspiration we have right here at SOAS. Hoping to work together with other societies as well, the Women’s Society is open to YOUR input, planning to put on both smaller and larger events throughout the year. Guys are also very welcome!

Cricket Team of 2012-13

The Language Landscape Student Society is the SOAS student wing of the wider Language Landscape project, which raises awareness for the great diversity of languages spoken across the world, both globally and locally. With the generous support of SOAS Alumni & Friends, Unltd and Google, Language Landscape have developed a web-based tool to map instances of language use in time and space. Language Landscape also successfully runs community and school-based outreach projects in the London area. Join the student society and help us to continue our work: take part in a range of student-led language mapping projects; engage in existing and future outreach initiatives; contribute to the development of new ideas for raising the Language Landscape profile and meet like-minded people. All are welcome to visit, set up an account and get involved. http://languagelandscape.org/

Indonesian Society

SOAS Horn of Africa Society

The SOAS Indonesian society is a community which showcases the diversity of Indonesia and everything Indonesia. SOAS has a strong grounding in regional studies and research, Indonesian society adds the student dimension to this. Indonesian society is open to all SOAS students and welcomes you. We organise cultural, social, historical, political and sports related events.

Hello there dear reader, and welcome to SOAS and hopefully the SOAS Horn of Africa society, now this is a new, fresh, young (I dare add) society unlike many of the other weird and wonderful ones awaiting you at SOAS. Our key thing is to represent the Horn of Africa through culture, literature and quintessentially the people that make up that historical region, whether you originate from East Africa or elsewhere we welcome all who will join us in celebrating what makes Africa simply Africa

SOAS Iranian Society Have been active since October 2010 and acts as an open and friendly platform for all things Iran-related. The society aims to unite those who share an interest in Iran and Iranian culture alongside hosting or supporting a number of different events (dinners, film screenings, discussions, music, Iranian celebrations) on campus. We also network with our counterparts at nearby London universities in addition to organizations based in the wider Iranian community, such as the annual London Iranian Film Festival. So whether you’re passionate about Iran or just have a passing or casual interest, we are open to all! Keep in touch through our page on Facebook (SOAS Iranian Society) and join our mailing list! (soas.iranian@gmail.com) But most of all, to all SOAS freshers, whatever you do at SOAS, make the most of it and have a great year ahead of you! Iranian Society Music event

SOAS Jewish Society We share Jewish culture, religion and values through the celebration of chaggim and Shabbat, as well as, through the organization of cultural events and regular meetings. The SOAS Jewish Society also provides assistance to Jewish students and recognizes its responsibility in preventing anti-Semitism on campus. The SOAS Jewish Society regularly hosts events such as Friday night dinners on campus, movie screening, talks, discussions, and organizes study groups and excursions to Jewish events around London.

SOAS Bengali Society We welcome students of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the vibrancy and diversity of Bengali culture. We pride ourselves on the three C’s: culture, cuisine, and of course cricket. We aim to bring students together who are looking to get involved in a friendly community, learn more about the culture and just have fun. From Bengali New Year’s celebrations to ‘Curry Nights’ at SOAS, the Bengali Society is the place to be for all things Bengali. We look forward to meeting you at Fresher’s Fair!

SOAS Radio

Breakdance legend Jonzi D

is an online station and social media enterprise based at the Russell Square campus. The station taps into the expertise of SOAS to produce programmes with a focus on Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Our aim is to provide students with broadcasting and communication skills and to share the knowledge of SOAS academics and students with a world-wide audience, helping students engage directly with the parts of the world they’re studying. Students are trained and mentored in broadcasting, journalism, digital development, fundraising and communication for development, in a highly motivated and creative environment.

We produce programmes featuring leading international figures in education, international politics, the arts and the media. Some notable interviews include Fatima Bhutto, Bollywood director Yash Chopra, entrepreneur Danny Choo, musicians Manu Chao, Amadou and Mariam, Seun Kuti, Jarvis Cocker and BBC presenter Zeinab Badawi. As a social media enterprise, the station is involved in advising community radio stations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where students and staff have been involved in advising and training for radio

“As both a broadcast journalist and a SOAS alumna, I’m pleased to see the growth of SOAS Radio. It’s an outlet for the incredible diversity of voices at the School as well as a much-needed training ground for the next generation of broadcasters.” Zeinab Badawi, BBC Presenter projects in Congo, Tanzania Tunisia, Japan and producing radio dramas in Ghana. The station also hosts the courses: Presenting World Music on Radio in the Music Department and Development Communication in the Development Studies Department. Students are welcome to join SOAS Radio by applying for formal internships, proposing radio programmes or volunteering for specific projects.

www.soasradio.org Korean Musicians in the studio

Flamenco society Flamenco plays a big part in Spanish culture; it is a rich culture of music, song, dance, and even a way of life for many! Originating in Rajastan, Northern India, and it has influences from Jewish, Arab, and Gypsy culture. Come and join the “pandilla de amigos”! You will take part in flamenco dancing workshops with live flamenco guitar. We will have flamenco peña nights with performances, music, Spanish tapas and drinks. You will get the chance to see classic films about flamenco culture. You will meet up in tapas bars in London and participate in unique flamenco gatherings with the wider Spanish community in London. Join us! Olé!

Urdu Conversation Group The group meets at SOAS weekly to discuss topics of interest in Urdu. Our members so far have been from all over the world including students from Norway, Germany, Russia and China. They are not native Urdu speakers or from the Urdu-speaking diaspora, so beginners are always welcome. So far our best Urdu speakers have been Japanese students who originally studied Urdu at Tokyo University. Join us and discover one of the world’s most widely spoken and beautiful languages!! Discover a whole culture which goes with it.

TedX The TEDxSOAS society was established two years ago and will be hosting another event March 2014. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.

Overland Travel Society Without going so far as to renounce all forms of transport as Jean-Jacques Rosseau seems to, the Overland Travel Soc is a group of students who share the hobby of travelling without flying. Why? For some, it’s that the bus offers a cheap and comfy way to reach Holland for a weekend; for others, a 3-day train marathon to Istanbul is worth the prevented carbon emissions; for many it’s the adventure of discovering places you can’t see by plane, navigating cultures and landscapes. We plan our routes. This year there’ll be adventures around Britain and beyond, as well as the local area. It’s often not the destination that counts, but “When you want simply to arrive, you can take the people and places you a carriage; but when you want to travel, you must go by foot.” discover on the way. Jean-Jacques Rosseau We run films (road-travel and travel movies), talks by travel writers and experts, and projects providing resources and info to travel without flying. Email 276117@soas.ac.uk

Christian Union

SOAS Thai Society Get to know new culture, music and friends! We have a Thai classical music session every Tuesday evening. Please feel free to join us, IT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE!

SOAS Stop the War An organisation founded in the aftermath of 9/11 to oppose the War on Terror, at present, we campaign on opposing interventions in Syria and Iran; opposing Islamophobia, particularly after the Woolwich attack; and helping to build the People’s Assembly as part of our ‘Welfare not Warfare’ campaign against austerity. Last academic year we helped organise a number of successful protests, including a demo against Tony Blair at UCL (where he had been invited to speak), which made the front pages of the Guardian. We have organised a number of popular talks on antiwar issues, including a talk on Mali where over 100 students attended. We meet regularly to organise and discuss current events.

The SOAS Christian Union exists to encourage Christians in their faith, equip them for evangelism and most importantly to provide opportunities for SOAS students to encounter the good news of Jesus. If you’re a Christian or interested in Christianity please contact us through our Facebook page (SOAS Christian Union) or in person at our fresher’s week stand. Peace be with you!

Polish Society Formed a couple of years ago we have kept up surprises with new and interesting projects. We organised outings to Polish bars and restaurants with live music. We promoted cultural events and accessed complimentary concert tickets. We organised painting on glass and wood, paper-cutting workshops and culinary workshops on Polish baking. We also raise money for charities by selling fresh waffles! We intend to make a Polish music radio programme (with SOAS RADIO), and maybe set up a bee colony on SOAS grounds producing honey. Interested? Please contact 210090@soas.ac.uk

SOAS Rugby SOASians, from the sands of the Sahara to the shores of Singapore, come ruck, come maul for your university. All it takes is 1½hrs on a Sunday at Regents Park to train, followed by Wednesday afternoon matches and a drink. As opposed to other sports, Rugby revolves primarily not on talent, nor pace, nor skill, but on effort. That’s why we play it. That’s why we’re proud to play it. That’s why we need you. Join the mighty SOAS warriors, and show every other uni on the circuit why we have an ethos to be celebrated too. Email soasrugby@soas. ac.uk. And while you’re at it, learn the SOAS anthem too. It will come in handy…

HOW TO START/CREATE A SOCIETY (Or to keep one going...) You can’t find your society or sports team in the online list? Starting a society or a sports team is easy! If you have any questions, your point of contact will be your Co-President of Activities and Events, Johann Barbé (jb86@soas.ac.uk). All you have to do is follow the next 4 steps:

1) Register Online: ALL SOCIETIES/CLUBS NEW AND OLD are required to (re)register every year. This is to ensure we have a live list of all our societies and sports teams that are active as well as an up to date database of contacts so we can share important updates and information. In your registration you will need to outline a President, a Secretary and a treasurer (and sometimes a captain and social secretary). The description of these positions can be found on the website (soasunion.org) under ‘How to Start a Society’.

2) Submit the following to your Co-President of Activities & Events: A Constitution: The constitution describes the aims and objectives of your society and how it will be governed. There is a model constitution you can use, or you can submit your own one. An Indemnity Form (*including Equality and Diversity statement): We ask you to sign an indemnity form as well as the equality and diversity statement so that you affirm that you understand and will uphold equality and diversity standards in the running of your society/club.

3) Submit a Membership List: All societies/clubs must have a minimum of 16 signatures. Once you have your members signed up, please scan the list and send it to activities.events@soas.ac.uk or simply hand it in to Johann, your Co-President of Activities & Events, in the Union office (room G8, by the JCR).

4) After Points 1, 2, 3: Once your society/club is set up and you have a better idea of what you want to achieve, please prepare an Annual Plan and a Budget Form (doesn’t have to be too detailed - ask Johann for advice). Send this, again, to your Co-President of Activities & Events. This will help you to be even more prepared! It looks long and hard but it’s a lot quicker and easier than you think! Refer to the S.U website, and see what other societies exist, and make sure you are not doing the same. We are more than happy to talk about it with you, good luck!!!

Visit www.soasunion.org 35

Grow your idea, make a difference, create change have social impact, design your own future. A huge welcome from the SOAS Student Enterprise Team, home of student enterprise and much, much more. If the above sounds like you, then come and talk to us and see how we can help. We support students who want to make a difference by developing their own ideas and projects. We have lots of varied experience and you can book a 1:1 session to explore your ideas. We run a progamme of workshops and networking events to enable you to connect with like-minded people, meet people who’ve already set things up and to inspire you to do your own thing. This might be a business, it might be a social enterprise or it could be a charity – we don’t mind as long as you’re passionate about what you want to do - we will try and help you to make it happen. Last year we funded over 20 social enterprise projects and we hope to be able to fund at least the same amount this year - http://www.soas. ac.uk/studententerprise/unltd-partnership/award-winners/. We also supported students to enter national competitions with great success - http:// www.soas.ac.uk/studententerprise/success-stories/ You will also learn employability and enterprise skills by coming to our events, which are not only great for your own venture but can help you in your chosen career. Employers are increasingly seeking graduates with enterprise skills as they tend to make better employees. Our annual boot camp http://www.soas.ac.uk/ bootcamp/ is well established and will run after exams; we hope to see you there. We support the student enterprise society SOAS Ventures and if you’re keen to join the committee and get involved, please message our Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/soasventures For more information please contact Claire Renwick Email: c.renwick@soas.ac.uk Call: 020 7898 4832

Welfare, Safety & Peace of Mind When you receive your loan the first thing you may think you’ve just got rich! Think again. University can be an expensive place, and London’s not cheap. The good news is, with forward-thinking it’s actually quite easy to manage your debt. (A) Monthly Allowance = (Loan + other income) ÷ 12

student status, and your student loan will be released. It should be in your bank in 3 days. If you applied late or your loan is held up and you run out of money, the school welfare advisers (B) Monthly Essentials may be able to help you. = Rent + food + bills + transport International students and postgrads must make their own arrangements to cover their (C) Contingency = Unexpected cost expenses through loans, sponsorship, (emergencies, replacements) savings or money from family. budget Remember, the school expects fees = A–(B+C) for the year to be paid in full when you Know your Budget Work out your monthly budget. enrol. If the figure is in minus, look for Hardship Fund: The School’s Welfare savings. BE REALISTIC. If you can’t cut Office has money set aside as hardship funds back, it’s time to look for a job! for students in dire need. You must show that Debt: Expect it! Don’t rely on credit cards, they you really are under the breadline to obtain profit from your debt by charging nightmarish it. Most of this money is aimed at home interest! You will already be building a substantial students, though there can be small grants debt to the Student Loans Company, particularly to international students in hardship due to with the increased fees. If you don’t control your unexpected exceptional costs. Nevertheless if debts early on, credit card bills can plague you you are in difficulty the school welfare advisers for years to come. at Vernon Sq are good people to talk to about Savings/Discounts: We’ve negotiated that ways to improve your financial situation. your SOAS ID card will double as your NUS Benefits: Home/EU students with disabilities, card. It’s always worth asking for discounts at with children or part time students, may be local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You entitled to certain social security benefits. It’s can also buy an NUS Extra card for £12 online worth asking at your local JobCentre Plus. (+£2.99 to add ISIC, for international use). Jobs: Most undergrads in central London Go to www.nus.org.uk/nus-extra. need an additional income. Take advantage of Student Loans: For studying in this exciting city and find a partall home student time job to match! The trick is to balance it with undergrads, on studying. Managing your time well means that a the day you enrol decent 2:1 or even a 1st is still possible. SOAS will inform The Careers Office gives help and advice: (G58, the Student Loan Russell Sq, or www.careers.lon.ac.uk). Company of your

Bank AccountS Home students: Student bank accounts often have enticing offers! But remember, you will probably stick with the bank for a long time so check the interest rates, overdraft facilities, and graduate conditions. Though far off now, when you have a 3/4 year debt pile-up, it helps to have an interest-free graduate overdraft to tide you over! International students: The accounts available for you are more restrictive and dont offer free gifts and overdrafts. To open an account you need your passport and a letter from SOAS confirming your student status, home and UK addresses. Request the letter when you enrol. Some banks require more. The Welfare Office has information: www. soas.ac.uk/studentservices/ students/international

Some Ways to Save • Bulk buy special offers on staple items. (Though, beware buying things you dont need just because of tempting offers!) • Use the weekly Food Co-op in the JCR. • Use markets for fruit, veg & toiletries - shop around and get familiar with the choices beyond your supermarket. • Bring packed lunch, or have a Hare Krishna lunch outside (small donations) • Use charity shops and markets for clothes. • Cheap cinema before 5pm, on weekdays (weekend is always the most expensive time) • Cycle! Cheaper, greener, quicker travel. • Ask for a ‘Student Discount’, you dont always need an NUS card - some local places will accept a university ID • For extensive advice on hunting down deals, using loyalty cards to best effect and keeping down utility and phone bills etc, try ‘moneysavingexpert.co.uk’

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mice. This message is for you! SOAS has a history of furry guests in the JCR… Sorry, you know it now. But you can do something about it! All our furniture has been changed, and our duty now is to respect the area by keeping clean. Really. Clean. Shiny! By keeping it clean, you respect people around, you respect the cleaners and avoid invasions of unwelcome guests. The Mice Committee. 38

--0207 631 0101-Nightline is a London-based helpline run by students for students, offering confidential listening, support and information every night of term from 6pm to 8am. You can talk to us about anything - big or small - in complete confidence. We won’t judge you or tell you how to run your life: we’ll simply listen to whatever is on your mind. Call, Skype, chat online or email - just visit our site:

www.nightline.org.uk Sexual Health It’s easy to forget when having fun, but protecting yourself is incredibly important for you and your partner. Free condoms are available from your GP, sexual health clinics and in the JCR. STI stands for ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections’, and though potentially serious, some can go unnoticed if you dont get tested. For STI/HIV testing, contraceptive advice, free condoms and other support, there are a few sexual health clinics within walking distance of SOAS, including Mortimer Market Centre, Brook Advisory Centre, Terrence Higgins Trust, Margaret Pyke Centre and 56 Dean Street, all of which offer emergency contraception for the morning after. Terrance Higgins Trust (THT) are coming to SOAS on the following dates to do STI testing: Wed 25th Sept 12-4pm Wed 1st Nov 12-4pm (Dinwiddy House) Wed 4th Dec 12-4pm Wed 5th Feb 12-4pm

THT have a static clinic on Saturday’s, 12-3pm at 12-22, Kilburn High Road, London NW6 5UH. It’s a drop in clinic for young people, aged 15-24. It is free and confidential, offering a comprehensive sexual health service including STI testing, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, free condoms and advice and counselling. In addition, there are a number of pop-up clinics throughout the month. For more information, contact 020 7812 1726; email info@tht.org.uk General Health All students should register with a doctor if you don’t have one in London. It’s more stressful to find one and register if you wait until you’re ill or need medical advice. You can register and then not use the doctor. The services are there just incase you need a consultation or home visit. For information on doctors near SOAS: www. soas.ac.uk/studentservices/students/health

Acommodation SOASians choose to live in a wide variety of accommodation types, from halls and the family home to boats, yurts and squats. Finding acommodation in London can be a rollercoaster ride, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier for yourself. 1. Choose the area you would like to live in and work out roughly how much you can pay per month – living in zones 2-3 costs roughly £450-600 per month, although it is possible to pay less if you share a room (with a partner or friend) or share a house with a large number of people. See the ULHS website for an interactive map of average prices. Most SOASians choose to live along the Picadilly Line, with Manor House, Finsbury Park, Caledonian Road and Turnpike Lane being popular places to live.

2. Consider your route to SOAS when looking for houses – use the TFL website to work out how long it will take you to get to SOAS, and roughly how much it will cost you. It is normal to do a 20-40 minutes commute to SOAS, and many living with family or relatives live further out. 3. Houses come on the rental market between 6-8 weeks before they are available for moving in. Spending a few weeks over the summer break looking can be really helpful – looking in September and October can prove difficult. 4. Look at a lot of properties, and dedicate at least a week to looking for housing. The quality, size and location of houses vary greatly, so don’t jump into anything without looking first. 5. In the week when you look, get up early and ring around estate agents in the area, look on sites such as Zoopla and Gumtree and make at least one appointment for that day. Once estate agents have your details and where you are looking/what you want to pay, they will also contact you as properties become available. 6. Check the University of London Housing Services Website for available properties. ULHS also provide a contract checking service so you can get someone to look through it with you before you sign. If you have any other issues with your landlord/lady during your stay, they also offer legal advice. 7. Join SOAS Accommodation 2013-14 Facebook page to find other people who are looking, available rooms and sometimes whole houses are also advertised on there. Check out the ‘files’ section for some useful resources. 8. Consider alternative options or short term accommodation if you’re struggling to find a place you like. Spareroom.co.uk is a network of people offering rooms in their homes, often because a current housemate is leaving. Guardian Schemes are also popular with some students, which place tenants in unoccupied buildings for a fairly low rent, however they can ask you to leave with only two weeks’ notice. You can also stay with a family as a lodger, Host International is one organisation that offer this, but you can also find families on Spare Room. 9. BEWARE of letting agent’s fees. Ask about how much you are expected to pay in letting agents fees – there is no fixed amount that they can change but it shouldn’t be more than £100 per person. Also be sure to ask if there is a check out fee, and make sure your deposit is put in a deposit protection scheme as soon as you pay it. 10. A final tip – monthly rent = weekly rent x 4.3 Living in Halls If you have any problems whilst you are living in halls, you can contact our accommodation officer, Larni on accommodation@soas.ac.uk. If you are in Dinwiddy and Paul Robeson, make sure you make all complaints to the reception in Dinwiddy House first, and ensure they are logged there. They should get back to you within 28 days. You can also take your issues and concerns or ideas and improvements to the Residents’ Council which meets twice a term. Contact le8@soas.ac.uk if you are interested in becoming a rep on the Residents Council. Our elected S.U Acommodation Officer this year is Larni Phoenix, read her introduction on page 6.

Transport in London Public Transport London has a huge network of travel links operating via buses, trains, underground (tube) and overground. All of this is coordinated by Transport for London (TFL) enabling you to accurately plan your journey through their website www.tfl.gov.uk. Although the tube does not run after midnight (check individual services) there are a number of night buses which run regularly throughout the capital. For travel on routes across the London transport network, an Oyster card is essential. Get one from your nearest station for a £5 refundable deposit to access the cheapest fares.

Student Oyster As a student you are also eligible for a Student Oystercard, which gives you 30% off season tickets on London buses and tubes. Apply on the TFL website; they cost £10.

16-25 Railcard All students who study full time, including mature students, are eligible for a 16-25 railcard, entitling you to a third off all off peak rail journeys across the UK. These cost £30 for one year or £70 for three years, ideal for visits back home or to explore more of the UK. Apply online www.1625railcard.co.uk or visit your nearest station. Additionally, you can link your railcard to your Oyster card to receive a 30% discount on off peak underground fares – ask in your nearest tube station for more information.

Cycling SOAS students love to cycle, because it is free! TFL cycle can provide a route which avoids main or busy roads, following the cycle lanes in the city. A few hints and tips: • It is illegal to cycle on pavements or to travel without a front and rear light at night time, you can be given a £30 fine on the spot. • Always lock your wheels and frame to a bike post, using two different locks if possible. • Take extra care around lorries and other large vehicles – cyclists are often in their blindspot. If in doubt, maintain your distance from them. • Wear light coloured clothing and / or a high vis jacket.

Taxis and minicabs There are two types of taxi in London – minicabs and black cabs. Only black cabs can legally pick up customers on the street.

Minicabs look like regular cars, but must be pre-booked. If they are not prebooked, they are operating illegally and are dangerous. Illegal cabs are unregulated, there’s no record of their journeys, and they can be cover for serious crimes like sexual violence and robbery. Text Cabwise to find the numbers of licenced taxis in your area when you are out - you will get a text back giving the numbers of firms local to where you are at the time.

Never get into an unbooked minicab, not even if...

Cabwise

text ‘cab’ to 60835 Store it now!

35p+standard text rate X You’re approached by a driver on the street X It’s offered to you by someone with a high vis jacket and clipboard X The minicabs are lined up outside a pub or a club as they are still breaking the law if they accept your fare directly without a booking (i.e. by phone) being made legally through a licensed minicab operator X You’ve flagged it down X The driver says his booked passenger hasn’t turned up X You get in with a group of friends DONT EVER get in an unbooked minicab. It’s illegal, dangerous and puts you at risk of attack including sexual assault and robbery.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of assualt dont suffer alone. There is help, it’s confidential, with people who understand and listen. Please seek help, you are not alone. See ‘contacts’, pages 110 - 112

Keeping you (and your things) safe. Living in a big city like London can be daunting. Keep money, keys, oystercard on your person rather than in a bag. Avoid using a mobile phone outside, and consider inconspicuous headphones for your ipod! If you find you’re in a threatening situation, get to the nearest public place and call a friend or the police. If travelling alone, let someone you see regularly know where you’re going (e.g. a flat mate). Report incidents to the police, halls, S.U or security. Travel safely - NEVER use an illegal minicab, and plan ahead how you will get home. See advice

on travel under the travel section (above). You will find useful contacts, including emergency numbers, on pages 110-112. Sometimes it is easier to forget to pay attention to your belongings when you are in a group than if you are on your own. Opportunists will look their chance to slip a bag from under a chair, or a phone off a table when you don’t notice. There are also complaints every year of stolen laptops, e.g left in the library while looking for a book. ALWAYS back up your work and dont assume that being somewhere familiar like college means you won’t have things stolen. Unfortunately it does happen.

Student Advice and Wellbeing Integrated student support, found on the 3rd floor CONTACTS / APPOINTMENTS of Vernon Square. The Email: studentadviceandwellbeing@soas.ac.uk professional and specialist Phone: 020 7074 5015 staff offering advice, Website: www.soas.ac.uk/studentadviceandwellbeing information and counselling Visit: V302 are there for you if you need advice or someone to talk to if you feel low. Student Counselling Service We also send a weekly email with Alison Barty, Neil Farrelly, Martina Gerada, updates and relevant information. and Sheila Root. Do take time to read it! www.soas.ac.uk/counselling

Mental Health and Well Being Advice Sachiko Kishi We all need to look after our mental health! Any student who has concerns about their emotional wellbeing, or wants assistance in supporting someone else, for instance another student or a family member can access confidential support here at SOAS. For an appointment (Tues/Weds/Fri) contact the Student Advice and Wellbeing Administrator. Workshops and group meetings will be available. Some students will be eligible to apply for mentoring support. If you are interested in mental health awareness in the SOAS community you can get involved in some of the events that we will be coordinating - do get in touch!

National Student Counselling resources: www.student.counselling.co.uk The counsellors at SOAS provide an easily accessible, confidential service to any student experiencing distress, anxiety or confusion, or who needs to speak to someone who’s trained to listen. The service aims to assist students in managing their studies when this process is interrupted or affected by emotional, personal or psychological pressures. Common concerns include anxiety about progress on the course, loneliness, low self-confidence, relationships, adjusting to a new environment. The nature of the counselling offered is flexible and sensitive to the diversity of SOAS students. How does it work? Counselling may focus on making changes to your life. Other times when it doesn’t seem immediately practical or possible to make changes, the focus may be on finding ways to deal with a situation that’s less costly to your physical or mental well-being. International students, in particular, may be exposed to a different academic, social and cultural environment that can be both challenging and daunting. It’s not unusual for students to feel unsettled and isolated early on. A number of key staff assist and advise on concerns or difficulties inherent in this process.

These include your supervisor(s) on academic/ academic-related matters; the International Student & Welfare Service on practical matters like finance or immigration; as well as the Counselling Service. For initial contact we have daily drop in sessions at 1-1.30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 2-2.30pm Tuesday, as well appointments for follow up discussions. During the year the Counselling Service will offer groups on relevant topics. These will be publicised in the weekly all student email. We can provide information on other counselling or psychotherapy options outside SOAS, which can provide longer term or specialised counselling. Details of reduced cost complementary treatments are available from Student Advice and Wellbeing reception. These have included acupuncture and Ayurvedic consultations, but this may vary.

Disability and Dyslexia Advice Student Disability Advisors: Zoe Davis & Angela Axon Learning Advisors: Carol John and Carol Rifkin Disability Administrator: Caroline Miller www.soas.ac.uk/disability “Disability” is a broad term. It can include: problems with mobility, seeing or hearing; specific learning differences (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia); mental illness or mental health difficulties; severe disfigurements; cancer, HIV/Aids, epilepsy, diabetes; progressive conditions (even at an early stage), conditions characterised by a number of cumulative effects (e.g. pain, fatigue), and a past history of disability. If you experience difficulties but aren’t sure if you’re covered, contact us for advice.

We advise on the facilities available for disabled students, and help you ensure reasonable adjustments are in place to make SOAS more accessible. These can include: exam arrangements; library services and assistive technology; advice on disability-related funding (DSA); specialist support (learning support, mentoring, note taking, accommodation); recommendations to academic / teaching staff; emergency evacuation plans and campus accessibility. We use student feedback on what works and what doesn’t to inform the strategic parts of our role, (like creating policy and working with other staff to increase access). At SOAS there are two rooms with specialist software for students who are visually impaired or have specific learning differences; loan equipment for disabled students who haven’t been able to get the equipment they need through the DSA; mind mapping and screen reading software on all SOAS computers, one-to-one specialist screening and learning support for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and other learning differences; a mental health and wellbeing advisor; and staff who are aware of access issues and provision of accessible information. We hope students with disabilities enjoy the rich, varied experience SOAS offers. See us early on so that we can let you know what’s available and ensure reasonable adjustments are made. We’d like students not to be disabled by the environment or curriculum, but find a welcoming climate, friendly and open so you’d feel able to disclose any disability you may have. SOAS has got a good start, but there’s work to do. We love to hear what students think. We see students 10-4, Mon - Fri. For an appointment call or email the administrator. Term-time drop-in sessions are Tuesday & Fridays 1.30 – 2.30pm.

International Student and Welfare Advisor John Hitchman. www.soas.ac.uk/ studentadviceandwellbeing/students/ The Advisor offers information and advice on practical problems or issues that might be affecting or disturbing your studies. These may include financial matters, immigration, housing issues, childcare and welfare benefits. The information and advice is provided impartially and confidentially in a private quiet room. You can meet the Advisor by appointment or at a drop-in session. A drop-in service will be run at Russell Sq in the first term. There are leaflets, application forms and general information in Student Advice and Wellbeing waiting area, V308.

Typical areas the Advisor covers: Finance: Advice on sources of funding, entitlement to student support for fees and living costs, and on budgeting. He also advises students on the Higher Education Access to Learning Fund and the School’s Hardship Funds, and can help students apply for assistance from these. Immigration: The Advisor is the only person at SOAS authorised to give immigration advice. If you are extending your stay in the UK for further studies at SOAS, the Advisor can check your application before you send it or attend an appointment at the Home Office.

How does the S.U work with Student Advice & WellBeing? Here is a quick referral guide for reps, or for friends, to give you some idea’s on what to do: Problem 1: “I haven’t written an academic essay for years, where do I start?” Ask Student Servces Learning Advisors (Carol John and Carol Rifkin) about their 1-1 advice and essay workshops. They can help get your study skills to the right level if you are out of practice. They can also give useful help with time management. Problem 2: “My student loan hasn’t come through yet!” Book an appointment with John Hitchman, International and Welfare Advisor via student Advice and Wellbeing, 3rd floor Vernon Square. Problem 3: “I’m feeling very lonely and considering dropping out” Come and chat to us in the union office (G8) or contact Tea and Empathy support group. Sometimes things can get you down. You can also talk to the Counselling Service, or Sachiko Kishi - see page 43. If there is a problem for several students, Student Reps might find it good to talk to reps in the older years to know what their experience was - some courses are tougher at the start but things settle down. Problem 4: “ I’m studying law but secretly I’ve always wanted to study Swahili literature!” Talk to your Faculty Office about what options you can take. You may be able to change course, or find a floater that fulfills your dreams. Ask early on, as it is harder to change if you leave it.

Last academic year, the school secured the lease of Senate House North Block, as part of a plan to extend and improve facilities at SOAS, making it into a one-campus Uni. The move will be funded partially through the sale of Vernon Square, but also through tuition fees, with the school needing to recruit 10% more students in the coming years to afford the refurbishment of the building. Much of the space planning has now been confirmed by project manager Keith Jennings, who has sought to gain students’ insight and ideas through consultations and tours of the building. It is an exciting project, (check out the plans on the SOAS website!) but we need to make sure that students’ needs remain at its heart. SOAS is no longer fit to hold the number of current students; expansion in terms of space is necessary – think of how busy the JCR is at lunch time, the search for study space when coursework is due, or ask any of our sports captains about how they store their kit… The North Block move will see provision of flexible study space, a student services ‘Hub’, and more fit-for-purpose classrooms. However, we only gain 10% more space, and with a 10% increase in student numbers it is hard to see how our space issues will improve, particularly with regard to union activities like music practice rooms, decent performance space and sports storage. Should tuition fees be used to pay for university expansion? How will it effect our teaching quality and student experience? Are cuts being made and if so, where? We must hold management accountable for the effects their plans have on the SOAS community – staff, academics and student alike. Leah sits on the North Block Project Board meetings. Email her on le8@soas.ac.uk or welfare.campaigns@soas.ac.uk with any queries or concerns, or join the North Block Debate as part of the Democratise SOAS campaign by contacting Georgie at campaigns@soas.ac.uk

Paul Webley (Director of SOAS), speaking on the North Block move: “SOAS plans to move into a refurbished North Block in Autumn 2015 (assuming that we obtain planning permission in good time). This will provide us with more space overall, which is key given how crowded our buildings have become, and new teaching and learning facilities. There will be a student hub for dealing with enquiries (the “one-stop shop”) and informal learning spaces, something we lack at the moment, as well as a wide range of teaching rooms with up to date facilities. But the North Block project is about more than just the building - it is about creating a single campus university, which will enhance the sense of community which is so important at SOAS, and inspiring and encouraging collaboration, participation and the development of new knowledge.”

Campaigns 2013/14 Democratise SOAS: The Democratise SOAS campaign aims to ensure that the University is run in the interests of its students, academics, and staff, who together make up the SOAS community. It demands opportunities for members of the SOAS community to ask questions of, and express opinions to, the University management. Efforts to minimise the gap between the management and the SOAS community will create a dialogue that can

hopefully lead to increased student, academic, and staff representation and make the University’s management more transparent and accountable. We must democratise decision-making at SOAS because needs of students, academics, and staff are not being met. This results in low levels of satisfaction, which deters students applying to SOAS at a time when universities depend on student fees as a main source of revenue, and are in increasing competition with each other over student recruitment. This jeopardises the future of SOAS in these uncertain, highly competitive times for higher education in the UK. Contact Georgie: campaigns@soas.ac.uk.

SOAS Anti-Cuts: The anti-cuts campaign demands an end to austerity in the UK. Austerity, rather than reducing the deficit, has caused the economy to stagnate. Not only is austerity not working, preventing economic growth and thus economic recovery, but it is also unjust, immoral and undemocratic. It has produced the most protracted recession since the Long Depression from the 1870’s1890’s, with some 80% of planned cuts still to come. It has brought about the dismantling of our welfare state, with the privatisation of the National Health Service and higher education. Health and education should remain public goods, not marketised commodities for private profit. It has resulted in attacks on vulnerable and marginalised groups in our society: women, black and minority peoples, LGBTQ peoples, youth, and the disabled, are disproportionately affected by cuts to social services. The campaign argues for an economically sound and environmentally sustainable alternative to austerity that puts people’s needs, rather than increasing private profit, at the heart of our system. The campaign is driven by the Anti-Cuts Society, which operates non-hierarchically and is open to all. Join on Facebook: ‘SOAS Anti-Cuts’!

SOAS Justice For Cleaners (JFC): The campaign began in 2006 when cleaners began campaigning for the London Living Wage. Supported by the S.U, and staff unions UNISON and the UCU, the campaign has grown, connecting staff, academics, and students in

new ways. The campaign demands that the cleaners be given equal terms and conditions with other SOAS staff: pensions, sick pay, and holiday pay. It demands that the cleaners be brought back in-house, i.e. employed by the university rather than an outsourced company, to ensure the cleaners are treated with dignity and respect. This is because of the everyday harassment the cleaners experience at the hands of the company, and continual attempts to cut costs by undermining working conditions. The School’s treatment of the cleaners is contrary to, and undermining of, SOAS’ identity and ethos as a political and critical institution. SOAS does not practice the values of

equality and social justice that it preaches in the classroom, with regards to the cleaners. The cleaners carry out crucial work for the running of SOAS, and are a vital part of the community, and so must be treated as such by the School. What can you do? Get involved! Join ‘SOAS Justice for Cleaners’ Facebook page to stay up to date with events, protests, and strike action. Sign up to the mailing list at Freshers’ Fayre. Join the demos, attend the meetings, and write to the management demanding fair treatment and conditions for the cleaners. Come to the popular Justice for Cleaners parties, celebrating Latin American culture (where most of the cleaners come from). Wear a Justice for Cleaners badge, bag, and t-shirt. And finally… say hello to the cleaners when you see them around!

JFC Timeline 2006 Campaign was begun by SOAS cleaners. 2008 June SOAS cleaners won the London Living Wage. 2009 June Cleaners were called to an ‘emergency meeting’ in SOAS where they were faced with immigration officers. 7 cleaners were deported. 2012 October SOAS cleaner and activist, Lenin, faced with disciplinary proceedings and court hearing after refusing to carry out extra work without extra pay. 2012 December Referendum held by ballot box. Out of the 1,294 students and staff who participated, 98.2% voted in favour of the cleaners being brought in-house. 2012-2013: much support expressed at numerous demonstrations and events, such as Justice For Cleaners Latino Nights and the Justice For Cleaners Day. JFC Badges, bags, and t-shirts worn, including at Graduation 2013.

Student Assembly Against Austerity The government’s onslaught against students and wider society is the biggest attack on ordinary people for generations. We must fight it head on. The Student Assembly Against Austerity is one of the key initiatives coming out of June’s People’s assembly against austerity which was the biggest, united gatherings

of the anti-austerity movement since the Tory-led government came to power 3 years ago, and unleashed massive assaults on students, including tripling the cost of higher education, eradication EMA support for further education, and making cuts across education and welfare provision. The Student Assembly has been called by a diverse coalition of student leaders and seeks to unite all those

who want to take forward the fight for free education, against a lifetime of debt, and for the government to properly invest in our colleges and universities. Find us on Facebook or email us at: studentsagainstausterity@ gmail.com, to get involved with organising the assembly. Visit www.studentassembly. eventbrite.co.uk to register for a place at the event.

Courtesy of Green & Black Cross; cut-out-and-keep Bust Card

BUST CARD

If you are arrested you have a ‘right to silence’. Just say:

‘No Comment’ You have the right to free legal advice at the police station. If you don’t know a solicitor we recommend:

Bindmans: 020 7833 4433 Hodge Jones and Allen: 07659 111 192 You have the right to read the PACE code of practice which lists your rights and have someone (as well as your solicitor) notified that you have been arrested. If you appear under 17 an appropriate adult will be called. If you witness an arrest or want support contact:

GreenAndBlackCross.org: 07946 541 511

S.U. Equality and Diversity Statement To access all Union policies, visit: soasunion.org/policies-and-documents The following statement sets out the Union’s committment to equality and diversity. 1.1 As a forward looking organisation, the Union recognises the positive benefits of the implementation of an Equal Opportunities policy. The Union strives to create a culture in which diversity and equality of opportunity are promoted actively and in which unlawful discrimination is not tolerated. 1.2 The Union is committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination and harassment within its organisation, both in relation to its members and guests and in the provision of its service. The Union will strive to achieve the following: • equality of opportunity for all in terms of its members and guests and advancement within the Union regardless of race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, mental or physical health and/or ability, HIV status, or religious and political beliefs and affiliation. • that individuals are treated in a fair, equitable and consistent manner and are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. • everyone has the right to their distinctive and diverse identities • understanding in how valuing diversity can improve our ability to achieve a community of equality within the Union as a whole. This policy applies to all membership and their guests, visitors and other persons in contact with the Union, together with those employed to work at or for the Union.

LEGAL ADVICE: STOP & SEARCH Before a search you must be told the name and station of the searching officer; the reason you are being searched; and what power you are being searched under. You do not have to give your name and address or answer questions under any stop and search power. GBC/LDMG Legal Observers are independent volunteers on the demo to gather evidence on behalf of anyone arrested and to counter police intimidation and misbehaviour. This bustcard is re-produced from those handed out at demonstrations. They are paid for by donations from people who have sued the police. For more information see the Legal Defence and Monitoring Group web site:

www.ldmg.org.uk

A brief guide to making a Complaint To access all Union policies, visit: soasunion.org/policies-and-documents If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, harassed, bullied or discriminated against by one person or a group of people within the school or union, there are procedures to make a complaint and find a resolution. Where you go to make this complaint depends on the nature of the complaint, but you can always come to the union first. For complaints relating to a society, our exec members, or an occurrence within the union building (JCR, bar, union office) we will follow the unions’ complaints procedure, outlined below. When dealing with complaints all correspondence should be recorded. Level 1 – Direct resolution Before making a complaint, whether informal or formal, you must first attempt to resolve your concerns with the source of their grievance, unless it is impractical or you feel unable to. If a resolution takes longer than 10 days to achieve, or you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you should consider making an informal complaint, Level 2 – Informal local resolution Complaint is made in writing to one of the sabbatical officers (David, Johann or Leah) and the Complaints and Appeals advisor should be copied in. At this point the complaint may be referred to the school’s Diversity and Equality Advisor, Deb Viney, or it will be dealt with by the Union, depending on the nature of the complaint. You should receive a response within 10 days, and resolution should take no longer than 1 month. If a response is not received or you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you should consider making a formal complaint. Level 3 – Formal complaint – investigation If you remain dissatisfied with the response or resolution through the direct and informal stages, you make then make a formal complaint through the chair of complaints. If the complaint is against the union, your complaint will be directed to the School’s Deputy Secretary, Chris Ince. If the compliant is seen as valid, the chair of complaints will nominate a union trustee to investigate the complaint, and propose a resolution within 20 days. If you agree with this, the report will be implemented by the trustee. Level 4 – Formal Complaint - appeal If you don’t agree with the report, an appeal may be made against the report, which will then go to a panel to be reviewed within 30 days. Further Advice and Sources of Help: • The Information Compliance Manager (dataprotection@soas.ac.uk; 020 7898 4150) • Associate Deans; Heads of Department; Academic or Personal Tutor / Supervisor; Faculty Office • The Diversity Advisor (Deb Viney, dv4@soas.ac.uk); • Student Counselling or other area of the School’s central Student Services (see page 45). • Chaplaincy (F403, top of Faber building; www.soas.ac.uk/chaplaincy).

Surviving 1st Term, mastering London, and discovering Exciting Things to do at the same time ... ... Claim your travel discounts: A Student Oystercard gets you 30% off season tickets on London transport - weekly or longer. But, for those who only use the tube occasionally a season ticket won’t be worth it. A Young Persons Railcard can get you 34% off off-peak day travelcards and payas-you-go off peak tubes, trams and buses; (www.tfl. gov.uk/tickets/18343.aspx). The Railcard gives discounts a national train journeys, and local transport. Ask to link it your Oyster PAYG -‘pay as you go’. Its not well advertised but it works. Using an Oystercard makes trips on the riverboat and the Emirates Air Line (the fancy cable card over the Thames) all cheaper, not just the tubes, buses, overground and trams. ... Meet new friends: as well as joining clubs and societies within SOAS there is also ISH (International Students House), Located at 229 Great Portland Street (near Regents Park). ISH facilitate students of different cultures getting together and having fun. They have late cheap bars, a

Lockers around SOAS

About 1,000 student lockers sit at Russell Sq. About the size of a sports bag, they’re not good for valuables, but are handy for books. To get one: 1. Email pb14@soas.ac.uk your name, SOAS ID and the date your course ends so the locker will be assigned until then. (Subject line: “Locker”). 2. Wait for an e-mail allocating you a locker number. 3. Put your lock on it FAST. If you skip this and just take a locker you may find an note of warning, followed within days by the lock being broken and the locker emptied! Email any problems (e.g. locker-squatters!); and if you give up your locker, so it can be re-assigned. cafe, free internet, karaoke, fitness club, more societies, free movie nights, cultural evenings, live music, and short term accommodation. Visit them at: www.ish.org.uk. You can find people with similar interests easily; there are many events like evening lectures, film showings, talks, music events at SOAS and the neighbouring universities. A look at the different events calendars every now and then will find some interesting oneoffs on specialist subjects.

... Learn about the local area: An ‘Alternative London’ to the one people are used to awaits discovery. Walking tours and bike tours can start you off getting to know the place - a mix of history and revealing the city’s nooks and cranies. There is a tour run on a ‘pay-what-you-like’ basis, and they do bike tours too: www.alternativeldn.co.uk. According to their website the bookable tours “...are around 2 hours and start and finish near Spitalfields Market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12p.m & 7p.m, Fridays at 12p.m. and Saturdays at 12p.m & 3p.m.” We also found an unusual “Loo tour of London” so you never get caught short needing a toilet: lootours.com

Galleries and musuems tend to have free public loos which are fairly well kept. You’ll find leaflets for the ‘Musuem Mile’ around SOAS, which covers the surprising number of museums on the mile between Euston and The Strand. ... Escape: Budget �� airlines will get you across Europe cheaply, but pay careful attention to the many add-on costs (like for checking in a bag, or not printing off your ticket in advance).

Buy a TV Licence ...www.tvlicensing.co.uk A colour T.V licence is £145.50 p/yr or about £12 p/mnth. See the website to check whether you need it -most do. You can get a partial refund if you move out with 3 months or more left.

The cheapest tickets by

train or coach may Visit not be amendable, www. so make sure you tfl.gov.uk

A more environmentally responsible option without the hidden charges is the train. A Young Persons Railcard can get you to mountains and lochs, bustling cities, or seaside resorts. The journey planner on nationalrail.co.uk journey lets you search all rail companies at once for the cheapest option. Try entering alternative routes and times when searching as cheaper companies may operate the same destination. There can be dirt cheap tickets by coach if you know where to look, and don’t mind the extra time to travel. Nationally or across Europe, it can be a fraction of the cost of the train, with student discounts too. Compare both Megabus (www.megabus.co.uk) AND National Express (www. nationalexpress.co.uk).

check the terms and conditions, especially if you need to be flexible.

... Do something new: This is a time to expand your mind, and London is the place for it, so why not? London has many free galleries, museums and such like, and cheap entertainment (comedy, theatre, dance). �� The West End has some of the worlds best theatre - reflected in the price! Go an hour early to try for a cheap ‘Student Standby’, or visit the Leicester Sq booth. Don’t forget the inexpensive world of fringe theatre, showing new works by new writers, with new actors. The National Theatre on the Southbank does good deals on modern productions, often £12 even if you book ahead - so no

stand-by queues. The Shakespeare’s Globe is built on the oldest tradition - the stalls are standing only, and cost just £5 - you can’t get any closer to the action.. The Royal Opera House has a student scheme, with £10 stand-bys. See: www.roh.org. uk/for/students Time Out London’s weekly guide lists many deals, and lately it’s free too! www.timeout.com/london

Your Tear-Out & fold origami ‘bird’ SOAS Origami Society For your personal amusement we are proud to present the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Through the year we are going to provide you with a selection of folding works of art, of varying complexity. If you are sitting bored in the SOAS bar or procrastinating over that first essay, yet are feeling creative, just tear off this page and you are away... If you find yourself having trouble with any of the folds, feel free to ask for help from the SOAS Origami Society. ENJOY! (Contact: 210090@soas.ac.uk)

KEY

cut fold toward fold away Your finished ‘bird’.

cut

RECIPE FOR ORANGE MARMALADE In February 2011 the SOAS Revolutionary Marmalade Society held a marmalade session in the JCR. Marmalade was made, based on a recipe given to me by Mary John, late of Mousehole, Cornwall. We might repeat the experience in 2014 – but if not, you can try it at home. It is very good indeed. Contact:

ed.emery@soas.ac.uk

Ingredients:

10 Seville oranges; 2 lemons; 2kg sugar; 2 1/2 pints of water.

Method: Wash the fruit to remove any grit. Place in a steel or enamel pan with the water. (I always filtered town water). NEVER use an aluminium pot because the metal transfers into the marmalade. Bring to the boil and simmer for at least 2 hours with the lid on, until soft. Set the fruit to one side until cool enough to handle. Take two basins and a chopping board. Cut the fruits in half. Scoop out the flesh of the fruit, remove with your thumb. Put all the skin and the juice into one basin. The pips and pith go into the other basin. Then comes separating the pips from the pith. A long job, but it has to be done. Take out all the pips and set them to one side. Cut the skins into whatever size suits your purpose – long slivers or big chunks. Place all the cut peel, the pith and the juice back into the boiling pan. Tie the pips securely into a muslin net and pop them into the boiling pan. [I prefer to boil the pips separately, in some of the juices, which I then return to the main mixture before the final boil]. Add the sugar and bring to the boil. [I sometimes swap 1/5th of the sugar for Demerara]. Boil rapidly for 20 minutes. [My latest batch, made with 40 oranges, took about 90 minutes of boiling]. Stir all the time, with a wooden spoon, because otherwise the marmalade sticks to the bottom of the pan and burns. After a while, as the mixture is stirring and boiling, the magic happens. It forms a different kind of surface, and boils with a kind of a “roll”. Discard the bag with the pips. Drop a drop or two onto a cold plate (best taken from the fridge). Let the marmalade go cold. After 2-3 minutes it should wrinkle slightly. If it doesn’t run, the marmalade is ready. If you wish, you may give the marmalade a much longer boil, which will give it a darker colour, even verging on black. Your jars should be thoroughly washed and clean. Preferably screw-top variety. Place them on a tray in the oven and heat them (so that they don’t crack when you add hot marmalade). Using a ladle or a Pyrex jug scoop out the marmalade and pour into the waiting jars. Avoid spillages, because they make a sticky mess. WARNING: splashes of hot marmalade are dangerous. As soon as your jars are full, put the screw-top lids on, tightly. As the marmalade cools it will create a vacuum seal which keeps the marmalade in good condition for the year ahead. 10 oranges makes about 6 jars of marmalade. In England early February is a good time to buy the Sevilles. Ask around the markets. If you wait long enough the price drops, but you run the risk of not finding any.

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1. The Bloomsbury Coffee House. Basement cafe, free Wi-Fi and student discount. Look out for the mosaic tiles. 2. Marchmont Street. Useful place to know. Has a Post Office, hardware store, choices of vegetarian and vegan hot food, long established gay bookshop ‘Gays the Word’, hairdressers and the usual collection of coffee shops, 2

Community Garden S koo b Bo (& shortcut) ok

Marchmont Street

Gays Th

e Word

(Tavistock Place, next turning) 3. The Brunswick Centre. Next to Marchmont Street, opposite Russell Square tube. Various shops and food outlets. Holds Skoob (secondhand bookstore); a supermarket; the seriously popular Hare & Tortoise restaurant, and the Renoir cinema (an independent). 4 4. Harrisons Pub. A tucked away local on corner of Seaford Street and Harrison Street; turn left on Sidmouth Street when you see the bike.

5. Queens Head. There are many pubs between Russell Sq and Vernon Sq. This one offers live jazz music - tell us if it is any good!

6. Shibuya. An ex-pub turned Japanese Restaurant, on the corner of Acton street. When you see it you know you have almost reached Vernon Square. 6 Acto

Shibuya

n St

reet

7. Bombay Burrito. Beyond Vernon Square, at the other end of Pentonville Road, lies the Angel Islington. Another accessible shopping area that recently gained this new restaurant / take-away. The first Indian/ Mexican food fusion we heard of. Serves curry-in-a-wrap. Seriously - it works!!

s Cros s ’ g n i

(on Goswell Road)

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16 Monday

17 Tuesday

18 Wednesday

19 Thursday

S.U Trustee meeting 20 Friday

21 Saturday

22 Sunday

Meet-A-Flatmate breakfast. RB01, 9am BBQ at Vernon Square, 5pm

September

23 Monday First Term (non-teaching week) Meet-A-Flatmate breakfast. RB01, 9am Cycle Tour, 2pm LGBTQ Welcome Drinks, 7-9pm

24 Tuesday

Rugby Party, 10pm

25 Wednesday

Meet-A-Flatmate breakfast. RB01, 9am Poker Tournament, 7pm The Grand Freshers’ week Ceilidh

26 Thursday Origami workshop, 12noon Local walking tour, 3-5pm The Spirit welcome talk, 5pm Sports Teams bar crawl, 7pm SOAS Exodus to... Freshers’ Party ‘Nakama’ at Electrowerkz. 10pm - 3am

27 Friday

Open Top bus tour 2-4pm The Big Swap, JCR 4pm Yoga at IoE (Institute of Education), 5.15pm

28 Saturday

29 Sunday

Carer’s / parents picnic, in Russell Sq Freshers Fayre, Russell Sq site, 11-6pm

LGBTQ meet-up, 2pm

Release, at Brixton Jamm, 10pm

Film Night at Vernon Square, 4pm

First Term (teaching starts; lost? Try www.soas.ac.uk/timetable)

October September

30 Monday

Union Elections: nominations Open School Governing Body, 4pm

October

1 Tuesday

Black History Month

2 Wednesday

3 Thursday

4 Friday

5 Saturday

SOAS Palestine Society Conference 5th - 6th

6 Sunday

October

7 Monday

8 Tuesday

9 Wednesday

Union Elections: nominations CLOSE BFI London Film Festival. 9th - 20th October. Visit: www.bfi.org.uk/lff School Health & Safety Committee

10 Thursday

UGM, 5pm in the JCR

11 Friday

12 Saturday

13 Sunday

October

14 Monday

Union Elections: day one of voting 10am - 5pm

15 Tuesday

Union Elections: day two of voting 10am - 5pm S.U Trustee meeting 15th - 20th October, bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

Academic Development Committee

16 Wednesday

17 Thursday

18 Friday

School External Relations and Communications Committee

19 Saturday

Battle of Ideas. 19th & 20th. Two days of high-level, thought-provoking, public debate organised by the Institute of Ideas at the Barbican. Visit: www.battleofideas.org.uk

20 Sunday

October

21 Monday

22 Tuesday

School Equality & Diversity Committee

23 Wednesday

School Estates & Infrastructure Committee

24 Thursday

School Student Experience Committee

25 Friday

26 Saturday

27 Sunday

clocks go back 1-hour

November October

28 Monday

29 Tuesday

30 Wednesday

Sports Night. School Learning & Teaching Quality Committee, 10am

31 Thursday

Halloween Night 7.30pm - Mega HALLOWEEN CEILIDH with the SOAS Ceilidh Band - Spooky costumes encouraged.

November

1 Friday

STI testing at Dinwiddy House, 2-6pm

2 Saturday

3 Sunday At UCL 9.30am - 5.30pm

November

5 Tuesday

Reading week

4 Monday

Guy Fawkes Night â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember, remember the fifth of November; gun powder, treason and plot...â&#x20AC;? Fireworks displays traditionally organised up and down the country. (Many are put off to the nearest Saturday Night to the 5th November. Check local newspapers for your nearest.

6 Wednesday

7 Thursday

8 Friday

9 Saturday

Lord Mayors Show. Visit: www.lordmayorsshow.org

10 Sunday

November

11 Monday

12 Tuesday

School Resources & Planning Committee,

13 Wednesday

School Academic Board

14 Thursday

15 Friday

London Jazz Festival. Visit: www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

16 Saturday

17 Sunday

International Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day

November

18 Monday

19 Tuesday

20 Wednesday

21 Thursday

22 Friday

23 Saturday

24 Sunday

December November

25 Monday

26 Tuesday

27 Wednesday

Sports Night. SOAS UCU/UNISON meeting

28 Thursday

UGM School Governing Body, 4pm Language Centre Graduation

29 Friday

1 Sunday

World AIDS Day

December

30 Saturday

December

2 Monday

3 Tuesday

4 Wednesday

12-4pm STI Testing, JCR

5 Thursday

6 Friday

7 Saturday

8 Sunday

December

9 Monday

10 Tuesday

11 Wednesday

School Learning & Teaching Quality Committee

12 Thursday

13 Friday

End of first term

14 Saturday

15 Sunday

December

16 Monday

18 Wednesday

19 Thursday

20 Friday

21 Saturday

holidays

17 Tuesday

22 Sunday

December

24 Tuesday

Christmas Eve

25 Wednesday

Christmas Day

26 Thursday

Boxing Day

27 Friday

28 Saturday

aysdholi

23 Monday

29 Sunday

January

30 Monday

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

2 Thursday

3 Friday

4 Saturday

5 Sunday

January

1 Wednesday

holidays

31 Tuesday

January

6 Monday

Second Term

7 Tuesday

8 Wednesday

9 Thursday

London International Mime Festival. Visit: mimelondon.com

10 Friday

11 Saturday

12 Sunday

January

13 Monday

14 Tuesday

15 Wednesday

16 Thursday

17 Friday

18 Saturday

19 Sunday

January

20 Monday

MLK Day (celebration of Dr Martin Luther Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday, US)

21 Tuesday

22 Wednesday

23 Thursday

UGM

24 Friday

25 Saturday

26 Sunday

February February

27 Monday

28 Tuesday

S.U Trustee meeting

29 Wednesday

Sports Night.

30 Thursday

School Student Experience Committee

31 Friday

Chinese New Year. Year of the Horse

2 Sunday

February LGBT History Month

1 Saturday

February

3 Monday

Union Elections: nominations Open

4 Tuesday

5 Wednesday

STI Testing, JCR, 12-4pm School Learning & Teaching Quality Committee

6 Thursday

7 Friday

8 Saturday

9 Sunday

12 Wednesday

13 Thursday

World Radio Day

14 Friday

Valentines Day

SOAS Ceilidh Band to PARIS for annual St Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day dance. All welcome. Details: ceilidh@soas.ac.uk

15 Saturday

16 Sunday

February

11 Tuesday

Reading week

10 Monday

February

17 Monday

18 Tuesday

School Equality & Diversity Committee

19 Wednesday

School Estates & Infrastructure Committee

20 Thursday

21 Friday

22 Saturday

23 Sunday

MARCH February

24 Monday

25 Tuesday

26 Wednesday

Sports Night.

27 Thursday

Union Elections: nominations Close

28 Friday

School External Relations & Communications Committee

2 Sunday

March

1 Saturday

MARCH

3 Monday

4 Tuesday

Pancake Day

5 Wednesday

School Health & Safety Committee

6 Thursday

UGM

7 Friday

8 Saturday

International Womensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day

9 Sunday

MARCH

10 Monday

Union Elections: day one of voting 10am - 5pm

11 Tuesday

Union Elections: day two of voting 10am - 5pm S.U Trustee meeting

12 Wednesday

Union Elections: day three of voting 10am - 5pm

13 Thursday

Union Elections: day four (last day) of voting 10am - 5pm Counting of ballots / results

14 Friday

15 Saturday

16 Sunday

MARCH

17 Monday

St Patrick’s Day SOAS Ceilidh Band to ISTANBUL for annual St Patrick’s Night Day dance at the James Joyce bar. All welcome. Details: ceilidh@soas.ac.uk

18 Tuesday

School Resources & Planning Committee

19 Wednesday

20 Thursday

21 Friday

End of Term (Easter Break)

22 Saturday

23 Sunday

MARCH

24 Monday

26 Wednesday

27 Thursday

28 Friday

29 Saturday

holidays

25 Tuesday

30 Sunday

clocks go forward 1-hour Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day

APRIL March

2 Wednesday

3 Thursday

4 Friday

5 Saturday

6 Sunday

April

1 Tuesday

aysdholi

31 Monday

APRIL

7 Monday

9 Wednesday

10 Thursday

holidays

8 Tuesday

London Independent Film Festival. Visit:www.liff.org/festival

11 Friday

12 Saturday

13 Sunday

London Marathon 2014

APRIL

15 Tuesday

16 Wednesday

17 Thursday

18 Friday

Good Friday

19 Saturday

aysdholi

14 Monday

20 Sunday

Easter Day

APRIL

21 Monday

Easter Monday

22 Tuesday

Third term starts

23 Wednesday

24 Thursday

25 Friday

School Governing Body, 4pm

26 Saturday

27 Sunday

MAY April

28 Monday

29 Tuesday

30 Wednesday

School Learning & Teaching Quality Committee

May

1 Thursday

May Day (international workers day) School Student Experience Committee

2 Friday

“War Horses of the World” event, 12:15. Free lunchtime performance of a medieval jousting play - “Horse Play” by the Brighton Mummers - SOAS Front Steps. Music by the SOAS Ceilidh Band.

3 Saturday

War Horses of the World Conference A SOAS weekend conference about War Horses of the World. Open to the general public. Details from warhorses@soas.ac.uk

4 Sunday

MAY

5 Monday

Early May Bank Holiday (UK)

6 Tuesday

Exam period starts

7 Wednesday

8 Thursday

UGM

Photo: Ed Emery

World Donkey Day (FB: ‘WorldDonkeyDay’)

9 Friday

10 Saturday

11 Sunday

MAY

12 Monday

13 Tuesday

14 Wednesday

15 Thursday

16 Friday

17 Saturday

18 Sunday

MAY

19 Monday

National â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be Nice to Nettlesâ&#x20AC;? Day Be Nice to Nettles Day celebrates how important these formidable plants are to wildlife and to humans. Eat nettle soup, drink nettle tea, knit with nettle fibres...

20 Tuesday

School Equality & Diversity Committee School Academic Development Committee

21 Wednesday

School Estates & Infrastructure Committee

22 Thursday

23 Friday

School External Relations & Communications Committee

24 Saturday

25 Sunday

JUNE May

26 Monday

Early Spring Bank Holiday (UK)

27 Tuesday

28 Wednesday

School Health & Safety Committee

29 Thursday

30 Friday

1 Sunday

June

31 Saturday

JUNE

2 Monday

3 Tuesday

S.U Trustee meeting

4 Wednesday

School Learning & Teaching Quality Committee

5 Thursday

6 Friday

7 Saturday

8 Sunday

JUNE

9 Monday

10 Tuesday

School Resources & Planning Committee

11 Wednesday

School Academic Board

12 Thursday

13 Friday

End of year

14 Saturday

15 Sunday

JUNE

16 Monday

17 Tuesday

18 Wednesday

19 Thursday

20 Friday

21 Saturday

22 Sunday

World Camel Day Hug a camel today! For biennial SOAS Camel conference see www.soas.ac.uk/camelconference

JUNE

23 Monday

24 Tuesday

25 Wednesday

26 Thursday

27 Friday

28 Saturday

29 Sunday

JULY June

30 Monday

July

1 Tuesday

2 Wednesday

3 Thursday

4 Friday

5 Saturday

6 Sunday

JULY

7 Monday

School Governing Body, 4pm

8 Tuesday

9 Wednesday

10 Thursday

11 Friday

12 Saturday

13 Sunday

JULY

14 Monday

15 Tuesday

16 Wednesday

17 Thursday

18 Friday

19 Saturday

20 Sunday

JULY

21 Monday

22 Tuesday

23 Wednesday

24 Thursday

25 Friday

26 Saturday

27 Sunday

JULY

28 Monday

29 Tuesday

30 Wednesday

31 Thursday

1 Friday Happy Graduation, and Good Luck!

2 Saturday

3 Sunday

Contacts Democracy & Education 0207 898 +4997 Activites & Events +4994 Welfare & Campiagns +4995 General Manager +4996 Representation Assistant +4998 SOAS Radio +4984 Commercial Services Manager +4990 Bar +4930 Russell Sq Shop +4999 Vernon Sq Shop (0207 074) +5156 Fax 0207 074 5164 General Email su@soas.ac.uk

STUDENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UNION / www.soasunion.org Affiliated Organisations: NUS (www.nus.org.uk); BUCS (www.bucs.org.uk); Nightline (www.nightline.org.uk); Stop The War (www.stopwar.org.uk); London Citizens (www.citizensuk.org); Coalition of Resistance (www. coalitionofresistance.org.uk); Juba University; Birziet University (www.birzeit.edu); Native Spirit Foundation (www. nativespiritfoundation.org)

THE SCHOOL / www.soas.ac.uk Main switchboard 020 7637 2388 Registry 020 7074 5105 Library 020 7898 +4163 (enquiries) +4790 (hours) +4197 (renewals) Senate House library 020 7862 8500 www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk

Student Services 020 7074 Reception Welfare: Counselling: Disabilities: Textphone:

+5015 (main) +5014 +5016 +5018 +5049

Emergencies at SOAS: call 555 from any internal SOAS phone Student Movement NUS (www.nus.org.uk) ULU (www.ulu.co.uk)

020 7272 8900 020 7664 2000

Education / Jobs / Money UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk) The Careers Group (University of London) TUC -Trades Union Congress (www.tuc.org.uk) Educational Grants Advisory Service Student Loan Company (www.slc.co.uk)

110

01242 222 444 020 7554 4500 020 7636 4030 020 7249 6636 0845 300 5090 Minicom: 0845 604 4434

Housing ULHS: University of London Housing Service (housing.lon.ac.uk/cms) Office is on the 4th floor of ULU (Malet Street) 020 7862 8880 Sanctuary Housing (www.smsstudent.co.uk) 020 7841 0480 Shelterline (24hr freephone) 0808 800 4444

INTERNATIONAL Students UKCISA -UK Council for International Student Affairs (www.ukcisa.org.uk) 020 7107 9922 JCWI -Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (www.jcwi.org.uk) 020 7251 8708 International Student House (www.ish.org.uk) 020 7346 6700 British Council (www.britishcouncil.org) 0161 957 7755 HOST (www.hostuk.org) info@hostuk.org Refugee Council (www.refugeecouncil.org.uk) General enquiries: 020 7346 6700

HEALTH NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) 0845 46 47 Health Centre (www.gowerstreetpractice.org.uk) 020 7636 7628 MIND -mental health charity (www.mind.org.uk) 0845 766 0163 Meningitis Helpline -for app to recognise symptoms iphone: www.meningitis-trust.org -free 24hr helplines: 0800 028 18 28 & 080 88 00 33 44 Sexual Health Line -free and confidential 0800 567 123 The Naz Project - sexuality and sexual health support and advice, for South Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Turkish communities www.naz.org.uk 020 8741 1879 Mortimer Market Centre -Male & female clinic off Tottenham Court Road; HIV / STD tests; general sexual health www.mortimermarket.com 020 7530 5050 Brook -free, confidential sexual health advice, for under 25’s www.brook.org.uk 0808 802 1234

0800 & 0808 numbers are FREE from BT landlines

HELPLINES / SUPPORT - WOMEN Women in London -directory of groups & activities www.womeninlondon.org.uk British Pregnancy Advisory Service www.bpas.org 08457 30 40 30 Fawcett Society -Campaigns for gender equality www.fawcettsociety.org.uk Womankind Worldwide -international gender issues www.womankind.org.uk FORWARD -Women’s Health Research www.forwarduk.org.uk 020 8960 4000 Abortion Rights www.abortionrights.org.uk choice@abortionrights.org.uk Muslim Women’s helpline muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk

111

For EMERGENCIES call 999 (fire brigade, ambulance or police). For non-emergencies call 101 (police).

HELPLINES / SUPPORT - general British Dyslexia Association; national helpline

0845 251 9002

Disability Alliance (www.disabilityalliance.org)

020 7247 8776

Skill -for students with disabilities (www.skill.org.uk)

0800 328 5050

Equal Opportunities Commission

www.equalityhumanrights.com

Citizens Advice Bureau

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (www.llgs.org.uk) 0300 330 0630 Free, confidential support & info to lesbian, gay, bi & transgender communities GALOP -victims/witnesses of hate crime (www.galop.org.uk)

020 7704 2040

Stonewall -lgbt

(www.stonewall.org.uk)

08000 502020

Victim Support

(www.victimsupport.org)

0845 3030 900

The Roofie Foundation -drug rape/sexual abuse

(www.roofie.com)

Rape Crisis helpline -national free helpline (www.rapecrisis.org.uk)

0808 802 99 99

Nightline

(24hr) 0207 631 0101

Drinkline RELEASE -legal advise on drugs issues (www.release.org.uk)

0800 917 8282 helpline 0845 4500 215

Bindmans -independent legal advice (www.bindmans.com)

(24hr) 020 7833 4433

Travel / Leisure stuff Kings Cross Radio Cars (taxis)

020 7713 6030

Star Cars East (near the Halls)

020 7837 1111

Cabwise, to be sent the numbers of two minicabs and a taxi firm local to wherever you are, text â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to 60835 Transport for London

www.tfl.gov.uk

(lost property) 0845 330 9882

National Rail Enquiries (Times, tickets, railcards)

www.nationalrail.co.uk

St Christophers Inns (hostels across Europe)

www.st-christophers.co.uk

YHA (Youth Hostel Association)

www.yha.org.uk

STA (student travel )

0333 321 0099

Gay community news, entertainment

www.statravel.co.uk

www.rainbownetwork.com

Timeout, weekly guide to London entertainment

www.timeout.com

Yellow Pages (directory)

www.yell.com

Loot (classified adverts online)

www.loot.com

112

SOAS Students’ Union Handbook Thanks to all our contributors... ... and all who helped bring together this publication. The information contained was true at the time of printing; however, check back on the S.U website for updates. Design/Editor: Antonia Bright Contributors: Peter Baran \ Leah Edwards \ Johann Barbe \ David East \ Khaled Ziada \ Arash and Jim (of the Bar) \ the S.U Executive \ many, many SOAS Clubs & Societies \ SOAS Radio \ Student Services Illustrations: Lizzie Hobbs Photography: Glen Ratcliffe, Steve Taylor, Ed Emery, Antonia Bright Printers: Mandatum Ink (www.mandatumink.org.uk) If you have a contribution, or wish to know how to place an advert in next year’s S.U. Handbook please email your enquiry to: su@soas.ac.uk

SOAS Students’ Union su@soas.ac.uk www.soasunion.org Registered charity: 1150717

Cover: Saudi in a nutshell, by Lizzie Hobbs, (student of South Asia) www.lizziehobbs.co.uk