Freshers’ Festival 2015 - The SUARTS Guide -
THE ESSENTIAL STUDENT DISCOUNT CARD Available at the Freshers’ Fair Grab your NUS Extra card at the SUARTS Freshers’ Fair or online at: www.suarts.org/nus-extra
AND MUCH MORE
Welcome to UAL, from your Student Council!
SCARLETT LANGDON Welfare Officer welfare@su.arts.ac.uk @scarlettshaney
BEE TAJUDEEN Education Officer education@su.arts.ac.uk @TajiBeee
Congrats – you made it! You’re officially a student at one of the world’s leading arts and design institutions...
Who are we, exactly? Well, we’re your elected, full-time Student Officers. All four of us are UAL students on sabbatical (taking a year out) to represent you and deliver the services you need. Sometimes, we’re called Sabbatical Officers. Or
ANASTAZJA OPPENHEIM Campaigns Officer campaigns@su.arts.ac.uk @AnaOpp
SUMMER OXLEY Activities Officer activities@su.arts.ac.uk @Sumoxley
in London, no less. And now this Freshers’ guide will help you make the most of it all!
even just Sabbs. We’re flexible. Together, we lead the Students’ Union (SUARTS), a non-profit organisation that is independent from the University and is run by students,
for students. By enrolling at UAL, you’re automatically a member of SUARTS, and it’s our job to look out for you! Being a member means that you can join our societies and sports teams, get discounts on London living, pick up hands-on industry experience, exhibit your work through one of our many creative opportunities, and influence the changes you want to see within your course, your
college or the whole of UAL. We also run two cafés and a bar, offer free academic, housing and employment rights advice, facilitate the Arts Active fitness programme...and throw some great parties and events throughout the year! When you see us, say hi – we’re excited to get to know you!
A guide to SUARTS First things first – what’s a Students’ Union? Most universities in the UK have a Students’ Union or SU. This is a student-run organisation that exists separately and independently from the university, and works to improve students’ university experience. Every SU is different but most of them, like SUARTS, offer a range of services like student bars, shops, free advice and campaigns support. The special thing about all Students’ Unions is that they are led by democratically elected students, who represent you within the university and beyond.
What’s special about SUARTS? First of all, we have a weird name: SUARTS (we say it ‘Ess-Yoo-Arts’ aloud) because ‘Students’ Union, University of the Arts London’ is a bit of a mouthful! People do sometimes call us Stuart, for some reason. Not cool. We do everything you’d expect from a Students’ Union: so if you’re looking to meet like-minded people, you can join one of our many UAL societies and sports teams; if you need advice, drop our free Advice Service a line. When you need a snack or a place to enjoy lunch with your new coursemates, our cafés are there; and if you’re looking for cheap fitness classes, go no further – we’ve got you covered with our Arts Active programme.
Unlike other Students’ Unions, we give you the tools for a sustainable creative career by connecting you to world-renowned institutions and networks. Our creative opportunities can get your work seen and our Made in Arts London (MiAL) platform can get your work sold. We also organise panel talks and networking
events throughout the year, bringing in expert professionals from the art and design world and the creative industries, and also invite UAL graduates to speak with you, and to empower and inspire. Find out more, by heading over to: www.suarts.org/creative
What is Freshers’ Festival? Your first few weeks at university are sure to be exciting – but for most (read: all) students, they can also be quite nerve-wracking. Luckily, we’ve worked out the perfect way to dodge those homesick blues – we put on the SUARTS Freshers’ Festival to welcome you to UAL and help you settle in to student life in London. This year, the week begins on Monday 28th September and ends on Friday 2nd October and includes site tours, socials to meet your future BFFs,
and the one-day extravaganza that is Freshers’ Fair! Join societies, find out more about university life, and pick up some great freebies! If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help out too – more than 30 SU Reps volunteer during Freshers’ Festival and will be happy to share their tips with you, or for info on our Advice Service or to find out about what else is coming up over the coming year, head to: www.suarts.org
Dates for your calendar For more info on all these events and loads not listed here, visit: www.suarts.org/freshers Pre-Freshers’ Welcome Day Monday 7th September, 11am–9pm Darkroom Bar, London College of Communication A great opportunity to get to know your fellow UAL Freshers over a game of pool or foosball – there’ll be drink deals, Happy Hour and a very special 00s theme! Meet your Union at LCF Friday 25th September, 10am–10pm Various LCF sites Meet your LCF Officer, Megan St Clair Morgan, and find out everything you need to know about studying fashion in London! Get to know your fellow LCF students over brunch, showcase your college knowledge in an LCF themed quiz, and enjoy an evening of cocktails and networking on the roof terrace at the John Prince’s Street site.
Glow in the Darkroom Saturday 26th September, 9pm–4am Darkroom Bar, London College of Communication Celebrate the beginning of Freshers’ Festival at the official UAL Welcome Party! We’ll be playing the best in RnB and Hip-Hop – need we say more? Get to know Camberwell Monday 28th September, 12pm – onwards Camberwell College of Arts Find out what your Students’ Union has to offer and what life as a Camberwell student is really like. Find your way around the college by taking part in one of our tours, and don’t miss the chance to try our Arts Active fitness programme. Meet your CCW Officer, Robert Reynolds, who will represent you this year.
Ping Pong Party Monday 28th September, 4–9pm Darkroom Bar, London College of Communication A chance to win some great prizes and to enjoy some 80s themed cocktails and tunes all night long! 80s dress code is optional!
Freshers’ Rave Wednesday 30th September, 10pm–4am Fire London, Vauxhall Wicked Student Nights team up with your Students’ Union to bring UAL students an exclusive club night at Fire, featuring DJ Luck and MC Neat.
Freshers’ Fair Wednesday 30th September, 10am–5pm Chelsea College of Arts Drop in to visit stalls from the Students’ Union, clubs and societies, UAL and external organisations. Sign up to extra-curricular activities, meet new people, and bag yourself some great freebies!
Get to know CSM Thursday 1st October, 12pm – onwards Central Saint Martins A day to get to know your college, the Students’ Union and try out everything it has to offer! Swing by for: international themed events; student-led tours; a chance to get stuck into sports and to delve into the CSM fashion archives; samples of local food; film screenings and more. Make your mark by painting our walls, and meet your CSM Officer, Adam Willis, who will represent you this year!
Freshers’ Fest Thursday 1st October, 10pm–4am EGG London, King’s Cross The second Freshers’ club nights brought to you by the Students’ Union and Wicked Student Nights – this time featuring musical act Futuristic Polarbears! Meet your Union at LCC Monday 5th October, 12pm – onwards London College of Communication Come along and find out more about your Students’ Union and life as an LCC student. There’ll be studentled tours around the college, freebies, as well as the chance to meet your fellow LCC students and try some fun activities on our societies, sports and creative stalls. Meet your LCC Officer, Kai Lutterodt, who will represent you this year.
Get to know Chelsea Tuesday 6th October, 12pm – onwards Chelsea College of Arts Find out what your Students’ Union has to offer at Chelsea College of Arts and the local area. Don’t miss out on student-led tours, freebies, networking and a chance to try out our Arts Active programme! Meet your CCW Officer, Robert Reynolds, who will represent you this year. Get to know Wimbledon Wednesday 7th October, 12pm – onwards Wimbledon College of Arts Come along and find out more about your Students’ Union and life as a Wimbledon student. Get to know the college by going on a tour led by your fellow Wimbledon students, bag some freebies, and find out more about our incredible societies at UAL. Meet your CCW Officer, Robert Reynolds, who will represent you this year.
Creative opportunities at SUARTS
Here at SUARTS, our mission is to give you every chance to make, exhibit and promote your work and expand your creative practice. All creative opportunities are listed on www.suarts.org/ creative and shared on SUARTS social networks and weekly newsletter.
collaborate and exhibit. We call for submissions regularly, and students from all colleges and at all levels are encouraged to propose solo or group exhibitions. Find out more about our exhibitions spaces at: www.suarts.org/creative/exhibition-spaces
This year, you can...
Exhibit your work on the London art scene: Xhibit2016
Exhibit your work within UAL SUARTS runs exhibition spaces at Chelsea College of Arts and the London College of Fashion in High Holborn, giving you the chance to create,
An independent panel of industry experts selects a range of student work from all disciplines for an annual public exhibition. Submit your work to be considered for the 19th edition of Xhibit in 2016 for
a chance to show a wider audience just what you’ve got. For more info, visit: www.suarts.org/xhibit
Sell your work through Made in Arts London Made in Arts London (MiAL) is an online platform selling and promoting student and graduate work. Run through the Students’ Union, MiAL sells work online, exhibits regularly, participates in art and design fairs, and offers professional development opportunities to those who participate. Find out how to sell your work with MiAL: www.madeinartslondon.com/pages/sellyour-work. www.madeinartslondon.com
Join (or run!) a society or creative community SUARTS supports loads of societies and creative communities that are all run by students, for students. So if you’d like to meet kindred spirits through creative pursuits, run a political campaign or learn a new skill, this is your chance to do so: www.suarts.org/societies
Partner up with the Royal Academy, the British Museum and the V&A All UAL students can partner with SUARTS to exhibit art, put on performances and run workshops through the evening Lates series of events. Last year, the Royal Academy, British Museum and Victoria & Albert museum all hosted UAL students: stay tuned for the chance to participate in this year’s series or get in touch to tell us who your dream partner would be – we’ll see what we can do: www.suarts.org/creative/showcase
Arts Active Arts Active is our competitive and recreational sports and fitness programme, supported by Sport England.
Arts Active is all about introducing you to new activities, enhancing your experience at UAL and, most importantly, getting you to have fun while you do it! We offer three types of membership, so there really is something for everyone – regardless of your ability CLUB PASS: Represent your university across London and nationally and become part of one of the largest communities at UAL with our Club Pass. Outdoor or indoor, team or individual – whatever sport you’re into, we have a great range of clubs for you to get involved in! Membership costs just £5, plus the relevant club fee. PLAY PASS: If competitive sport isn’t your thing,
check out our Play Pass, which allows you to play a variety of sports socially, without any commitment – just drop-in whenever you fancy, play and get active! Membership costs £10 for a year, and it’s a great chance to try different activities and meet new people from different colleges all at the same time! GYM + CLASS PASS: If you simply want to keep fit and healthy without forking out on London gym prices, look no further than our Gym + Class Pass. You’ll get access to daily fitness classes, plus two open gym sessions at the LSE Students’ Union gym in Holborn. Membership costs £25 per term, or pay just £40 for the entire year. For more info about Arts Active, head to: www.suarts.org/arts-active
UAL societies and creative communities
UAL societies and creative communities are at the heart and soul of our student life at SUARTS and, best of all, they are completely run by students! These are groups of students who share a common interest, and provide opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your creative practice within an artistic community and, above all, make the most of your time at UAL. Whether you’re looking to take up a new hobby or want to keep up an existing interest, there really is something for everyone – from creative and artistic endeavours to cultural celebrations, to tea appreciation and fundraising. University is the perfect time to discover a hidden talent or get better at the things you love to do! If you have an idea for a brand new society or creative community at UAL, let us know and we can help you set it up! For more info, visit: www.suarts.org/societies Freshers’ Fair is your best opportunity to join societies and Arts Active, so make sure you drop by Chelsea College of Arts on Wednesday 30th September! You’ll also be able to join online after the fair at: www.suarts.org
SUARTS and campaigning
Campaigning is at the core of what we do. If you or a friend experience problems during your time at UAL, we are here for you. The Students’ Union is an organisation where elected students are equipped to tackle the causes of the issue by raising it with the University and lobbying for improvements.
Our campaigns this year focus on:
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Increasing academic and mental health support Promoting the importance of racial diversity in the curriculum Lowering the costs of living and studying at UAL Extending opening hours in studios, UAL libraries and learning spaces Creating stronger and more inclusive societies and sports clubs
Previous campaign victories include:
• • • • • •
Reducing printing costs by up to 50% across UAL Freeing international students of compulsory weekly registration Increasing funding support for postgraduate students Introducing free Wednesday afternoons for sport and society events Securing a London Living Wage for all University staff Making more marking anonymous in order to ensure that your work is assessed fairly
Your rights as a student SUARTS exists to defend and extend your rights as students. Whether it’s access to affordable housing, fair pay in part-time work, or your right to remain in the UK – we campaign year-round for better provision from the University and from the government.
This year, we’re calling for:
• • • •
Fair access to UAL libraries and studios More access to academic and mental health support Lower course and living costs for students UAL to implement a more diverse curriculum
On a national level, we will be campaigning:
• • •
To protect student grants and against any future increases in tuition fees For international students to have the right to remain and work in the UK after studying For cheaper transport and rent controls in London
…and more! If you want to support any of these campaigns, get in touch with your elected Student Council team – everyone is welcome to join in, and ultimately it’s people power that makes the changes!
Freshers’Fair Wednesday 30th September 10am–5pm Chelsea College of Arts
Sports | Societies | Creative Opportunities | Freebies | Fun Come and join societies and sports clubs, meet other students and grab a whole range of free stuff! Club night wristbands available to buy and collect at the Freshers' Fair
Advice Service
Your time at UAL, and in London, will be an incredibly rewarding experience, but we know that student life can sometimes be tough. If you ever find yourself in trouble or in need of help, there are support structures in place to tackle any problems you might be facing.
The Students’ Union Advice Service – run by our team of professional advisers – is on hand to offer free, confidential, independent and impartial support. We can give you guidance on the University’s academic policies and can also help you understand and access your rights at home and at work. No issue is too big or too small, and because we’re independent from the University and colleges, we can represent you and your voice. In the unlikely event that we can’t help, we’ll make sure you get to the people who can! For more info about the Advice Service, visit: www.suarts.org/help/advice
Get in touch Drop us a phone call or email and we’ll try and respond as soon as possible. You can call our Advice Team on +44 (0)20 7955 7158 (please call between 10am and 12pm if you need to speak to an adviser urgently) or email: su.advice@lse.ac.uk We also run drop-in sessions at our office in High Holborn from Monday–Friday, 10am–12pm, or you can book an appointment in advance. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming Advice Service sessions at your college!
UAL and the six colleges
UAL has 6 colleges across 13 sites all over London. All students at the colleges are supported by the Students’ Union through an elected part-time student representative, known as College Officers, plus a member of SUARTS staff. When you’re ready to say hello, ask a question about SUARTS or discuss a college-specific issue, these are the people to contact!
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1. Camberwell College of Arts (part of CCW) Elected College Officer: Robert Reynolds
3. Chelsea College of Arts (part of CCW) Elected College Officer: Robert Reynolds
Robert’s local tips: South London Gallery, HOUSE café and gallery, and Falafel are all close to the college for your coffee, cheap eats and cultural needs. Fancy going to the cinema? Peckham Plex: £5 any film, any time!
Robert’s local tips: At Chelsea you’re a short walk away from Buckingham Palace Gardens and St James’s Park, plus you have Tate Britain on your doorstep and Battersea Arts Centre across the river! To travel back in time and get some good food, The Regency Café has been dishing up the best greasy spoon breakfasts in London since 1964.
2. Central Saint Martins (CSM) Elected College Officer: Adam Willis Adam’s local tips: House of Illustration is just next door, while there’s Caravan and Kiosk for satisfying your caffeine cravings. The CSM canteen is a marvellous thing, but don’t forget to check out the Students’ Union café on the 1st Floor!
4. London College of Communication (LCC) Elected College Officer: Kai Lutterodt Kai’s local tips: Make sure you check out Hotel Elephant on Newington Causeway for an opportunity to exhibit, work and keep up to date
with the local art scene. Feeling hungry? Mamushka in the Shopping Centre serves great Polish stews and the Electric Elephant Café on Crampton Street provides gorgeous locally sourced meals. Have a wander around the Elephant & Castle area – it’s incredibily diverse, so you’ll never know what inspiration you’ll find!
Whatever you do, DON’T limit yourself by sticking to your own site! Each of these facilities are yours to enjoy and explore. It’s your kingdom – don’t hold back!
5. London College of Fashion (LCF) Elected College Officer: Megan St Clair Morgan
Robert’s local tips: Wimbledon New Theatre shows a range of cultural delights and Cannizaro Park is a great way of combining art and getting outdoors. Head to the Windmill Tea Rooms if you are feeling peckish for a picturesque setting and excellent carrot cake. And if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of London, fancy watching roaming deer and a stroll through green pastures, head to nearby Richmond Park.
Megan’s local tips: LCF is split across 6 specialist sites: John Prince’s Street (JPS) sits amid shopping heaven at Oxford Circus and has a gorgeous new roof terrace; Lime Grove is just round the corner from famous fabric paradise Goldhawk road; Curtain Road and Mare Street are surrounded by Shoreditch and London Fields’ best shops, bars and venues; Golden Lane is practically next door to the Barbican – and if you study at High Holborn, Covent Garden is just round the corner.
6. Wimbledon College of Arts (part of CCW) Elected College Officer: Robert Reynolds
Robert Reynolds CCW (Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Officer)
Adam Willis Central Saint Martins Officer
Megan St Clair Morgan London College of Fashion Officer
Kai Lutterodt London College of Communication Officer
Check out our online map of all UAL sites and halls at: bit.ly/ualsites
London at your fingertips
London contains everything you’ve ever dreamed of (probably)! The Internet will help you work out whether that statement is fact or fiction... so get these on your phone right now:
timeout.com/london The original city guide, used by London natives, newbies and tourists alike. Check for restaurant recs, the latest exhibition launches and seasonal things to do. itsnicethat.com A one-stop online magazine for young creatives of every persuasion. Tap into what’s going on in London and beyond, and submit your own work to get featured. suarts.tumblr.com Get the student’s eye view on UAL on our official SUARTS blog! Our blog is rammed with articles, authored by students from different colleges, about the latest activities, opportunities and other fun stuff. You’ll also find updates on which galleries, museums and brands want to showcase your work. citymapper.com An app that was shortlisted for Designs of the Year 2014, Citymapper tells you how to get from A to B, all over London using your feet, a bike, a car or public
transport. It even counts how many calories each route takes... winner! Uber Need to catch a taxi home, but you’re out of cash? Download the app, add your bank card details and Uber it! Costs way, way less than hailing a black cab too! Oyster Balance Use this app to check your Oyster card balance and journey history on the go. spotify.com London can be pretty noisy – but your playlists will keep you sane! Download Spotify, get an NUS Extra card, and get access to the all-music-everywhere Premium subscription for just half the price! Instagram If you haven’t put a Lark filter on it, did it even happen?! Get snapping and share your camera work with other Arts students using the hashtag #HeartArts.
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The Students’ Union is here to help you, both online and offline. For everything Freshers’ related, head to: www.suarts.org/freshers Official UAL Freshers’ Facebook group: http://bit.ly/UALFreshers2015 Say hi in person: SUARTS, 1st floor 272 High Holborn, WC1V 7EY
/suartslondon
Email: info@su.arts.ac.uk Advice: advice@su.arts.ac.uk UAL: www.arts.ac.uk
@suarts @suarts suarts.tumblr.com www.suarts.org
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