SOAS Students' Union Handbook 2016-17

SOAS STUDENTS’ UNION HANDBOOK 2016/17

100 YEARS OF SOAS

Hello! Welcome (back)!

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” - Jalāl ad-Dīn Rumi You should be hugely excited about the academic, political and individual journey that you’re about to embark on.

You have entered a space for critical thought and heterodox perspectives. At its best, SOAS has the potential to be a radical and subversive force for change, not only within SOAS and our respective communities, but within the wider world. However, getting to this point is no easy task; it requires of each of us a will to be self critical and to ask often difficult questions. It is this ability which marks SOAS out as a truly important and unique institution.

Whether in the classroom, in the JCR or Bar, at a protest, at a society event, party, in the Hare Krishna queue or sat on the legendary SOAS steps, you’ll find endless stimulation and inspiration that will challenge the status quo. For us, learning is not confined to the classroom; these events will provide rich opportunities for self and mutual education and we look forward to sharing them with you.

The Students’ Union is the beating heart of SOAS, and the JCR will no doubt become your second home. All students are members of the Students’ Union, our

elected officers are here to represent and support you. You decide Union policy in Union General Meetings, in which you also hear about what we’ve been working on and can hold us to account. Our office (on the way into the SU) is always open so come and see us if you want any help or advice, want to throw around some ideas, or just say hello!

So, please, come to UGMs, drop into the SU office, and get involved in shaping our community.

Welcome to the SOAS community!We hope you embrace changing and learning about yourself, as much as we embrace changing and learning about the world.

Adj, Neelam, Ali and Ayesha

CO-PRESIDENT EQUALITY & LIBERATION NEELAM CHHARA nc38@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4934 Room G8

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom! / It is our duty to win! / We must love each other and support each other. / We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

Assata Shakur

Hey guys, I’m Neelam! Firstly congratulations for being accepted into SOAS! Get ready to not only be challenged on an intellectual level inside the classroom, but also outside of the classroom. Whether it’s on the SOAS steps, in the JCR smoking area, the prayer room, or at events, you’ll hear bits of controversial conversation - just get stuck in! Friendships or frenemies can be forged out of these debates - but there’s nothing wrong with challenging ideas, that’s what university is about!

So what’s my role about? It’s a bit of a grand title I know, but what it means is that I’ve been elected to work against the systematic oppression of all marginalised groups at this university. Be it classism, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia or transphobia, I hope to both challenge the institution but also create spaces where progressive thinking and action can be taken to recentre those that have been forced to the margins.

Basically, to fight the (yt) man.

It’s the first year that this fourth CoPresident position has been created and although equality and liberation can’t be condensed or achieved by the creation of

such a role, it allows for more space within the structures of the university to put equality and liberation at the centre of the agenda.

You’ll also hear the words “decolonisation” and “decoloniality” thrown around a lot this year. We take the stance that decolonisation is a process that has not yet been achieved, and it is up to us as both individuals and collective’s to carry on deconstructing the remnants of colonialism in order to construct a future where we are not held back by the claws of colonialism.

As my team has already said, please feel free to email us or drop into the office at any time - we genuinely mean it! At one point or another we were all clueless about what the SU was so we really look forward to helping you in whatever way we can. Let’s use the privileged space of the university to challenge and fight against dominant narratives and power structures.

Neelam

CO-PRESIDENT ACTIVITIES & EVENTS ADWOA DARKO ad76@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4994 Room G8

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Shirley Chisholm

You’ve probably heard a string of adjectives to describe SOAS; ‘diverse’, ‘eclectic’,‘intoxicating’, ‘weird’, ‘magical’ and as cliché as it sounds all apply to this unique institution.

My name is Adj, and I’m your Co-President of Activities and Events. I am here to ensure that you make the most of all that SOAS has to offer. This could mean getting involved in casual sports or joining a campaign or even start a society. Whether it’s the African Caribbean Society or Anime Society, the Eurovision Soc or the Eat Pray Love Soc, the Yemen Soc or the Yoga Soc, the scope ranges from cultural, political, musical, entertainment based societies to new sports teams. All information about societies can be found on the website: www.soasunion.org/activities.

This year we’re all about fostering homegrown SOAS talent, so if you’re a singer, dancer, actor, artist, gymnast, in a band, a DJ or some other kind of exciting performer please holla at your girl (me).

We’ve reached an exciting time in the

university’s history, as this year marks 100 years of SOAS. As well as this being a great excuse for more parties, it is a crucial opportunity to assess the origins of SOAS and where we as an institution hope to be in the next 100years. Throughout the year, we shall be putting on an alternative centenary series that align with the ethos that SOAS strives to have, by celebrating community and originality but also critically exploring the role SOAS has played in history. Highlights of this include, Fresher’s Fortnight, Black History Month and the SOAS Festival in June. Quite excitingly, our inaugural SOAS Awards will also be held at the end of the second term.

Feel free to come to see me in the Union Office (G8) anytime, preferably with iced tea. Alternatively you can email me on ad76@soas.ac.uk.

Love and sparkles,

Adj

CO-PRESIDENT DEMOCRACY & EDUCATION ALI HABIB ah112@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4995 Room G8 “Man has choice in what he knows and is choice-less and externally controlled in what he doesn’t know”

Imam al-Ghazali

I am Ali, your newly elected Co-President of Democracy and Education. I am looking forward to welcoming you to SOAS, an educational space that offers to teach on array of African, Middle Eastern and Asian studies. SOAS has built a respectable reputation for itself, by priding itself for being inclusive, vibrant and lively. One only has to look at our diverse set of societies and countless events that are active both on our campus and off. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. For returning students, this includes you too.

My role, alongside my fellow colleagues, is to ensure that SOAS union represents it’s students, and that the university through democratic process, including Union General Meetings (UGMs), Referendum, Elections and Open Forums, is transparent, accountable and just in the actions and decisions it takes.

I will support and continue to campaign to democratise SOAS by protecting students’ rights and representing their needs.

On the educational element of my role, I aim to work closely with students and student led societies such as Decolonising

Our Minds society, to ensure that education is reflective of the diversity on campus. I will examine what support BME students require to reach their full potential, and investigate how the attainment gap can be reduced.

This will be carried out by analysing reviews across departments. I aim to make SOAS an environment in which students do not feel alienated, excluded or diminished. By celebrating and inluding academia that is not Eurocentric and cis-hetronomative and Patriarchal, this will make SOAS a place where students can grow both educationally and in character.

Feel free to drop by at the Union office with any queries you may have. After all, we are all here to make your time at SOAS worthwhile.

Ali

CO-PRESIDENT WELFARE & CAMPAIGNS AYESHA ABBASI aa171@soas.ac.uk 0207 898 4997 Room G8 ‘Your self-worth is determined by you.

You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.’

Beyoncé

Welcome (back) Soasians! I’m Ayesha, your Co-president of Welfare and Campaigns. I’m here to make sure you feel welcome in both the Students’ Union and the wider SOAS community, to ensure you have access to the support you need, and to facilitate you in fighting for your interests both within SOAS and beyond!

When I first came to SOAS I didn’t know what the Student’s Union was, so don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything!

The SU is the voice of the student body, we’re here to make sure all your concerns are being addressed and more importantly, that your student experience is fun and exciting!

I’ve just completed my Law degree and I can tell you first hand that your time at SOAS will fly by, so make sure you make the most of your time here! SOAS is one of the most active student campuses in the world, so make sure you get involved. Join societies and start campaigns, attend events, parties and protests!

Come to our Union General Meetings (UGMs), submit motions, become a student rep in your department, run in the Union elections. Put

your fears aside and embrace university life!

SOAS provides invaluable opportunities to engage with the world around us, and fight for change- be it at SOAS, the local community, or the wider world. Be active and fight for what you believe in!

SOAS is far from perfect, but with your involvement we can make it more inclusive and accessible, ensuring everyone has a great experience. As students in the centenary year, you have the chance to make history and fight for real change.

The office is always open for you to pop in with any problems or queries, share ideas or even just to say hello!

So, welcome to SOAS, an exciting, unique and critical community. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Ayesha Xoxo

Executive Officers Women’s Officer Hello, my name’s Fatima, your women’s officer.

My role is to support, facilitate and assist all self identifying women at SOAS. Whether this is creating a week to celebrate intersectionality, run self care/ feminism 101 workshops or campaigning against cuts to women’s services. My aim is to support you throughout this academic year and put your needs at the forefront to mobilise for a more Fatima Diriye inclusive SOAS. women@soas.ac.uk If you would want to get involved or go for a coffee (hot chocolate for me) please do not hesitate to get in touch. Also like SOAS women’s network on Facebook for updates.

Black Officer Hi guys! I am Ninette and I’m entering my 2nd year of International Relations and African Studies. This year I have so much that I want to accomplish in order to help students of colour feel better supported and validated here at SOAS. SOAS like many institutions in the UK often marginalises people of colour through a whitewashing of the curriculum and homogenising our communities. However I aim to alleviate some of these issues with your help by organising diverse events, which celebrate the multifaceted nature of our cultures, through book clubs that feature only writers Ninette Iheke of colour, poetry and cypher evenings, movie screenings, panel black@soas.ac.uk discussions, intersectional activism events and of course turn up nights!

Most importantly, I aim to create a platform whereby students of colour can freely discuss matters pertinent to them. I am looking forward to learning and growing in my role as BME/ POC officer and I hope that together we can create a stronger student body inclusive of our communities of colour.

International Students Officer

Hi! My name is Ahmad Jamal Wattoo and I am a first year Economics and Politics undergraduate. With SOAS being one of the most International universities in the country, having one of the highest proportions of international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, I believe that more efforts should be invested into ensuring that international students are satisfied with their experience in the student union as well as in university. Being an international student myself, I understand that effective representation Ahmad Wattoo of the international student body is vital to this post and international@soas.ac.uk something that I will not compromise on.

LGBTQ Officers We’re Meg and Lana, we’re both second years and we’ve been elected your queer (LGBTQIA*) officers for 2016/17!

This year we want to provide a space as queer-friendly, supportive and open as possible. There will be bi-weekly discussions throughout the year on topics like austerity, mental health, gender expression, misogyny/transmisogyny etc - and how these affect the queer community. We want to emphasise self-care, inclusivity, decolonisation, intersectionality and community - therefore our events throughout the year (such as panel discussions, for instance on being LGBTQIA* and of faith) will be focused Meg Davies & on surviving as a queer person in a neoliberal, racist, classist, Lana Shukir heteropatriarchal world, the diverse issues faced by different lgbtq@soas.ac.uk members of our community and the ways in which we can use collective action, self-care and solidarity to support ourselves and each other.

We’re also going to party, obviously.

Feel free to come to us if you have any concerns or are experiencing any issues, if you have any ideas about programmes or events you’d like to start at SOAS or if you want support or advice about anything at SOAS or in general.

Anti-Racism Officers To our new recruits and returning students - a warm welcome home!

We’re Dana and Mehdi and we hold the position of Anti-Racism officers for the academic year 2016/17.

It’s a position of responsibility we hold dearly and one we aim to execute faithfully with your help. With both of us being in our final year we’ve experienced all that SOAS has to offer and have now decided to offer something back. This comes Dana Omar & Mehdi in the form of holding this position and opening it Baraka up to all students so that you have a say in how we anti-racism@soas.ac.uk as a community should tackle racism, not just on campus but also as part of a wider network seeking liberation.

From reporting micro aggression on campus to working towards closing the BME attainment gap - our work will seek to eradicate all forms of racism on campus. With both of us coming from minority backgrounds we have seen and experienced first hand the racist tendencies that exist in our community. This makes us more determined to serve the Union of Students so that non of our SOAS comrades have to ever go through that alone.

So don’t hesitate to get in contact or stop us around when you see us to make your voice heard!

Campaigns Officer

Sarah Bakhiet Hi I’m Sarah, a second year politics and history student, and campaigns@soas.ac.uk I’ll be your campaigns officer this year!

I’m looking forward to working closely alongside the co-president of welfare and campaigns as well as the new co-president of equality and liberation to ensure liberation is at the heart of campaigning at SOAS. I hope to bring new campaigns to SOAS as well as working on pre existing campaigns to ensure real change is brought about this year.

Please feel free to come to me with any ideas you have or campaigns you would like support with. Whether it be raising awareness or showing solidarity, I’m more than happy to help!

Environment Officers

We’re Mich and Agnes, both doing Development Studies and this year’s Environment Officers!

We aim to make SOAS a more eco-friendly place as well as increase students’ awareness of and engagement with environmental issues. We will do this by assisting the various environmental societies in their work, help co-ordinate Agnes Van Der Loeff campaigns and events, and also be open and approachable for anyone interested in sustainability (green socials and & Micheil Page outings included!). environment@soas.

We have also compiled a quick green guide for you to check ac.uk out what campaigns are going on, and how you can easily reduce your own carbon footprint and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Come and find us at the Freshers Fayre to say hello!

Research Students Officer Thanks to my PhD researchers friends who voted for me again to represent them and welcome to our new friends who are joining the fantastic world at SOAS Doctoral School this year. Together and with your participation we will be able to achieve many things.

On top of everything is getting your PhD done in time by providing you with the sincere advice, educational and training support, helping you facing any problems, having a better relationship with your supervisor and guide you in various matters. At the same Mohamed Taha time We will make sure to encourage you to do more sports, social activities and to network with other researchers. On the academic pgr@soas.ac.uk level, you will be encouraged to be part of the SOAS RSA journal, lead workshops and be able to be in a better position for teaching. We will also make sure to do the BBC media training as planned.

Be more involved on FB: SOAS Research Student Association / Twitter: soasphd

Academic Affairs Officer Hi dudes and dudettes!

I’m very much looking forward to being your academic affairs officer for this year. In line with my manifesto, my main goal for this year is to further destigmatise mental health within SOAS. We need better support systems in place for students who are suffering from mental illness: a more transparent mitigating circumstances process, shorter waiting times for wellbeing services and a more structured personal advisor system. I’d also like to help you become more aware of the processes and decisions going on at your university so that you can Nisha Phillips play a more active role in these! I’ll be looking to improve communication not just between the staff and students, academic@soas.ac.uk but also between the union and the student body.

Finally, my main aim will be to get rid of - or at the very least decrease the importance of - exams. Exams are an outdated way of assessing the skills you have learned during a course. Instead of promoting critical thinking they merely allow you to regurgitate facts. If I’ve missed anything out or you’d like to talk to me about any of my plans for the next year please feel free to stop me and say hi!

Sports Officers

Florence Savage

We are Flo and Ily, and together we are going to take sport at & Ilyeh Nahdi SOAS to the next level. sports@soas.ac.uk From football to martial arts to dance - SOAS has it all. The sport and activities available at SOAS are beyond diverse and your sport officers are here to ensure that everybody interested in participating in the fantastic sporting community are met with enthusiasm, support and fun.

We welcome suggestions and feedback and would love to hear your ideas; lets work together to create a sport community that integrates and is inclusive to all! SOAS sport hosts a range of events and socials throughout the year and would love to get more people involved in the organisation - if you have any crazy ideas or just a spare helpful hand then make sure you get in touch!

Sport at SOAS is constantly evolving, so lets get together and strive to make it reach its full potential!

Entertainment Officers

Rachel Dyer & Andre Johnson entertainments@soas.ac.uk

Hey! This is Dre and Rach, and we are glad to be your Entertainment Officers for the year. We have pledged ourselves to continue on from Will and Adwoa and assist Adwoa in her new role of Co-President of Activities & Events, in her quest to ‘make SOAS lit’. By utilizing the wondrous words of A (Accessible, Approachable and Active) we will strive to put on great events, that cater for every kind of SOAS student so that noone feels left out. We want to have an open dialogue so that everything we do is wanted and well attended, help us help you. We want to understand all of the wants and needs of the SOAS student body and we will try with all our power to make students feel like their opinions are not only appreciated but acted upon.

Working Class Students’ Officer Hey, congrats and welcome to SOAS! As a mature working class student I know too well the barriers that people have to overcome to access higher education. I left a state school with 2 GCSEs. Re-entering education has been challenging, managing studying alongside working and living in unaffordable accommodation has shaped my Hannah Rowbottom student experience. This puts me in a position workingclass@soas.ac.uk to fight for improved access to resources for working class students, as our financial position, fears, differences, and other responsibilities should not be detrimental to our education and our aspirations! I will work closely alongside the other union officers as working class struggles are intersectional, class effects every aspect of student life. The current climate with cuts to grants and rising living costs makes accessing higher education harder for those of a working class background, so I will campaign around free education, improved scholarships and bursaries, cheaper accommodation, improved welfare and finance services.

I firmly believe that education is a right not a commodity and that austerity is ideological not economical!

I am super chuffed to have been elected to this role and can’t wait to meet you all. If you feel like being working class at SOAS is daunting, or you are struggling to juggle studying and working, or you just want a chat please get in touch.

BECOME A STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICER

In October we’ll be holding elections for the following positions:

Postgraduate Taught Officer Accommodation Officer Mature Students’ Officer Disabled Students and Carers’ Officer Trans* and Gender Identity Officer These positions are voluntary, part-time and involve representing your constituency group of students and being part of our Students’ Union Executive team, and so helping to run the Union!

We’ll also be electing our two delegates to the National Union of Students National Conference! This involves representing the student body at a conference that happens once a year with students from all over the country.

If you’re interested, come and chat to us/email us to find out more, or have a look on the website. The deadline for submitting your nomination is Wednesday 12th October, and the elections will take place from Fri 14th-Tues 18th. Make sure you vote too!

A Message from your Co-Presidents: ‘Come and join our Exec team for what’s going to be the best year ever!’

UNION STAFF Chief Executive: Peter Baran

The role of Chief Exec is to manage the day-to-day operation of the Union to make sure it is continually successful. I head up the staff team, and do all the money things - if you see me with a furrowed brow I have just been paying some tax or sending in a return. So basically I manage the statutory legal charitable aspects, making sure the Union is properly administered and run.

I also train and give advice to the Union officers and Trustees, as I have been around a long time I can help them avoid past mistakes and plan for the future.

That kind of experience can also help all students; my door (G6) is always open to answer any questions you may have about the Union or London (I’ve lived here my whole life). My role is to do anything that helps the Union run smoothly, and make student life better - from ordering beer to assigning lockers (and breaking the locks). I’m also a bit of a film buff, so if you want to just pop in for a movie recommendation 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)

Academic and Welfare Caseworker: Susanna Momtazuddin My role to help support and empower students who may be facing difficulties regarding academic or welfare issues. I’ll be working closely with the CoPresident Democracy & Education to help solve any academic complaints and to make sure students get good, independent advice on issues they raise.

I was a Master’s student at SOAS back in 2007 so I have very fond memories of my SOAS experience! Since then, I have been living and working in London. Previously to this role I was the Welfare Adviser for the University of Westminster and also have 5 years experience working in Welfare and Advocacy particularly focusing on disability and mental health.

Governance and Communications Coordinator: Amy Dawson My job is to keep the website up-to-date, oversee the Union’s Social Media and produce handbooks, flyers & posters. I also support the CoPresidents with the organisation and preparation of the Union General Meetings and Executive Meetings. I’m the elections clerk for the Autumn and Spring elections where the Part Time Executive Officers and Sabbatical Co-Presidents are elected.

If you’d like to be more involved in the SU, if you want to submit a motion or stand in a election, send me an email or come and have a chat! You should be able to find me in G6.

Sports, Activities and Events Coordinator: Ian Cole I’ll be working very closely with the Co-President Activities and Events, and together we’ll do our best to improve your experience at SOAS. Also, I’ll be working closely with our Sports Officer to improve provision of competitive and non-competitive sports.

We have an enormous variety of societies and clubs and are always looking for ways to create more. If there is anything you would like to do, just pop into the SU. You’re bound to find people with whom you share interests, and I’ll do all I can to bring you together to experience your student life in the best way possible.

Representation and Research Assistant: Antonia Bright I have responsibility toward the student rep system. Student reps take up issues within their course or faculty. We provide training, and organise the network that links reps across the school. 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 four days of the week - I’m a part-timer. You can always email too.

I also provide assistance and advice regarding research. This includes running surveys to gage the views of students, student reps and the S.U student-staff; conducting discussion groups to look more in-depth into aspects of the student experience; and bringing together the strands of data and pieces of research that already exist elsewhere, (like external surveys and research).

This is all about using research to inform and assist the Union to influence student’s experience and education, and inform the Union’s priorities and strategic plan.

BULLS**T BUSTER

The Students’ Union is a democratic organization, run by and for Students. This means that the union’s policy, strategic direction and actions are elected, shaped by, and realised by its members (that’s you!) and elected officers. To do this, we have a number of different democratic processes and structures. These can get confusing at times so here is our handy guide to all things SU! STUDENTS’ UNION (SU) - SUs exist in every university. They are a representative organisation, independent of the University, which ensures that the student voice is listened to and acted upon. The Union supports, develops and entertains students outside their studies.

UGM (Union General Meeting) - UGMs happen at least once a term. They are organised by the sabbatical officers & all Union policy is discussed & passed here. Any student can bring a motion & we can help you write it!

SU EXEC - The SU Executive Body is made up of 20 elected part time officers & 4 full time elected sabbatical officers. They meet weekly to make decisions about the direction of the Union on behalf of all students.

COMMITTEE - A meeting that has a specific remit/purpose. Often made up of relevant Uni staff members, student representatives & union reps that have involvement within the specific purpose of the committee. An example: Equality & Diversity Committee POLICY - An idea proposed by an organisation or individual that seeks to influence the direction of the organisation. Eg. students bring motions to UGMs that, if passed, would become Union Policy.

COURSE REPS - A network of elected student representatives who speak on behalf of their coursemates on any issues brought up by their fellow coursemates. Anyone can become a course rep.

ADVICE AND WELLBEING - A department of the School where any student can go to for professional advice, counselling or support.

LTD (LEARNING AND TEACHING DEVELOPMENT) - a department for academic support.

They offer workshops, one-to-one tutorials & online resources on anything ranging from essay writing, referencing and how to write effective lecture notes.

CAUCUS - a meeting of a group of people with shared concerns (eg a BME Caucus would discuss matters relating to BME students) NETWORK - a group of people meeting informally with a common aim (eg student parent network)

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LGBTQIA+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual +.

DECOLONISE- To carry on deconstructing and fighting against the legacy of colonialism.

CLASSISM - Discriminating against someone on basis of their class ABLEISM - Discriminating against someone on basis of their ability SEXISM - Discriminating against someone on basis of their gender/sex RACISM - Discriminating against someone on basis of their race BAME - An umbrella term that stands for Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic groups MISOGYNY- Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.

MISOGYNOIR-Misogynoir is misogyny directed towards ethnically black women where race and gender both play roles in the bias.

POLITICAL BLACKNESS- A (debatable) term adopted by non-black people of colour in the 1980s to unify those who identify with the struggle against racism and oppression. Forged out of the history of colonial othering as the British defined everyone non- white by ‘black’.

ANTI-BLACKNESS - Discrimination against ethnically black people TRANSPHOBIA - Discrimination against trans* people.

HOMOPHOBIA- Discriminating against gay people ANTI-SEMITISM- Discriminating against Jewish people TRANSMISOGYNY- The discrimination faced by trans women because of “the assumption that femaleness and femininity are inferior to, and exist primarily for the benefit of, maleness and masculinity”- Julia Serano INTERSECTIONALITY - describes the ways in which oppressive institutions (racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, classism, etc.) are interconnected and cannot be examined separately from one another.

Anti-Semitism- hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews ISLAMOPHOBIA- dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.

ATTAINMENT GAP - A significant and persistent disparity in academic performance between different groups of students, such as white students and students of colour, or for example, students from higher-income and lower-income backgrounds.

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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Do you see yourself actively involved in shaping the academic experience at SOAS? Have you felt the drive to be active and vocal on student issues? Do you want to see what goes on behind the scenes? Can you speak up for your peers? Become a Rep, you won’t regret it!

A well-coordinated network of student representatives gives students the means to influence the educational experience directly.

It’s Democratic Student Representatives are elected by their peers in all departments (generally 2 p/ year). The S.U runs online elections after a nomination period. Some second and third year reps are in place, so for first years and vacancies left from last term, elections happen fast, so start considering it now! Elections will be via online nominations and votes or through live class vote. Check with your department.

Vocal and Active Reps attend Department Meetings and staffstudent forums ensuring students’ concerns are raised, and pressing for solutions. Reps are a crucial contact for departments and for the S.U. They play an important role in all formal reviews of academic programmes, including the Quality Assurance Assessment. The Union looks to rep’s experiences when determining our educational priorities.

Am I fit for it?

No previous experience required! You may never have experienced student activism before or sat in committee meetings. ANYONE can nominate themselves as a Rep, and gain the support of their peers, as long as you are ready to speak up for students. The rest can be learnt!

@SOASreps

Support Reps attend an interactive group training session.

Reps form a team that shares experiences to solve problems and make progress year-onyear. And the SU are always here for those times when it gets frustrating. We work closely to create a network of reps able to lean on the Union and each other. We also publicise what reps are doing so students can see the action taken behind-the-scenes.

Reward You can gain skills, knowledge and confidence by representing peers and being involved in your department. You get to know your academics, working with them and the SU to improve the educational experience. It is deeply rewarding to make positive change happen!

You’ll gain insight into the functioning of a HE Institution, a nice addition to your CV, AND the immediate benefit of FREE HOT DRINKS as you complete each step in term one and two: attend training and complete termly reports to collect you hot drinks vouchers.

At the end of the year after completing a final report you will can request a reference from the SU acknowledging your role and skills gained.

SO...why the wait?!? Become a Student Rep! Get involved! Make a change!

For any further questions contact: Ali: ah112@soas.ac.uk Antonia: ab93@soas.ac.uk 18

UNION PRIORITIES Every year, the Students’ Union sets out its priorities for changes it wants to see made in SOAS based on the manifestos of elected officers, the policies of the Union and key issues affecting students. These priorities, relating to academic, welfare and extracurricular issues, will be formally adopted by the Union at our first UGM and will then be submitted to the School’s committees. Broadly, these priorities set out the direction of the Union for the year ahead.

EDUCATIONAL

EXTRA CURRICULAR

Accessible education Attainment gaps Support national campaign for free education Widen Scope of Scholarships for Refugees

Make SOAS lit: Fostering SOAS talent Make SOAS lit: Varied/ Frequent forms of entertainment Campaigning for more Union Space

LIBERATION

WELFARE

Decolonising SOAS Create Student Networks/ Caucuses Introduce a Liberation Art Series

Improve welfare support Introduce support mechanisms for BME mental health Improve the Year Abroad experience 19

SOAS CAMPAIGNS “There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”

Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

Our campaigns, like our studies, are about challenging social and structural inequalities and injustices.

Whether campaigns are social or environmental, local or international, SOAS-specific or external, they intersect and relate in complex & varying ways. In short, the struggles we face as individuals do not exist in isolation, but are informed and connected to wider social issues and systems of inequality. Campaigns are about taking what we learn in lectures, putting it into practice, and using our activism to inform and shape our academic life. Our priority campaigns are decided by students in Union General Meetings. If you’d like to start a campaign, submit a motion and get involved! Listed are some of our long-term campaigns,

LIBERATION

Whilst fighting for free education, it is important to remember that education is not divorced from wider systems of oppression and discrimination; simply abolishing fees would not make education freely accessible to all. In short, people that experience wider forms of oppression(s) are structurally marginalised and underrepresented within education.

Groups that organise around/in response to this are often called ‘liberation groups’. This includes, but is not limited to, women, black, disabled, working class, lgbtqia+.

Rather than seeking a liberal form of ‘equality’ or ‘diversity’, liberation seeks to challenge the systems of normalised violence and structures of oppression that underpin discrimination and marginalisation.

Liberation campaigns are facilitated by the relevant part-time officers and those who self-identify into these groups. For more information on these officers, see pages 6-7 .

Those who do not self-identify with the particular group that a campaign represents can support these campaigns and show solidarity, taking their lead from those who self-identify as belonging to that group.

ENDING AUSTERITY

Campaigning against austerity, cuts and privatisation has been a Students’ Union priority since the tuition fee protests and occupations of Autumn 2010. Austerity is not about ‘fiscal responsibility’; it is a neoliberal ideological programme to shrink the state and transfer assets and wealth from the poor to the rich. It has caused economies to stagnate. It has dismantled our welfare state, with attacks on the National Health Service and the privatisation of higher education. Health and education should remain public goods, not marketised commodities for private profit. Cuts have hit the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our society hardest, and created scapegoats of those worst affected; feeding Islamophobia, anti-immigrant rhetoric, sexism, LGBTQphobia, racism and heightening the stigmatisation and pathologisation of disabled people, and the demonisation of benefit claimants. Public spending cuts and privatisation have been accompanied by a decline in employment, wages, and conditions.

The Anti-Cuts campaign argues for an economically sound and environmentally sustainable alternative that puts people’s needs, rather than private profit, at the heart of our system.

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DECOLONISING SOAS “Prescription of the correct cure is dependent on a rigorous analysis of the reality.” Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Decolonising the Mind The School of Oriental Studies began as a colonial project in 1916 to deepen Europe’s understanding of the Global South. “Africa” was eventually added to the schools name in 1938. This year marks the 100th year of SOAS’s existence as you can probably tell with the myriad forms of advertising the school has deployed. For us as a university and a student union. it’s important to assess the colonial origins of the institution and look ahead to the ways in which the school is developing.

Despite being an institution that specialises in Africa and Asia, the curricula at SOAS are not adequately representative of thinkers that emerge from the Global South Last academic year we launched a campaign called ‘Decolonising SOAS: Confronting the White Institution’ in collaboration with the Decolonising Our Minds Society to examine the both the history and the legacy of this history of SOAS. We hosted a series of events looking at how we can establish a “decolonised university.”

Decolonising SOAS will be in collaboration with UCL’s Why Is My Curriculum White Campaign which garnered national press for its examination of UCL’s “Pale, Male and Stale” curricula.

One of the key aspects of this campaign is for us to examine the ways in which Western philosophy puts a specific conception of Man at the centre. This enables the myth of “universal truth” as being a body of knowledge that has dictated the current colonial structure of the world we live in today. The campaign will be looking at ways SOAS as an institution can incorporate other forms of knowing and grant the same credence to metaphysical and transcendental systems of knowledge from the Global South as it does to systems of knowledge that have emerged from Western Europe.

Keep an eye out for events, meetings and working groups and be sure to pop into G8 (The SU Office) to ask for more details and get involved!

FREE EDUCATION/GRANTS NOT LOANS

The trebling of tuition fees and the ever increasing fees charged to international students has resulted in universities being run like private businesses. While the quality of education is rapidly declining due to cuts to courses and staff pay, funding for marketing & new buildings is surging, and university managements continue to expand, as do their salaries. Students are being treated like cash-cows, being charged extortionate amounts for degrees that are of increasingly declining quality. They are being driven in and churned out like products on a factory line in order to maximise profit. Universities are being turned into profit-seeking businesses rather than educational institutions.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to scrap maintenance grants for students and replace them with more loans & debt. These changes will mean that those from the poorest backgrounds will graduate with the most debt, while rents, heating bills, transport & food continue to rise.

We can reverse this process and reinstate higher education as a public good which is run in the interest, and for the benefit of, students, staff and the wider community. This would ensure it is open to all, funded by taxes on the rich and big businesses. The government’s own figures show that for every £1 invested in higher education the economy expands by £2.60 so free education would pay for itself! We only have to look to Germany, Denmark, Brazil and Scotland to see that another education system is possible!

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BLACK STUDENTS CAMPAIGN The Black Students Campaign seeks to unite Black students to work to challenge racism within education and wider society. It has a proud history of fighting to increase Black representation throughout the student movement as we believe that is one of the best ways to fight racism. Black unity is absolutely necessary if we are to overcome such racism and under-representation - we are strongest when we are united.

Its contribution to the anti-racist struggle has seen it lead campaigns alongside the family of Stephen Lawrence, challenging institutional racism in the police, mobilising communities to vote against the fascist British National Party and leading the peaceful movement against the far-right English Defence League. It has consistently fought every manifestation of Islamophobia and every form of racism.

STUDENTS NOT SUSPECTS The Counter Terrorism and Security Act introduced last year included a new prevent duty which requires Higher Education staff (and other public sector workers) to monitor students who are suspected of engaging in ‘active opposition to fundamental British values’ and to police ‘extremist’ speakers and students on campus.The duty has been widely condemned by education for seeking to turn teachers and other public sector workers into spies and for normalising Islamophobia. The SU stands in solidarity with the national campaign against the government’s racist and Islamophobic Prevent agenda and as a union have a policy of non compliance with Prevent.

DEMOCRATISE SOAS

SOAS is not currently run in the interests of the students and staff, who together make up the SOAS community. In the context of the privatisation of higher education, increased tuition fees are being spent on expanding, marketing, branding, bureaucratisation, and outsourced contracts, whilst certain departments are severely underfunded and courses are being cut. Staff has seen a real terms cut and fractional teaching staff (tutors, teaching fellows, and senior teaching fellows) are not paid for the full hours that they work, with many not even being paid the London Living Wage. There are substantial pay gaps for women and BME staff, and significant attainment gaps for women and BME students. The cleaners suffer victimisation from their outsourced employer on our campus. The undemocratic nature of SOAS means that staff and student grievances have not been listened to by SOAS management, resulting in strikes, protest and dissatisfaction.

Democratise SOAS aims to change this by transforming SOAS’ governance structure; giving academics, students and support staff greater say in how our institution is run. We want greater representation, transparency and accountability - a model of shared governance where everyone has a stake and a say. Join our forums and the campaign to democratise SOAS and ensure it is run in the interests of the entire SOAS community. Keep updated by liking the Democratise SOAS facebook page!

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JUSTICE FOR CLEANERS

SOAS Justice For Cleaners is led by SOAS cleaning staff, who started the campaign in 2006. In 2008 the campaign won the London Living Wage.

Supported by the Students’ Union, and staff unions UNISON and UCU, the campaign for fair and equal pay and conditions has grown.

Last year the campaign had a victory, winning its demands for sick pay, holiday pay and pensions, but not the full campaign demands so the fight continues! v The key demand of the Campaign is that the cleaners be brought back in-house employed by SOAS directly rather than by an outsourced private company - has not yet been granted. The cleaners suffer victimisation and intimidation on our campus at the hands of the outsourced company, including the targeting of campaign activists and union representatives, and from continual attempts to cut costs by undermining working conditions.

These injustices can only be prevented by bringing the cleaners back in-house, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. In 2012, a referendum was held in which 98.2% of participants from the SOAS community voted in favour of the cleaners being brought in-house. We believe that SOAS is currently not practicing the values of equality and social justice that is preached in its classrooms. The cleaners work is crucial to the functioning of SOAS and they are a vital part of the SOAS community, and must be treated as such by the university.

One workplace, one workforce, one SOAS community! La Lucha Continua!

For over 30 years SOAS Palestine Society has been one of our most active societies.

SOAS Students’ Union was the first UK Students’ Union to support Free Palestine and to implement and campaign for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). SOAS students have continually voted to support the Free Palestine campaign and the Students’ Union is committed to promoting freedom, equality and human rights across the world, and therefore opposes the occupation of Palestine, which we believe to be the only way to create lasting peace in the region.

Fractionals For Fair Play (FFFP)

campaigns for better wages and conditions for academic staff members at SOAS who are on temporary, part-time contracts, many of whom are PhD students who teach.

On average, fractional staff at SOAS are only paid for 50% of the work they perform.

Despite several rounds of negotiations, petitions, disruptions to essay marking, and the possibility of industrial action, SOAS management is still refusing to pay fractional staff a fair wage. All three unions on campus have given support to the campaign, which 23 continues into the new academic year.

OUR HISTORY 1916-2016 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 SU Magazine 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.

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”.

College bar opens.

1972: First full-time 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 & NUS’ stance on noplatform for Hizb ut-Tahrir, following 400-member 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. Leads to largest ever UGM of over 500 people to

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ask them to come out.

2001: Union takes over the SOAS bar from the School.

Deals with legacy of drug use on the premises. Gains representation on the School Governing Body.

2003: Addition of Sports & Societies Co-President.

SOAS SU had 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 demos 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 JCR & bar. Food Co-op ‘hub’ is built - wholesale nuts, pulses, lentils etc. go on sale every Weds.

Occupation of the Brunei Gallery regarding proposed education cuts and imposition of fees, again.

Union starts ‘Saturday School’ volunteering scheme.

2011: First ever SOAS recipe book published. SOAS Radio taken over by the Union. Uprisings and

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occupy movements occur across the world. News of the Arab Spring is televised in JCR. Paint-throwing for Holi becomes an annual event among students around Bloomsbury.

2012: For London’s Olympic Year, internationalisation is celebrated throughout Food Co-op, JCR

SOAS & the Union sets up Cultures Of Resistance Scholarships.

SOAS purchases the North Block of Senate House with big plans for expansion. Scandal occurs in the S.U, the General Manager catches a CoPresident stealing money.

Resignation and court follows.

2013: UGM votes to end the CoPresident positions as they were, and create 3 new Sabbatical roles. University of London called police on protesting students and criminalised peaceful protest on campus. Over 50 people arrested, including SOAS students, staff & Sabbatical officer, sparking huge Cops Off Campus protests.

2014: Series of protests and industrial action by full time academic and

support staff, the cleaners, and fractional teaching staff. Democratise SOAS Forums, petition &protest outside Governing Body meeting. Justice For Cleaners campaign victory with improved working conditions, but the cleaners fight to be brought in-house continues. ULU shut down

by University of London.

2015: SOAS becomes the first English University to divest in Fossil Fuels.

Union also leads the way with a schoolwide BDS referendum.

2016: Year of protests; an occupation over course cuts, staff walk-out, paint and smoke bombs used on the building around cleaners dispute. The Union’s Decolonising SOAS project gets widespead support and a new mural in the bar. Ready for the Centenary Celebrations...

SPORTS & SOCIETIES AT SOAS SU Sports and societies are the communities that truly animate the Students’ Union. The next few pages will take you on tour of what we have to offer. Our societies have an extraordinary collection, with quite different focuses. These range from SOAS media publications like the SOAS Radio and the SOAS Spirit to recreational groups that explores the great outdoors.

Furthermore we have communities of artists who are heavily involved with creating the entertainment at SOAS, cultural and faith groups that illustrate the diversity of SOAS, and political campaigns, ethical business and humanitarian groups that aim to promote social justice.

Though we’re a small university our Sports Clubs known as the ‘SOAS Warriors’ are an area we are particularly proud of. In this category we have competitive ball sports, a wide range of martial arts including Karate and Shorinji Kempo, and even non-competitive sports like Capoeira.

To join a Sports Club or Society just come along to the Freshers Fayre on Saturday 1st October and visit their stall. Don’t worry if you miss the Fayre, you can also join at any time through the year buy going onto our website: www.soasunion.org and “buying” a membership to the club or society. The vast majority of them are free to join!

SOAS SPORTS CLUBS SOAS has a number of sports teams that you can join; both recreationally and competitively. The SOAS Warriors compete in both BUCS and LUSL Leagues giving our teams the opportunity to both visit and compete against other University teams from around London and the South East.

Our Home games are played in a variety of locations including The Peel Centre and Regents Park.

If you are looking to play competitively, make sure you sign up at the Freshers Fayre on Saturday 1st October or join on our website.

Badminton

Casual Mixed

5-a-side

Basketball

Football

Cricket Club

Women’s

Cricket Men’s Basketball

Rugby

Lacrosse

Men’s Basketball

Tennis

Netball

Squash

Volleyball

Running Club

Women’s Football

Snooker and Pool

Men’s Football

Basketball

We have new sports teams created all the time, so head over to the website to find out more about the sports teams: http://soasunion.org/activities/sports/

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SOAS SOCIETIES ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Arabic Film Society Chinese Music Ensemble (Silk and Bamboo) Daf Dance Society Drama Society Indian Iranian Music Dance Society JingKun Opera Society Klezmer society Korean Dance Society Korean Drumming Society Korean Gayageum Society Korean Pansori Society Rebetiko Society SOAS Anime Society SOAS Capoeira society SOAS Ceilidh Band Society SOAS Origami Society SOAS Spoken Word Society SOAS World Music Choir POLITICAL Debating society Decolonising Our Minds Society Feminist Society Kashmir Solidarity Movement Labour society LGBTQ society Marxist society SOAS Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Solar SOAS Students Against TTIP Students for Social Change Women’s society

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL Ahlulbayt Islamic society Atheist, Secularist and Humanist society Buddhist society Catholic society Christian Muslim dialogue society Hindu society Islamic Society Jewish society S.E.L.F.I.E - Spiritually Energising Lives For Individuals Everyday SOAS Shi’a Theology Society SIKH SOCIETY Spiritual dialogue society Yoga society

VOLUNTEERING AND HUMANITARIAN Asio-European Cultural Exchange Society (ACES) Detainee Support Group Food Co-op Green Group International Development No Borders Save The Children Society SAHT (SOAS Against Human Trafficking) SOAS Solidarity with Refugees and Displaced People SOAS Student Division Lawyers Without Borders Stop AIDS Team Up

RECREATIONAL SOAS Beekeepers Hiking Society Photography Society

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CULTURAL ABACUS (Association of British and Chinese University Students) African Caribbean Society Afgan society Albanian society Armenian Society Asia Pacific Focus Bangla society Canadian Society China Korea Japan Initiative Iranian Society Kurdish Society Middle East and North African Society Newar Language Society Pakistan Society Polish Society SADC Society Singapore Society SOAS Hungarian Society SOAS Japan Society SOAS KOREA SOCIETY SOAS Malaysian Society SOAS Yemen Society Somali society South Asian Diaspora society Sylheti Language Society Tamil Society Thai Society Vietnamese Society

MARTIAL ARTS Boxing Society Kali MMA SOAS Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Club Shorinji Kempo Taekwondo Traditional Aikido Society- Airenjuku Dojo Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing Wing Chun Kung Fu

MEDIA Entitled Magazine Film Makers society SOAS Radio SOAS Spirit (Newspaper)

NOT CATEGORISED 180 Degrees Consulting SOAS LGBTQIA+ Society Mental Health Society SOAS Jurisprudence Forum

EDUCATIONAL Democratise SOAS First Love Church Society History Society Journalsim society Student Hubs at SOAS Teach First

BUSINESS AND LAW Economics and Finance society Islamic Finance and Ethics society Law society Lawyers Without Borders Open Economics Forum

AND MANY MORE...COME TO OUR FRESHERS FAYRE ON 1ST OCTOBER OR LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE TO JOIN!

HOW TO START A SOCIETY FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS...

CAN’T FIND A SOCIETY FOR YOU IN THE LIST? Starting a society or sports team is easy! If you have any questions, give your Co-President Activities & Events an email - Adwoa Darko, ad76@soas.ac.uk.

All you have to do is follow these steps:

1. REGISTER ONLINE All societies, new and old are required to register each 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 to share important updates and information with.

In your registration you will need to outline a President, Secretary and a Treasurer (and sometimes a captain and social secretary). The descriptions of these positions can be found on our website (soasunion.org) under ‘How to Start a Society’.

2. SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR CO-PRESIDENT ACTIVITIES AND 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.

- AN INDEMNITY FORM (*Including Equality & Diversity Statement): We ask you to sign an indemnity form as well as an equality and diversity statement to affirm that you understand and will uphold equality and diversity standards in the running of your club/ society.

3. PREPARE AN ANNUAL PLAN AND BUDGET FORM Once your society/club is set up and you have a good idea of what you want to achieve, please prepare an Annual Plan and Budget Form (it doesn’t have to be too detailed - ask Adwoa for advice). When finished, send this to Co-President Acitivites & Events.

TOP TIP: Check on our website that a society similar to yours doesn’t already exist!

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HOW DOES THE UNION WORK?

UGMs

UGM DATES 2016/17:

(Union General Meetings) Much more exciting than they sound, UGMs play a central role in shaping the union’s political and economic direction and are famous for the passionate and heated debates.

Union General Meetings are an opportunity for you to meet, negotiate and democratically pass policy.

Once policy is passed, the union is mandated to work with the relevant bodies and students to implement it.

Co-Presidents, Union Executive Officers, Student Reps and Society Presidents are all mandated to attend, so UGMs provide important opportunities

13 OCTOBER 29 NOVEMBER 19 JANUARY 23 FEBRUARY

to stay updated with the work they are doing and hold them to account.

Our first UGM of the year will be on 13th October.

Motions must be received at least 4 working days before the UGM. For more information on UGMs, 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 Ali Habib ah112@soas.ac.uk

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Students’ Union Advice and Information We are here to help!

We provide an academic and welfare service that is confidential, free and independent of the University. We aim to give practical advice and advocacy to all SOAS Students.

• Academic Advice/advocacy regarding academic appeals, mitigating circumstances, course issues, complaints and plagiarism issues.

• Employment

Information on employment rights, pay, national insurance and tax.

• Crime

Supporting students at SOAS to stay safe in London and advice on what to do should you be a victim of crime or the police.

• Accommodation/Housing

Advice regarding student living, accommodation, tenancy and renting privately.

• Finance

Support regarding student loans, fees, funding, budgeting and debt management.

• Health & Wellbeing

Information and resources regarding physical, mental and sexual health

ACCOMMODATION

Finding accommodation 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 or share a house with a large number of people. See the ULHS website for an interactive map of average prices.

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. It is normal to do a 20-40 minutes commute, many students 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 be more difficult.

4. Look at a lot of properties, 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. Look on sites such as Zoopla, Rightmove and Gumtree. Once estate agents have your details and where you are looking/what you want to pay, they will contact you as soon 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 2016-17 Facebook page to find other people who are looking, available rooms and sometimes whole houses are also advertised on there.

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. 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.

Most SOASians choose to live along the Piccadilly Line, with Manor House, Finsbury Park, Caledonian Road & Turnpike Lane being popular places to live.

Monthly rent = weekly rent x 4.3 soasunion.org/ housing 33

Celebrating 100 Years in 2016/17 SOAS University of London is celebrating its 100th anniversary year in 2016-17 with a year-long series of special academic events and activities in the UK and across the world.

With over 40 events including talks, exhibitions and conferences in the UK and overseas – in Abu Dhabi, Accra, Addis Ababa, Delhi, Hong Kong, Lagos and New York – SOAS has partnered with leading academic bodies, including the British Library, Presidency University in India and Zhejiang University in China.

SOAS will host a number of prestigious speakers for its Centenary Lectures Series starting in the autumn, including artist and social activist Forest Whitaker, food writer and author Claudia Roden, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei. The School is also playing its role in local community events in London, such as the Bloomsbury Festival, Bertha Dochouse film season, and exhibitions at the British Museum.

For its centenary, SOAS will open a state of the art facility costing £20m in the completely refurbished Senate House North Block in September. The new facility provides a student hub, academic space, lecture theatres, and state of the art formal and informal learning spaces, around a remarkable new glass atrium and cafe.

This will create a unified campus for SOAS in the heart of London, providing fitting space for its excellent teaching and research.

Find out more about the history of SOAS and all out centenary events: www.soas.ac.uk/centenary

Key Dates in our History

June 1916 School receives royal charter.

First Director (to 1937) Sir Edward Denison Ross, linguist, specializing in languages of the Far East Jan 1917 first students admitted to No. 2 Finsbury Circus.

Teaching offered in twenty subjects Feb 1917 official opening by King Emperor George V 1927 Students’ Union founded 1937 Second Director Sir Ralph Turner (to 1957) Scholar of Indo-Aryan languages 1938 Name changes to School of Oriental and African Studies 1943 School moves to current location in Russell Square 1957 Third Director (to 1976), Sir Cyril Philips, historian 1973 SOAS National Research Library opened by Queen Mother 1976 Fourth Director (to 1989) Professor C.D Cowan, historian of South East Asia 1989 Fifth Director (to 1996) Sir Michael McWilliam, banker 1995 Brunei Gallery opened by HRH Princess Royal 1996 Sixth Director (to 2000) Sir Timothy Lankester, economist 2001 Seventh Director (to 2006) Professor Colin Bundy, scholar of history and politics of South Africa 2001 Vernon Square campus opens 2006 Eighth Director (to 2015) Professor Paul Webley, economic psychologist 2010 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for HE 2013 Degree Awarding Powers granted by the Privy Council 2013 £20 million donation from Alphawood Foundation to fund step change in the knowledge and understanding of Southeast Asian art 2014 Launch of SOAS China Institute 2015 Launch of SOAS South Asia Institute 2015 Ninth Director (to present) Baroness Valerie Amos, former UN Under-secretary General 2016 June – 2017 July SOAS marks its centenary

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SOAS’ HIDDEN TREASURES 1. Tiru Valluvar is an ancient Tamil poet, who sits outside SOAS, presiding over the campus – he sees everything that goes on! He provides inspiration and wisdom and he knows all of SOAS’ secrets. He’s also a great listener, so if you need someone to talk to, just take a seat in his welcoming arms. He’s even on Facebook, if you’re lucky he might let you be his friend!

2. Ah the Japanese Roof Garden, that illusive treasure of SOAS that you’ll probably never find. Many a student has tried and failed, and some have never returned. It’s a place of peaceful contemplation, creativity, inspiration, and occasional nudity. The clue to finding it is in SOAS Treasure number 5…

3. SOAS Radio is a gem which has been critically acclaimed as one of the best radio stations in the world. It’s an online station which shares SOAS’ knowledge with the rest of the world, and enables us at SOAS to better engage with the global community.

4. SOAS Library Archives and Special Collections are the ultimate treasure trove for any scholar. Have a look on the Library website and join one of the organised tours to uncover all sorts of incredible documents, some of which have never been analysed before. You could write some pretty ground breaking essays with this stuff!

5. Exhibitions at the Brunei Gallery offer free and fascinating displays about topics and issues relating to SOAS’ areas of speciality. You can find out about exhibitions past, present and future on the SOAS website!

6. SOAS London: this is a special SOAS Guide to London, written by SOASians for fellow SOASians. Check it out on the Students’ Union website soasunion.org/london

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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.

36

1150717

INTERESTED IN RADIO? SOAS Radio is an online station and social media enterprise based at SOAS. We work with students and academics to produce radio programmes, sharing the knowledge of SOAS with a world-wide audience! The station provides training for students and produces speech and music programmes working with students, staff and like-minded communities.

HAVE AN IDEA FOR A SHOW? SOAS Radio is seeking to recruit presenters with specific show ideas. Get in touch with a one paragraph blurb about the show itself (and tell us why you’re interested in that topic separately).

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? SOAS Radio is seeking volunteers to assist in the operation of our web-based radio station. Whether you’re interested in the day to day operations of a radio station, marketing and public relations, audio editing, archiving experience, graphic design, broadcast journalism or events, there are many opportunities available at SOAS Radio for you to pursue your passion.

Get in touch! studio@soasradio.org or simply drop by in room 545 to sign up for our weekly training. www.soasradio.org

SOAS SPIRIT - THE STUDENT- RUN NEWSPAPER The SOAS Spirit is your monthly student-run newspaper and as Editor-in-Chief, I’m committed to expanding both the online and print platforms of the paper over the next year so that it properly reflects and interacts with the diverse spirit of the SOAS community. The Spirit has a legacy dating back to 1935, and I hope to produce a paper which both feeds off and into the minds of our active, critical and international student body.

Luke Lowsley-Williams luke.editor.soasspirit@gmail.com

37

Student Advice and Wellbeing Integrated student support, CONTACTS / APPOINTMENTS foundin Senate House North Email: studentadviceandwellbeing@soas.ac.uk Block . The professional and Phone: 020 7074 5015 specialist staff offering advice, information and counselling are Website: www.soas.ac.uk/studentadviceandwellbeing there for you if you need advice Visit: Senate House North Block or someone to talk to if you feel Student Counselling low.

Service We also send a weekly email with Alison Barty, Neil Farrelly, Shima Bhunjun, updates and relevant information. Do and Sheila Root. take time to read it! www.soas.ac.uk/counselling Our website has lots of self The counsellors at SOAS provide an easily access information for students. accessible, confidential service to any student experiencing distress, anxiety or confusion, or Take a look at www.soas.ac.uk/ who needs to speak to someone who’s trained studentadviceandwellbeing

Mental Health and WellBeing 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 (Mon/Tues/Weds) 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!

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 Student Advice Service on matters like finance,immigration or housing; as well as the Counselling Service. 38

For initial contact we have daily drop in sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 13.00-15.00 and Friday 11.15-12.15 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, so do read the email when you get it!

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 will be available from Student Advice and Wellbeing reception. These have included acupuncture, Ayurvedic consultations hypnotherapy and physiotherapy 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.

For an appointment call or email the administrator. Term-time disability advice service drop-in sessions are Monday, Thursday and Friday 11am-12pm, Tuesday 1.30 – 2.30pm learning advice drop ins Tuesday and Friday 12-1 NB These maybe subject to change during the 39 term

student advisors John Hitchman Student Advisor (Immigration and Finance) Luke Miller Student Advisor (Housing) www.soas.ac.uk/ studentadviceandwellbeing/students/ The Advisors 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 Advisors by appointment or at a drop-in sessionThere are leaflets, application forms and general information in Student Advice and Wellbeing waiting area, SL 50 Typical areas the Advisors cover:

Finance: Advice on sources of funding, entitlement to student support for fees and living costs, hardship funds andon budgeting. as well as Go to www.soas.ac.uk/ studentadviceandwellbeing/students/money/ hardship-funds/for information on hardship funds and application forms 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.

Housing: The Housing Advisor can help you to work out your best options for private rented housing, student halls or other managed housing.

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 ideas on what to do: Problem 1: “I haven’t written an academic essay for years, where do I start?”

Contact Learning and Teaching Development in RG01, use their website www.soas.ac.uk/ltd/ studyskills/ or go to the Skills for Success Moodle site If you have a specific learning difference eg dyslexia, dyspraxia, LTD or ADHDask StudentAdvice and Wellbeing 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, Student Advisor (Immigration and Finance)via Student Advice and Wellbeing,SL 48 Senate House North Block .

Problem 3: “I’m feeling very lonely and considering dropping out” Come and chat to us in the union office (G8) Sometimes things can get you down. You can also talk to the Counselling Service, or Sachiko Kishi - see page 56.

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.

40

FINANCE AND BUDGETING University can be an expensive place, and London’s not cheap. Here are some tips to help you manage your money!

(A) Monthly Allowance = (Loan + other income) ÷ 12

with the bank after you graduate so check the interest rates, overdraft facilities, and graduate conditions. When you have a 3/4 year debt pile-up, it helps to have an interest(B) Monthly Essentials free graduate overdraft to tide you over. = Rent + food + bills + transport International students: The accounts available for you are more restrictive and don’t (C) Contingency = Unexpected cost offer free gifts and overdrafts. To open (emergencies, replacements) an account you need your passport budget and a letter from SOAS confirming = A–(B+C) your student status, home and UK addresses (request via the Student Student Loans: Information Desk www.soas.ac.uk/sid/).

For all home student undergrads, SOAS will inform the Student Loan Company of your student status the day you KNOW YOUR BUDGET enrol, and your student loan will be released It’s important to work out a monthly budget. and in your bank within 3 days. If you applied If the figure is in minus, look for savings. Be late or your loan is held up and you run out realistic. If you can’t cut back, consider looking of money, the School’s welfare advisers may for a part-time job! be able to help you. If there are any problems with receiving your loan, you should contact Debt: With the increase in tuition fees, registry. uncapped rents and the privatisation of public services, London can be an expensive and International students and postgrads must difficult city to navigate. There are, however, a make their own arrangements to cover their few things you can do to try and combat debt. expenses through loans, sponsorship, savings or money from family. Further advice can be - Don’t rely on credit cards or ‘pay day’ found through Student Advice and Wellbeing. loans: they profit from your debt by charging nightmarish interest rates! You will already Bank Accounts: be building a substantial debt to the Student Home UK students: Loans Company. If you don’t control your debts Student bank accounts early on, credit card bills or short-term loans often have enticing can plague you for years to come. offers! But remember, you will probably stick 41

- Search out savings and discounts: It’s always worth asking for discounts at local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You can buy an NUS Extra card for £12 online (+£2.99 to add ISIC, for international use). Money from this goes towards the Cultures of Resistance Scholarships. Go to www.nus.org.uk/nus-extra.

- Hardship Fund: Student Advice and Wellbeing has money set aside as hardship funds for students in dire need. You must show that you really are struggling financially to obtain it. Most of this money is aimed at home students, though there can be small grants to international students in hardship due to unexpected exceptional costs. Nevertheless if you are in difficulty the welfare advisers based in Senate house are good people to talk to about ways to improve your financial situation.

- Benefits: Home/EU students with disabilities, with children or part time students, may be entitled to certain social security benefits. It’s worth asking at your local JobCentre Plus.

- Jobs: Most undergrads in central London need an additional income. Take advantage of studying in this exciting city and find a part-time job to match! You can even apply for a job in the SOAS shop or bar. The trick is to balance it with studying. Managing your time well means that a decent 2:1 or even a 1st is still possible.

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 • Freeze food so it doesn’t go off • Cheap cinema before 5pm, on weekdays (weekend is always the most expensive time) • Try and cook/eat meals with your flatmates - if you all pitch in together it ends up being much cheaper!

• Cycle! Cheaper, greener, quicker travel.

• Ask for a ‘Student Discount’ • 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’ • Look on the bottom shelf at supermarkets - they always put the most pricy products at eye level • Sell your old clothes/clutter on ebay or at jumble sales/carboot sales

As always, we urge anyone struggling financially to get in touch with the Students’ Union or Student Advice and Wellbeing.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING throughout the year.

THT have a static clinic on Saturdays, 12-3pm at 12-22, Kilburn High Road, London NW6 5UH. It’s a drop in clinic for young people, aged 15-24.

--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:

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

www.nightline.org.uk

Sexual Health Maintaining good sexual health is incredibly important for protecting you and your partner(s). A range of services are available to help support you manage your sexual wellbeing - from free condoms, to testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections and emergency contraception.

General Health

For STI and HIV testing, contraceptive advice, free condoms, femidoms, dental dams and other support, there are a few sexual health clinics within walking distance of SOAS, including:

You can register and then not use the doctor.

The services are there just incase you need a consultation or home visit.

Mortimer Market Centre, Brook Advisory Centre, Terrence Higgins Trust, Margaret Pyke Centre and 56 Dean Street, all of which offer emergency contraception - the ‘morning-after pill.

The Students’ Union also provides free condoms, femidoms and dental dams and will provide free STI and HIV testing on campus

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.

For information on doctors near SOAS: www. soas.ac.uk/studentservices/students/health

43

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 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. London buses no longer accept cash, so you will have to use an Oyster Card with a travelcard/bus pass on or credit; or you can use a contactless card if you have one.

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. Apply online www.16-25railcard.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 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. We sell SOAS Branded High Visibility (Hi-Vis) in the shop.

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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.

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. If you have a smartphone there are app likes Uber which you can use to book a cab, at a much cheaper price than hailing a black back off the street.

Cabwise text ‘cab’ to 60835 Store it now!

35p+standard text rate

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

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

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.

45 Unfortunately it does happen.

SOAS Careers service Here at the SOAS Careers Service we are passionate about building connections between our students and their potential employers and in helping students enter rewarding and fulfilling careers. As such we provide a range of support including one to one appointments, events and online resources.

You can come and see us Monday to Friday for one to one support and careers advice on the application process, including CVs and covering letters, as well as help with how to decide on a career path. We also offer Practice Interviews and information on assessment centres to help you to prepare for the recruitment process.

Each year we also host a wide and varied range of employer led events, skills sessions, careers fairs and careers themed weeks. In the academic year 2016 – 2017 our themed weeks included Languages Week, International Development Week and Business, Finance and Management Week, a huge number of employers and students attended these events.

Based on your feedback we now host a range of alumni led events. Our ‘What I Wish I’d Known While a Student at SOAS’ sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays give a small group of students the opportunity to meet alumni from specific industries and find out more about

their career path gaining hints and tips on how to best progress in this career area. In addition to this we’re also proud to now be running alumni led Mock Interview Workshops. These small group sessions give students the chance to experience all aspects of an interview, by being interviewed and by taking on the role of interviewer on the interview panel.

For more information about or events and to

see what we’ve done in the past why not check out our careers events webpage: https://www. soas.ac.uk/careers/events/ We’ve also got a cracking team who look after our online resources and our Careers Information library. The team can help you with navigating our virtual careers information resources such as Careers Tagged and the Intranet and can also provide information resources, including books, on further study, internships, jobs and volunteering.

For more information, visit us at our new home in Room SL57, Senate House North Block or online at www.soas.ac.uk/careers Remember to follow us on social media too! www.facebook.com/SOASCareersService www.twitter.com/soascareers 46

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, class 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.

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

BUST CARD!!!

LEGAL ADVICE – ARREST Say “No comment” to all questions from police, even during interviews and ‘casual chats’. Police often need more evidence and may try to deceive and pressure you into incriminating yourself.

You have the right to free legal advice at the police station.

Duty solicitors often give bad advice to protestors, we recommend:

Irvine Thanvi Natas: 020 8522 7707 Hodge Jones Allen: 07659 111 192 Bindmans: 020 7833 4433 You have the right to have someone informed of your arrest and an interpreter if English is not you first language. If you appear under 18 an appropriate adult will be called.

If you witness an arrest or want support contact the

GBC legal hotline: 07946 541 511

47

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. lockersquatters!); and if you give up your locker, so it can be re-assigned.

Mobile Phones There are a wide range of deals and phones available, though if you already have a phone a SIM only offer is probably your best bet. The Students’ Union have teamed up with GiffGaff - the Which 2015 award winner for pay as you go - to provide free SIM cards which have a £5 bonus on your first top up. We will be giving these out during Freshers, or just come to the SU to get one.

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 offpeak day travelcards and pay-as-you-go off peak tubes, trams and buses. The Railcard gives discounts on national train journeys, and local transport. Ask to link it your Oyster PAYG -‘pay as you go’. It’s not well advertised but it works.

BUST CARD!!!

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.

You are entitled to a receipt of the search.

GBC / LDMG Legal Observers are independent volunteers who gather evidence on behalf of anyone arrested and act to counter police intimidation and misbehaviour. www.ldmg.org.uk / www.greenandblackcross.org / @GBCLegal

gbclegal@riseup.net

48

Contacts Democracy & Education 0207 898 Activites & Events Liberation & Equality Welfare & Campaigns General Manager Representation & Research Assistant Governance & Comms Coordinator Academic & Welfare Advisor Sports, Activities & Events Coordinator

+4995 +4994 +4934 +4997 +4996 +4998 +4992 +4983 +4908

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

Emergencies at SOAS: call 555 from any internal SOAS phone

STUDENTS’ UNION / www.soasunion.org SOAS Radio

+4984 Commercial Services Manager +4990

Bar +4930

Russell Sq Shop +4999

General Email su@soas.ac.uk 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)

Student Advice & Wellbeing Reception Welfare: Counselling:

Disabilities: Textphone:

020 7074 +5015 (main) +5014 +5016 +5018 +5049

Education / Jobs / Money

UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk) Minicom:

TUC -Trades Union Congress (www.tuc.org.uk) Educational Grants Advisory Service The Careers Group (University of London)

01242 222 444 0845 604 4434 020 7636 4030 020 7249 6636 020 7554 4500

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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 111 Service

111 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 Muslim Women’s helpline muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk 02089048193 Tell MAMA - support for victims of anti-Muslim hate http://tellmamauk.org/ Abortion Rights www.abortionrights.org.uk choice@abortionrights.org.uk FORWARD -Women’s Health Research www.forwarduk.org.uk 020 8960 4000 50

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

Equal Opportunities Commission

www.equalityhumanrights.com

Citizens Advice Bureau

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

GALOP -victims/witnesses of hate crime (www.galop.org.uk)

020 7704 2040

Victim Support

0845 3030 900

(www.victimsupport.org)

Rape Crisis helpline -national free helpline (www.rapecrisis.org.uk) 802 99 99

0808

Nightline

(24hr) 0207 631 0101

Drinkline

0800 917 8282

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

helpline 0845 4500 215

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

(24hr) 020 7833 4433

Hodge Jones & Allen - independent legal advice

07659 111 192

Travel / other Transport for London

www.tfl.gov.uk

(lost property) 0845 330 9882

National Rail Enquiries (Times, tickets, railcards)

www.nationalrail.co.uk

Cabwise, to be sent the numbers of two minicabs and a taxi firm local to wherever you are, text ‘CAB’ to 60835 Kings Cross Radio Cars (taxis)

020 7713 6030

Star Cars East (near the Halls)

020 7837 1111

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

www.statravel.co.uk

Yellow Pages (directory)

www.yell.com

Loot (classified adverts online)

www.loot.com

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