THIS IS MANCHESTER, W
THIS IS THE PLACE IN THE NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND IT’S ACE, IT’S THE BEST AND THE SONGS THAT WE SING FROM THE STANDS, FROM OUR BANDS SET THE WHOLE PLANET SHAKING OUR INVENTIONS ARE LEGENDS! THERE’S NOWT WE CAN’T MAKE SO WE MAKE BRILLIANT MUSIC. WE MAKE BRILLIANT BANDS WE MAKE GOALS THAT MAKE SOULS LEAP FROM SEATS IN THE STANDS AND WE MAKE THINGS FROM STEEL AND WE MAKE THINGS FROM COTTON AND WE MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH, TAKE THE MICK SUMMAT ROTTEN AND WE MAKE YOU AT HOME AND WE MAKE YOU FEEL WELCOME AND WE MAKE SUMMAT HAPPEN, WE CAN’T SEEM TO HELP IT AND IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HISTORY THEN YES, WE’VE A WEALTH BUT THE MANCHESTER WAY IS TO MAKE IT YOURSELF
Tony Walsh
You’ve done it! You’ve made it to Manchester. It all starts here. We are your Students’ Union at The University of Manchester. We are the place where you can eat, drink, socialise, party, fundraise, campaign, volunteer, and the rest. Welcome to your new Manc-Union family.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know; from what to expect in your first week of university life, to the top places to visit in the city and the most Instagrammable places on campus. So put your feet up, pour yourself a brew and start your University journey as you get to know your Students’ Union.
We’ll help you do more, be more and say more as a student at The University of Manchester.
Students’ Union, 156
pus The best place on cam t We’re the hub of studen life. We’re basically the ler University’s younger, coo ch mu ’d you relative who rather spend time with.
Your Students’ Union is the student-led organisation at The University of Manchester which is dedicated to every non-academic aspect of student life.
Steve Biko Building Oxford Road M13 9PR Facebook & Twitter: @ManchesterSU
We’re open from 8 til late every day.
A CHARITY / 4 MUSIC VENUES / 4 PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK / MANY SOCIAL SPACES TO STUDY, RELAX AND SOCIALISE / RUN BY 8 STUDENT EXEC OFFICERS / 250 PARTTIME STUDENT STAFF / 450 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES / A PERFORMANCE SPACE / A STUDENT NEWSPAPER AND RADIO STATION / A FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE SERVICE / AN EVENT SPACE FOR FESTIVALS AND POP-UP EVENTS WITH ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS / 80 FULL TIME STAFF MEMBERS / YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION A CHARITY / 4 MUSIC VENUES / 4 PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK / MANY SOCIAL SPACES TO STUDY, RELAX AND SOCIALISE / RUN BY 8 STUDENT EXEC OFFICERS / 250 PART-TIME STUDENT STAFF / 450 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES / A PERFORMANCE SPACE / A STUDENT NEWSPAPER AND RADIO STATION / A FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE SERVICE / AN EVENT SPACE FOR FESTIVALS AND POP-UP EVENTS / 4 PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK/ A CHARITY / YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION / 4 MUSIC VENUES / 4 PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK / MANY SOCIAL SPACES TO STUDY, RELAX AND SOCIALISE / RUN BY 8 STUDENT EXEC OFFICERS / 250 PART-TIME STUDENT STAFF / 450 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES / A PERFORMANCE SPACE / A STUDENT NEWSPAPER AND RADIO STATION / A FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE SERVICE / MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM
The first week of the academic year organised by the Students’ Union of a University. It’s the busiest and most fun week of the year!
Celebrate the start of University, make friends for life, have unforgettable and forgettable experiences, and attend your first and last lecture for the academic year. Expect to be inundated with flyers, freebies and fun, but remember this is YOUR week so make the most of it before your course starts (sorry, we were joking before, it’s time to focus and study after Welcome Week!)
ORIENTATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 10TH – 16TH SEPTEMBER 2018 WELCOME WEEK: 17TH – 23RD SEPTEMBER 2018 SEMESTER 1 STARTS: 17TH SEPTEMBER 2018
Welcome Week Tips Buy your Stagecoach Unirider bus pass at the Students’ Union Helpdesk. Buy your NUS extra card from the Students’ Union Shop to cash in on those cheeky discounts. Pick up a Manchester Academy gig guide to see who’s playing soon. Last year saw Dua Lipa, Stormzy and Craaaaaaaig David perform. Visit our safe spaces and chat to our friendly faces. Remember, it’s okay to feel homesick. Ring Street Cars on 0161 228 7878 if you need a taxi but you’ve forgotten your cash/card and exchange your student card for a ride home. Pay your fare later at the Students’ Union Helpdesk.
UNMISSABLE WELCOME WEEK EVENTS... FREEBIE FAIR // DEANSGATE LOCKS BAR CRAWL OUTDOOR BIG BBQ // SOCIETY & SPORTS FAIR STUDENTS’ UNION POP-UP CINEMA LOOK OUT FOR THE OFFICIAL EVENTS LINE-UP FOR WELCOME WEEK 2018 COMING TO MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM/WELCOME ON MONDAY 20TH AUGUST
Did you know Manchester was voted as one of the ‘top 10 most exciting cities in the world’? Well, they do say we have everything but a beach… Don’t look back in anger, whether you’re local or from half the world away, see the sights, explore the city and learn everything there is to know about us fellow Mancunians whilst you’re living here.
We’re famous for... It all started with the Industrial Revolution when Manchester became the centre of the cotton industry and earned the nickname ‘Cottonopolis’. With a buzzing hive of industry fuelled by hard workers, the Worker Bee naturally became a symbol of the city (look out for the bee symbol – you can see it everywhere). A city of revolution, the first man-made canal was born here in 1761, the first railway in 1830, and the first computer invented by Alan Turing. And revolution did not stop there. Moss Side-born Emmeline Pankhurst was fundamental in the Suffragette movement that gained votes for women through “deeds not words”. Whilst we Mancunians know how to work hard, we know how to play harder. After cotton, music is one of our biggest exports with legends like Oasis and the Stone Roses making history in Manchester. Finally, we are a City United. Blue and red. MCFC and MUFC.
Manchester Lingo Use this handy dictionary and you’ll be speaking like a true Mancunian in no time... No: “nah” Very good: “dead good” Disgusting: “’angin” Best friends: “bessies” Ecstatic: “buzzin’” Friend or Sibling: “our kid”
Up for a night out: “mad fer it” My house: “my gaff” Food: “scran” Night out: “sesh” Lunch: “dinner” Dinner: “tea”
Cracking places to visit... Trafford Centre: Intu Trafford Centre is a large shopping and leisure complex. It has everyone’s favourite brands from Selfridges to Zara. It also has a cinema, mini golf, Sealife, LEGOLAND and over 60 restaurants. Heaton Park: The biggest and best park in the North West open from 8am to dusk every day. Northern Quarter: Think vibrant street art, bohemian bars and restaurants, and live music venues. You’ll be sure to get the perfect Instagram photo in this trendy neighbourhood. MediaCityUK: The international hub for technology, innovation and creativity. Home to the BBC, MediaCityUK is the place to go for bars, restaurants, theatre and many walkways along the Manchester ship canal. John Ryland’s Library: Free to visit and open seven days a week, this stunning library was created more than 100 years ago as a gift to Manchester and its people.
TIN CAN
Noun ‘kampəs/
Just look at it… you can see why it’s nicknamed this (also known as University Place).
The grounds and buildings of a university
The University of Manchester campus is split into two locations:
Main Campus on Oxford Road
North Campus on Sackville Street closer to the city centre Campus is where you will have lectures and seminars, discover places to eat and drink, sleep (until security remove you), and find your favourite study spot.
ALI G Yes, the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is commonly shortened to "Ali G" by students and staff alike.
MAIN LIBRARY
THE QUAD
It’s big, so it is literally the place on campus to get lost in a good book.
Relax and sunbathe here on deckchairs in the summer months (we do have sunny days in Manchester, it’s not a myth).
OXFORD RD STUDENTS’ UNION Some people call this building the 8th wonder of the world.
FREE BUS FROM MAIN TO NORTH CAMPUS WITH YOUR STUDENT ID
CAMPUS SECURITY 0161 306 9966
BEYER BUILDING An Instagram favourite among students.
Clubs and Societies
Volunteering
With over 450 clubs and societies, from Game of Thrones to K-Pop, from Politics to Panto, we’re confident there’s a club or society for you. Most of them are free to join, they meet regularly and they’re a great way to find some new bessies. If you’re super fussy and can’t find one you like, why not create your own?
Manchester RAG (Raise and Give) organise yearround events and challenges to raise money for local, national and international charities.
Don’t worry you don’t need to make a decision now. Do your thing at any time throughout the academic year, scope which groups are best for you at our Society & Sports Fairs on the Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th of September or checkout the A-Z list of societies on our website.
• International Challenges – Students have climbed, trekked and cycled around the world to raise money for charities.
• Jailbreak – you have 30 hours to get as far away from Manchester as possible with no money – where will you end up?
• Great Manchester Run – Run with the purple wave with over 2,000 University of Manchester staff, students and alumni. Student Action run a huge number of student-led, weekly volunteering projects and one-off events helping people in the local community. Access All Areas are a collection of education projects run by students which aim to improve access to and widening participation in education.
Sport
MMG
Whether you’ve never exercised in your life or you’re aiming to be the next Seren Bundy-Davis, there are sport opportunities for everyone at The University of Manchester.
Your Students’ Union has three popular and national reputable Student Media outlets:
Join a sports club or society, use dedicated spaces in the Students’ Union building to practice dance, yoga and more, or take advantage of the state-of-the-art sport facilities on campus and around the city. sport.manchester.ac.uk
The Mancunion - Student Newspaper Fuse FM - Student Radio Station Fuse TV - Student Film and TV If you want to get into the media industry or just want to be creative and meet new people, MMG is the perfect opportunity to develop skills, have fun and attend some mint events.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS THE ‘MAN’ TO YOUR ‘CHESTER’, DO MORE AND FIND OUT MORE ON OUR WEBSITE MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM
Jobshop
Skills
Find a part-time job with our Jobshop and earn as you learn. That way, you’ll be sorted when your student loan eventually runs out. Browse part-time jobs all around the city and on campus, including roles at the Students’ Union. We’re a living wage employer, we’re flexible around your timetable, and we give all our employees FREE Manchester Academy guest list tickets. No idea what Manchester Academy is? Keep reading.
University isn’t all about getting a degree. It’s about gaining the necessary skills and experience for the world of work. Throughout your university journey, you’ll be invited to many skill-building workshops and talks with industry leaders (the University’s very own BRIAN COX included). Your Students’ Union also hosts workshops and conferences throughout the academic year, including the Student Leaders Conference and online training.
THE THING ABOUT MANCHESTER IS… IT ALL COMES FROM HERE
Noel Gallagher
Stellify
Advice
Ah, Stellify. You’ll hear a lot about Stellify whilst you’re studying at The University of Manchester. Stellify enables you to be more with a select package of activities containing some of Manchester’s most exciting and transformative student experiences – and the chance to earn a prestigious University award to put on your CV!
If you need advice at any time during your stay in Manchester, whether it’s academic, housing, finance, or wellbeing related, our free and confidential Advice service are here to help.
Stellify activities include the Stellify Award, Ethical Grand Challenges, student volunteering and optional course units from the University College of Interdisciplinary Learning.
All you need to do is call 0161 275 2952, email advice.su@manchester.ac.uk or drop into the Students’ Union on Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm. One of our expert and friendly advisors will be able to listen to you and help support you.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS THE ‘MAN’ TO YOUR ‘CHESTER’, BE MORE AND FIND OUT MORE ON OUR WEBSITE MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM
Campaigning
Democracy
The campaigning arm of the Students’ Union can help you make change around campus and further afield. We can help you participate in national campaigns surrounding issues that affect students now or in the future.
“What is Senate?” you ask. Essentially, Senate makes decisions about what the Students' Union should believe and take action on.
• Reclaim The Night: Join over 2,000 people as we Reclaim The Night and march against sexual violence, street harassment and rape culture every year. • Manchester Students Ending Homelessness: Create positive change in our city and actively campaign to improve the lives of those affected by homelessness. • L GBTQ Society: This campaigning society aims to provide a welcoming and safe place for people who identify under the LGBTQ banner.
It’s the democratic body of the Students’ Union; it’s responsible for representing students, helping determine the policies of the Students’ Union and holding democratically elected representatives to account. Policies that have been passed at Senate range from getting rid of plastic straws to implementing bursaries for refugees, proving that saying more can be worthwhile. It’s not just Students’ Union decision-making you can get involved in, you can influence change in all areas of university life. Stand for election to become a student rep, halls committee member, volunteering and fundraising committee member, or part-time Senate officer. It’s a great opportunity to develop skills, gain invaluable experience, and make new friends. There’s also the all-important Exec Elections that take place every year… but more on that on the page 21.
Education
Insight
We believe that all students should be able to shape their education including how and what you learn and, work with the University to help you succeed. We run a series of schemes to ensure the student voice is heard by the University:
As you know by now, we want to help students do more, be more, and say more through the Students’ Union and university life. We aim to constantly improve, day by day, year by year, to give students the best possible experience, but we need your feedback to help make that happen.
• S tudent Reps are elected on every course to work closely with academic and support staff to react to feedback and make change at a local level. • Faculty Officers are elected to work with senior academics, and some of our faculties are bigger than most universities.
Make sure your voice is represented by joining Insightful Students, a new community of students who want to take part in research projects including surveys, focus groups and creative workshops. There are some brilliant rewards and prizes for taking part!
• T he Exec Team sit on senior university committees to ensure the student academic interest is embedded in the highest level at The University of Manchester.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS THE ‘MAN’ TO YOUR ‘CHESTER’, SAY MORE AND FIND OUT MORE ON OUR WEBSITE MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM
HELLO, IT’S ME… I WAS WONDERING IF AFTER THIS SUMMER YOU’D LIKE TO MEET… TO GO OVER ALL YOUR NEEDS… THE EXEC TEAM ARE HERE TO HELP YA… SO TELL US HOW YOU’RE FEELING We’re your 2018/19 Exec Team! We’re 8 full-time student Exec Officers elected by you, the students at The University of Manchester, every year to represent your views and make change on campus. Whether it’s academic support, running events or campaigning, you can find us working hard in the Students’ Union (or rushing around campus) all year round. Get to know us and we’ll be your first friendly face on campus!
Fatima Abid General Secretary I aim to implement a life-long learning environment and integrate the North Campus into Uni life by hosting events and workshops. @GENSECMCR
Sara Heddi Women’s Officer
Sara Khan Liberation and Access Officer
Lizzy Haughton Activities and Development Officer
I will campaign for increased support for victims of sexual harassment, better resources for women-led societies and a bigger and louder Reclaim The Night.
I aim to improve and diversify the counselling service, as well as making help more available and accessible to students struggling with their mental health.
I will organise and support events, provide monthly workshops for societies and improve the Students’ Union nightlife.
@WOMENSMCR
@LIBERATIONMCR
@ACTIVITIESMCR
Olivia Meisl Education Officer
Deej Malik-Johnson Welfare Officer
Shamima Khonat Community, Campaigns and Citizenship Officer
I aim to improve the opportunities for students to have their voices heard to enact change within academic life.
As your Welfare Officer I will not rest until you know that you can access the support you need to study hard, love life and sleep well.
I aim to prevent landlord exploitation and campaign for more commuter cost funds and subsidised travel costs.
@EDUCATIONMCR
@WELFAREMCR
@COMMUNITYMCRSU
Any University of Manchester student can stand to be a paid Exec Officer (yes, we did say paid). When you’re in your first or second year, you can take a year out of studying to undertake the role. When you’re in your final year, the Exec Officer role can be your first job after graduating! manchesterstudentsunion.com/execelections
Riddi Viswanathan International Officer I pledge to create paid internship schemes for international students and introduce work experience schemes. @INTOFFICERMCR
STAND FOR ELECTION IN JANUARY 2019
Nevermind ‘welcome to Manchester’, welcome to the UK! We can’t wait to meet you and spend the year making memories to last a lifetime. Here are some important tips just for international students.
Orientation
International Society
Orientation begins on Friday 15th September with presentations, workshops and other events for you to attend. This week will introduce you to The University of Manchester and prepare you for studying in the UK. Some events are compulsory, so be sure to check!
There are over 13,000 international students at the University of Manchester so you’re not alone. Opposite the Students’ Union is the ‘International Society’ building (it has a red door) which provides a warm and welcoming place for international students, British students and members of the local community to come together and make new friends from all over the world. There are year-round events, classes, activities and community projects here so don’t miss out! Internationalsociety.org.uk
International Officer
Things You’re Likely to Forget
Remember your International Officer at the Students’ Union from page 21? Riddi Viswanathan represents 13,000 international students and is here to look after you during the 2018/19 academic year, starting with orientation and Welcome Week.
Travel adaptors. You will need an adaptor for everything you need to plug in, including all-important mobile phone and laptop chargers. Umbrella. It rains in Manchester, not as much as people think, but more than most places! An umbrella is a must-have. Items that remind you of home. You’ll be so busy packing the essentials that you might miss the nicer things. Family photos, your favourite fragrance or blanket… you won’t regret bringing them.
SOME ARE BORN HERE, SOME ARE DRAWN HERE BUT WE CALL IT HOME MCFC
Always remember, the Students’ Union is for postgrads too, not just undergrads. You’re a postgraduate, not a past-it-graduate, so while your hours might be longer and the pressure a little bit higher, we’re here to help you get the most out of your studies.
Welcome Week
Get Involved
You might be thinking… “Welcome Week? I’ve been there and done that”. Think again! The Students’ Union hosts exclusive events just for postgraduate students throughout Welcome Week, including everyone’s favourite ‘Postgrad Pizza’. Our full event line-up will be announced on Monday 20th August at manchesterstudentsunion.com/welcome
Throughout the academic year, there is plenty for postgraduates to get involved with on campus other than just studying. Attend events from conferences to quizzes to trips and tours to Plant & Hope (free plants for postgrads) where you can try something new and meet new people. If you want to change and improve something about postgraduate life, Postgraduate Officers at Senate are a great way to get your voice heard.
TOP TIP: Study spaces on campus can get a little crowded at times. Here are some alternative study spaces you can use: John Rylands Library / Lenegan Library / Martin Harris Centre
Only University of Manchester students can say that Eminem, Adele, Prince, Oasis and Ed Sheeran have performed on their campus.
Manchester Academy is the home to 4 independent live music venues right in the heart of your University campus. Our venues have become an established and well-loved staple in Manchester’s rich music history and we pride ourselves on giving a stage to up and coming artists such as Dave, Sigrid, Dua Lipa and Alma. We’ve got some great gigs lined up for Autumn and Winter so follow us on social media to be the first to hear show announcements: @MancAcademy @manchesteracademy @manchesteracademy
Photos: Matt Eachus
manchesteracademy.net
MANCHESTER MEDIA GROUP MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2
ADVICE SERVICE
You’ll quickly learn that microwaves are the most sought after thing on campus. Aren’t you lucky that your Students’ Union have four just for you?
LEADERS LOUNGE & MICROWAVES
HOME OF THE EXEC OFFICERS
FAITH & SAFE SPACE MANCHESTER ACADEMY 3
Available for use by societies.
MULTI-FUNCTION ROOMS
THEATRE & LOUNGE
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE MONEY YOU SPEND AT THE UNION GOES BACK INTO OUR SERVICES?
CLUB ACADEMY
Available for use by societies.
DANCE STUDIO
HELPDESK
Amazon Prime, Tinder, Spotify, Pot Noodle, Boohoo and more pay us several visits every year to give students fun and freebies.
EVENT SPACE
Escape from the hustle and bustle of student life into peace and tranquillity at our not-so-secret café… shhh!
SECRET CAFÉ
Warm up with a hot drink from Starbucks, wrap up with a Burrito and catch up with friends.
BIKO STREET
Brunch, lunch, dinner and late night snacks. Live sports, live music and live streams. Beers, wine and cocktails. Inside and outside.
UNION BAR
Meal deals cheaper than Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s!
UNION SHOP
/MANCHESTERSU @MANCHESTERSU @MANCHESTER_SU MANCHESTERSTUDENTSUNION.COM
WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY HERE
Tony Wilson