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Freshers Week at the Union

When you first arrive at university, it can be a bit daunting which is why students' unions organise lots of events to help new students settle in. The union is often the first point of call for students when they arrive at university. It's run by students for students and it's there to represent students at the university and also to provide services and advice.

During the first week or so, there'll be lots going on in the students' union. There are often karaoke nights, quizzes and club nights. And many unions hold a Freshers Ball - although these aren't always as glamorous as that sounds, they are a good way to meet people and have a good night out at a safe venue.

Almost all unions at universities organise a Freshers Fair during Freshers Week. It's usually held in the union and has lots of stalls for you to wander round. Most of the clubs and societies will have a stall so you can talk to them about what they do and sign up to join them. The clubs and societies on offer vary from place to place but there's usually a wide range including sports, drama, politics and debating. There's often an International Society for international students who want to meet other international students and they'll often organise trips to other places in the UK. You might also find that your course has a club or society for students studying on that course. There'll also be stalls from commercial companies who offer services to students including banks, travel agents, mobile phone companies, taxi services and recruitment companies. Lots of them hand out freebies - so you can leave the Fair laden down with bags of goodies!

In addition to the Freshers Fair, your union may also have a poster fair where you can get posters to brighten up your room and a job fair in case you need part time work.

As well as all the organised activities, the union is also a good place to meet friends and relax. There's often a bar and coffee shop with cheap drinks and food. You'll also find that there may be a secondhand bookshop so that you don't have to buy all your books at full price. Many unions also have a welfare office where you can go if you need advice or help.

If your union is a member of the National Union of Students, then you can also collect your NUS Card during Freshers Week. This Card shows that you're part of the National Union of Students and also gets you student discounts at shops, cinemas, restaurants and leisure centres around the UK.

And after the mayhem of Freshers Week is over, your students' union will still be there for you. Throughout the year, it will provide entertainment, a place to meet and welfare services for students. Your union will also be running campaigns on students' rights - this might include campaigning on improving funding for students or working for improvements in student housing. Union representatives also often sit on the board of governors of the college or university, help student course representatives and support students in academic appeals. The unions are run by elected student officers so if you want to help run your union, you can stand for election.

If you don't fancy standing for election, there are lots of other ways you can get involved - whether it's helping with student radio or newspaper, joining a club or society, helping to organise union charity events or getting involved in union campaigns.

Almost all students' unions are members of the National Union of Students which is the umbrella organisation for students' unions across the UK. Each year NUS campaigns nationally for on issues that affect students, you can also get involved in these campaigns through your students' union. NUS also provide the student officers in your union with training and advice to help them to provide a good service to students.

If you're going to university, then make sure you call into your students' union when you get there - it will make Freshers Week a lot of fun and it'll also help you out if you get into any difficulties.

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Freshers Week at the Union

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