BROUGHT TO YOU BY YSJ SU
DON’T SURVIVE... THRIVE
FRESHERS’ THRIVAL GUIDE
Special thanks to Fusion UK (http://www.fusion. uk.com/) for allowing us to use elements of their ‘Student Alphabet’ publication to inform this booklet.
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CONTENTS Welcome & Introduction from your SU President
pg 4-5
A (From Arrival To Archie’s Day) B (From Banking To Budgeting) C (From Careers To Clubs) D (From Deadlines To Drugs) E (From Entertainment To Exploration) F (From Facebook To Friendships) G (The Gym!) H (From Halls of Residence To Homesickness) I (Insurance!) J (Jobs!) K (Keep Up!) L (From Landlords To Loneliness) M (Marks) N (NUS Extra) O (Orange Juice) P (Programme Reps) Q (Quitting) R (From Reading Lists To Referencing) S (From Sabbaticals To SW5) T (From Time To Twitter) U (Your Union!) V (Our Values) W (From Washing to Work Experience ) X (xXxXxXx) Y (The Year Ahead) Z (ZZZ)
pg 7-8 pg 8-10 pg 9 pg 12-14 pg 14 pg 15 & 18 pg 18 pg 19-20
Useful Contacts
pg 39
pg 20 pg 21 pg 21 pg 22-23 pg 23 pg 24 pg 24 pg 25 pg 28 pg 28 pg 29-31 pg 31 & 35 pg 35 pg 36 pg 36-37 pg 37 pg 38 pg 38
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Big Welcome & Introduction Laurie - SU President Hello, students of York St John! My name is Laurie Illingworth and I am the President of York St John Students’ Union. On behalf of myself, Izzy Tooke (Vice President of Education) and Katie Irving (Vice President of Welfare and Diversity), Welcome to York St John University! We are your representatives for the next year and we are here to ensure that you have the best possible time whilst you are living and studying in York! Whether you’ve joined a sport or a society, whether you need some guidance involving academic affairs or if you want to get involved with volunteering within the community, we are here for you! We want everyone to truly make the most of their university experience, so let’s roll our sleeves up, get stuck in and have a brilliant year!
Izzy Tooke - VP Education
Katie Irving - VP Welfare & Diversity
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Arrival
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Well done – you’ve made it! Arriving at university for the first time can be one of the most exciting or nerve-racking experiences you’ve had so far. It is normally both. But don’t worry, help is close at hand. YSJSU, with the connections and resources we provide, will give you lots of confidence for the time ahead. Read on. It’s worth remembering that on your first day, everyone is in the same boat. So relax, be yourself and get involved!
Alcohol Now this is a big one. Much of university social culture, especially during Fresher’s is based on alcohol. People use it to remedy their nerves and to loosen their inhibitions, especially when starting university. Why? Because they feel it makes them that little bit more confident, that little bit more adventurous, and perhaps that little bit funnier. 6
Whilst we have nothing against drinking here at YSJ SU, there are some things to remember to make sure you have the best time, remain safe, and remember it the next day: Plan Safe: • Pack your things - Make sure you’ve got what you need: charged phone, money, keys, safety alarm, condom and identification. • Eating isn’t cheating - Eating a meal before you go out is very important and snacks between drinks can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol, helping you stay in control. • Store useful numbers - Make sure you have taxi phone numbers in your phone (or details of the nearest taxi rank). It may be useful to save an “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) number in your phone so friends know who to contact in an emergency. Drink Safe: • Alternate your drinks - Switch between alcoholic beverages and soft drinks such as non-alcoholic mocktails or water. • Never leave your drink - Always keep your drink with you and if you have to part ways with it, make sure it’s in the hands of a trustworthy friend. • Think about your health - Alcoholic beverages contain a lot of calories and sugar! Did you know that a glass of wine can have the same calories as four cookies? Home Safe: • Time to call a taxi! With the ‘Lone Person Policy’, tell Streamline if you’re alone and they will put you to the top of the list. Our Pay Safe, Stay Safe scheme with Streamline Taxis means you just need to show your student card and you can pay the next day at their office in town! • Travel together - Form walking buses, arrange to meet up with friends and walk
home together to stay safe. • Remember together - Reminisce about the great night out you’ve just had with your friends. Don’t leave your friends behind: If someone has disappeared don’t assume they’ve gone home already, find out for sure. • If you see anything suspicious - Call 101 to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Archie’s Day On the final night of the Christmas term, after the college first opened in 1841, the Archbishop of York had a barrel of Ale donated to the Students to celebrate. Ever since, every time an Archbishop has visited the students, a barrel has been donated. We celebrate the tradition three days a year, at the end of each term, with a day of drinks offers, fun and celebrations! Friday 9th December Friday 31st March Sunday 21st May
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Banking Banks will be waiting to lure you into their student accounts offering you attractive bonuses for joining their bank. Before you allow yourself to be lured into using a certain bank because of the student railcard they offer, or the attractive cash back promise, look into the small print. This may seem boring and tedious but you will save yourself being caught out later on. Here are some practical hints and tips: • Look for a student account. These often offer free overdrafts and a bonus for signing up. • Don’t be fickle, one bank might offer a more attractive bonus, but their scheme may not be as suitable for your needs. • Read about the ethical policy of the bank. Whilst the words ethical and banking don’t always fit together, some banks are at least trying. • Look for an interest free overdraft, and think about the amount you may need. Will you be working to support yourself? Will your parents be supporting you? • Look at the graduate schemes they run. If you have an overdraft, some banks start charging interest as soon as you’ve graduated, whereas others allow you a larger interest free overdraft for a couple of years, to give you time to get onto your feet, and pay it back without interest. • Avoid credit cards; you don’t need that kind of additional debt. • When opening the account, don’t immediately increase your overdraft to the maximum amount. Think about how you can be a good steward with money, and remember that the overdraft is not your money! Everything you spend from a loan or overdraft will need to be paid back. Think about making yourself accountable to someone in the area of finances.
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Bills Yes, bills, those dreaded things nobody really wants to take responsibility for and those things which often end up unopened in a pile by the door or in a drawer. We urge you to open bills as soon as they arrive. This may be your phone bill or a utility bill if you are living in a house. Sort them out and pay them as soon as possible so they don’t become niggling thoughts in the back of your mind. If you are living in a house, or looking to live in a house, have a think and a chat with your housemates about whether you want a house in which bills are included or not. You will certainly come to realise why you are told to turn lights off at home or turn the heating off when it’s not needed. Take into account how many people are living in your house. You could even be strategic and ask the previous occupants how much their average bill comes to. If you are living in a house in which the bills are included, don’t feel that this allows you to go ‘all out’ and leave the heating on all day. Be respectful to the fact that someone is footing the bill at the end of the month and you can be doing your bit for the environment.
Budgeting Budgeting is something we often plan to do, but never actually get round to it. University can be a great time where we can learn a lot about money. Some of us will feel the worry of reaching the end of a large overdraft, whereas others might be helped out by their parents. Either way, budgeting is a necessary skill to learn and a good discipline to adopt. Don’t wait until you find your debit card is rejected before you decide that it would indeed be a good idea to keep on top of things financially. One piece of common sense is to always be aware of your bank balance. Ignorance is 8
not always bliss. Draw up an excel spread sheet; label it ‘budgeting’ and get to work. Think about what goes in and out each month and whether you have any direct debits to pay each month. Then think about what you have been spending so far. We recommend that you do this as soon as you can, rather than leaving it until the end of a year or term. Many students find it helpful to open a second bank account and transfer only the amount from their loan that they are going to need for that month. That way the larger bank balance at the start of the year doesn’t tempt them into over spending early on. It helps to keep finances in perspective. Here are some practical tips for you to think about: • Regarding overdrafts: do not just extend it to the largest possible amount. Everything you spend will need paying back at some point. • Try taking your weekly budget out in physical cash. It will help you keep in mind how much you have left and avoid overspending. • Keep receipts so you know what and when you have spent. It will also help overcome any confusion when you get your bank statement. • Always open your financial post. Never let a pile of unopened post accumulate. Shops and banks do make mistakes, and we need to keep an eye on our statements for safety, especially in case of card fraud. • Think before you buy. Ask yourself ‘do I really need it?’ This simple question can save expensive impulse spending. • Take advantage of the discounts that your NUS cards allow, and always ask for a student discount! • When shopping for essentials ensure you are always getting the best deal. Just because its buy one get one half price, doesn’t mean you need two of everything!
Careers
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have been approved by your sabbs for both their welfare policies and entertainment packages. Keep your eye on our social media pages, and for flyers in and around the SU to find out more. Our Official nights are: Monday – Kuda Mondays http://www.kudaclub.com/york/ Wednesday – Frathouse at Fibbers
http://www.fibbers.co.uk/
Friday – Koh Samui at Salvation http://www.clubsalvation.co.uk/
Although you might think its ages away, you can start to research career options, volunteering and work placement opportunities early on – you can find them all during your time at university if you have or can make time. Don’t leave it until you graduate. Our careers department is a great place to start. Contact:
[email protected].
Clubs Big clubs, little clubs, seedy stick-to-the-floor clubs. You might be a ‘dancer’, you might be a ‘stand-and-chatter’, or you may indeed be an ‘I’d-rather-be-watching-a-DVDer’. Either way, like them or loathe them, nightclubs tend to play a large part in the socialising of students. We have three official club nights, which are exclusive to York St John students, which
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Deadlines
There are probably four types of people when it comes to deadlines.
Type one – Hand in a Week Earlier:
You know all the deadlines before you have even started the module; you attend every lecture, pre-printed lecture notes in hand and a variety of different highlighters available. You do the extra reading and are well acquainted with the library. Whilst everyone else is feeling the stress you are kicking back with a nice cup of tea, as cool as a cucumber before reaching for the textbook for the next piece. - Most likely to: get a first
Type two – Deadline Dodger:
You sweat at the thought of impending deadlines, your stress levels sky rocket and every little thing becomes a procrastination technique. Suddenly hoovering your 12
room seems a very attractive prospect, and it seems vital that your CDs are in alphabetical order. You are first to apply for an extension when let’s face it, you could have done the work and left your room alone. - Most likely to: become popular with the housemates by making copious amounts of tea, why? Because every moment is a tea break moment.
Type three – Deadline, What Deadline?: You are living life in an ignorance which seems like bliss until you are wondering why people are frantically rushing around you. Your world is bought swiftly back down to earth when you hear the sentence ‘Oh! Didn’t you know our coursework is due in tomorrow!?’ You then spend the next 24 hours draped over a text-book you didn’t even know existed. - Most likely to: do a disappearing act, and emerge a day later with huge under-eye bags and a piece of coursework.
Type four – Pressure Goes On, Work Gets Done:
You are fully aware of deadlines, you know they exist and when they are. You even know exactly what you have to do for them. However, you do little about it until the last moment when you are seen down the local shop buying a six-pack of red bull and a bumper box of pro-plus. You get the work done, yes, but to the best of your ability? Well that is debatable. - Most likely to: have a caffeine twitch!
Debt For many students it is inevitable that you will leave university with a significant amount of debt to your name. With tuition fees increasing it may feel overwhelming but don’t panic. You don’t have to start paying back the loan until you graduate and are earning more than £21,000 and it isn’t going to be with you forever. The debt is cancelled if you haven’t paid it back after too long. However, the loans are not free, they accumulate interest and if it takes 25 years to pay off, you could end up paying back over £80,000 in total. If you’re going to spend that much money, you might as well make the most of your time at uni! Most people end up with student loans but whatever your financial situation, there are a number of things you can do to make good decisions with the money you have. Ask yourself these questions: • Who do you owe money to at the moment? Can you make a plan to pay them back without it dragging on for too long? • Are there any excesses in your life? • Do you need an interest free overdraft on your student account? They are offered but they have to be paid back one day. You do have the option to take the account but ask for the overdraft facility to be removed, or at least reduced. • Think twice about signing up to long mobile phone contracts. Could you get a sim-only deal? • Can you get a part time job whilst at university to avoid getting into too much debt?
including the Student Funding Advice Team, who can be found in Holgate or by emailing
[email protected]
Discounts Student discounts are often 10-20% and can make a big difference to your final costs. Ask shops, restaurants and services at the till and they might offer you a discount, even if it’s not advertised! Also note that some shops will need to see your student card and or an NUS card.
Drugs Here’s the York St John rule of thumb… Don’t do drugs! University can be a big time for exploring many different things as there is such a new variety of backgrounds entering into one culture and a new freedom away from home may find that some of your friends are new to the alcohol scene and haven’t done much clubbing, whereas others will be old hats! Still others might be more interested in getting acquainted with the drug scene. Keep your eyes open and educate yourself on the effects of drug use and reasons for addiction. Many people try drugs at university but do not get addicted, where as some people will begin addictions, which they take on in to later life.
Above all, don’t be anxious about your finances. If you feel like you’re in trouble, speak to someone about it quickly. There is plenty of assistance available to help people get their finances back on track, 13
E Entertainment From the day that you arrive there will be loads of different activities going on! From the Fresher’s Fair to nights out, first lectures to food fairs. So to make sure that you don’t miss a thing, keep an eye on our twitter (@YSJSU) and Facebook (/ysjsu), as well as the What’s On feeds and website to be kept in the loop of all things entertainment.
Explore You have just moved into one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, full of history with treats around every corner. You should spend some time exploring; getting your bearings, finding out what York has to offer you as well as locating all the essentials you are going to need! Why not grab some of your new found friends and check out the Minster, the 14
Castle Museum, the Railway Museum, the Gardens, a Ghost Walk, the Shambles, Clifford’s Tower, walk along the river, see a movie or go bowling, head round the Chocolate story or visit the dungeons (maybe not all on one day!) Info on all of the above and more can be found on the Visit York website at http:// www.visityork.org/
Also, you should be our friend!
Facebook
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Facebook has changed the world. It records, if you let it, every moment, every thought and every action and with all the pictures to prove it. It keeps us connected, in the loop and up to speed. However, be aware! It may also change your future. The photos you hoped would be restricted to the relatively carefree culture of university are now being viewed by potential employers. Those comments and opinions that seemed a good idea at the time have long since been forgotten, but not deleted. Facebook users need both wisdom and self-control. Here are our top 3 Facebook tips: 1. Think before you post 2. Don’t say on Facebook the things that need to be said face to face 3. Do limit the amount of time you spend on Facebook or other social media sites
/ysjsu /ysjsuwhatson
Fancy Dress Fancy dress is a theme which runs throughout your university life. Fancy dress is popular as it is a good chance to get people together; it creates unity and is generally proven to be a great laugh. We recommend checking out Festival of Fun out on Goodramgate, or charity shops to keep the cost down but the enjoyment high!
Food Allow us to give you a quick where, what and how to student food shopping! Where? Unless you have some kind of strange connection with a particular supermarket, there is no reason to shop exclusively at one store. Shop around and find the best deals. Try local butchers, fruit & veg stores and even the markets, as well as the old art of cheeky haggling to see what you can get. Finally, when in a supermarket, make close friends with the section labelled ‘reduced’. Good food, which can be easily frozen, going cheap, why wouldn’t you?! What? You may well find your diet becomes dull because it’s regulated by habit, buying the same thing week in week out. Buy in season; change it up, experiment and by what you need. As much as you don’t want to turn just yet into your grandma, make a list! Supermarkets want to entice you with every single deal, on every single product you didn’t come in for! 15
How? We get it. You pick up a product with the name ‘value’ or ‘basic’, and it may as well say ‘nasty’ or ‘cheapskate’, but we encourage you to give them a whirl, and if you can’t tell a difference, buy again! Try shopping and cooking in two’s or three’s to save money, or cook a portion for two and have it for lunch tomorrow. More than anything, cook! Nothing burns through a student loan quicker than a daily visit to the takeaway!
Fresher’s Week There’s so much we could say about fresher’s week but it’s going to be your experience. So whether you’re scared or excited, remember it only lasts a week or two! Don’t panic but be yourself, get involved with things and know your choices and limits beforehand. Be really friendly and try to eat and rest properly as much as possible!
Friendships University is a rather unique life stage in which you encounter more people in a close social setting than you will do at any other time. Enjoy making friends with a wide variety of people and you will probably learn a lot about them in a short space of time. But don’t be surprised if your friendship groups evolve and change as you get to know one another more. As time moves on, and life kicks in, people are forced to drop this tiring strategy and become more of themselves. You may find you like certain people that you weren’t initially drawn to or vice versa. Make a decision to go into university being who you are!
Gym
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You may be a gym buff or you may think that running machines are just a lazy way of walking your dog. Either way, let’s talk fitness for a moment… As well as the obvious reasons, such as staying healthy and controlling your weight, its proven that regular exercise reduces stress, improves self-confidence, alleviates anxiety, boosts your brainpower, sharpens your memory, increases relaxation and taps into creativity, all of which will help you in your university life. Consider joining a gym, especially our own YSJ Active gym, joining a sports team or take up jogging, but most importantly find something you enjoy and do it with people you love to hang with! Contact:
[email protected]
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Halls of Residence
Catered, self-catered, off campus, on campus. Chances are whatever hall you are in, it will become a social hub from which friendships are formed and you learn more about people than you knew possible. You see people in their waking moments through tantrums and laughs, dressed down and dressed up to the max. You are put in a hall, a corridor or a flat with a random mix of people and asked to live life with them for a year! Brilliant! For some this may excite, whereas others will be wishing their UCAS had not been sent at all. But, we challenge you to make the most of your next three or four years. You have a chance to make friends from all over the world, a chance to get to know people better than ever, and most of all a chance to influence and help
Coming to University is an exciting time, but can also be very tiring. Long days, bad diets and questionable habits can often lead to run down immune systems, and even the dreaded Fresher’s Flu! So, as soon as you can, register with a doctor! It doesn’t take long, it isn’t an endless form, just a quick two minutes that could save you a lot of time later. Your four closest centres are: YSJ Onsite Health Centre York St John University (YO31 7EX) 01904 724775 Monkgate Doctors Surgery 35 Monkgate (YO31 7PB) 01904 206862 Acomb Surgery 199 Acomb Road (YO24 4HD) 01904 342999 Woodthorpe Surgery 40 Moorcroft Surgery (YO24 2RQ) 01904 706881 Once you have registered at one, you can access any of the four. Also, here at YSJ we encourage all our students to het the new MenACWY Vaccine. Fresher’s will be able to do this in the first few weeks, at both the Health Centre and nurse led sessions in Holgate.
Healthcare 19
Homesickness Feelings of homesickness are really common during the first few weeks and occasionally months at university. In most cases the feelings pass fairly quickly, so it is important you don’t make hasty decisions to leave because of your feelings. Phone home when you need to, but also look locally for relationships that will help you. You may miss your family and desire to go home at every opportunity. On the other hand you may love university so much that you barely give home a fleeting thought. Either way, it is important that you maintain a relationship with your parents and siblings. Make it a habit to speak once a week at least. Don’t forget that even though your life has changed drastically, it is most likely that there will be a you-shaped hole back at home. Also, you could come and chat to us in the Students’ Union, one of our great Sabb team or the Wellbeing Team in Holgate.
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Insurance
It is worth considering insuring your laptop, phone, gadgets or equipment when you leave home. Some insurance is included in student deals with banks or houses and some insurance companies might offer a good student deal. Do think about it and perhaps discuss it with your parents, you might already be covered! As part of the Students’ Unions agreement with the University, every student in halls has their contents covered by Endsleigh. Endsleigh is the number 1 student gadget insurance provider and is recommended by NUS, because they do all they can to understand student needs and university life. You will find all the info and forms for your cover on our website.
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Ensure that your employer is aware of this. Don’t forget that your university will have a careers advice centre, and people available to help you with sorting out your finances and work. There are many jobs for students available on campus and in shops.
Jobs
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For some, your loan is a nice handy bit of pocket money, but for most it has to stretch a long way! If you need your loan to pay for accommodation and fees, you may find that you need a part-time job to make up the deficit. According to the NUS, 70% of students work part-time whilst studying. If you need a job, take these things into consideration:
• How much do you need to / would you like to earn? • How much time do you have available to work? Consider that you will need to use some of your free time to do coursework and revision, don’t sabotage your degree for cash!. • Will you be able to commit to a job over semester holidays? • Will your employer mind you going home over holidays? • How many hours would you want to work?
Keep going! All play and no work is going to result in some nervous all nighters! Once the madness of Fresher’s Week is over, you are going to want to jump head first into your lectures and keep up with your work to ensure you have a balanced and enjoyable time here at YSJ. And remember, we all have ups and downs! Make sure you access some of the great help available to you!
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SUPERDRY IN STORE & THROUGH UNIDAYS 26/09/16 TO 06/10/16
Take a picture at the selfie wall in any Superdry store and upload to instagram with: #SDHouseParty & your official uni name.
Uni with the most entrants wins. And you automatically enter the draw to win tickets to the party.
VALID STUDENT ID REQUIRED FOR DISCOUNT
*Excludes concessions and franchise. See participating stores and terms & conditions at www.Superdry.com/terms-and-conditions
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Landlords
Up until now, the only landlord you have possibly known is your parents and they have probably protected you from the responsibility of running a house. Student landlords are a mixed bag and can range from the unscrupulous to the very helpful. Before signing a contract it is essential to read it carefully and to show it to your parents. Sometimes the smaller independent landlords give a much better service and will have lower rentals than landlords letting through estate or letting agents. Make sure you look around and ask questions!
Lectures It’s what you’re there for right? The variety in timetables is amazing, compare yours with someone else and you will see that some people have two lectures a week, and some have twenty-five. However, those with 22
less lectures will find a higher importance placed on ‘extra reading’ and will require more self-motivation. University lectures and seminars should be a priority, especially as some work out to be over £100 a go!
Library Go to the library, even within your first week! Familiarise yourself with the section of books, journals and resources for your specific course and modules. Find out how the online system works and ask for help if you need it. There is often loads of extra services offered by the library too – workshops, tutorials, extra study help and careers advice. Getting into the habit of using the library and going there for a few hours once or twice a week is not too bad for the first year, but you’ll be there a lot more later on in your degree! Also, find out who your Academic Liaison Librarian to help with specific questions! Contact:
[email protected]
Locks Some safety advice is to always make sure you lock windows and doors. It sounds obvious but if you’re all going on a night out make sure the last person to leave knows to lock up! Or if you’re having BBQs in the summer and you need to stock up on ketchup, remember to lock up – even if you’re just nipping next door! Often in halls of residence, the doors are fire doors and will shut automatically. If you’re leaving your room to chat to a friend, remember your keys! Lastly, if you’ve got a bike at university, invest in a good lock for it!
Loneliness
Marks
University is often described as the place you’ll meet your best friends for life – and for lots of people that’s true, but in the first few weeks when everything’s turned upside down its easy to feel lonely in a crowd of people. If this is what you know, first of all, you’re not on your own – this is really normal! Clubs and Societies are a great way to meet people with similar interests to you. Don’t be scared of making the first move – asking for a coffee or inviting someone round to watch a movie. People often find that there are a lot more people around them struggling with loneliness than they first expected!
Your first few terms at university are ones the lecturers use to get students up to speed and sometimes they do use shock tactics. Lecturers are fully aware that students will take a bit of time to learn what is expected of them in regards to coursework and assignments. Give yourself a bit of grace to begin with and work hard to understand the marking system tutors use. So when you get back a mark you were not expecting, or a grade that has confused you, think about the following: • Did you do your best at this piece of work? • Read the comments made by the marker and take them into account. Often tutors spend a lot of time giving feedback which never gets read. Your tutor knows the subject inside out, and so their feedback should be valuable and reliable.
M
If your mark has confused you and you feel as if you deserved better, do not be afraid to organise a quick meeting with your tutor to go over the mark. You should go away understanding the mark, or in some cases have a revised mark.
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N O
NUS Extra
With hundreds of discounts offered in stores all over York and the web on essential purchases, as well as treats, your NUS Extra card is an essential piece of kit. Most importantly, its free for all freshers in halls. If you have not received, or have misplaced your code, get in touch now and we will email it through. For anyone else, we highly recommend paying £12 either online or in the SU and picking up a card, and start saving now! Head to http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nusextra/ for more info now!
Orange Juice (and other miracle cures...) As hard as you try, you are more than likely going to be nursing a hangover at least once whilst here. Make sure on that morning after, you take care of yourself, drink plenty of water and get fighting fit as soon as possible. Some recommendations help you on your way would be: • Orange Juice (or anything else stacked full of vitamins!) • Eat sensibly! (Toast, a fry up, bananas – whatever you can stomach!) • A long shower (kick start the day by freshening up) • Sleep!
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Programme Reps
The role of our programme reps is to represent their peers opinions and feed them back to the university. They are elected during the first term be their fellow students, and there is at least one per year for every course. The role is highly valued, because of the importance York St John’s places upon its students’ views. Programme reps are given the chance to make changes across the University for the benefit of students and at the end of the year they are rewarded for all their hard work with an awards ceremony.
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Quitting
Reading Lists
We have all had that thought. We have all wanted to give up, repack the suitcase and head back to familiar turf and our parents’ home cooking! Therefore, when the feeling does crop up, don’t feel abnormal for feeling it. Come visit us at the SU, grab one of your new friends and head for a coffee, give someone a call, work through it, and dive straight back into your new student life!
Reading lists vary depending on the course but you’ll break the bank if you try buying them all first-hand. Try finding second hand copies online or buying them from students who don’t need them anymore. If you keep them in fairly good condition, you can sell them onto new freshers next year too! But, if you’re going to risk not buying them and count on the library, make sure you have a look early before everyone else loans them out!
Referencing Your tutors or the library will offer you plenty of advice on referencing so don’t panic! It’s possibly a completely new technique for you but you’ll pick it up soon enough. When you’re writing an essay, it’s a good idea to keep reference notes or write the bibliography as you go; otherwise you might 28
forget where all the best points came from if you leave it to the end!
support you to make changes on your courses, in academic appeals and work with Information & Learning Services to ensure your learning centre is great!
VP Welfare & Diversity - Katie
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Sabbaticals
President - Laurie Our president is involved in both the governance of the Union and the University. Alongside this, he is invloved in working to ensure student engagement through various avenues, including Sports Team & Societies, Senate and Union Committees.
Your Vice President of Welfare & Diversity, is responsible for the health and happiness of your student experience, as well as a sign post to help you overcome any challenges you may face during your time at YSJ.
Safety According to a recent article in the Independent, you have just moved into one of the safest cities in the world! That being said, there are some simple things you can do to stay safe whilst at YSJ: • Lock your windows and doors! • Don’t smoke in your room – it may be tempting in the cold or rain, but it won’t be when your fine comes through! • Keep your valuables out of eyesight • Always remember, Plan Safe, Drink Safe and get Home Safe • Stay safe sexually (see sex section!) • Be carefull near the river, especially on a night out! For more tips, check out www.ysjsu.com/ sos
“I am here for all of your general university needs and always open to hear what you have to say. So enjoy these years that you have ahead”
VP Education - Izzy Our Vice President of Education, works in close collaberation with your Faculty Chairs to lead the Programme Rep system,
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Sex Lets talk about sex baby... (apologies for the shameless Salt N Pepa reference!) Sex is one of those things which is all around, but many are afraid to talk about, other than under the pretense of ‘getting lucky’ or ‘the walk of shame.’ Here at YSJSU, we have a general rule, if your gonna do it, do it safe! We have free condoms available at the SU reception, and highly recommend Yorclinic for any advice (0.2 miles from campus, no appointment needed). Also, make sure as soon as your concerned or have a new sexual partner to go and get yourself checked, there’s no shame in it, better to be safe than sorry! Finally, keep your eye out for our discover yourself & safe sex campaigns around campus!
Sports Teams York St John Students’ Union currently brags 26 different Sport Clubs and 37 BUCS Wednesday Teams. From Mountaineering to Ultimate Frisbee YSJSU offers a broad and diverse range of sports. Sports Clubs are a brilliant way of meeting likeminded individuals, making lasting friendships and creating fantastic memories. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned professional head down to Fresher’s Fair to meet all YSJSU Sport Clubs and sign up for the 2015/16 season. See you on the pitches!
Societies With over 33 societies, you will no doubt find the perfect match for your skills and interests within the diverse offer the Students Union boasts. From historical 30
re-enactments through to a musical production society who produce and annual spectacular of performances and events, there will be something that floats your boat. With prices ranging from £15 annually, this is a very cost effective way to engage fully in student life.
Student Housing Cash back, free summer rent, half summer rent, all inclusive, free TV, free Wii… housing agencies will be using all sorts of tempting tactics to get you to sign their contracts. Here are some pointers for you that should help you when it comes to the housing rush: • Agencies put pressure onto students to sign for a house as early as the Christmas break! You will be told that houses are being signed for quickly and so to get a good house it is important that you sign as soon as possible. This is not exactly correct. There are so many housing agencies even within small towns, which will be able to supply housing even up until the last minute, so choose the right house with the right people! • Don’t always feel pressured to use student-housing agencies. Look a bit further afield and you may find that general agencies and independent landlords provide cheaper lettings. • Think about whether you will need to use accommodation over the summer holiday. Some agencies offer half price summer rent, but occasionally you will find that you cannot actually move into the house over the summer.
SW5 This is for the ever skint, non-committed or ‘not that bothered about organised sport’ student. SW5 offers loads of opportunities to keep active for just £5 per year. Offering everything from a fully organised and refereed Sunday evening 5-a-side league to Cardio Tennis classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information on the programme visit the website. If that doesn’t interest you, there are additional free options to take part in Martial Arts, and for those who are on courses with extended placements there are activities available especially designed for you. For more information on the free offer, contact YSJActive (martin.bond@ yorksj.ac.uk)
Time
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The student world continues to change rapidly and a student’s time is short and limited at university. Tuition fees mean students are understandably prioritising more time for study and many find part-time work. Out of the many clubs and societies students can join, you realistically only have the time to meaningfully integrate into one Student Union club. Add to this the huge options for entertainment, relaxation and the impact of technology, how you choose to spend your time as a student is of huge importance. You have 3-4 years to get a degree, pursue some extra-curricular activities, embrace the responsibilities of adulthood, and hopefully make an impact here at YSJ!
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GOING TO UNI? #LinkupNow using studentlinkup.org
Transport
@ysjsu @ysjsuwhatson
If you are living in halls, you won’t need a car! York is a small city and the roads get congested. We recommend grabbing a bike from one of the great shops in York (maybe even a recycled one - http://re-cycleyork. co.uk/), or simply walking. If you are using public transport, make sure you purchase student tickets, or a student railcard for the train.
Tutors They are not your worst enemy, although you might get on better with some more than others. They want you to get the most out of your university education so do respect them. Also sign up for tutorials with them, they will often tell you when they’re available but it’s up to you to go and get a meeting! They’ll then get to know you better and you’ll be able to get help with your work when you need it.
TV Licence If you own a TV, get one. Simple! If you’re using iPlayer on your laptop, you won’t need a licence to just catch-up on your favourite programs. But if you’re watching something online that is being broadcast live on TV at the same time – then you’ll need a licence.
Union
U
Our Students’ Union is a bit of a social hub. In our union building, you can grab a bite to eat, some student essentials, a cold beer, an NUS Extra card, as well as help and support around all aspects of your student life, so drop in and make sure you say hi!
Twitter Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, social media – it’s everywhere! It can be a great way to connect with a wider community and keep up to date with news and things you’re interested in. However, you can easily spend too much time procrastinating and wasting time rather than studying or seeing friends. Make sure you’re in control of these things and just think before you tweet! Also, you should give us a follow:
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3. Academic Achievement
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4. Professional Development & Employability 5. Welfare, Support & Advice
Volunteering At YSJSU we believe that volunteering is a key activity to making your time here an amazing experience. We offer a wide variety of opportunities from Welcome Helpers through volunteer internships. With our volunteering activities we aim to encourage skills that can help you make friends, develop and encourage a variety of skills that all in all will help your CV. If you’d like any more info please email Harrison the Student Engagement Co-Ordinator at:
[email protected]
Values
So, as a Union, who are we, what do we stand for and how do we operate? Here is a brief outline of our vision, values and strategic plan -
Vision ‘Enabling our students to have an exceptional experience’
Values Inclusive | Representative | Supportive | Engaging | Fun
Strategic Plan (how we do what we do) 1. Being a Member 2. Community & Life Skills 36
W
Washing Suddenly you notice that the pile of unwashed clothes in the corner of your room is beginning to take over. It’s time to do something about it you think…but what?! Your blood pressure rises and you begin to sweat. This has never happened before. Normally you leave it in a pile and lo and behold, it appears 48 hours later, clean and folded. We are joking, of course, although we know a few guys for whom this has been a reality at the start of university. If you are in halls, they all have communal laundry facilities. Buy some washing powder and start saving up your 20ps! Potentially invest in a small clothes horse in case you need to dry your clothes in your room. An iron might come in handy as well, but that might be going too far!
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Work Experience
xXxXx
You’ve probably realised that the holidays are longer when you’re a student. So our advice is to get some work experience – whether paid or voluntary – even if just for a week or two while you’re at home, if you can. You’ll want to start developing your CV with vital skills and experience, because by the time you’re in third year you’re far busier with exams and dissertations. Whether or not your course advises or includes a year in industry, use a holiday or two to get some local work experience.
Texts. An incredible invention saving us time on the phone, and aiding us in our ability to communicate. However, not the best thing ever when drunk. After a drink is not the best time to tell someone you have just met you love them, the person who accidently upset you that you hate them, your ex that you want to kick start the old flame, or your parents about all the crazy stuff you have been getting up to so far… Save the embarrassment, text in the morning!
Contact:
[email protected]
Wellbeing Zone This is a great, free of charge service which you now have access to. All you have to do is head to the reception in Holgate and ask for Welfare to book in! 37
Y Z
The Year Ahead
ZZZ
Freshers week is only the start! You have a whole year of soaking up all that uni and student life has to offer, so make the most of every moment, try something new, work hard, play hard and throw yourself into everything York has to offer!
Your doctor would prescribe 7-9 hours a night! This gives your body time to recuperate and your mind time to shuffle all your thoughts and memories into the right place (think of a big filing cabinet). During sleep, your neurons can shut down and begin to repair any damage done during the day. And for the girls – getting enough sleep allows your tissue and skin to repair the damage that is done daily by UV light. So sleep really can be beauty sleep! If you are awake and alert during the day, then this shows you are getting enough sleep. If you are finding it difficult to get to sleep each night, try the following: • Cut out caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. Caffeine stays in your system for a good few hours.
• Try to only sleep in your bedroom. Do your work somewhere else if you can. This helps you associate your bedroom with sleeping.
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• Avoid alcohol before you sleep. Yes, you do get to sleep faster, but it will prevent you from entering a deep sleep meaning that you wake up un refreshed. • Exercise daily. • Wind down – try writing a journal to get your thoughts out on paper, or relaxing by reading a book.
Useful Contacts York St John Main Reception York St John Finance York St John Wellbeing York St John Student Advice York St John Registry York St John Security York St John Accommodation York St John International Office York St John Chaplaincy York St John Library York St John Learning Support York St John Facilities Helpline
(01904) 624624 (01904) 876870 (01904) 876477 (01904) 876477 (01904) 876923 (01904) 876444 (01904) 876650 (01904) 624624 (01904) 876606 (01904) 876696 (01904) 876540 (01904) 876666
Students’ Union
(01904) 629816
Our Website (Full of useful info!)
www.ysjsu.com 39
STREAMLINE
TAXIS AVAILABLE 24 A DAY OVER 140 CARS AVAILABLE - FROM 4 TO 8 SEATERS, WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AVAILABLE HRS
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After the talk join us all over campus for a big BBQ and games galore, including Table Football, Giant Jenga and much more!
From 5pm we have welcome talks from our three Sabbaticals to officially kick of YSJ Fresher’s Festival!
Walking busses leave campus at 10.30pm!
The first official YSJ club night of the week sees the Big Block Party! For a single entry fee you will get access to Society Bar & Salvation Nightclub!
LATE NIGHT - YSJ OFFICIAL UV PAINT VS FOAM BLOCK PARTY!
After this we carry on the party with a host of live musical acts on the main stage, and Dominos on campus delivering fresh pizza all night!
YSJ Freshers Fest continues with more welcome talks from the Sabbs from 5pm.
EVENING - WELCOME TALKS & SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE
It’s time for the second batch of YSJ Freshers to move in. Again, make sure you grab one of our welcome helpers if you need any help throughout the day and make sure you get settled in and get to know your new flatmates!
It’s time to make your accommodation a home away from home! Grab your keys, get settled in your new pad and stock your fridge! Welcome Helpers and Staff will be dotted all over the halls and campus to help you get moved in.
EVENING - WELCOME TALKS & YSJ FRESHERS FESTIVAL LAUNCH
DAYTIME - SELFIE HUNT & ZORB FOOTBALL
DAYTIME - MOVING IN!
DAYTIME - MOVING IN!
Make sure you don your stripes and search for Wally and his clues. A guest DJ and tempting drinks deals are sure to make for an amazing night!
Get ready for your first official YSJ weekly club night at the Students’ Union and Kuda.
EVENING - KUDA MONDAY LAUNCH WHERE’S WALLY
To top it off, we have Zorb Football in the Sports Hall from 12.30 until 16.30.
Get ready to tweet with our Selfie Hunt across York. Find all the handy locations around town and post to our twitter hashtag #YSJFreshers16 for a chance to win an awesome prize.
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YSJ FRESHERS FESTIVAL 16
The Comedy Club are visiting York St John with three brilliant comedic acts to entertain you from 7.30pm in Temple Hall, as well as the party tent open for drinks. Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment - you can find the link on our Facebook & Website event
EVENING - THE COMEDY CLUB
Head to the sports hall for the busiest day of Freshers Festival: the legendary YSJ Freshers’ Fair.
The infamous FRAT Party at Fibbers starts at the SU with Beer Pong and red cups! Get in the spirit with an American themed outfit and start your night out right!
EVENING - FRATHOUSE WEDNESDAY LAUNCH -
Local & national businesses, volunteering opportunities, the sports & societies and your SU will all be around in the sports hall from 10am-4pm with Freebies galore!
DAYTIME - FRESHERS FAIR
From 12-4pm our sports clubs & societies will be showing off what they do best all over campus. Join in and have a go to see what you want to be part of! There will be a mobile climbing wall on campus for those who can brave the heights.
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DAYTIME - SPORTS & SOCIETIES ROADSHOW
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The SU will host the first Pub Quiz of the year in a traditional English style pub setting. Grab your newly made friends and enter to win a fantastic prize for your team.
EVENING - THE BIG PUB QUIZ!
York is famous for its food and drink festival and YSJ is joining in this year! All around the SU area will be a variety of food and drink stalls with student offers and yummy grub.
DAYTIME - FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
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On top of that our third official YSJ club night hosted by Salvation is getting launched! Grab your glowsticks and get ready for the first Full Moon Party!
LATE NIGHT KOHSAMUI FRIDAY LAUNCH -
Hosted and recorded by Radio YSJ, our open mic night will also have guests judges to pick a winner to perform on the main stage at YorFest!
EVENING - YSJSU UNPLUGGED
This Friday, relaxation is coming to you with a host of dogs, reptiles and birds for you meet and cuddle up to! Bean bags and chill out zones will be dotted inside and out to create a down tempo atmosphere.
DAYTIME - THE WELLFAIR
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By far our most popular night of the week with £1 a pint - it is not to be missed!
Just keep swimming… Sing along with Dori and the Disney characters at the first YSJSU Karaoke night of the year.
EVENING - DISNEY KARAOKE & £1 A PINT
Our Mountaineering club have got on board with a traditional Charity Sports Day. Grab your housemates and team up for egg and spoon, sack and three legged races. A fun day out for everyone!
DAYTIME - CHARITY SPORTS DAY
It’s the infamous Battle of the Halls! The official invasion of York by YSJ students and our last Freshers Fest night out, with a crawl through the pubs of York and a final stop at Kuda! Make sure to buy your T-shirt prior to the night!
LATE NIGHT BATTLE OF THE HALLS
Come down to Temple Hall from 7pm to carry on the magic and watch The Deathly Hallows part I & II. There is popcorn, slushies and onesies on offer to create the perfect cinematic experience.
EVENING - THE DEATHLY HALLOWS
Get down to the Quad for a magical day playing Quidditch in the historic setting of one of our oldest buildings. Compete as a team to win a limited edition YSJ Quidditch jersey courtesy of YSJSU!
DAYTIME - QUIDDITCH MATCH
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YOUR LITTLE A-Z GUIDE OF HOW TO THRIVE DURING FRESHERS So often Fresher’s is a time promoted as something you merely survive. Here at YSJ SU, we want it to be a week which kick starts three years of thriving! So, from Alcohol to Insurance, Reading Lists to those precious ZZZ’s, you will find a little bit of info to help you to have the best week possible, and kick start three incredible years at YSJ!
YORK ST JOHN STUDENTS’ UNION
