| Focus: Living | |
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Students' Union The Students’ Union is the hub of all student life in the UK. Julie Williams reports on how you can get involved and make sure you get the most out of this extensive resource |
| Leaving your home country and
travelling to the UK to study can
be a daunting experience. Whilst
all students must adapt to their new
lifestyle, international students face
the added pressure of adjusting to a
completely different culture and, often,
language. Rest assured that you are
not alone in this. Every year 200,000
international students come to the UK to
undertake higher education, and as a
result, UK institutions have plenty of
experience in providing the help and
support you may need. From the moment
you arrive to the time you return home,
the Students’ Union is on hand to help. What is the Students’ Union? All UK universities and colleges have a Students’ Union and you automatically become a member when you enrol at your institution. Most Students’ Unions are also members of the National Union of Students (NUS), which is a national organisation representing all affiliated Students’ Unions. The NUS aims to improve the lives and experiences of all students in the UK and believes they have the right to voice their opinions. The core values of the NUS are democracy, equality and collectivism, and each institution’s Students’ Union is responsible for working towards these goals. Run by students for students, a Students’ Union operates at the heart of student life. It represents the views of all students on a variety of issues, is home to university clubs and societies, and provides shops, bars and entertainment for its members at affordable prices. So as well as giving you the chance to strut your stuff at the union bar, the Students’ Union has a huge role to play in offering support and advice to students – it is always there to help out when you need it. A problem shared... The Students’ Union will have a welfare centre skilled in offering support to students. So whether you are having trouble carrying out your first weekly food shop, suffering from homesickness, concerned about your finances or just need a shoulder to cry on, the Students’ Union at your university will be more than happy to help you. Guidance and advice is also available on issues such as accommodation, visa extensions, coursework, health and much more. The Union has a wealth of information at its disposal and all the advice you will receive is completely impartial and confidential. You can also ask your Students’ Union to put you in touch with UKCOSA (The UK Council for Overseas Students Association), an independent organisation dedicated to representing the interests of international students and providing specialist help and advice. Visit their website for more information at www.ukcosa.org.uk Career building If you want to earn extra cash or improve your career prospects, the Students’ Union can help. Most Unions have some sort of community voluntary group, which gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience that will enhance your CV, whilst also giving something back to your community and making friends. Many Unions also operate a ‘job shop’ where local employers advertise vacancies. International students As well as offering support in your hour of need, the Students’ Union is responsible for bringing international students together and encouraging them to support each other. Most UK universities and colleges have international students’ societies where you will have the chance to meet other international students who are experiencing similar things to you. Joining such a society will help you to realise you are not alone and will provide countless social opportunities throughout the year. There are numerous other societies affiliated to the Students’ Union, and there is no better way of throwing yourself into UK student life than becoming a member of a society. From juggling to peace campaigning, creative writing to poker – there is a society to suit every taste, and they all provide opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills and get the most out of university life. Stand up and be counted The Union exists to support the interests of its members, and as a member you can try to make what you want a reality. You may not be able to do this directly, but your voice can be heard through a system of representation. So if you want to complain about the quality of the food available on campus, request extended library opening times or improve services for students, union representatives will be able to support you by presenting your views to institution committees for a decision to be made. Getting involved If you want to take charge and become actively involved in ensuring that students’ views are represented across your institution, you can run for election as a student representative yourself. Elections are held each year to decide which students will form the Union Executive Committee, made up of sabbatical (fulltime, paid) and non-sabbatical (part-time, unpaid) officers whose job is to deal with the day-to-day running of the Union in accordance with the constitution. There are a variety of posts available, each with their own areas of responsibility.The Union Council oversees the work of the Executive and ultimate decisions are made at Union general meetings. Significantly, student officers are voted onto the board of governors, giving the union a say in the way an institution is run. NUS and local Students’ Unions actively encourage international students to run for sabbatical positions and many Unions now elect international students’ officers to ensure the interests of international students are reflected in the work of the Union. Reaping the benefits Aside from the fantastic discounts you receive by being a member of your Union and owning an NUS identity card, there are many benefits to becoming actively involved in your Students’ Union. Holding a position of responsibility will give your CV an edge and equip you with many of the skills required by graduate employers, such as communication skills, team working skills and the ability to conduct meetings. It is your chance to make a difference; the decisions you make and the changes you put in place will have a direct impact on students at your institution now and in the future. Although a lot of hard work is required to carry out your responsibilities, your Union post will offer endless social opportunities for you to get out and about and socialise with your fellow Union members. So when you arrive in the UK, make sure you visit the Students’ Union. It is your Union; have your say on how it is run and make the most of all the support and services it offers you as a student in the UK. You’re bound to use it, so make sure you also give something back. |
