UEA Students Union

Welcomefest 2023: Getting to Know The Student Officer Team

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:10:29 +0100

If you’re a new student, you’ll probably be reading or hearing the words “Student Officer Team” a lot. Want to learn more about them and what they do? You’re in the right place?

What is an officer team?

The officer team is elected by you, members of UEA Students’ Union. They represent you and your views not only in the SU, but spearhead campaigns in the wider University such as the recent “No Cuts” campaign. They’re voted in the Spring Term every year, and serve from July-June of that year.

Who are the FTO’s?

Full-time officers are students who are elected to take a sabbatical from their studies and become employees of uea(su), paid to represent your interests full-time to the University.

uea(su) has five full-time officers, representing Undergraduate Students, Postgraduate Students, Activities and Opportunities, Campaigns and Democracy, and Welfare, Community and Diversity.

Activities and Opportunities – Luke Johnson (he/him): Makes sure clubs and societies help students develop and feel happy and healthy. Works with students to ensure that clubs and societies are what students want. Ensures that University sports and co-curricular activities are well supported. Find out more at activities & opportunities officer (ueasu.org).

Campaigns and Democracy – Serene Shibli Sexton (she/her/they/them): Campaigns on big issues that affect students. Ensures that students make the big decisions within the SU. Oversees the SU’s commercial activity, such as the LCR. Find out more at Campaigns & Democracy Officer (ueasu.org).

Welfare, Community & Diversity – Nathan Wyatt (he/him): Makes accommodation better so students enjoy living in Norwich. Listens to students’ concerns so that issues can be identified and resolved. Campaigns on issues such as mental health and equality to help students build a happy, inclusive community. Find out more at welfare, community & diversity officer (ueasu.org)

Undergraduate Education – Taylor Sounes (she/her): Helps students run the University in partnership, shaping how it works. Represents students to the University, ensuring their education meets their expectations. Works with reps to give students a say in how their courses are run. Stands up and speaks up for undergraduate students on behalf of their education. Find out more at undergraduate education officer (ueasu.org).

Postgraduate Officer – Elise Page (they/them): Helps students run the University in partnership, shaping how it works. Represents students to the University, ensuring their education meets their expectations. Works with reps to give students a say in how their courses are run. Stands up and speaks up for postgraduate students on behalf of their education. Find out more at postgraduate officer (ueasu.org).

Part Time Officers: Part Time Officers are current students just like you. With a range of portfolios from Environment and Ethical Issues to LGBTQ+ and Women's+ issues, your part-time officers are a diverse collective of devoted individuals who will represent you and push for change in many key facets of life at UEA. Find contact details for specific officers at part-time officers (ueasu.org)

Can I become an officer?

Any student can become an officer! Nominations open in February each year; go to the nomination portal on the su website. Alternatively, if you’ve got any questions, pop upstairs in the Hive to the SU office and someone will be happy to help.

Other roles available:

Find out more about academic representatives here - Academic Representatives (ueasu.org).

Find out more about students of colour ambassadors here - Students of Colour Ambassadors (ueasu.org).

Find out more about sports and society executives here - Club and Society Executive Elections (ueasu.org).

Welcomefest 2024: Packing For University - The Ultimate First Year Checklist

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:06:55 +0100

Packing For University - The Ultimate First Year Checklist

We know the feeling; how do you pack your whole life into a suitcase? Don’t panic, you don’t need to pack everything and to know what to pack, we’ve asked your fellow students for helpful tips on what their ultimate checklist of items were.

So where do you start? There are the essentials like pots, pans, cutlery and crockery but check your accommodation’s list of items about what they already provide (i.e. a toaster/ kettle) as this may save you some space and avoid your flat having 4 kettles...yes we’ve been there! You will also want to keep an eye on the items that they don’t allow!

What about your clothes? You definitely don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe but it is nice to have at least a couple of smart items (smart trousers/shirts/blouses), a few fancy dress options and obviously a Christmas jumper because you never know when you’re going to need them…

Apart from these necessities, we’ve put together a list of items you probably didn’t realise you would need at Uni but are essential! Check out the list below:

Bedroom Basics

Clothes horse/ peg hanger – Unbelievably useful. Trust us.
Extension cables – Because you can never have too many plug outlets. (Ok maybe not too many as it might explode)
Plug adapters – Don’t make the mistake of you not being able to charge your laptop the minute your assignment is due!
Mattress topper – Not an essential but it will make those naps extra comfortable.

Photos of family and friends – You might not want to admit it but we know you’ll miss them (sad face).
Decorations – The best way to make a house a home (well flat).
Home comforts – Whether it’s your childhood stuffed toy or camomile tea, these comforts are lifesavers when you’re missing home that little bit more.
Laundry basket / bag – The easiest and best way to store dirty laundry and transport it to your closest laundrette without risking dropping a pair of dirty underwear in public…

Kitchen Luxuries

Tupperware – A forgotten gem in the kitchen that will hold your meal prep and pack lunches.
Water bottle / Reusable cup – Why not save the planet and some money?
‘Dishmatic’ – If you don’t know, get to know.

The Nice Extras

Pack of cards / Board games – These are great icebreakers for when you first meet your new flatmates (although we can’t guarantee you’ll go back home with a full pack of cards!)
Plants – Maybe choose ones that don’t require as much attention because no one wants a dead plant in their room (trust us you won’t get rid of it).
Mini sewing kit – A bit rouge, we know, but you never know when you need to stitch a costume together!
Batteries – Particularly useful when the batteries in your fairy lights run out.

Umbrella – We are located in England… no need to say anything else.
Tool kit – If you want to get your Bob the Builder on, this is an essential. But seriously you never know when you need to (un)screw something.
Money – Just enough to last a few days before your student loan clears, or you are able to open a bank account.

Health Essentials

Medicine kit – Freshers flu is real people! It’s good to think ahead and bring any medication you might need.
Sanitary products - There’s a shop on campus but bring along whatever you use so you’re not caught short.

Documentation

Important documents – You’ll likely need these when checking-in to University for the first time and registering at the on-campus medical centre (please check your acceptance email to know which ones you need to bring!).

Offer letter - If you are in UEA Accommodation, bringing your offer letter will speed up key collection.

International students (including EU):

Bring your passport, visa and the decision letter you received after your immigration permission was granted
Bring any documents listed on your CAS

Please retain evidence of your travel to and entry into the UK (tickets, boarding cards, etc.) UEA may ask to see these

We’ve also found it particularly useful to do a shop when you arrive so you’re stocked and ready to go but remember that you aren’t moving to a deserted island that has no shops nearby, so there’s no need to worry about forgetting something!

Welcomefest 2023: What To Expect At Graduation

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:02:18 +0100

Graduating this summer? Congratulations! Want to know where to find the essential information? No clue what to expect? Our handy little guide will tell you what to expect no you can ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible.

Finding your graduation date and booking tickets for you and family/friends: In April time, the graduation office will send you an email confirming your academic school’s date, and a link to book tickets for your friends and family. Most ceremonies will allow for up to 3 guests, and you can go into a lottery for more guests – however, there is no guarantee that you’ll get more than three tickets. If you’ve got family and friends who can’t get tickets to the ceremony, there’s normally a link where they can livestream it, so they don’t miss your moment.

Organising your gown & hat: Ede and Ravenscroft are the official gown suppliers for graduation. After you’ve confirmed your place at graduation, the graduation office will be in touch with details of how to hire your gown and cap. Hiring just a gown and cap starts at £45, with an increase if you want to buy it. You can also add official graduation photos for an additional cost.

Planning the day (accommodation / time with friends / time to take pictures / food / evening entertainment): Our recommendation is if you need accommodation, book it as soon as your know your official graduation date to ensure you’ve got somewhere to stay. If your lease has finished, you’ll also need to account for yourself staying somewhere. There’s lots of hotels and B&Bs in Norwich and the surrounding area, so book in early.

You can arrive up to 2 hours early for your graduation ceremony and will get about 90 minutes afterward before you have to return your gown. This is the perfect opportunity to take photos around campus, so coming with a list of people to take photos with and places to take photos can speed up the process.

In the actual graduation zone itself, they’ll be a selection of food stands and beverages which you can buy, alongside music from a local band. However, once you know your date and time again, it’s probably worth booking a bigger lunch or dinner in the city either before or after your ceremony.

Grad Ball: Grad Ball will be happening on 21st July this year – it's a fun-packed night for you and your friends to celebrate everything you’ve achieved at UEA.

Welcomefest 2023: Things I Wish I’d Known At The Start Of University

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:09 +0100

Things I Wish I'd Known At The Start Of University

Worried you’re forgetting something or wish you had the experience already before you venture to university? We asked 3 students to tell us the things they wish they’d known at the start of their university career here at UEA:

1. The variety of clubs and societies on campus

There is something for everyone at UEA. With over 50 clubs and over 100 societies there are loads of ways to stay active and social during your time at UEA. Ranging from women’s football to ultimate frisbee for sport clubs or even academic and cultural for societies.

2. Easy bus route from campus

From your UEA accommodation, getting to the city centre is very accessible. The main UEA bus stop runs the 25/26 bus route which can take you straight to the city centre and the train station. The buses run every 7 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime!

3. UEA Moves + app = Free Coffee

Moves+ is a fitness app that tracks and rewards for any activity you do, from running to swimming or even walking! Simply pair with your tracking app or fitness watch to your account and log into UEA Moves. You can build up points that can be exchanged for rewards and prizes, such as a free weekly coffee, UEA Moves merch and entries into exciting prize draws. Many challenges are set up so that you can gain extra points and really maximise those rewards!

4. Facilities are all easily accessible

One of the good things about UEA is that all buildings are located nearby and all pretty central. So, when you need a sandwich you have The Shop at the street; when you need to take a nap, the Quiet Space is located on the 2nd floor of Hive; if you need a group study space the Library has 5 floors! Most of the buildings should be accessible with your student card as long as you have permission to it but for more information about locations guide, head over to the website or social media channels.

5. Snakebites

Ahhh Snakebites, a UEA student staple. If you haven’t tried one yet, get one after reading this blog post at bar(su). Try and make out the ‘S’ drawn on top of the foam... but don’t worry if you don’t drink! Our soft drink and mocktail range are something to dream about!

6. Unio vs Ziggys

You’ve heard of Batman vs Superman, Britney vs Madonna, the El Classico rivalry but nothing compares to Unio vs Ziggys. Two caffeinated study spaces in the heart of campus but one thing we can guarantee from both is a social workspace where your productivity can thrive!

7. Student-led events

We’ve mentioned that there are a plethora of sports clubs and societies you can join but did you know that they put on hundreds of events throughout the year. From weekly fitness classes to training and friendly matches, social meet ups and annual black-tie dinners, our students organise events that truly enhance your uni experience! Many taster sessions are hosted at the start of the semester so you can try before you purchase a membership.

8. Student Discounts

A holy grail as a student, student discounts can get you money off your favourite brands! Simply sign up to Unidays or Student Beans with your @uea.ac.uk email address to verify your student status and start saving some cash.

9. Avengers Campus >>> Sainsburys Centre

Did you know that Avengers: Age of Ultron was filmed on our very campus at the Sainsbury’s Centre! In fact, Joe Russo, one half of the Russo Brothers who directed the film, spent a semester studying theatrical script writing at UEA! Safe to say our campus is full of superheros...

10. Free products on campus

advice(su) and our women’s officer have worked hard to provide free sanitary products in various areas on campus! In our Students’ Union you’re able to access free condoms, pronouns badges and lots more!

11. Your university years will be the best years of your life!!!

Starting university can be an anxious time for everyone and the workload can be stressful at times. However, you can make your time at UEA the best years of your life! There is so many opportunities to get involved in that you will get to make lifelong friends and many memories. You will find new experiences whether this be through the clubs and societies or campus activities. It is true what they say, UEA is wonderful.

Welcomefest 2023: Benefits Of Joining A Sports Team

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:57:17 +0100

Have you played sports your whole life? Or looking to try something new?

Joining a sport whilst at university is a great opportunity to explore new sports, gaining new skills, as well as meeting new friends. Starting university is a great way to go back to a sport you may have used to play or carry on with a hobby. At UEA there is over 50 clubs available. It can be daunting joining such big clubs to start with so here is some tips but also some benefits to joining a sports team.

You can head to ueasport to find information about sport at UEA as well as the many programmes they offer to stay active whilst at university. All clubs and UEA+Sport have an active social media presence. Instagram is a key platform which is used across all clubs, and they all produce such amazing content throughout the year! This will give you an insight to their weekly sessions, social events, and any matches/competitions the clubs get up to! I would definitely recommend taking a look!

During Freshers week, you will find UEA hosts a Sports Fair which gives you the opportunity to ask the committees any questions about the club but also check out some demonstrations that the clubs put on. For example, amazing performances from the Dance and Gymnastics clubs, Mixed Martial Arts and Karate, Netball, and many more. Another great way to check out as many clubs as possible is to attend their taster sessions. Clubs will hold free taster sessions during the welcome period for you to get a sense of what training sessions are like and find out a bit more information about the club.

I personally joined UEA Dance Squad in my first year! This was to carry on my love for dancing but since joining the club I have been an active member since. Coming from a dance background I can see how cheap sport is at UEA. In order to be a member, you need to purchase the uea sport membership which is £55 for the year as well as the club membership you’re choosing to join (Dance Squad is £30 for the year). But from being a part of dance I have been able to perform in 2 shows in the year, compete at 3 competitions a year, and also be on committee. This club is where I have made lifelong friends and has been a massive part of my university experience.

There is so many benefits to being on a sports team from meeting new friends to staying active whilst being at university. There are 56 clubs on campus so I’m sure there will be something that sparks your interest! So, take that leap, take a flat mate with you to those taster sessions, and definitely check out the Sports Fair.