Freshers' Advice from your SU Officers 2016
But there’s still so much more we would like to share with you. So here we go!
Hansika Jethnani - Education Officer
I am an international student and when I moved to London I was so lost and confused and I didn’t understand what words like “init” or “tenner” meant. Just try to remember that a lot of students are in the same boat as you, and UAL has so many international students. It’s always nerve-wracking when you move alone to another country but put yourself out there and go to Students’ Union’s events anyway, and even if you are on your own there will be a lot of people on their own as well, looking to make new friends. There’s so many social events happening in London all the time, for example the International Student House is a good place to check out!
We also have an International Students Officer so if you ever have anything you'd like to discuss you can contact her on her website.
Something else you can do as a student is to buy a NUS card: you will get discounts on travelling, food, clothes... I totally recommend it!
And lastly, if you ever feel overwhelmed with a task or an essay, go to Academic support (they are by the library) they will help you as much as you need so don’t hesitate on talking to them.
Anastazja Oppenheim - Campaigns Officer
Also remember: you are not only part of your college, UAL is a community of six colleges spread across London. They have different students, different resources, different libraries; make sure to go to all of them, attend events, use everything that is available to you in every college, and make friends! If you need a book that is on a library way far from you, just order it and you´ll get it delivered for free to your closest library!
I know you will be getting loads of emails, but the most important one is our newsletter. You’ll get it every week with updates about campaigns, events, colleges, societies, sports, creative opportunities... If you don’t read it you’re really missing out. Also please follow us on social media!
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Youtube
Leah Kahn - Activities Officer
Even if you’re on your course you may feel quite alone, but there may be people with the same interests as you and they way to find them is through societies. There’s 20.000 students at UAL, so you’re definitely going to make some good friends.
A super top tip is to get yourself a 16-25 Railcard, they are quite spenny but within your first journey you make all the money back, it gives you heavily discounted prizes for train journeys and traveling in general, and you can also link it to your Oyster Card! (Check out how to get a Student Oyster Card here).
Another top tip is: be friends with the technicians! They will actually help you in your course way more than your tutors, they are the people you need to get to know, get them on your side, they have so much knowledge and they are so relevant to what you want to do, they are amazing!
Scarlet Langdon - Wellfare Officer
As part of my work on mental wellbeing I’ve put together this handy little zine full of resources for you ♥
This includes wellbeing tips, myths around mental health, self-care and where to go for support both within the university, and low-cost therapists, charity organisations and other places you can get support from. Don’t worry if you missed out on wellbeing week as we’ll be doing lots more throughout the year to help support students’ wellbeing, and foster a supportive and pro-active approach to mental wellbeing.
And remember - you are not alone!
You can pick up a copy at your college SU Office, or have a look at the online version here:
We hope you find this advice useful and don’t hesitate on contacting us! And to all of our future UAL students...