SEPTEMBER 2017 Inside: Freshers' events Advice from UCL students Tips on how be a Londoner

Welcome to UCL 2017

studentsunionucl.org #myUCLyear Welcome Welcome to the start of it all. Welcome to UCL. You’re the newest member of our Students’ Union, this Union is now your Union. It’s made of all kinds of people from all kinds of places.

You’re coming to UCL because you’ve got the potential to do anything. So, what will it be? At Students’ Union UCL, we’re making more happen. We’ll help you learn more than you’re taught, and create your dream university experience. We’ll help you find that passion you’d never considered, enjoy nights that you’ll talk about again and again, harness the power to shape the world around you.

The Union offers all sorts of ways to discover something that will become a part of who you are. Get up on stage. Be creative. Lead a movement. Push yourself further than you imagined. The opportunities are endless and finding the one that fits you, however big or small, is what it’s all about. Contents

The Weird and Wonderful World of Clubs and Societies 4-5 How We Made Friends 6-7 14 Things That Happen to Everyone During Freshers’ 8-9 5 Ways the Union Can Help You Get That Dream Job 10-11 Bloomsbury Fitness 12-13 Not Living in Halls? Not A Problem 14-15 A Week to Remember 16-17 How Volunteering Helped Me Unlock London 18-19 Seven Important Faces and Why You Need to Know Them 20-21 How to Think Like a Londoner 22-23 Support a Cause 24-25 How TeamUCL Won Varsity 26-27 Where to Eat & Drink on Campus 28 Welcome from Your BME Officer 29 Lead a Movement 30-31 STUDENT LIFE The Weird and Wonderful World of Clubs and Societies By Alex Hall, 3rd year Chemistry

A man covered in a green sheet, pretending to be a plant that was taking over the world. That was my first encounter with the Union’s societies. It was during Musical Theatre Society’s Freshers musical production of Little Shop of Horrors. Before coming to uni, I remember being really nervous about joining clubs and societies; I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in or that people wouldn’t like me. I think it’s something we all struggled with when we started here, but I bit the bullet, got past the initial anxiety and just went for it, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

There’s a joke we often make in the UCL Arts societies community, “I do Musical Theatre at uni and a Chemistry degree on the side”. I’ve been involved with UCL Arts for three years now and over that time I’ve made friends for life, developed new skills and found new passions. When I started out with Musical Theatre, I never could have imagined that I would end up being so involved in so many different branches of the UCL Arts community. I started with performing but I decided that wasn’t for me and that I wanted to do more to help put student theatre onstage, so I ended up assistant producing one of the society’s big shows. I was 18 and I was responsible for a show that was going to performed in a West End theatre. It was a lot of responsibility, but an incredible opportunity. Being a producer got me involved with UCL Stage Crew, an amazing society who are responsible for the stage tech for all UCL student productions. I got hooked on tech and wound up helping do tech for nine shows that year!

4 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG There is a club or society for almost anything you could want to do at the Union. They can also be anything you want them to be - they’re there for you to indulge in your hobby, get some much needed headspace from your degree, network or start building an incredible CV.

The best way to find the group for you is to come to the Welcome Fair at the end of Freshers’ Week. They’ll all be there to tell you what the team is like, when rehearsals are or how easy it is to start as a novice. If you want to get a head start, there’s a list of every club and society at studentsunionucl.org/clubsandsocs

It was my technical experience from Stage Crew and my production experience from Musical Theatre that helped me get a paid junior management position at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that summer, a job I never would have got without the help of UCL societies. When I came back for my second year, I started getting involved with UCL’s official student magazine, Pi Media. I got experience writing, reporting, filmmaking, video editing and designing. While I was with Pi, we broke stories that made national newspapers. It was an incredible feeling seeing stories that I broke being read across the country.

I’ve been referring to the UCL Arts societies as a community, and that’s because it is by far the best way to describe us. We are one big happy family! We share knowledge and expertise, we live together, we go on holiday together, we love each other. Over my time here I’ve been involved in over 20 student productions, helped produce a dozen magazines, written countless stories and served on three society committees including one as President. I may leave UCL with a degree from one of the world’s top universities, but that is nothing compared to the friends and experiences I gained while being a part of UCL societies.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 5 STUDENT LIFE How We Made Friends

Maddie Wigmore-Sykes 3rd year Medical student

I was really nervous about starting uni, but as soon as I arrived I knew I didn't need to be. I spent the first night in halls chatting to my new Jo-Yee Yap flatmates and within a few days it 3rd year Economics student felt like we had known each other so much longer. We're still living When I first arrived at UCL, together now. everything was an exciting blur. There was always an important With over 300 students in my Freshers’ event to attend, party to year, it was pretty daunting, but go to or new person to meet. But Freshers' events run by the Union despite the seemingly all-important helped me meet people and form events, that’s not where I made friendships in those early weeks of the friends that have made my first year. university experience so amazing. Instead, I met people in my halls’ Making friends isn't just something kitchen, my bible study group and, for term one though, I regularly most unexpectedly, by getting meet new people in lectures or at involved with volunteering. events put on by societies! If you get involved in as much as you Through the Union, I was able to can, whether it be sports, arts or set up a volunteering project called anything in between, you'll be sure The After School Crew that helps to make the most out of UCL and children from migrant families in meet some great people along the King’s Cross with their homework. way. The team of people that joined the project is incredibly diverse, in both nationality and field of study, but meeting a group of people with a common goal, passion and enthusiasm creates an incredible atmosphere that glues everyone together. The project has been an amazing way to give back to the community, but also make many new lifelong friends.

“Freshers’ events run by the Union helped me meet people and form friendships”

6 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG “we still laugh over that ridiculous coat!”

Dawn Liang Affiliate Mathematics student Riley Forson Final year Law student Whilst I was here, I joined the Mountaineering Society. I attended On my second day at UCL I sat one of their taster sessions in behind a boy with a really fluffy September, then went pubbing and coat hood. I couldn’t see over went out with other members.. the top, around the side, or Eventually, my entire friendship anything but fluff! After trying group consisted of climbers that I really carefully to move this hood, had met through the society and I finally was brave enough to tap there was no escape! this stranger on the shoulder and ask him to take his coat off. The stranger replied “you know you could have asked before you kept trying to move it, I don’t bite!” with the friendliest smile of anyone I’d met at UCL. That boy, named Leo, is now my best friend. Leo was only at UCL for one year as an Erasmus student, but we now travel back and forth between London and Paris to stay with each other and we still laugh over that ridiculous coat!

“my entire friendship group consisted of climbers” Find volunteering opportunities and societies to join at studentsunionucl.org/student-life

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 7 STUDENT LIFE 14 Things That Happen to Everyone During Freshers’ Don’t say we didn’t warn you

By Katie Findlay, 4th Year BaSc student

1. Wondering if you really need this much stuff Your parent's car is literally rammed. Your teddy bear’s face is pressed against the back window. It takes 15 trips up the stairs to get it all in to your room. In fact, will it even FIT in your room…?

2. But still managing to leave something behind Moving your entire life is difficult; something is bound to have fallen through the cracks. 6. Eating complete rubbish Let’s just hope it isn’t your toothbrush or You’re tired, you went to Fabric last night, your saucepans your underwear. are all still packed, and you need food NOW. Even a Pot Noodle looks like a gourmet meal right now; not only does 3. Discovering that you are not Gordon it involve waiting for the kettle to boil, but it also washing Ramsey a fork. Too much. Order in. Turns out, the only similarity between the two of you is how much you swear while you cook. Why is your oven pizza burnt on one side but raw on the other? How is that even possible? My advice - if you can’t cook, make friends with someone who can and get learning.

4. The kitchen getting so messy it could be modern art No one has time to do washing up during Freshers', and there is definitely not enough space in the recycling bin for all the beer cans. The result is a kitchen to rival a 7. Feeling lonely Tracey Emin installation. No one really warns you about this. Even though you’re surrounded by people, Freshers’ can get quite lonely. 5. Instant friendships based on nothing other You’re not used to exclusively being surrounded by than proximity people you barely know. Give it a few months and you You’ve only known each other for four hours. In fact, will have found your people, but for now, ask someone you’ve only known all these people for four hours. Is to grab a coffee at Print Room and have a proper this awkward? No, it’s great! Yes, you'll probably soon conversation. They’ll probably be glad you did too. realise that you have absolutely nothing in common and you think some of are a little bit odd, but for now, just roll with it! Freshers’ is one of the only chances 8. Going to Welcome Fair and signing up for you’ll get to speak to this many new people, so make every thing you see the most of it. There is just so much choice. And the FOMO is strong. And to be fair, you’re only signing up to the mailing list so you can decide which ones you like most later.

8 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 9. Taking this photo of the Portico And many, many others.

10. Getting free stuff Welcome Fair is GREAT for getting free stuff. SO MUCH free stuff. Then loads of clubs and socs have free food at the welcome events too.

11. Trying something completely out of your comfort zone Out of those five events you’re actually going to go to? Make one of them amazing! There are some seriously cool opportunities to try things that you’ve never done before. Rock climbing? Why not! Glider flying? It’s on my bucket list! Bollywood dancing? Sign me up!

12. Going hard at KOKO and not being 100% present in your first lectures UCL does this thing where they schedule stuff for your first week. You know, the week when you’re really hungover/tired/generally lost. Try not to fall asleep, but if you do…. Introductory lectures can’t be that important, right...?

13. Avoiding the library tours and then freaking out when you realise you don’t know how to use the printer It’s a lot more complicated that it sounds, okay! Library tours are useful. And so are orientations of the computer suite. So go, and avoid the panic at 8.50 on the day your first essay is due.

14. Being absolutely exhausted Meeting hundreds of new people, making hours and hours of small talk, welcome lectures, club nights AND being permanently a little bit lost is SO exhausting. To be honest, by Friday you probably won’t even want to go out again. There’s no shame in having an early night! And anyway, you need to rally for Welcome Fair tomorrow.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 9 STUDENT LIFE 5 Ways the Union Can Help You Get That Dream Job

Find out everything you need to know our website

We list part-time student friendly jobs on studentsunionucl.org/jobshop

We have hundreds of volunteering opportunities that will fill you with great experiences on studentsunionucl.org/volunteering

A joint Union and UCL initiative giving you the opportunity to meet employers and develop skills skills4work.net

10 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG Develop your leadership and project management skills by running one of our clubs or societies. Each of our clubs and societies are run by students who are responsible for 1 the decisions and day-to-day running of the groups. Getting involved lets you develop skills you never would have gained through your studies alone, including budgeting, people management, and planning. You don’t have to be the president to learn things either; you can join a committee and get involved in event planning, advertising and promotions, and even graphic design.

Find a job that fits around your studies Working for the Union gives you the opportunity to get experience of a dynamic workplace, with all the flexibility you need to fit work around your 2 studies. Whether it’s customer service skills in one of our cafés or bars, organisational skills in one of our administrator roles, or accounting skills in our finance team, we have loads of opportunities for you… and we pay the London Living Wage. You can find our jobs and plenty of other opportunities with other organisations on our Jobshop.

Hit the theory with one of our Skills4Work sessions We’ve teamed up with UCL Careers, to run workshops that help you develop the ‘employability skills’ that employers are always talking about. From CV 3 writing and interview skills, to presentation, communication and leadership, we’re covering all the bases. And for those of you not planning a traditional route for your career, we can help with the basics of starting your own business. All for this is for free; so even if you’re not thinking about it yet, remember this for when you start panicking about jobs!

Sometimes it’s a little bit of give and take Our Volunteering Service has thousands of opportunities in loads of different sectors. The roles are flexible, from one-off events to regular 4 commitments. Not only will you be helping a local charity, but students tell us that volunteering is one of the most impressive ways to get job skills. Every opportunity is different, and they give you a real chance to hone your skills in your area of choice. From visiting kids in a local hospital, to helping a charity with their marketing, you can find something that gives you the experience you’re looking for.

OK, so getting a good degree might help as well 5 Students who are involved with their Union are more likely to finish their degree. So whatever you’re interested in, get stuck in.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 11 PLACES AND SPACES Bloomsbury Fitness

BF

UCL students are in a privileged situation compared to the average Londoner. While everyone else shells out half their salary to sweat it out at overpriced gyms and get to pay for classes on top, you have a gym that understands that your wallet shouldn’t suffer for your fitness. With a fully equipped gym at the heart of campus, grabbing a quick, workout-induced endorphin boost has never been so easy.

Bloomsbury Fitness is the gym for students We run it here at the Union, which means that our number one priority is providing you with a really good We love classes service that is affordable. There’s no other gym at such But we hate gyms with extra charges for a good price built and run especially with UCL students them. That’s why all of our classes are included in in mind. your membership fee. So Zumba, CardioBox or Circuit Train to your heart’s content. Bloomsbury Fitness is home of TeamUCL The Union’s sports teams train here, so whether It’s a gym as smart as you are you’re joining the Squash Club or just keeping up your Machines sync with your fitness tracker and you can stamina in between games, this is the place to do it. get Netflix on them. We simply add your membership And better than that, Union activities are not-for- to your student card, meaning one less thing to profit, so your fees contribute to running the clubs remember. that you love rather than some bigwig’s bonus.

12 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG All of our exercise classes are included with membership Our classes are professionally run and as a Bloomsbury Fitness (BF) member, you can go to as many as you like. Classes include: Zumba Body Blast PowerPump Legs, Bums & Cardiobox Tums Pilates Yogalates HIIT Spin Circuit Training Bodyworks Core Fat Blitzer Yoga Quick Stretch

12 month BF membership £199* 9 month BF

membership £169*

Join up and get active. Head over to bloomsbury.fitness

*Offer valid until 31 October. Normal price; 12 month for £240, nine months for £200

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 13 STUDENT LIFE Not Living in Halls? Not A Problem How to get involved if you’re not living in UCL accommodation

By Kate Wallis, 4th year BaSc student

If you’re living at home or finding a privately rented place, don’t stress! 19% of all UCL undergrads live at home and even more of them live in private accommodation. So even if it feels like everyone is in halls in your first week, trust us, they’re not. But, if you’re worried about how to get in on the action, here are some tips.

Don’t be afraid to go to an event by yourself Entering a room full of people you don’t know is scary, but don’t be afraid to go it alone. The Union’s Welcome isn’t all about clubbing - there are loads of other events that give you the chance to meet people whilst doing something fun. Whether it’s bonding over sauce of choice at the ice cream social or chatting to people in the queue to Koko, don’t be afraid to make the first friendship-move. Every single Fresher is worried about meeting people, so be brave and say hi.

Plan your journeys in advance Nightlife events might finish in the early hours, so plan your journey home in advance. You really don’t want to miss the last train home and have to wander round hoping you’ll miraculously find a bus stop with a stop labelled “your house”. Get to know the night buses and don’t be afraid to ask to crash on your new friend’s floor if you need to. And count your lucky stars for the night tube on weekends.

Commuting means commitment If you have a long-ish journey to and from uni then you probably don’t want to be going home during the day, so plan in advance what you’re going to do to fill your time. Bring lunch so you don’t have to slope off home after your 11.00, chill in a Union cafe with a book between lectures and an evening event, or kill some time in the British Museum (just a short walk from campus) if you’ve got a longer break.

14 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG Spend time understanding your rent, bills and council tax Irritatingly, you’re going to have to deal with this earlier than people in halls, so spend time sitting down and getting your shit together on rent, and setting up water, gas and electric, internet and a TV licence. Our Advice Service can help with this, so take a look at studentsunionucl.org/advice-service

Set ground rules with your parents If you’re living with your parents, there’s a chance you’ll have to accept that you might have less freedom (but fuller pockets!) than your hall-dwelling companions. That being said, you’re a UCL students now and that comes with different needs and responsibilities; it’s a chance to have a fresh start with your parents and transition into being ‘grown-up’. Sit down with your parents to discuss new arrangements, such as missing dinner because you went for an impromptu pizza at 16.00, or what will happen if you’re out late. If you have a second bedroom on your friend’s sofa, make sure you don’t leave your parents up all night worrying about where you are.

Be extra Try everything once. No one’s highlight of their uni career is a Netflix binge. We provide a never-ending list of things to do, from activism to clubs and societies; if you can find an activity that interests you, you’ll likely find people who interest you. Similarly, don’t be afraid to invite someone you’ve just met to grab lunch or a coffee, or to jump into a conversation in your common room. Everyone is in the same boat and open to making new friends.

And above all, remember this: Even people who are living together in halls probably only met a few hours ago!

We're here to help with all sorts of things. studentsunionucl.org/advice-service

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 15 STUDENT LIFE A Week to Remember Your official Freshers events line up

Our Welcome events line up has something for everyone. Whether you’re a party animal, looking to see more of London, interested in meeting new people or all three, everything you’ll need is right here. Lots of third parties claim to be throwing UCL Freshers’ parties, but they are just cheap imitations of the real thing. The only events that are 100% official and certain to be just for UCL students are the ones you see with the Union’s logo on them. We are here to make your time at UCL great, so we promise they will be the best quality, value and experience possible. Going “out out”?

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SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Glittoris @ Phineas The Union’s very own LGBT+ club night, featuring by

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20mm TBANDMONDAY 2 OCTOBER UCL Super Bowling

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MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER Ice Cream Social. Fed up of being told to meet new people over a pint? How about over ice cream?

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Cycle Cinema Film Screening. Join Project Active in the Quad and earn your popcorn by cycle THINGS TO DO DURING THE DAY powering our film screening MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER Boat Party. See London at night by boat and Plant Sale. Plants make people happy. Come and dance the night away at the same time get some happy

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Sports Nite. The only place for sports fans to be Plant Sale. Second chance to get your plants on a Wednesday WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Poster Sale. No bare walls for you Ceilidh. Folk Society bring you a freshers event like no other Chocolate Making Workshop. Try your hand at making delicious treats for your new flatmates Musical Theatre Open Mic Night. Show us what you can do with Musical Theatre Vintage Fair. Start uni with a fresh look in your wardrobe FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Phineas Friday. Join us for DJs and drinks deals THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER in your new student bar Poster Sale. Second chance to get your posters

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Project Active Dance Fitness. Women students, Karaoke. Whether you're an Aretha or a it’s time to get involved with Project Active Kendrick, we want to hear it at our weekly karaoke night Project Active Touch Rugby. Enjoy Rugby but not looking to join the team? Enjoy a ruck with Project Active

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Welcome Fair. Come and find out every single club and soc in one place

Harry Potter Walking Tour. Visit the parts of town where your favourite films were shot

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER Welcome Fair. Insider tip: the second day of the fair is usually bit less busy Everything you need for Welcome 2017 studentsunionucl.org/welcome London Bus Tours. See London from an iconic open topped red bus

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 17 STUDENT LIFE How Volunteering Helped Me Unlock London

By Kristen Stockdale 3rd year Physics

Around halfway through my second year, I began volunteering at UCL Hospital. What initially started as a productive way to fill some spare time, soon turned into an enthusiasm for volunteering as a major part of my life. It’s super easy to get involved with - simply engage with the Union's Volunteering Service, and watch as the philanthropic world of London unfolds before you.

It’s not difficult to imagine the rewards of volunteering: making a difference to your local community, developing transferable skills, and that feeling of humble happiness recognised by volunteers everywhere. What many students don’t realise however, is that if you’re willing to get involved with what the Union has to offer, you could quickly find yourself in some unusual and inspiring places. I’ve lost count of the number of free rugby matches I’ve attended (Saracens have a partnership with UCH Cancer Fund), or concerts and plays I’ve been offered tickets for (many are regularly offered to NHS volunteers).

Having now reached the end of my undergraduate studies, I can confidently say that volunteering has played a pivotal role in my time at UCL. In fact, volunteering has become so important to me that I have chosen to do my MSc part-time, so that I can keep a high commitment to both academic study, and voluntary work. It’s definitely something that I intend to keep up.

For me, volunteering is invaluable in virtue of the many brilliant people I’ve met. I’ve connected with countless people, both at UCL and around outside of the university bubble. Aside from this, volunteering is fantastic for serendipitous networking, as you meet people from all over the city who recognise you as a hardworking and altruistic individual, opening up a wealth of London-wide opportunities.

18 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG We have hundreds of volunteering opportunities, available right now on studentsunionucl.org/volunteering

One afternoon, I was walking down Tottenham Court Road when I suddenly heard someone calling my name from across the street. I turned, only to see a young girl I’d worked with from UCLH shouting and waving her arms at me to come over. It turns out she’d finally been discharged after spending several months bed-bound, and she wanted to give me a big ol’ hug and say thank "This sort of uplifting experience would simply not have happened were I not involved with the Union as a volunteer."

you for the hours I’d spent by her bedside. I continued to walk home - with a slight spring in my step, and a grin so cheesy that my cheeks began to ache. The more I became involved in UCL and London, the more doors were opened in and around this brilliant city.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 19 MAKE A CHANGE Seven Important Faces and Why You Need to Know Them An introduction to your sabbatical officers

There is one important thing about students’ unions that you may not know yet. When we say they’re led by students we mean it quite literally...

The students who Aiysha Welfare & International Mark lead the Union... Officer Postgraduate Students’ Officer

Hamza Democracy, Operations & Community Officer

Justine Women’s Officer

20 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG The whole point of the Union is to make your time at university better in any way we can. And we know that the best way to find out what would makes students’ lives better is to give you the chance to tell us (and the university, and the government; anyone you need to tell to make the changes you need).

There are rather a lot of you, so we ask you to elect the students that you want to feedback and represent your views. We elect hundreds of student reps at all different levels, all ultimately feeding into these seven. Hamza, Justine, Sarah, Aiysha, Mark, Ilyas and Ayo are taking a year out from their studies and working full time acting on your feedback and being involved at high levels of decision making at UCL to make sure that your needs are being considered as a top priority at all times.

So get to know their faces; these are the people to talk to about your clubs and socs, improvements that could be made on your course, areas where you think students need extra support or anything else that’s on your mind. You’ll see them at lots of things during Freshers, so stop and say hi. Sarah Education Officer There's lots more about the officer team on studentsunionucl.org/officers

Ilyas Activities Officer Ayo Black & Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 21 STUDENT LIFE How to Think Like a Londoner

By Susannah Bain 2nd year History

London is unlike any other city in Britain in its size, The Night Tube is fantastic. It only started this time and the world in its character. Its residents are last year and what a time it is to be alive. famous for certain quirks and (what might loosely be called) charms. Though greatly exaggerated, these Contrary to what you might believe, it's easy to get stereotypes are not without some truth and the key places. London transport seems scary and most new to living in London without being blinded by the ‘Big residents struggle to get a grip on how it all works. Smoke’ is thinking like a city native. Here is some advice Things are more logical than they first appear. If not, which may help you learn to think like a Londoner. there are plenty of excellent apps like CityMapper that will get you where you need to go. The Tube The Tube is simultaneously the most famous and most Going places intimidating part of living in London. It is one of the As a student in London, there will be places you want/ first and most difficult challenges every new Londoner need to go. Every Fresher (understandably) wants to faces. Here are some of the things I learnt the hard way see the sights of the city, and also go out and socialise about navigating the bowels of the city. with your fellow London newbies. But if you want to act like a Londoner, there are some places it’s best to Londoners are not all that grumpy. The fact they’re avoid, and some general annoyances that you’ll have to pulling at you may suggest you are doing something learn to accept. which offends them, but it is far more likely Most of the big squares they are either tired "Never ever ever stand on are not good places to go. before work, or tired In Freshers, I remember after work. Don’t take the left-hand side of the being asked to meet it personally. escalator. Seriously. This is people in Leicester Square. Big mistake. Avoid the Central a cardinal London sin." Although it is famous, Line if you can. You’ll there really isn’t much soon learn that all Londoners have their favourite Tube there and it’s always rammed. The same goes for line. And their worst. The Central Line is stuffy, weirdly Trafalgar Square (apart from the museums). The only arranged, and doesn’t have WiFi at a lot of stops square which is good to meet in is Gordon Square, (including Tottenham Court Road?!) right next to UCL.

Pints are normally over a fiver. If you’re going to London pubs, bars, or restaurants, you just have to accept that fact. A learned Londoner can look down at the price on the screen as they tap their contactless card and not bat an eyelid. This, however, takes years of practice. Union bars are cheaper, and generally less busy, so it’s sometimes better to stick with them.

You can’t get on the bus with change! Contactless cards and Oyster cards only now. This might seem impractical, but a real Londoner is all about saving time, which does not include waiting for people to fiddle around with their change.

22 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG If you want to do tourist things, don’t do them on the weekend. Everywhere will be 100% less busy on a weekday, so make the most of your central location and flexible uni schedule and see the sights without the hassle.

Areas of London Finally, The Big Smoke needs some diffusing. London is large, and very varied. How Londoners see different areas is crucial to understanding life in the city. I could write forever about this city, but here are just a few things to get you started.

Each area has its own vibe. East London is always full of new, hipstery stuff to do. West has a classier vibe. South London is far away but a more rough and ready cool. North London is the UCL students’ spiritual home. Check them all out and appreciate them for what they are.

Camden isn’t just the market. It is really cool, but there are other fun and interesting things there, too. Camden is excellent for nights out, pubs, scenic walks around Primrose Hill or by the canal, and shopping for amenities (the Lidl is fantastic). To fully enjoy Camden look beyond its fame, which I promise is worth it.

The parks are lovely. London has so many open, green spaces, lots of which are close to UCL. These are large compared to most cities, to the point where you can actually spend a day in some without retracing your steps. Always take advantage of them while the sun is shining; go for walks, ice creams, or just to sit and read a book- something students are meant to do.

"sit and read a book - something students are meant to do."

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 23 MAKE A CHANGE Support a Cause

University is a time for broadening your mind and horizons. One of the main purposes of the Union is to give you the opportunity to explore the issues that impact society. We work with students to run campaigns that are intended to stimulate discussion around these issues and give you the opportunity to challenge the status quo in a safe, supportive environment.

One of our key sources of campaigning are the four student-led liberation networks; the Women’s, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), LGBT+ and Disabled Students’ Networks. These groups give students whose voices may not traditionally be as well heard, a platform to share their experiences and drive change.

When you join us in September, grab the opportunity to support a cause by getting involved with our first big campaigning event, Black History Month, run by Ayo and the BME Network.

“This October is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month. The history and impact of Black people in the UK is hidden; Black history and Black influence is invisible in our schools and in our higher/further education institutions. Don’t Black people deserve equal representation?

This October at UCL, the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Network will be hosting a range of inspiring and dynamic events, lined with controversy in order to spark discussion and debate. These eye-opening events range from the legacy of dating in the Black community to the Black liberation movement and the impact of Black women in our society.

We will also be including events on UK Black Pride and the history of Islam in the Black community, alongside debates around decolonising education at UCL and other institutions. For music lovers there will be events celebrating and discussing the origin and legacy of Black music in the UK.

We’d like you to get involved with the campaign and everyone at UCL is welcome to Ayo take part. If you want to play an active role, or Black & Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer just come along to an event, look out for the BME network during Freshers.

Black History Month at UCL is set to be a huge celebration - if you have any questions, come and find me or email me on bmes.officer@ucl. ac.uk. I look forward to seeing you at the start of term.”

24 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG Follow updates on studentsunionucl.org/bhm

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 25 STUDENT LIFE How TeamUCL Won Varsity

By Mia Taylor, 2nd year History student UCL Women’s Football Club firsts captain The highlight of the UCL sporting calendar is undoubtedly March’s week-long Varsity Series, where fierce rivals UCL and King’s compete in a number of sports. This year’s competition featured a particularly resounding victory from the UCL Women’s Football team; the girls played a fantastic game of football to cruise to an 8-0 victory against a tough opponent. Months of commitment from all of our athletes and the amazing support from strong UCL crowds led to an eventual 17- 11 UCL victory across the whole series and lots of celebration.

Join TeamUCL If you’re hoping to join one of our competitive teams when you get here, you’ll need to be ahead of the curve. The keen beans of British University and College Sport (BUCS) who organise all of the cross-univeristy leagues like to be first off the mark.

Most people’s first contact with clubs and socs is at the Welcome Shout about the blood, sweat and Fair, but tryouts for BUCS teams tears that go into being the best will be before then, so find the by posting to your social media team you’re interested in on our with #TeamUCL. Share your eye- website and get in touch with wateringly early training sessions, them. pre-match carbo loading and newly-achieved personal bests with us and the other members of the UCL sports community and show everyone exactly what it means to be #TeamUCL.

26 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG Browse the list of clubs, find training sessions and join TeamUCL studentsunionucl.org/student-life

Keep an eye on the Varsity 2018 website for dates and details londonvarsityseries.org

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 27 PLACES AND SPACES Where to Eat & Drink on Campus

Print Room Cafe Whether you’re grabbing something on the go, or treating yourself to a hot meal at lunchtime, Print Room has a fresh, lovingly made option for you. Enjoy with a coffee made by our baristas in the day, or a glass of wine in the evening, but always in beautiful surroundings and a unique atmosphere that will make you forget that you’re on campus.

George Farha, Gordon’s and Bloomsbury Cafés These cafés are lifesavers. Conveniently located coffee in the morning, a panini when you need comfort food and fresh salads and smoothies when you need a health boost. And all at a fraction of the cost you’d find elsewhere.

The Institute Bar The Institute is the most chilled of the Union bars, which is probably why it’s become such a popular postgrad haunt. Kick back with a pizza or a glass of prosecco on the patio and enjoy the best kept secret on campus.

Mully’s Our basement bar is our venue for society performances. Whether it’s Comedy Club’s stand up, Musical Theatre’s open mic nights, Live Music’s battle of the bands, or just Karaoke Saturdays, student talent is always on show here.

Phineas Phineas is the biggest of our bars and named after the Union mascot. It’s the spiritual home of TeamUCL and EVERSHOLT STREET host to our legendary, Sports Nite. It also hosts our CARDINGTON STREET

NORTH GOWER STREET

HAMPSTEAD ROAD

DRUMMOND STREET COBOURG monthly LGBT+ club night and pub quizzes each week. DRUMMOND STREET

MELTON STREET EUSTON STREET A ‘something for everyone’ bar. STEPHENSON WAY EUSTON ROAD EUSTON ROAD UPPER WOBURN Find out where everything is, WARREN STREET

WHITFIELD STREET GOWER PLACE ENDSLEIGH GARDENS FITZROY STREET

ENDSLEIGH STREET

TAVITON STREET

GORDON STREET

CLEVELAND STREET GRAFTON WAY we've put a map on the back MAPLE STREET UNIVERSITY STREET GOWER STREET

FITZROY STREET

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD CLEVELAND MEWS ENDSLEIGH PLACE GORDON SQR. TAVISTOCK SQUARE

TAVISTOCK SQUARE

GORDON SQUARE GORDON SQUARE The Huntley HUNTLEY STREET

MALET PLACE

CHENIES MEWS

HOWLAND STREET CHARLOTTE STREET WHITFIELD STREET of this magazine and on your It might sound odd coming from us, but The Huntley GORDON SQR.

WOBURN PLACE CLEVELAND STREET CHITTY ST.

CHARLOTTE MEWS TORRINGTON PLACE TORRINGTON PLACE

BEDFORD WAY

HUNTLEY STREET

RIDGEMONT GARDENS isn't a student bar. It's the UCL students' local pub. It's TOTTENHAM STREET lanyard

SCALA ST. CHENIES MALET STREET

CHARLOTTE STREET

MORTIMER STREET GOODGE STREET RUSSELL SQUARE

non-studnety drinks at studenty prices. It's a swift pint RUSSELL SQUARE

RUSSELL SQUARE

STORE STREET

at lunch or a craft ale with a mate. It's a know the staff, GOWER STREET

RUSSELL SQUARE SOUTHAMPTON ROW

MONTAGUE STREET mine's the usual, try a bit of the special on tap, home BEDFORD PLACE

from home. Come on in and join us for a quick one. EverythingRUSSELL STREET you need to know about the cafes and bars run by students for students studentsunionucl.org/places-spaces

28 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG HELP AND ADVICE Welcome from Ayo

Ayo Black & Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer

Here at the Union we recognise the importance of respecting and celebrating differences within the student body. We’re extremely proud to have a variety of cultures and faiths represented on campus which results in a vibrant student community. However the prospect of a new (social and cultural) environment for such students can initially be daunting.

In a time when racism and Islamophobia are on the rise throughout the UK, and with a growing number of hate crimes being committed on our doorstep, it is important for us to ensure that you feel safe at a university right at the heart of London. "We’re extremely proud to have

Both the Freshers period and a variety of cultures and faiths acclimatisation to general university represented on campus which life may therefore prove tougher for BME students compared to most, but results in a vibrant student the huge number of faith and cultural societies aim to ease your transition community." here.

We also have a dedicated BME network which serves to support you throughout your studies, whether it is with political activism or just to socialise and chill.

Additionally, the BME Network is making sure that race and faith issues are brought to the forefront of conversation and are made into a priority at our university.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 29 MAKE A CHANGE Lead a Movement

There’s always a lot of talk about union’s giving you the chance to make a change. But honestly, you’re probably not thinking about changing things yet (you’re not even here, how could you possibly know if anything needs changing?!)

So, let’s put it this way; isn’t it reassuring to know that there is always a student - one of your peers, who is going through the same experiences as you - at the table and speaking up on your behalf. The knowledge that there are students at all levels making sure the people taking the big decisions are considering your day-to-day reality is something we take huge pride in.

This is a huge university and it takes hundreds of students to make this work and guarantee that there is always someone standing up for you. So even if you’re not looking to change anything, be a part of the community and consider running for a position in your department, hall or in an area that you’re passionate about.

30 STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG Opportunities coming up this term

Hall Representatives NUS Delegates Living in halls? Check in regularly with your hall You can look further than just UCL and speak for manager and make sure that they’re aware of any our students on a national level by going to the NUS issues, planning a good social calendar and letting Conference and voting on wider issues. residents know of any changes that might affect them. Student Trustees Academic Representatives Because the Union is a charity, we have a Board of Every department has a postgrad and undergrad Trustees who make sure we’re run well. Because we rep that makes sure your education is a two way are a student-led organisation, a number of those conversation between the staff and the students. trustees are students. This is amazing experience for anyone interested in finding out more about how the Faculty Representatives third-sector works. Go one step further than representing your department and speak up for your entire Faculty. If you do think you want to give one You’ll work with Lead Department Reps to gather of these things a try, find out more at feedback from around your Faculty and go to top level studentsunionucl.org/make-change, liaison groups. go along to a Thinking of Standing event, or get in touch with us to talk about it a bit more. Or, even if you don’t think being a rep is for you, vote for the reps that you want to represent you this October.

STUDENTSUNIONUCL.ORG 31 EVERSHOLT STREET

CARDINGTON STREET

NORTH GOWER STREET

HAMPSTEAD ROAD

DRUMMOND STREET COBOURG What’sDRUMMOND where STREET in the Union

MELTON STREET EUSTON STREET

STEPHENSON WAY

EUSTON ROAD EUSTON ROAD

UPPER WOBURN

WARREN STREET

WHITFIELD STREET GOWER PLACE ENDSLEIGH GARDENS FITZROY STREET

ENDSLEIGH STREET

TAVITON STREET

GORDON STREET

CLEVELAND STREET GRAFTON WAY

MAPLE STREET UNIVERSITY STREET GOWER STREET

FITZROY STREET

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD CLEVELAND MEWS ENDSLEIGH PLACE GORDON SQR. TAVISTOCK SQUARE

TAVISTOCK SQUARE

GORDON SQUARE GORDON SQUARE

HUNTLEY STREET

MALET PLACE

CHENIES MEWS

HOWLAND STREET

CHARLOTTE STREET WHITFIELD STREET

GORDON SQR.

WOBURN PLACE CLEVELAND STREET CHITTY ST.

CHARLOTTE MEWS TORRINGTON PLACE TORRINGTON PLACE

BEDFORD WAY

HUNTLEY STREET

RIDGEMONT GARDENS

TOTTENHAM STREET

SCALA ST. CHENIES MALET STREET

CHARLOTTE STREET

LEWIS’S BUILDING 25 GORDON STREET 15 GORDON STREET 20 BEDFORD WAY RUSSELL SQUARE MORTIMER STREET GOODGE STREET MEDIA SUITE UNION OFFICES BLOOMSBURY FITNESS THE INSTITUTE

VOLUNTEERING SERVICE PHINEAS BAR CLUBS & SOCIETIES CENTRE RUSSELL SQUARE DANCE STUDIO THE STUDY ADVICE CENTRE

GEORGE FARHA CAFÉ GORDON’S CAFÉ BLOOMSBURYRUSSELL SQUARE CAFÉ THE HUNTLEY UCLU SHOP RECEPTIONSTORE STREET RECEPTION Join other UCL students in the official MULLY’S BASEMENT BAR facbook group, search ‘Official Students’ Union UCL Community’ GOWER STREET

SOUTHAMPTON ROW RUSSELL SQUARELike the official facebook page ‘UCL

MONTAGUE STREET Freshers’ 2017’ for updates on events BEDFORD PLACE during Welcome 2017

Where most of the good stuff happens online…

RUSSELL STREETInstagram @StudentsUnionUCL Twitter @TheUnionUCL Facebook search ‘ Students’ Union UCL’ www.studentsunionucl.org