LBSU Welcome Guide 2019

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2019/20

LEEDS BECKETT STUDENTS' UNION

Welcome!

Everything you need to know about LBSU and life at Leeds Beckett!

lbsu.co.uk

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Give us a shout

@leedsbeckettsu Keep up-to-date on all the latest events, announcements and updates!

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Contents Welcome to Leeds

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Meet your Officers

06

Have your say

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Welcome to your new gaff

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Meeting new people

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Get fresh

14

Sex, drugs & sausage rolls

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Stand up

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Get elected

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The Hive

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Be treated fairly at work

24

Staying the course

26

Don't drop out, drop in

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Feeling homesick?

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Managing your money

30

The Not-Very-Appealing

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Trinity Student Social

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Don't sweat it

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Useful links

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Welcome to Leeds Welcome to the family that is 24,000 strong.

Beyond Beckett, you are part of one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK with a vibrant social scene that includes over 300 bars and restaurants, 16 museums and galleries, and over 80 annual festivals.

Enjoy a Yorkshire pudding wrap while you peruse Europe’s largest indoor market, visit J.R.R Tolkien’s house in the legendary student area of Headingley, or go catch some live music in town any night of the week!

We’re here to prep you for life in the fastest growing UK economy outside of London - and what a time to be a part of it. Leeds is the birthplace of world class musicians and artists, the shooting location of the oldest surviving film, and home to innovative app and game developers like Activision and Rockstar.

Leeds has all this to offer and all that’s missing is you.

This guide will take you on a journey from what to expect as a Fresher, to making uni life work for you. Leeds Beckett Students’ Union (LBSU) is committed to your wellbeing and development, as well as making sure you have a blast at uni. With that in mind, here’s a quick rundown of how we put the decision-making in your hands.

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Meet your Student Officers Ey up! Welcome to Leeds from your Elected Student Officers. Our team is made up of five full-time elected students who have just graduated or taken a year out to lead your Students’ Union. We each represent a part of your university life, from diversity and liberation, to events and getting involved.

We want to take you on a journey to show you what to expect and what pitfalls to avoid as a student at Leeds Beckett. We know what student life is all about and will share our (kind of) wisdom so that you can get the most out of the amazing new experiences and milestones that lie ahead.

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FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

SHERRY IQBAL Education s.iqbal@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Visit lbsu.co.uk/officerteam to find out more.

JESS CARRIER Welfare & Community

AHMED ALI Equality & Diversity

j.carrier@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

ahmed.ali@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

BARBARA PEREIRA Activities & Events

CHARLIE HIND Union Affairs

b.pereira@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

c.hind@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

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Have your say

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Do you have a strong opinion on something that LBSU can make better? Maybe you want us to take a stance on something happening in the wider world? Being a positive force for change is becoming increasingly important and we put decision-making in your hands. Our democratic system is made up of four Student Forums; Equality & Diversity, Activities, Welfare & Community, and Education.

These Forums are led by an elected Student Committee, open to all students to attend, speak and vote, and meet throughout the year to make decisions on things that matter to you. Our "Have Your Say" tool is embedded throughout our website for you to‌ well, have your say! It’s also an opportunity to share your experiences with others and even propose solutions to issues.

Whether you are a first year, final year, or postgraduate student and you have something to share, be a part of invoking real change in three easy steps:

1. Tell us Our online tool is always open for you to give your opinion or make suggestions no matter how small.

2. Rally Get your idea liked and with enough support it will go to the relevant Forum.

3. See the change Come along to the Forum to discuss your idea and encourage your peers to vote for it.

Let us know what you want to see: lbsu.co.uk/haveyoursay

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Say hello to your * new gaff Chances are your room will be smaller than at home, so moving in to your accommodation is a good time to shed your old skin. A good rule of thumb is if it doesn’t fit in the boot, it won’t fit in your room. Essential things to bring are your personal documents for admin stuff and bedding is super important, as are hangers for your clothes and a laundry hamper!

It’s important to remember that nearly everyone is anxious about moving away from home and, let’s face it, everyone has probably cried over it too - it’s okay to not feel totally happy about the uni experience straight away! Use this time to form friendships with flatmates and support each other through the transitional period - cook meals, have a movie night, arrange trips out to really experience all that Leeds has to offer together. You can even share the costs of things your flat doesn’t have, like a kettle or toaster.

These first few weeks are the perfect opportunity for you to try something new. Not exactly Gordon Ramsey? Look out for our one-off volunteering opportunities throughout the year to bring your skills up to scratch, which have included cooking tips and mocktails classes. We have also run some upcycling workshops, so keep an eye out on our volunteering opportunities page and check out the Thrift Shop to kit out your flat (and yourself) for next to nowt! * "gaff" is a slang word for "house"

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Check out our volunteering opportunities: lbsu.co.uk/volunteering

Refresh your gaff on the cheap: lbsu.co.uk/thriftshop

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Meeting new people Get mixing First year is all about getting settled and involved as much as you can. Don’t be shy and think you can’t go to something on your own; there will be more people doing it than you realise!

Head to the Headingley Hive on a Thursday for the weekly quiz and you’ll be chatting to people in no time. If you’ve seen an event that you fancy going to but don’t know anyone who is interested, pop a message on the official Freshers group on Facebook and/or accommodation group chats.

Join a society Join a society that speaks to you. Potter-mad? Want to try some games? Into sport? Get to a society mixer to get a feel for your new best friends. The existing members have all been in the exact same position as you and will make sure that you feel welcome…. and there’ll be loads of new members and freshers there too!

Be yourself Just be you. Get to know your flatmates and others around you, invite people for a coffee or out to dinner or a sightseeing trip. Be ready to say yes but don’t pay any notice to FOMO! You don’t have to do everything and Leeds isn’t going anywhere. You’re more likely to have a better time as you settle in and get to know your new friends better anyway, so don’t blow all your money in your first few weeks.

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In a society, you are always welcome: lbsu.co.uk/societies

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Get fresh What’s Freshers without the events? Our official LBSU Freshers week is all about amazing new experiences. Get to the Headphone Disco, mix with others at the Tea Parties, go to the Fairs to meet the societies you'll be a part of, and grab some freebies – this is your time for settling in (plus you’ll never have to buy a pen again!). We are partnered with Domino's too, so make sure to come see them for exclusive student deals. (I mean, what else are you going to eat while you’re binge-watching Netflix?)

Freshers Week offers much to go to, whether you’re into clubbing, bingo nights or even ravey badminton (it's called Raveminton, obvs.) Go just for the laugh, but look after yourself! Don’t forget to eat (with all those food vouchers or at The Hive using your 25% wristband discount) and keep hydrated (with water preferably).

Don’t risk walking home when you run out of cash on a night out either. Use our taxi partner Amber Cars to get you home safely and pay for your journey another day at the LBSU Helpdesk.

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Get set for Freshers 2019: freshers.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk

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Sex, drugs & sausage rolls You could finish Freshers with a few bad habits for sure, but how much is too much? Drinking or using drugs to cope with stress or to ignore responsibilities is a big red flag. It’s important to recognise when drinking/drugs become a coping mechanism. We have drop-ins from Leeds-based charities that offer a wide range of services from referrals for further treatment, to a general chat about drug and alcohol habits and staying as safe as possible. Just keep an eye on our social media channels for when these are happening throughout the year.

#SafeSesh DO NOT feel pressured into drinking or taking drugs. If you do choose to take drugs, ensure you’re making informed choices by exploring information provided on our website for partners who can ensure you have a #SafeSesh. We are partnered with some amazing charities based right here in Leeds and their contact information is all available on our website.

Also... Wrap up!

We all know Freshers week can be a wild and busy time but if you wake up and remember you didn’t use protection, head down to Leeds Sexual Health in the city centre who do drop-ins most days. We also have monthly testing at LBSU, so check out the dates on our website if you’d prefer to drop in on campus where we also give out free contraception.

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Get all the info you need: lbsu.co.uk/wellbeing

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Stand up As you get into the swing of uni life, you will get to know what support you need for your studies and what you want LBSU to offer.

Campaigns and student activism are a regular thing on campus and could be around awareness, diversity, or marking an important occasion. Joining campaigns are a great way to not only meet friends and people you share ideas with, but also a way to influence change in the University. We take our lead from you.

LBSU also supports six student equality and liberation communities; women, LGBT+ students, trans students, disabled students, international students and BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnicity) students. The groups work to improve the experiences of their respective and combined communities and talk about shared views.

Think campaigning sounds too serious?

They like to have fun too with bowling, movie nights, and tea parties, just to name a few!

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Get elected Throughout your time at Beckett, you'll be seeing publicity encouraging students to nominate themselves or a friend for elections.

Full-time and part-time roles are up for grabs, such as Officers and Course Reps.

Elections are a great opportunity to start a conversation, meet new people, and make real change within The Uni. Regardless of how the elections turn out, the most important thing is the experience you gain from being in an election campaign.

We'll also give you support and advice on how to run efficient campaigns. Just being a part of the process gives you some bragging rights in your CV, so get involved and have fun as you do it!

Make a difference: lbsu.co.uk/haveyoursay lbsu.co.uk/elections

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Have a cheeky browse at our menu: lbsu.co.uk/thehive

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Found at both City and Headingley campus, The Hive is more than just a bar, having been revamped and repurposed as a place for you to eat, drink, relax, study and socialise! Societies have regular mixers here, our Freshers Fair packs the space to the rafters, and you can catch events on at either of our two campuses.

So, pop in to nab a Starbucks in the morning with 25% off, get your lunch to take away, then unwind after your lecture with a drink. (Pssst, we have a quiz on in Headingley every Thursday with drinks offers and prizes!)

Take these with you as a special welcome gift from LBSU.

Valid Semester 1 only (Sep 23 - Dec 20, 2019) One per transaction. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Valid Semester 1 only (Sep 23 - Dec 20, 2019) One per transaction. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Valid Semester 2 only (Jan 20 - May 15, 2020) One per transaction. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Valid Semester 1 only (Sep 23 - Dec 20, 2019) One per transaction. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

25% OFF FUDGE CAKE

Valid Semester 2 only (Jan 20 - May 15, 2020) One per transaction. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

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STARBUCKS

SEMESTER 2

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SOFT DRINKS

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Be treated fairly at work If you decide to get a job while studying, make sure you join the relevant Trade Union for you. These are groups of people coming together to achieve what individuals wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Completely separate from a Students' Union, a Trade Union can provide legal support while at work.

They also run campaigns, such as calling for a £10 per hour minimum wage! If you’re not sure which Trade Union is right for your job, check out the handy guide on our website. You can also ask your employer which Union is the right one to be in. Remember, it’s your right to join a Trade Union and it’s illegal for your employer to tell you not to. If you’re still unsure about which Trade Union is right for you or how to deal with a problem at work, pop in to our Advice Service drop-in.

Work with us There's a range of ways to get paid with the Students’ Union.

Support fellow students at the LBSU Helpdesk, lend a hand during our events, get paid for feedback through focus groups, serve it up at The Hive… or mix them all together! Your application gives you the chance to tell us your skills and we can get you flexible shifts that work around your studies.

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Check our up-to-date jobs: lbsu.co.uk/jobs

Think something's not right?: lbsu.co.uk/fairnessatwork

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Staying the course As your Education Officer, Sherry is here to support your academic life and to help you make the change you want to see.

Sometimes that’s just as simple as giving you advice or pointing you to the right Course Rep. Course Reps will take any concerns or feedback you have to the regular meetings they have with your course team - a perfect opportunity to raise issues and concerns to the people who need to hear it. With LBSU you will always have a voice, so use it!

As well as chatting to Course Reps, you can come to your School Forum. Be sure to check out when and where these are taking place on our website. If your issue is something you feel comfortable chatting to your personal tutor about, remember that you can ask for a meeting with them anytime; they’re there to support you throughout your time at Beckett!

As an Elected Student Officer, Sherry's here to listen and support you every step of the way; don’t be afraid to give her a shout!

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Don't drop out, drop in Uni is a crazy new experience and it can feel overwhelming. Maybe you feel like you don’t fit in to certain groups? Maybe you’re not sure which group of friends you belong to? People have already formed groups and you feel like it’s too late?

Here at LBSU we run lots of activities and support society events; these are great ways to meet like-minded people who are interested in similar things to you!

You can even do a bit of volunteering to meet new people, and possibly develop a new skill!

Come and speak to the Advice Team if you want to find out more about how the decisions you make might impact on you.

We're here for you: lbsu.co.uk/coursereps lbsu.co.uk/advice

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Feeling Homesick?

The feeling of being away from home can be overwhelming, particularly before you have had a chance to find your friendship groups or settle into your new life. This is natural and it affects people in different ways. Every student feels homesick, so don’t let anyone say otherwise.

Remember that your family and friends are always at the other end of the phone, but this is your chance to explore a brand-new city, bursting with culture and diversity. So many experiences will shape your journey whilst at university, so make the best effort to get yourself out and about during those first few weeks!

Tip: It sounds odd but try not to go home too soon if you’re homesick.

We want you to have fun and have all you need to start your student life in Leeds but, if things are getting too much, we are here to help you. If you’re feeling lonely, please do not isolate yourself. Your mental wellbeing is a priority, so please know there are places to reach out to if you feel like you're trapped in your room. If you don’t feel like you can communicate with your flatmates, use your new connections within your course, speak to the Academic Team, or come visit LBSU, and we can find a society or volunteering opportunity for you to get stuck into. A lot of students tell us they find their feet through societies, so don’t hesitate to get involved!

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See how you can get involved: lbsu.co.uk/getinvolved

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Managing your money Even with all the discounts flying about, finances can soon get on top of you. The first tip on managing your money is to know what you have and what you need to spend it on, so make a budget plan with all your expenses and see how it adds up. Our Advice Team are on hand to guide you through plans, especially when it comes to university costs, so give them a holler any time.

It’s easy to think WOO FREE MONEY when that sweet, sweet loan drops - but it’s important to budget. This will come in handy if you decide to move into private housing in second year, in terms of managing how to pay bills etc. But, we also understand that currently student finance payments are barely even covering rent and this leads many students into debt.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU TAKE OUT A PAYDAY LOAN. Please, please, please, if you’re struggling with debt, speak to our LBSU Advice Team or the Uni's Money Advice Team, where they can assist you with anything, including how to access The Hardship Fund. Our Advice Service is confidential, impartial, and non-judgemental, so no problem is too big or small; they’re here to help.

Need to make some savings? Our Thrift shop is great for kitting out the flat on a budget, and EcoSoup are providing pay-as-you-feel soup on campus, so be sure to visit for a bite between lectures. Another top tip would be to apply for flexible work with LBSU. You can pick up shifts that work around your studies and help bring that bit of extra cash for those little extra bits and bobs (pizza, I’m talking about pizza).

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Get money-savvy: lbsu.co.uk/money lbsu.co.uk/ecosoup lbsu.co.uk/thriftshop

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The Not-VeryAppealing Okay, so you kept on top of your work, social, and study life, and even followed this guide to the letter and boom – life throws a curve ball. It happens. You may get sick or someone you know did, or something else happened that means you have fallen behind on your studies. This is something our Advice Team can help you with, guiding you through mitigation and your options, all completely independent from the University.

Whether it’s about a suspected plagiarism allegation or appealing for extenuating circumstances, they’ve got the knowledge to help you, ensuring you’re able to follow the procedures. Although it can be really scary, remember that you’re not alone. Hundreds of students face this every year and our job at LBSU is to listen, support, and educate you on your rights and what can happen. We’ll always have your back.

Don’t let things get too much or anything pass you by, come and see us and we can see what options are available to help you.

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Come and see us: lbsu.co.uk/contact

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Don't sweat it This is a massive milestone, you got here all by yourself and the memories you’ll make from your time at uni will last a lifetime. Our societies, our volunteers, everyone who gets involved, they're all people. Students are what make up LBSU and we want to make your time here at Beckett full of amazing experiences.

We also need you to tell us what we should be working to change. Submit ideas, come to Forums, come see your Officers, see the bigger picture. You have it all ahead of you and we’re chuffed to be here watching you succeed. Ta-ra!

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Useful links Your Officer Team: lbsu.co.uk/officerteam Make a change: lbsu.co.uk/makeachange lbsu.co.uk/haveyoursay lbsu.co.uk/elections lbsu.co.uk/coursereps Get involved: lbsu.co.uk/getinvolved lbsu.co.uk/societies lbsu.co.uk/volunteering lbsu.co.uk/jobs Help and Advice: lbsu.co.uk/advice lbsu.co.uk/wellbeing lbsu.co.uk/money lbsu.co.uk/fairnessatwork The Hive: lbsu.co.uk/thehive Freshers: freshers.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk Find us: lbsu.co.uk/contact

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Give us a shout

@leedsbeckettsu Keep up-to-date on all the latest events, announcements and updates!

lbsu.co.uk