Your Guide to Reading University Students' Union by Reading Students' Union

YOUR GUIDE TO READING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION

ABOUT RUSU 2 YOUR STUDENTS ' UNION (During our interactions with you, we may collect your personal data, for example when you purchase tickets or vote in an election To find out more about the data we may collect and how we'll store, handle and keep that data safe, head to our website: rusu co uk/privacy policy) rusu.co.uk

WHAT DOES RUSU DO? usu.co.uk

RUSU is the voice of students. We work hard to represent the collective student voice, inviting you to share your ideas and proactively seeking voices of under-represented groups to help us challenge and shape the work of your students’ union and the University. We support you to succeed. RUSU can offer advice, or point you in the right direction for help on matters such as welfare, money, education, housing... everything in fact! We also love creating opportunities for you to enhance your existing skills, helping you to get to know yourself a little better, and encouraging your participation in new activities! We’ll open your eyes to opportunities you may not have considered, from joining (or starting!) a society to launching a student led campaign. Through all we do we hope to create a sense of belonging and community and ultimately to make university life fun! We love creating opportunities for students to be together and to join in with activities. If you’re a sports fan, enjoy a specific hobby, love to help others, or are looking to try something new, then RUSU is the place for you. Looking to set up the first ever Appreciation of Gel Pens Society? Do it! You are our main priority! We’ll champion you, support you and help you to realise your potential throughout your university journey.

UNION ROLL CALL 5.5% LGBTQ+ students 14.9% students with a disability 53.1% female students 45.6% male students 0.1% non binary students 4 Our 22,000+ membership is made up of... rusu.co.uk

21% overseas students 78.9% home students 0.1% unknown 34.9% BAME students 58.4% white students 6.8% unknown 5 44.1% postgraduate students 55.9% undergraduate students rusu.co.uk

Representation of all students at the University is a priority at RUSU. RUSU recognises that some students are under-represented at University and in wider society. So, the Full time Officers work closely with our 11 unpaid Part-time Officers to campaign for under-represented students to be treated equally at University. We also have student trustees who help our board lead the organisation and course and senior reps who work to ensure the University provides the best possible academic experience for all students!

We are a student-led organisation. Every year a team of officers are elected by you, the student body, to lead RUSU.

There are so many opportunities to get involved Look out for elections in the Autumn and Spring terms and head to our website to find out more about all of the roles available. rusu.co.uk/representation/student-reps 6 OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM rusu.co.uk

RUSU is led by five Full time Student Officers. The Student Officers listen to the views of students and represent the student voice on campus, locally and nationally.

PRESIDENT As team leader, the President is responsible for coordinating and leading the Full time Officer team on the delivery of their priorities. They are the lead representative to the University and key external stakeholders, and are responsible for oversight of RUSU’s commercial service and communications. They also take a lead on all aspects of governance and democracy and RUSU’s environmental and sustainability work.

ACTIVITIES & OPPORTUNITIES OFFICER Lead officer for all aspects of the student extracurricular experience This includes the development and promotion of Sporting and Society activities, Media Streams, Raising and Giving (RAG) and Volunteering opportunities. They also create initiatives to help you with your professional skill development and lead on events and activities that promote extracurricular opportunities and skills development.

rusu.co.uk

INCLUSION & COMMUNITIES OFFICER Lead officer for all liberation based work; promoting and developing equality, diversity and inclusion on campus. They work with student communities, support campaigns and create links with the local community and local interest groups.

As a student at Reading, you can run for a paid Full time Officer position in our elections that normally occur in the early Spring. Being a Full time Officer opens up many fantastic opportunities and gives you the ability to have a positive impact on students and the wider community

FULL-TIME OFFICERS

WELFARE OFFICER Lead officer for all aspects of student wellbeing and support They push the University and RUSU to help solve issues currently affecting students and develop and lead on key welfare campaigns and projects, as well as developing new initiatives in response to student feedback.

EDUCATION OFFICER Lead officer on all aspects of teaching and learning; their main aim is to improve the student academic experience. They work closely with the University and RUSU’s academic representatives and lead on academic related campaigns and initiatives.

PART-TIME OFFICERS 8 Black Students’ Part time Officer Disabled Students’ Officer International Students’ Officer LGBTQ+ Officer Mature Students’ Officer Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer Trans Students’ Officer Women’s Officer Environment and Ethics Officer Postgraduate Research Students’ Officer Postgraduate Taught Students’ Officer Our 11 Part-time Officers work hard to ensure under-represented students are heard and treated equally at University. Many of our Part-time Officers go on to win accolades for the fantastic work they do to make your experience at university an equal, diverse and inclusive one. Feel free to approach the team with any questions, ideas and issues. THE BAME STUDENTS’ PART-TIME OFFICER HAS HELPED TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE ATMOSPHERE THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC AND PROVIDED THE BAME COMMUNITY WITH NEW AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES. THEY ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR ROLE AND ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE BEST. Student Experience Awards Nominee, 2020/21 “ “ rusu.co.uk

Meal plan with your flatmates. It's much cheaper and more fun!

TOP TIPS FOR FRESHERS Don't forget to register with a GP. Join a sports team or society! It's a great way to get to know people. Have a chat with someone you don't know. You never know, you might just have a lovely chat or meet a lifelong friend!

Try not to go home between Freshers and Christmas. Overcoming homesickness early will help you settle in. If you're struggling, ask for help. Come visit your students' union or seek support through the University. We're all here for you.

The MyWay Student Safety App shows students the safest route to walk home after a night out in Reading. It is available for all students. Scan the QR code to download it now! STUDENT SAFETY APP 10

WELLBEING CHAMPIONS

RUSU WELCOME TEAM rusu.co.uk

The Wellbeing Champions sit within each school and actively promote and support initiatives, services and campaigns that RUSU and the University do to improve students’ mental health and wellbeing. They also signpost students who require mental health support to appropriate services and work closely with the RUSU Welfare Officer to achieve these aims.

MYWAY

RUSU's Welcome Team will be there to support you throughout your integration into university life and can answer any questions about the services that RUSU has available. You’ll also see the team about during some freshers’ nights so if you ever feel a bit lost on a union night, look out for them!

CHAMPION WELLBEING

WELFARE & ADVICE

ACADEMIC ADVICE

Feel free to pop in to RUSU Reception during opening hours or, to book an appointment, email advice@rusu.co.uk or go online at rusu.co.uk/advice

No matter how big or small your problem, your Welfare Officer and the RUSU Advice team are here for you.

HOUSING ADVICE

Financing your time at university can be tough. If you have concerns or issues then RUSU’s Money Advisors can help They are professionally accredited to give advice about student finance, budgeting, income maximisation and debt management. They can also help with banking, council tax and employment rights.

MONEY ADVICE

From frustrating landlords to long arduous contracts, RUSU’s Housing Advisors are on hand to help with any housing problems! They can check any housing contracts and provide advice on repairs and deposits too.

ADVICE

RUSU has a confidential, professional and independent advice service available to any student. The service is free, non-judgemental and nondiscriminatory.

RUSU's specialist Academic Advisors can support you with university processes such as exceptional circumstances, appealing your result or academic misconduct investigations. They provide free, impartial advice and can attend university meetings with you.

If you feel like you’re struggling or need extra support, then have a look at the RUSU Welfare Directory to learn about services available: rusuwelfaredirectory.co.uk WELFARE DIRECTORY r11 usu.co.uk

Disclaimer: information provided was accurate at the time of producing For an up to date overview of our currently affiliated sports teams and societies, please visit our website OPPORTUNITIES ACTIVITIES 12 We highly encourage everyone to attend our Freshers' Fayre to see what opportunities are available. You’ll have the chance to speak to the committee members and sign up for taster sessions. If you have any questions for the committee members, or you would like to join a new group any other time of year, then we recommend visiting their page on our website and getting in contact with them. The RUSU student activities page on our website is also where you can pay for membership, events and buy merchandise for your clubs and societies. HOW TO JOIN With over 150 sports teams and societies, and plenty of volunteering opportunities, there are lots of opportunities to get involved with at your students' union! You can apply to set up your own society via our student activities page on our website. Find our application form and more information online. View the current list of sports teams and societies and find out more information: rusu.co.uk/student-activities START YOUR OWN & rusu.co.uk

SPORTS American Football BBAArcherythleticsadmintonasketballMen’s & SRRRRRPPNLKKJHHHGFFFFDCCCCCCanoeBBWomen’soatoxingavingheerleadinglayPigeonricketyclingodgeballencingootballMen’sootballWomen’sutsalMen’s&Women’solfiking&WalkingockeyMen’s&Women’sockeyMixediuJitsuendoorfballacrosseetballoleFitnessoloidingCluboundersugbyLeagueugbyUnionMen’sugbyUnionWomen’sailing SSkydivingnowsports (RUSNO) YWVUTTTSSSoftballubAquawimmingableTennisennisrampoliningltimateFrisbeeolleyballaterPoloogalates DANCE Ballroom & Latin Knights Dance (Tap, Modern & ZSSBallet)alsawingDanceumba ACADEMIC AND CAREER FAEEEEClassicsCBBBAAccountingrchitectureiologicalSciencesiomedicalEngineeringusinesshemistryconomicsNACTUSnglishuropeanLawStudents’ssociation(ELSA)ood GeogSoc (Geography) MLHistoryaweteorology (MetSoc) Minghella (Film, Theatre and Television) Politics and International ZTRealRUINEDRPRelationssychologyUHacking?-ArchaeologyEstateherapyoology ARTS DBandrama (RUDS) Fine SMusicArt(RUMS)ingerSongwriters CAMPAIGNS AND CAUSES 93% FFeministClubriendsof Palestine VSLGBT+elfDefenceeganandVegetarian 13 AND SPORTS & SOCIETIES SPORTS & DANCE SOCIETIES rusu.co.uk

CULTURE AND FAITH AAfghanfrican Business Afro Caribbean (ACS) AArabSEAN Culture BAME Society Bible Study Bru Knights WTTTRPolisPENSAPNM(LKJJIIHFCCCatholicBulgarianhristianUnionypriot&HellenicilipinoindunternationalslamicapaneseewishharisonCampusatinAmerican&SpanishLASS)LoveWorldalaysianigerianakistanussianSpeakershaiheYChurchurkishelsh HOBBIES AND INTERESTS AAAnimenti-stressrtsandCrafts (RUSAC) Book Society Chess Club Crypto VOLUNTEERING RAG (Raising and Giving) B radio Buddy Up Compass Recovery College CCoppafeelreatingBetter Futures Green Volunteers SSFSRRQMKGamingGFictionElectronicDDUSSRROnceMFLMary’sMLaunchpadarrowmealsClubaMontheadistreetotaracttartingPointtudentEatsGardenoRHedgehogsebaterumandBassMusic(REMS)WritingamesandRolePlay(GARPS)&eSportsPOPotorsportsuiddichandQuillsUHacking?ockcienceFiction,FantasyandHorrorilm(SWAGA)ignLanguagetJohnAmbulance POLITICS Conservative Association Model United Nations 14 SOCIETIES CONTINUED VOLUNTEERING rusu.co.uk

Mondial and Monterey Lounge are great spaces for you to catch up with friends or work on your own projects over a coffee and a bite to eat. These spaces are also available to hire out for practice and socials If it’s delicious cooked food you want.

15 FACILITIES rusu.co.uk

Mojos is the place for you Offering great prices, and right in the heart of the university campus, this is the best place to chill while enjoying a bite to eat Whether you fancy a coffee or a big night out, we’ve got you covered!

All our venues have received a Best Bar None Gold Award.

Offering Starbucks products at a cheaper price, Knights Café is the perfect place to enjoy a latte or cappuccino, a yummy cake or muffin, or a freshly toasted panini We cater for all dietary needs.

In 3sixty you'll find events like our weekly fruit and veg market, leadership elections and student pride week. When the sun goes down, 3sixty becomes part of the largest nightclub venue in Reading, hosting our Union nights.

NURSERY Our purpose built nursery, Little Learners, offers spaces for children between three months and five years right here on campus. Perfect if you're in need of childcare, or perhaps a parttime job! rusu.co.uk/nursery MERCHANDISE We have all sorts of University of Reading merchandise! Whether you're after a snuggly hoody or a teddy bear, check out our merch store in the RUSU building or visit us online: rusu.co.uk/shop Want to earn some extra money whilst you're at university? Join our student staff team and you'll get to meet lots of new people and learn new skills! Check out what jobs are currently available online: rusu.co.uk/studentjobs JOBS

17 EVENTS

Throughout the year we host lots of events exclusively for University of Reading students. In your first term there will be comedy nights, quiz & karaoke and the freshers’ ball just to name a few!

To celebrate the end of the academic year, there’s our Summer Ball which welcomes over 4,000 students. With live entertainment, a fun fair and food stalls galore, it really is the perfect way to make some amazing and unforgettable memories!

And of course, throughout the year, we have our Wednesday and Saturday Union nights as well as lots of other fun events! rusu.co.uk/ents rusu.co.uk

MY WAY APP This Student Safety App shows the safest route to walk home after a night out in Reading. Scan the QR code to download. rusu.co.uk 19