University & Beds SU set to welcome students

Wed 15 September, 2021

With the imminent arrival and return of students to campus after 18 months away, the University of Bedfordshire and its Students’ Union have grand plans to greet new students, as well as welcome back those whose courses are already underway.

Welcome Week and the Freshers Fairs are just around the corner, while Beds SU has a sleek new redesign, four newly elected and ambitious student officers in its Exec Team, and a fresh year ahead of providing support and entertainment to Bedfordshire’s students.

It has been an unpredictable and stressful time away from campus for many of the University’s students, meaning Beds SU has strengthened its efforts to let the student body know that they are not alone. This is shown through the SU making all Welcome Week events free for all students as well as adopting a hybrid approach – meaning those who cannot be on campus can still join a large number of events virtually.

Read on to find out more about each of Beds SU’s new and exciting plans for the coming year…

Welcome Week

Welcome Week runs from 18^th – 24^th September and will be on offer both in person and online. There are both day and night events, though all in person activities and some virtual ones will have capacity limits so booking is required. Evidence of a negative lateral flow/antibody test from the past 48 hours or of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 is required for admission to the SU’s nightclub-style events.

Outdoor movie screenings provide an opportunity for students to come together to watch their favourite films, while pool, table tennis and rounders sessions are available for those wanting to test their hand-eye coordination against their fellow newcomers. Ten Pin bowling, live DJ sets, the ever-popular whiteboard party and quizzes will ensure the entertainment runs long past the sun going down.

Along with a jam-packed agenda of fun activities, on-campus Freshers Fairs are taking place in Bedford (Wednesday 22^nd September) and Luton (Thursday 23^rd September) as well as online on Friday 24^th September for students to learn more about their new surroundings, join societies and hear from opportunities with well-known external brands. There will also be a café open at the Fairs for Student Parents and Students with Disabilities to meet peers and student representatives.

Beds SU will also be sharing top tips for students as well as useful articles and information across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Dylan Cox, Co-Vice President of Beds SU said: “This year we have pulled together our largest ever range of events aimed at welcoming all students to university life! We have some really exciting activities taking place both on the ground and online, and we can’t wait to start meeting everyone.”

A comprehensive list of events, information and students guides can be found on Beds SU’s dedicated Welcome Week website.

A Fresh Look for Beds SU

My Beds Life new look Beds SU is definitely looking to start the year with a bang! Not only has it pulled together its most ambitious Welcome programme yet, but it will also be starting the year with an exciting new strategic direction, a fresh new look and a brand-new website.

Discussing the changes, Mark McCormack – CEO of Beds SU – said: “Students tell us they want to see us throughout their time at Bedfordshire and understand how we contribute to their educational journey. This will be the thread of our new strategic plan, ‘With you on your journey’, launching later this year.

“From the start of term students will see our strategy in action: inductions that explain how their SU brings benefit to their educational journey, bringing together students and bridging peer-led communities, and making life easier for students – from freebies and giveaways, to advice and information. As students enjoy the buzz of campus activity or continue to access events and content online, they’ll see a fresh, present SU who are keen to engage with them and work hard for their interests.”

The University of Bedfordshire’s student portal ‘MyBedsLife’ has also had a redesign. It now features three vibrant dashboards that contain all the everyday essentials which students need during their studies. Whether it’s catching up on emails, checking timetables or accessing student support, MyBedsLife has Bedfordshire’s students covered. Find out more here: www.beds.ac.uk/my-beds-life

New Exec Team

Each year, the University’s student body elected four new student officers into its Exec Team. This term, following a referendum which passed a proposed restructure, the Team takes the form of two Co-Presidents and two Co-Vice Presidents.

Elected with manifestos that laid out how they would best listen to students and push forward their own changes to University policy, such as recording and uploading lectures online, Laura Tamara, Quadri Yusuf, Dylan Cox and Catalina Nita are this year’s representatives.

"I want students to feel best prepared to win, I believe studying is a great opportunity, which should be memorable for the right reasons. I also believe that no Beds student group should be disadvantaged, so I intend to focus on eliminating set-backs for students who identify as being a black or minority ethnic aka BaME, those with disabilities, those with caring responsibilities and students from the LGBT+ community. As we celebrate our differences, equality will prevail when we normalise social inclusion.

"I graduated this July with an MSc in International Business with Law. When I am not working I enjoy being outdoors with my family, drinking hot coffee and listening to loud jazz music."

"My vision for the year ahead is to ensure that there is reduction in academic offences amongst students to ensure academic integrity in the university and improve the society activities in the university.

"I am currently doing my MBA in Data Analytics and have a MSc in International Relations Management. Away from my studies I love to play scrabble and football."

"My vision is to ensure lectures continue to be recorded and posted online after the return to campus, as well as creating a programme that pushes high achieving students to further excel.

"I have a degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and I’m going to be doing my Masters by research alongside my role as an Exec year, followed hopefully by a PhD.

"Away from my studies and job I compete as a bodybuilder so spend time at the gym and I do cheerleading at University."

"As Vice President I would like to see improvement in the BAME awarding gap, greater cultural and environmental recognition and engage with students to motivate and support them in achieving their goals.

"I have just finished my undergraduate foundation year at LSE (London campus) studying for a BS in Business Management, where I was awarded top grades across the 4 units and received 'Student of the Unit Certificate'. Away from my studies I enjoy spending time with my friends and gather for games and catching up. I love swimming and to travel. "

Co-Presidents Laura and Quadri had the following message for new-starters at the University:

“Welcome and well done on taking this first step in your academic journey. There is so much that is great going on at Beds SU this year, so immerse yourself in it as much as you can. The SU is run by students for students, and is independent from the University, so you can come to us for help and advice at any time.”

To find out more about events at Beds SU and ways that its staff can offer you support, visit: www.bedssu.co.uk

Visit the University’s dedicated Welcome Week pages for information about the start of term.

Welcome Week