Top Ten Welfare Tips

Image by Images_of_Money via FlickrLeaving home for the first time? Are you ready for what will quite possibly be, the best fortnight of your life so far? Check out our tips on how to make the most of it safely…


1. Budget
Prioritise what is a 'need' and what really is only a 'want'. The last thing you want to do is miss out due to insufficient funds. Not cool. Have a look at our 'Managing your money' advice.

2. Be prepared
Buying all your essentials, books (Blackwell have a reserve online, collect in store facility) and of course fancy dress, before you get here means you have more time to spend meeting people, getting involved and settling in to your new surroundings.

Image via Wikipedia

3. Lock up your belongings
Doors, windows and bikes are the most obvious hazards. Halls are safe places but are very open, especially during Fresher’s Week. Only take out what is necessary and keep everything else out of sight. Don’t become a statistic!

4. Eating is not cheating
Alcohol can play an important part in which direction your night takes. If booze becomes the focal point, you could find your good time takes a turn for the worse. Make sure you eat before going out and drink plenty of water or you'll regret it in the morning.

5. Keep safe at night
Don't walk home alone, whether it’s from the library or 3sixty, stick with your friends. Use taxis, ideally with a group of friends to share the cost (see point 1 – Budget!). Whilst walking try not to use your headphones or mobile phone as these can decrease your awareness.

Image by Arizona Parrot via Flickr6. Remember your 5 a day
You can’t live off takeaways forever! Why not pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from our Fresh Produce Market on Mondays in 3sixty.

7. Look after you
Your JCR, the Students' Union Advice Team and your VP Welfare and Representation are all here to help. You only need to ask.


Image by -bartimaeus- via Flickr8. Get your beauty sleep
A well-rested mind and body means you won’t miss out on anything.

9. Have fun, play safe
Nobody has a body to die for! Safe sex is always better. Free condoms are available from the Students' Union Hub and through your JCR.

10. Challenge yourself and try something new
With over 130 sports clubs and societies, 3 student media groups, campaigns, events and a whole host of volunteering opportunities, you will never have a better chance to get involved! Have a look around our website to discover the many new adventures you can embark on.

What are your top welfare tips?

Five ways to save and make money in your first year of uni

Image by epSos.de via FlickrOne of the biggest fears students tend to have when leaving for university, is how they'll cope with money. For many, it's the first time they've had full financial independence. It doesn't need to be scary though. A little forward thinking can help you avoid dipping into your overdraft, while enjoying a social life and varied diet!

Here are five ways to save money and make money while at university.


NUS Extra card
The NUS Extra card is packed full of deals for you to save money in all areas of life. It costs just £11, and the average student saves £500 with theirs. For example, you can:

• Save 10% off toiletries at Superdrug
• Save 10% on your sports gear at JJB sports
• Get 40% off a haircut at Nicky Clarke 
• Get half price driving lessons with the AA
• 11% off a 16-25 Railcard. Talking of which...

16-25 Railcard
If you're going to travel anywhere this year, whether it's a trip home or a day trip to London, a 16-25 railcard will save you a lot of money. You'll usually save around a third on your ticket, unless you go at peak time. Book ahead on sites like TheTrainLine, and you'll save even more with their early booking rates! You'll usually make your money back on the railcard purchase within just a couple of journeys.


Get together!
The best way to save money is a bit of teamwork. It's far cheaper to cook a meal between five people, than to cook for just one. You'll save money on food, electricity and washing up, plus enjoy a nice meal together with your housemates.


Work for the union
If you're looking to earn while you learn, the union has a number of roles available. You could help behind the bar, work in the catering department, drive the safety bus or help out at the Freshers' Fayre among other roles. Shifts are flexible, so you can fit it around your studies. Have a look at our student job vacancies to see what we're currently looking for.


Quidco - Cashback
Quidco is a great service that lets you earn a small amount of cashback every time you buy something from one of their participating stores. You can use your NUS card alongside the Quidco cashback scheme when you buy in store. So, in theory, you can could buy a laptop in Comet, where you'll get 5% off, and then an additional 2.5% cashback. It might not sound like a lot, but it'll stack up throughout the year.

How do you save and make money at university?

What's the most important thing to do during Freshers' week?

If you're starting with us in October, Freshers' week can seem like an incredibly busy and overwhelming time. We asked our current students, who have all been through it before, what they'd suggest you do during Freshers' Week.

If you're not sure what's going on, how you should prepare or where to go for advice, check out our Freshers' website, packed full of information and help.

What would you suggest a Fresher should do during their first week?