Freshers Week 2014!

Written by: Birju Galaiya

 

Hi guys. In this blog I shall share with you some of my experiences when I was working with the Students’ Union during the fresher week. Have a read and see how amazing the fresher week is!

It’s that time of the year again- students from all around the world coming to the UK for their university studies. Exciting for some, challenging for others…

I had a chance to work with the Sheffield Students’ Union as a Brand Ambassador where, with fellow colleagues, I help organise activities and events for the new students. Throughout the week I was in the Students’ Union helping the freshers to familiarize with their new surroundings and help them with any queries ranging from their studies, activities and giving them directions to places.

The week before, we were preparing for the busiest week of the year by making about 4000-5000 flyer packs for the new students which included information of fairs, the nightlife and what the Students’ Union offers (quite a lot!). You realise the scale of the number of students moving to Sheffield when you see the Union crowded with people trying to find their way around. It is such a pulsating atmosphere throughout the day as there are many different activities happening.

I really enjoyed my job as I could walk up to new students, talk to them about where they are from, what they are going to study and give a brief description of how they are going to love Sheffield! For those who are nervous, I would try break the ice by being friendly and assuring them not to worry too much. I know it is difficult for some to settle in the beginning (I was like that) but as time goes on you make new friends and get involved in different activities. If any of you are worried, please don’t. We have a good team of students and staff that are there to help you move in and make you feel like home- away from home!

To welcome new students, we obviously had to attract them by giving away free candies, wristbands, food samples and discount coupons. Whenever I gave someone a candy their face lit up- candy always does the trick! I was asked many questions such as where the Income Office is, where do I get the tram from and what activities are happening throughout the week.

During the week, there is an Activities Fair where new students get a chance to visit over 300 societies. Here they have a chance of signing up to over 300 societies and talk to few of them to see what they offer. The event is always a hit and due to the capacity of the hall, there is always a long queue outside which creates the exciting atmosphere. It is a perfect opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you i.e. hiking, faith, volunteering. The next day there is a Sport Sheffield Fair where once again you can sign up to a sport. In my opinion, it is important to sign up to these opportunities as you will make new friends, develop your skill and also compete in different events all through the year.

Apart from the fairs, societies like the dance, cheer leading and many more show their skills in the concourse so it is really fun watching them perform. With music playing throughout the day there is no chance for you to get bored!

Well, I do not want to give away too much now do I? Come to Sheffield and experience it yourself. Be part of it. Its where your best years are going to be…

                                                                                                

Hi guys. In this blog I shall share with you some of my experiences when I was working with the Students’ Union during the fresher week. Have a read and see how amazing the fresher week is!

It’s that time of the year again- students from all around the world coming to the UK for their university studies. Exciting for some, challenging for others…

I had a chance to work with the Sheffield Students’ Union as a Brand Ambassador where, with fellow colleagues, I help organise activities and events for the new students. Throughout the week I was in the Students’ Union helping the freshers to familiarize with their new surroundings and help them with any queries ranging from their studies, activities and giving them directions to places.

The week before, we were preparing for the busiest week of the year by making about 4000-5000 flyer packs for the new students which included information of fairs, the nightlife and what the Students’ Union offers (quite a lot!). You realise the scale of the number of students moving to Sheffield when you see the Union crowded with people trying to find their way around. It is such a pulsating atmosphere throughout the day as there are many different activities happening.

I really enjoyed my job as I could walk up to new students, talk to them about where they are from, what they are going to study and give a brief description of how they are going to love Sheffield! For those who are nervous, I would try break the ice by being friendly and assuring them not to worry too much. I know it is difficult for some to settle in the beginning (I was like that) but as time goes on you make new friends and get involved in different activities. If any of you are worried, please don’t. We have a good team of students and staff that are there to help you move in and make you feel like home- away from home!

To welcome new students, we obviously had to attract them by giving away free candies, wristbands, food samples and discount coupons. Whenever I gave someone a candy their face lit up- candy always does the trick! I was asked many questions such as where the Income Office is, where do I get the tram from and what activities are happening throughout the week.

During the week, there is an Activities Fair where new students get a chance to visit over 300 societies. Here they have a chance of signing up to over 300 societies and talk to few of them to see what they offer. The event is always a hit and due to the capacity of the hall, there is always a long queue outside which creates the exciting atmosphere. It is a perfect opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you i.e. hiking, faith, volunteering. The next day there is a Sport Sheffield Fair where once again you can sign up to a sport. In my opinion, it is important to sign up to these opportunities as you will make new friends, develop your skill and also compete in different events all through the year.

Apart from the fairs, societies like the dance, cheer leading and many more show their skills in the concourse so it is really fun watching them perform. With music playing throughout the day there is no chance for you to get bored!

Well, I do not want to give away too much now do I? Come to Sheffield and experience it yourself. Be part of it. Its where your best years are going to be…