Hello, congratulations and welcome to Imperial College London - the most exciting years of your life are just about to commence! There is so much you can do with us at the Union – whether you want to join one (or two, or three) of our 340+ clubs, societies or projects, enjoy some food and drink in one of our bars, or satisfy all your Imperial mechanise needs from our Union Shop (you know you will sooner or later!). We are also here for all your educational, welfare and pastoral needs. In short, we are here for you in all areas of life at Imperial.
If you haven’t done so already, join the Facebook Freshers’ Group – a great portal to ask questions and find out who you may be sharing the next 3/4/6 years with. I hope you’re also looking forward to Welcome Week – we have lots of awesome stuff planned and you should be very excited!
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email, tweet me or post in the Facebook group if you would like anything answered. I look forward to welcoming and meeting you in October.
Lucinda
Ben Howitt
Deputy President (Clubs & Societies)
Hi! I’m Ben, your Deputy President (Clubs & Societies) for the next year. I’m involved in supporting all of 340+ Clubs, Societies and Projects here at Imperial, and I’m also involved in changing and improving the training that we give to you to make sure that your time with the Union develops your skills and CV, as well as being a pleasant escape from the Library!
Freshers’ Fair this year is on Tuesday 6 October on South Kensington campus. It’s your chance to find out what you can get up, so I’d really encourage you to look around and explore. The Union’s Give it a Go (GIAG) Challenge is also launching in the first week. This is a team competition (with prizes!) to try out as many different activities as you can. All the info will be available on the website by the time you move in, so chat to the people in your halls and at the Mingles to get a team together.
If you can’t find the activity you’re looking for, we are here to help! We’re always looking to grow the breadth of our student led activity. We also have one of the most dedicated student activities teams in the UK, so whatever you’re looking to do, there’s support available to you.
If you’ve got any questions/feedback/suggestions, or just want to come in and have a chat about an idea you’ve got, please do come along to the Union offices on level 2 of the Union building in Beit Quadrangle, email me, or give me a ring.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Ben
Chun-Yin San
Deputy President (Education)
Hello and welcome to Imperial College! My name is Chun-Yin, and I am your Deputy President (Education). In this position, I work with College to make sure your learning experience is the best that it can be. This ranges from acting on your feedback and suggestions to address any problems that come up in your course, to helping you find people who can support you if you are going through a rough patch, and making sure College provides the services that help you learn well and do well in the future.
I am supported by a team of over 500 fellow students who make up your Academic Representation Network. There are Student Reps elected for every course, Division, Department and Faculty. Reps for your Department and Faculty were elected back in March, meaning you will be fully supported and represented right from the start. Very soon, you will have the chance to run as a Rep for your course as part of Your Rep and Council Elections. It is the best way to develop leadership skills, network with College staff and meet students passionate about making change in the University, so do think about running!
Outside my work with the Rep Network, I also work with the rest of the Union to make your time at Imperial worthwhile. For example, I remember feeling equal parts excited and intimidated when I first arrived on campus three years ago. Like me back then, you might have many questions about what it’s like to study and live in London. To help you, Jennie and I have prepared the Mums & Dads scheme – an excellent way for you to make friends with older students from your Department, who will help you to find your feet and give you even more support throughout your time here.
If you have any questions, suggestions and ideas at all – big or small – please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me by email, by social media, by phone, by owl or by showing up at the Union. And if you see me around campus, do stop me to introduce yourself and say hi!
Once again, welcome to Imperial College London. Have a great time – I am sure you will be fantastic.
Chun-Yin
Chris Kaye
Deputy President (Finance & Services)
Hello and welcome to Imperial! I’m Chris and I am the Deputy President (Finance & Services). This is my sixth year at Imperial, so I know the ropes around here!
Previously a chemist, I have now swapped the labs to spend the year helping our Clubs and Societies function by providing oversight of finances, and to make sure the Union’s bars and shops provide the best possible services to you.
This is a very exciting year for the Union and the College. College has a new hall of residence, Woodward Hall, opening at the start of term. The Union will be running the bar there and I am actively involved in preparations for it. I am also going to be making a strong case for student service provisions at the new Imperial White City campus opening in 2017/18.
If you see me around any of our campuses, or have a question about our services, please feel free to speak to me. I can usually be found in our South Kensington bars on a Friday having a pizza and a pint! I also look forward to seeing you at our Mingle - both Postgraduate and Undergraduate.
Have a superb year.
Chris
Jennie Watson
Deputy President (Welfare)
Hello, I’m Jennie (aka Ginge) and I’m your friendly local Deputy President (Welfare). It’s my job to ensure your time at Imperial is as enjoyable as possible and to help you out if problems arise. After 5 years of the highs and lows of med school, I know a fair bit about Imperial life. One thing I can be certain of – you will have the time of your life at Imperial.
Starting university can feel like a huge leap from life at home (especially when moving from overseas!). Even for postgraduates, coming to a new university, city or country may seem rather daunting. The Union is here to welcome you and help you to settle in and there are plenty of people available to help you get the most out of your time at Imperial from your personal tutor, to our Advice Centre to College’s Student Space website. If you’re unsure of who to contact, or need to chat about something, feel free to come and see me in the Union office.
Another major part of my job is supporting and facilitating student led campaigns; these could be anything. If you see something around campus you want to change or if something on your course is getting you down, or if you want to make students aware of an issue particularly close to your heart, come to me and let’s make it happen!
Jennie