As part of the Erasmus scheme, Southampton welcomes students from all over the world into its community, and many of our students get the opportunity to travel, learn and grow as part of the scheme. To help people feel at home, meet new people or just to have fun, there is the Erasmus Student Network. We had a chat with their incoming committee about who they are and what they do!

What is your society, what do you do and who is involved?

We are Erasmus Student Network. Our society brings together international students with existing Southampton students in a … Read the rest

On Thursday 29 November 2018 we held our first Making Change Summit of the academic year, and our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Our AGM is a legally required meeting to approve the accounts for the Students’ Union, appoint the auditors and consider other governance matters. It requires 250 students to have registered a proxy vote online or be present in-person in order to be a valid meeting.  This year we had 270 voters, although not all of these voted for every point on the agenda.

Specific matters that were approved at the AGM include the decision that there will be … Read the rest

At last month’s meeting, Union Senate voted that a disciplinary procedure should be started against Flora Noble, Union President, for not attending the meeting or submitting a report. Flora was unable to attend and a member of staff notified the Chair of Senate prior to the meeting.

The decision was subsequently taken, however, not to proceed with the potential disciplinary action.

As a Students’ Union, we are committed to accountability, respect and wellbeing and we pride ourselves on providing the right support to our members, staff and Officers.

If you have any questions or concerns or want to find … Read the rest

UPDATE 22/02/18: A second blog detailing the ‘teach-outs’ organised with UCU can be found here

On Thursday 08 February 2018, our Education Zone met for an extraordinary meeting of the Zone to discuss the recent announcement of industrial action by the University and Colleges Union (UCU).

The Education Zone is one of our groups of elected student representatives who makes decision on specific academic issues on behalf of the student body. This is where previous instances of industrial actions have been discussed. The meeting was also attended by a number of students, and we’d like to extend our thanks to … Read the rest

Are you an international student joining us this year? Worried about meeting new people, whether you are international student or not? Perhaps you’re just a friendly person and want to meet a range of new people? Well there’s nothing to worry about, because we have organised the Global Speed Meet, with the aim of helping you to meet new people from different cultures in a relaxed environment for FREE.

The idea of speed meeting people goes back a long way, and is based on a simple premise that you have a very short period of time with someone to introduce … Read the rest

So you’ve been told time and time again that you should try and talk to as many people as possible, particularly during Freshers’ where the majority of people are nervous and missing home. That’s all good, but how do you go about it? The first words in a conversation can make or break it, and not knowing what to say when you first meet someone is not a good feeling – but that is where our guide comes in. We’ve got a selection of conversation starters for you here, so read on to see which ones you could use.

• “Hi,

If you missed our WSA Meet the Guide Dogs event on the 05 May, we are giving you another chance to meet our fluffy friends at Highfield campus on:

Thursday 02 June between 11:00-14:00 on the Redbrick Area by Building 42, Union Southampton.

See who will be joining us here.

Do I have to pay?

This event is non-profit, but we do ask you to give a donation to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (who are bringing the dogs!).

Dogs are great, but why are we meeting them?

Studies have shown that the pheromones that animals give … Read the rest

Our smushable best friends are back! After the success of our recent WSA visit, you can meet the guide dogs once more at Highfield campus on:

Thursday 02 June between 11:00-14:00 on the Red Brick Area by Building 42, Students’ Union.

See who will be joining us here.

Do I have to pay?

This event is non-profit, but we do ask you to give a donation to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (who are bringing the dogs!).

Dogs are great, but why are we meeting them?

Studies have shown that the pheromones that animals give off can … Read the rest