Polls are OPEN today in Southampton for the European Parliamentary Elections 🗳 Make sure you have your say!

Find your polling station by clicking here.

Polls are open in Southampton today for the European Parliamentary Elections. Make sure you have your say. You can find your polling station on our website 🗳: https://t.co/3Dv3HFru41

— Southampton Council (@SouthamptonCC) May 23, 2019

For the second year running, Feminist Society successfully put on a ‘Catwalk4Consent’ a fashion show and accompanying exhibition to raise awareness of sexual consent.

*Trigger Warning: text and photos contain mentions of sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, child sexual abuse*

The #Catwalk4Consent aims to not only raise awareness but also “deconstruct victim blaming culture” whilst fundraising for local charity, Yellow Door.

FemSoc asked for submissions about people’s experiences with sexual assault. The catwalk then featured models wearing the outfits described in people’s accounts.

The event description explains, “too often we talk about the circumstances of assault instead … Read the rest

Earlier this week, we asked you “Should the Students’ Union support the national campaign for a People’s Vote on Brexit?”

A turnout of 10% of students was required for the vote to be valid. We are pleased to announce that 3,755 of you voted, in less than 72 hours, an overall turnout of 17.9%.

The final results were:

23% of voters were Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research students, which is fantastic to see – that’s actually more postgraduates voting now than in the recent Spring Elections.

With over 80% of voters in favour, the Union is now committed to … Read the rest

This week is Women in Sport Week, an annual week with free sports taster sessions, guest speakers and sport challenges to break down barriers, challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate our amazing women in sport. This is Georgia and Rianna’s story.

Captain Georgia “lives and breathes netball”. After starting when she was just 8 years-old, coached by her mum, she’s played it ever since. Similarly, Sponsorship & Media Secretary, Rianna started playing at school with her local club and it all “just went from there really.”

For both girls, netball has played a major part in their lives, “it’s just so … Read the rest

This week is Women in Sport Week, an annual week with free sports taster sessions, guest speakers and sport challenges to break down barriers, challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate our amazing women in sport. This is Amy’s story. 

Zumba President Amy, is all about female empowerment, ““I’m always encouraging girls to whoop and scream and I’m always cheering people on even when I’m instructing, I’m always very loud.” laughs Amy.

For Amy, Zumba created a home-from-home after moving away from her family to come to university. “Zumba was a way to make friends and build a sense of community” … Read the rest

Mind Society’s annual walk with the Hill Walking Club has so far raised an incredible £308 for charity.

The annual walk sees Mind Society and the Hillwalking Club come together with volunteers to walk all the way to Winchester from Southampton dressed in their best Christmas attire. This year proceeds from the walk will be going to both Solent Mind, the Southampton branch of the mental health charity Mind and No Limits, a charity offering free and confidential information, advice, counselling, support and advocacy for young people.

Mind Society President, Kiana, says “the Santa walk to Winchester has … Read the rest

 Today is International Day of the Girl, an observance day declared by the United Nations, which aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. 

In recent years there seems to be an overload of national awareness days and we’re definitely guilty of jumping on almost every single one, (did you see our blog post for #NationalCupcakeWeek BTW?). While some make fun posts for social media, they can be also be great tool in getting conversations started. We used this opportunity to sit down with… Read the rest

We are delighted to announce that we have recently started sponsoring an adorable Guide Dog puppy! We received several name suggestions for this cute pup, and third year undergraduate Psychology student Emilie Paulsen’s suggestion of Sansa was the winner! Emilie said:

“I’m so happy to hear that you chose to name the puppy Sansa! I came across a stand on campus that offered to let me suggest a name for a £1 donation. Sansa is the name of my favourite character in the TV show “Game of Thrones”. She’s kind, intelligent and loyal to the people she loves. These are qualities

Did you know that your affiliated club or society can apply for funding from the Union? This funding isn’t designed to cover the day-to-day running costs of the group (this should be covered by membership fees, fundraising or from other sources) but it can be provided to cover the costs of resources, specific pieces of equipment or trips that wouldn’t otherwise be able to be provided.

We recently approved some new capital funding awards to the Photographic Society, Water Polo Club and Sub-Aqua Club. This means they have some exciting new equipment coming their way which will help to improve … Read the rest

It’s time to chat to our WSA Welfare Office, Sam. Let’s find out her favourite place in Winchester and more in the Q&A below…

What do you study and what year are you in?

I study Games Design and Art, and currently I am in my third year.

What is your main aim being Welfare Officer?

If I am honest, I want to be that very loud voice (apparently us northerners are loud? I mean I know I can be, but I’m honestly not loud often and without reason!) for the people who don’t feel like they can speak out. … Read the rest