So here it is, another semester is about to begin, and a whole host of wide-eyed first year students are pouring into Southampton. But don’t fret, we haven’t forgotten about the experienced students amongst you.  We’re excited to see you too!

In all of the Freshers’ Week shenanigans, we don’t want you old folks to feel neglected by your dear Union. Your return to Southampton might be tinged with sadness, leaving behind those summer months and holiday memories, but we want to make sure you have the best year yet.

For that reason, we wanted to let you know about … Read the rest

Ellie Cawthera has been in the role of VP Engagement for five weeks, so we thought it was about time we got to know her a little bit better. Here she tells us about how “horrid” the rest of the sabbatical team really are (she’s only joking… we hope!).

1. What was your favourite childhood TV show?

Thomas the Tank Engine.

2. If you could go back in time to any year, when would you choose and why?

3. What does your perfect day look like?

Gorgeous sun on a beautiful beach with perfect 3ft surf and … Read the rest

The next sabbatical officer to take on our grueling set of questions to get to know them a little bit better is VP Welfare Beckie Thomas. Now in her second year in the role, Beckie talked to us about what drew her to the role, her plans for the next 12 months, and her love (perhaps that’s a strong word to use…) or Eurovision losers, Scooch!

1. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

1950 because I loved the music, the fashion, and there was no dependence on technology!

2. … Read the rest

The University of Southampton’s latest advertising campaign has gone viral thanks to an impressive television advert.

The #weareconnected campaign, which was launched in June, highlights the breakthroughs which are happening at the University, which impact people across the world. Student research projects linked to history, public health and the internet are all mentioned in the advert to display the breadth of ground-breaking research which is currently taking place at the institution, and the variety of courses on offer.

The minute-long advert, which was launched in June, has been shown across television channels in the UK, while also racking … Read the rest

There are only a few days left to enter the Susu the cat competition to win £25 worth of vouchers to spend at the Union.

The Union’s resident kitty (aptly named Susu) has been living in building 42 since 2002 when she was taken in as a stray cat and has been cherished by students ever since. Now we want you to show us how much you love our feline friend by sending us a snap of you wearing a Susu mask!

All you need to do to enter is print off a copy of the Susu the … Read the rest

They’ve had three weeks to settle into their new roles within SUSU, so we thought it was about time that we got to know the sabbaticals who will be leading the Union for the next year. Over the next few weeks we will be talking to each sabbatical to find out a little bit more about who they are and what they’re hoping to achieve. First up is Union President, David Mendoza-Wolfson.

1. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I once had a Japanese ‘build your own ice cream’ gummy and gel sweet. It was not good.

 … Read the rest

SUSU have opened an application process for student businesses to apply for a stand at the 2014 Freshers’ Fayre.

The Freshers’ Fayre gives you the opportunity to introduce your business to other students and can act as invaluable promotion. The annual fayre is one of the largest daytime events of freshers’ week, attracting thousands of students over several hours, meaning this is an ideal way to interact with students who want to find out more about your business.

To support student enterprises, SUSU are offering significant discounts on stands at the events, although a limited number of tables … Read the rest

Exams may be over but June can often be a stressful time as students hurriedly attempt to pack up all worldly belongings ready to take back home or to transport to another student dwelling. To make it a little bit easier, here are some top tips to help you save a bit of money when vacating your property.

Sell your stuff: You’ll often find that as soon as you start packing, you realise that you actually have a lot of stuff you don’t use or want anymore. If you haven’t used something in the past 12 months it’s probably … Read the rest

Work has started on the renovation of the activities room on level two of the Union building.

In May 2013, the issue of a much-needed renovation was raised at the SUSU AGM, and following discussions in Union Council it was agreed that these changes would be of benefit to students.

The improvements which are currently underway include the installation of a soft, wood panelled floor suitable for dance and martial arts. New mirrors like those in the multipurpose studios, and curtains which can cover all of the windows and mirrors will also be fitted.

VP Democracy and … Read the rest

VP Sports Development Evan Whyte has announced that SUSU will run all intra-mural sport in the next academic year.

The announcement is coupled with a 60% cost reduction for student memberships, meaning that while Sport and Wellbeing membership is still required, the cost of joining intra-mural sports teams will decrease significantly. This means that the cost of joining the football team will be slashed from £137.50 to £55, with similar figures across the other sports teams.

Whyte has been responsible for developing the inaugural intra-mural committee which will be headed by the IM Officer, Jamie Wilson. As SUSU … Read the rest