What we did for Students in January 2016:

• Mind your Mate Week – 11^th – 15^th January

January is the start of the exam and assignment season and we know how tough it can be to balance the demands of academic work, jobs, money and relationships.  To help students get through this tough time, we held 'Mind Your Mate Week'.

This was a week of activity providing students who may be struggling or just need a lift or a break with the support and services they needed.

We gave out teabags, so students could have some ‘qualitea’ time out and have a brew with their mates, we gave out postcards with positive statements and inspiring words of wisdom written on them which students could keep or give to their friends to help them get through exams and deadlines, and we had a table in the mall where students could come and take a break with our CECs, away from their studies to de-stress and refresh.  Students could sit and colour in, take a challenge, play a board game or simply sit and chat.    We even had a giant teddy bear offering free cuddles!

Students and staff told us they like it when the CECs are around because they are always happy and have a positive effect on students.  One student told us it was nice to take a break and know the SU was thinking of them. 

• January enrolment Human Bingo

January saw lots of new students enrolled at the University, and as part of the Welcome day activities, and after the induction talks, our CECs played Human Bingo with the new students to help them get to know each other and make new friends.  This was the perfect icebreaker, and by the end of the game students were chatting and arranging to meet before their lectures.  Students left the event with new friends and told us it was a great idea and much appreciated.

 

• Welcome Back Fair 28^th Jan

We welcomed new and returning students to University by holding our Annual Welcome Back Fair.  This was another opportunity for students to find out what Bolton SU has to offer.  Our Sporting Clubs and Societies had stands out in the Mall and SLZ and students were able to ask questions and join their favourite Club/Society.  As well as information on Clubs and Societies, students could find out about Volunteering (Bolton Award) and get information from local and national companies. 

Our CECs have been out and about doing lecture shout outs raising awareness of the Leadership Race, Student Led Teaching Awards, academic societies and the TEDx Conference.

 

• Leadership Race

Nominations opened on 12^th January for the Leadership Race.    Bolton Students' Union is a Union run for students, led by students so every year you elect the students who will run Bolton SU and represent the student voice.   Nominations were opened in January 2016 for the following positions; SU President, NUS Delegate to Conference and Student Trustee.  .