Fresher’s week is approaching and I simply cannot wait! Not just because I love a good boogie but campus is really not the same when it’s not filled with students.
Condoms, Cuddles and CAMPAIGNS!!
The time since my last blog has seen a lot of the 3 c’s.
I’ve ordered and had delivered enough condoms for at least one for each of you and am preparing the campaign materials that go with them. I’m really excited about the Easy Tiger campaign because it celebrates students being well students whilst providing them with the tools to be safe. We have great links with the local sexual health team who will be visiting regularly so you can get advice and also get tested! It also promotes ‘good relationships’ and consent, an aspect of the campaign that I am particularly passionate about.
I’ve also started to plan for a Keele is Global campaign that aims to break down prejudice and barriers for our international students and celebrates difference. Throughout my time at Keele I have learnt so much from my international friends and I believe we have so much to gain by experiencing and embracing the cultures and experiences of those that come to Keele from afar.
Believe it or not preparation has already started for the Housing Fair… Yes this early, students are renting earlier than ever before and you really don’t need to. So this year I’ll be running a Don’t Rent Yet campaign alongside Ready to Rent where you’ll be given all of the tools you need to rent a home, for the right price at the right time and NOT before Christmas! It will also tackle landlord tenant relationships and will introduce a way for you to rate your landlord as well and learn how to be members of the community outside of the bubble.
Making those Meeting!
Aside from a lot of campaign planning I’ve also been attending meetings and am pleased to report that there are some really exciting initiatives being ran this year and that SSDS are certainly on the ball. There are some new policies that are looking to be adopted by the university that put student safety and welfare at he heart of all that they do. They are also preparing for pre-arrival events and are setting up for Fresher’s. To check out what’s on head to the university welcome pages at www.keele.ac.uk/welcome/eventsandactivities/ and for all that’s on at the SU head to www.keelesu.com.
Also, for more handy top tips I’ve been putting together a series of Chat With Nat videos and blogs to help before you arrive and as you settle in. If you have any topics that you would like to request for this series of ‘top tips’ blogs and videos feel free to contact me at su.vpwelfare or on Facebook and I’ll see what I can do.
(Half) Scruffy Squirrel…
The premises team has once again been working really hard to make positive changes to the décor of the squirrel. The new paint colour has been chosen and new furniture ordered which means you’ll no longer have to sit on ripped chairs!
There is also going to be the introduction of booth seating so that you can set up camp and study in there during the day in a nice and light part of the union. I’m really excited about these changes and so is the rest of the officer team. We just hope you like the colour!
As always you any questions send to su.vpwelfare@keele.ac.uk, pop into the office on the top floor of the SU or contact me on Facebook!
Don’t forget to look out for the Chat With Nat series coming soon!!