SO YOU SURVIVED ANOTHER PANDEMIC YEAR ...
And all you got was your class reading list. Don't worry, we've got you.
Welcome everyone! No matter if you are new to the University or returning to continue your studies; it seems like this year will be the start of something new for all of us. To all of you readers: I hope you enjoy Freshers and the beginning of this semester and are excited for the year ahead!
I’m Daniella and I am the Editor in Chief this year! To kick off this newsletter, I thought I would share some of the things we have been planning for the year ahead. Me and the team have got some big plans for this year! Since you are reading this, you are already part of one of our new ventures. This newsletter will become something we do on the regular. Through it, we hope to share some news about our society, the University and Strath Union, some tips on student life, and student jobs with you regularly.
As far as events go, we are hoping to add some monthly workshops and talks to our weekly meetings and socials. I cannot wait to get started and to transition back to some more in-person society events and meetings (in the brand-new Union media room, yay!). However, I also know that this is not the same for everyone, and we will continue to have a mixture of online and offline events to make sure no one feels left out.
There are a few things going on behind the scenes that I will hopefully be able to share with you all soon. Stay subscribed to this newsletter and follow our socials to stay in the loop!
Finally, I want to say: None of the things we do can happen without you. So, if you ever considered joining us, please do! We are always looking for new contributors. You do not need to be a journalism student to be part of our society and it is not all writing articles either. If you would like to create multimedia content and be part of a society consisting of people that love doing the same, become part of our team today.
My inbox is always open if you have any questions relating to our society and/or publication. Reach me at: editor@strathclydetelegraph.com
Daniella Theis – Editor in Chief
FRESHERS AT STRATH.
It’s been a long year here at the Strathclyde Telegraph. We can scarcely believe it’s that time again, where we all bundle into the Union, set up our stalls and eagerly await the bustle of the first year fresh meat … To say we’re excited is an understatement; it’s been a long year, but our last in-person meet and greet was in 2019. Last year we switched to zoom to host all of our usual social and pitch meetings, which was just as challenging as our many, many Zoom classes. If you’re a bit Zoomed out, don’t worry - we are too.
This year we’re thrilled to be back to business as usual, so look out for us at our welcome stall on Freshers week (location TBA!) where you can sign up, meet our 21/22 team and find out how to get involved with your campus newspaper. It’s super easy, we promise!
In the meantime, please enjoy our tips for a safe and fun Freshers, and all the other stuff we’ve carefully packed into our first official newsletter. Oh, and most importantly of all: welcome (back) to the University of Strathclyde!
You’ve met our new EiC Daniella, so here is our brand new team for the 21/22 session.
In News, we have Yousuf for all the important things happening in and around campus.
On Features, we’re welcoming back Alyx for another year of amazing story telling.
Gemma and Rachel join us for Music and Culture respectively, ready to give you reviews and let you know what’s happening in Glasgow that’s worth seeing.
Stefan joins us again as our Sports editor, ready to keep you updated on what’s happening with Strath Sport.
And finally, Danielle is back again doing social media and layout. This year, she’s also in charge of this newsletter, and is more than happy to introduce Amy as our deputy Social Content Producer.
For more info on how to get involved and work with us, stay tuned till the very end!
From how and where you can save money, to making sure those awkward number exchanges are as safe as possible - here’s our tips on how to make the most of Freshers.
The FOMO might be real, but it’s okay to be picky.
For most of us, Freshers is our first real step into that tantalising world of independence. Whether you’re in halls, flat sharing, or commuting from your folks’ place, Freshers Week is usually packed with nights out, society meet up’s, and memories you’ll keep for the rest of your life.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is an essential part of the Uni experience, but you don’t have to do it all in one week. Sometimes an event isn’t for everything, and that’s okay. Plan well or be spontaneous, but keep in mind it’s your freshers week as much as everyone else’s, so do you and make the most of it. Whether it be cheap drinks, quiz nights, or spending one night out of 7 watching the entirety of Netflix’s catalogue - enjoy your freedom.
Your student loan does not last forever.
Disappointing news, but worth remembering. Learning how to budget is an essential life skill, and it will help make sure your bank balance stays green. The double payment in September is tempting, and while we absolutely encourage you to use it to enjoy your time, don’t forget that rent is due, and eventually you’re going to get sick of instant noodles.
We suggest keeping your rent and grocery money separate from your night out cash. Most students get part time work while they’re studying, and Glasgow is full of bars, cafe’s and retail opportunities to help you pad out your bank balance between payments. The University Careers centre offers a great CV checking service, so make use of it when you can. Our monthly newsletters will also include opportunities for journo and writing focused jobs if you’d like to get that experience in early.
While we absolutely do not condone piracy, folks on social media (and your tutors!) will happily help you out with finding the best deals on your reading lists. For cheap groceries to make great food, Aldi is your best pal. The University also offers free sanitary products for anyone in a pinch - you’ll find them in most toilets on campus.
Buddy system, buddy system, buddy system.
Staying safe should be your top priority. Get to know your flat mates, look out for one another, and remember that if someone is drunk, they can’t consent. We recommend keeping each other in the loop, and letting your group know ahead of the night if you plan to leave with someone else.
Keep your friends updated on who you’re with, where you are, and when you expect to get home. If you haven’t heard from someone, make sure you check in — and make sure you keep those phones charged!
If you or someone you know is in trouble, get in touch with local authorities asap, or with your student exec team. You’re never alone.
Your class timetable is probably going to be late, but here’s how to stay prepared.
For the more seasoned Strath student, we know and we expect this. If you’re new, then it’s better to be prepared. The Strath app takes a while to update, and most classes usually wait till the very last second before the open up on MyPlace, making it tough to secure the best Tutorial spots. Our advice is to check in the morning, afternoon if you can, and in the evening.
Besides this, your assigned rooms will probably change, and, you guessed it: it will take the Strath app a little while to update this too.
When you finally get into your classes, we recommend doing as many tutorials as you can on days you have lectures. It’s better to get them all out of the way at the start of week, for example, so you have the rest of the week free.
On your free days, get ahead on your reading and if your assignment questions are in your handbook, plan early. If they’re not, you can still get ahead by making writing down what you think you could write an essay on from each of your texts etc. Learn from us: don’t leave it until the last minute. Love yourself.
Last, but not least:
Enjoy yourself. Make friends. There’s plenty of time after Freshers week to get stressed out, so make the most of it. The best advice we can give you is to be smart, kind, and have the time of your life.
And, while we’re still in the liminal state of a Covid world, make sure you wear a mask and wash your hands.
The University has indicated its commitment to in-person lesson this coming academic year. Programme leaders should have already been in touch to let you know how they will be conducting classes, but you should expect some classes will stick to the online model.
Some social distancing measure will remain in place, according to Strathclyde’s Principal, Sir Jim McDonald. This is in accordance with Scottish Government Guidance, so expect to stay masked and that any large classes will mostly likely be online. The Library will remain open, as will Strathclyde’s Sports Centre. As of this month, you no longer have to book gym sessions, but you should keep yourself updated as guidance changes.
As the weather changes in Scotland, staying outside will stop being an option for social interaction. Inside, we recommend following the Scottish Governments advice with regards to social distancing and wearing a mask. If you have yet to be vaccinated, you can find more information here.
Things change all the time, so make sure you keep an eye out for ‘SEES UPDATE’ in your student inbox.
We will be sending out pitches via our monthly newsletter as part of our new strategy. But, we also have our handy Facebook page that you can join to be kept in the loop. We are open to ANY student from Strathclyde, no matter what you study or at what level. If you have a passion to write, we want to hear from you.
If you have a pitch you would like to send us, you can get in contact by emailing our editors! Don’t be shy, we love hearing from you and we’ll do our best to work with you. Some of our best stories come from the minds of students, so don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
While we finalise our plans for in-person events, keep your eyes peeled on our Insta or Twitter for info on our first Pizza, Pints & Pitches.
If you made all the way to the end, you’re a trooper. Subscribe, keep in touch, and we can’t wait to meet you all in the coming weeks.