Your Students’ Union
Left: 2011/12 Students' Union (SU) President Jonathan Miller Right: 2011/12 Athletics Union (AU) President Sam Grayson
Message From Your Students’ Union President
You are represented by myself, Jonathan Miller, your Students’ Union President (and last year’s Athletics Union President), and Sam Grayson, your new Athletics Union President. We are elected by St Mary’s students to work as full time sabbatical officers to ensure that we are responding to the needs and demands of all our students. Having already experienced all that the University College has to offer as students ourselves, it makes us better prepared to be responsible for our students and create an incredible experience for all.
As soon as you join St Mary’s you are welcomed in as a vital member of our thriving Students’ Union. We provide a wide range of entertainment catering for all interests, whether they are sporting, theatrical, cultural or otherwise. There are numerous clubs and societies available, ranging from rugby, football, hurling and cheerleading to drama, the Christian Union, community volunteering and even a tea and biscuit appreciation society.
Each year we have various organised activities. Freshers’ Week helps create an ideal environment for students to make the transition from home life into university life. RAG (Raise and Give) Week is an opportunity for students to volunteer for charity fundraising events, which is great for your CV. We also have events on St Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day, to name just a few. Throughout the year there are weekly events in the SU and we also work closely with clubs in and around London to add variety to the social experience.
Entertainment in the SU takes place in Bernie’s Bar. On Monday there is the regular ‘pub to club’ night out to Oceana in Kingston. There is also a quiz night every Tuesday and we have a disco each Wednesday in support of clubs and societies but open to all. This is normally a themed night for all those who enjoy fancy dress. Many students stay on campus at the weekends so we cater for them with regular Friday night entertainment. We are in an ideal location to travel in and out of central London, which enables regular organised trips, ranging from tourist attractions to some of London’s busiest nightclubs.
Every year we sell out Christmas and Summer Balls and I must mention the recently introduced Simmstock festival, which focuses on student participation from across the whole student body. Our day of Varsity matches against Brunel was transformed last year and is now arguably one of the best events of the year.
All of these events provide an opportunity for students to come together, and give a platform for students from all backgrounds to mix and build a community feel, both on and off campus. We ask that you throw yourself fully into the student experience and take advantage of all the extracurricular activities you can. It’s not only fun but you can also develop life skills, which will help you compete in an increasingly competitive job market.
Since joining St Mary’s in 2007 I have taken advantage of every opportunity the University College has offered and as a result I am in a very good position for the ‘real world’ challenge that I will soon face. I can definitely say I have had the best years of my life here at St Mary’s; I hope you will choose to join us and in turn receive an experience that will be unforgettable.
Jonathan Miller
Students’ Union President
