#ARTSRAG

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Societies @ UAL

University is the perfect time to discover a hidden talent or get better at the things you love to do! Being a student at UAL is not just about studying and attending lectures. Here, at your Students Union, we are here to help you find stuff to do on your spare time too. Yes, you will have spare time! 

UAL societies and creative communities are at the heart and soul of student life at Arts SU and, best of all, they are completely run by students. They are groups of students who share a common interest, and provide opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your creative practice within an artistic community and, above all, make the most of your time at UAL.

Whether you're looking to take up a new hobby or want to keep up an existing interest, there really is something for everyone – from creative and artistic endeavours to cultural celebrations, to tea appreciation and fundraising. 

So what exactly do we have to offer? You ask. Well..

> Try your hand on a trumpet at the Music Society!

They welcome absolutely everyone! They don’t care if you have experience or are just curious! They have performances throughout the year and many different things you can do with them. Take a look at their society here or sign up here.

> The meaning of things keep you awake at night? The Philosophy Society is just for you!

These guys have been working really hard to bring you one of the most successful societies of all! They are constantly active, organising meetings, events and activities, and you should totally check them out here! And to follow, sign up here! 

> Play a part in building others dreams with ArtsRAG!

At this society you will have the opportunity to volunteer and fundraise for those in need. You’ll meet a bunch of amazing people, grow a lot as a person, and you’ll get to travel to incredible places! What are you waiting for? Check them out here and sing up here!

But these are just a few from all the societies that you can find at UAL, by your Students Union. Have a look here to find out which one is the right for you! We are sure you’ll find something you like, and the best part is that if you don’t, you can just start your own club or society! Find out more here!

[suartslondon]

Brighten the Bee Garden Submissions🎨🐝

Find out more here

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RAG COMM 2013 #artsrag #throwback #想当年 happy rag day! 🎉🎉🎊🎉

[arts-su]

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering abroad is a great way to spend your long summer break! Not only is it a chance to visit a place you haven’t been before, but it is also an opportunity to give to communities that need help. Whether it is teaching English at schools or helping to build a kitchen, toilet block or classroom, there are many ways you could contribute.

Last summer, Arts RaG & Volunteering went to Tanzania to help build a toilet block for a secondary school in Kahe, a village by the foot of Kilimanjaro. The toilet block previously was in a terrible condition; there were only 2 functioning toilets in each bathroom for 260 pupils. The remaining toilets were blocked or cracked. They were extremely unsanitary and girls were less likely to come to school if they were on their period. The school had been told they would have to shut down if they didn’t get new toilet blocks.

So Arts RaG & Volunteering spent majority of the year fundraising for the materials required to build a new toilet block and to fund the builders that they helped out while they were there for 2 weeks. They did all of this through Anza, an NGO based in Tanzania. ‘It was a very rewarding experience and we were able to engage with the local community very much, seeing first-hand how the new toilet blocks was going to make such a positive impact on the lives of the kids was really heart-warming. Plus it was really fun to do things like brick-laying and mixing cement.’ - President of RaG & Volunteering, Hansika Jethnani

Are you considering going on a volunteering trip this summer? There are many organisations that make it easy and accessible to, such as International Citizen Service, International Volunteer HQ, UBELONG, and VSO International.

Here are some of our top tips to make the most out of your trip!

Be friendly Engage with the local community while you are there. It is easy to feel isolated at times with some locals just seeing you as another ‘tourist’ but make the effort to get to know the local language or slang, show your interest and try your best to fit in. It makes the whole experience a lot smoother!

Plan logistics ahead 
It is definitely advisable to know much in advance that you are going to volunteer, because you will (most times) need to fundraise some amount of money. It is also good to do your research on where you’re going, so you know what you’re getting yourself in for.

Wear good shoes No matter where you go in the world, you will be walking a lot. Having the most comfortable walking or hiking shoes will help you (your feet) a lot!

Bring more money than you think you’ll need You never know what kind of emergencies might come up. Just in case you may need medical attention or you miss your flight home, you will need money. It is also advisable to have cash handy on you as most lesser developed countries that people tend to volunteer at do not have cash machines easily accessible.

Research organisations and follow the money trail Make sure you know where you are going and what you have fundraised for. There isn’t a lack of organisations connecting volunteers with NGO’s today but doing your research thoroughly on what your partner-organisation is, what their mission is, & where the money goes will ease your mind and make the whole experience more worthwhile too.

Lastly, keep an open mind! Anytime you encounter something unexpected or different you are learning. Don’t be afraid to try new things!

[arts-su]

Hansika Jethnani #IVolunteer

Sports and Society Committee nominations are now open! So, to get you inspired and clued up to put yourself involved, we’ve caught up with some of our Club and Society current Committee members.

Meet Hansika, President of Arts RaG & Volunteering

What made you decide to volunteer to start up and run this society?

When I first joined UAL, I remember looking to join societies that had a focus on fundraising/volunteering with NGOs and charities and couldn't find one. So, after getting more settled in at UAL in my second year, I stared one! I felt like it was important to have a society like that at such a big university where we have people from everywhere that could do so much together as a community for other communities that may need the help.

What has been the best thing about your year in this role?

Organizing events, getting to choose what kind of fundraiser to host and working with other people and societies to reach out to more people!

What skills have you learnt or developed through your volunteering experience?

I've learned to work collaboratively with people, exchanging ideas makes for more productive outcomes. I've also learned how to send out lots of emails, professional ones for example when you're asking a company or organization for sponsorship. 

^ Hansika won Fundraiser of the Year at last year’s Community Awards

What would you say to someone thinking of nominating themselves for a position?

DO IT! You've got nothing to loose, but so much to again!

Has it inspired you to take on any other opportunities with the union or outside UAL?

Yeah, definitely. I don't think I would have ran in the elections this term if I hadn't ran a society or been involved in societies. In regards to opportunities outside of UAL, it has made me more confident when I've applied for part-time jobs or other voluntarily roles with NGOs  as I know the experience has been valuable and have learned a lot that I can put into practice in.

^ Hansika recently ran in our elections and won the position of Education Officer!

COMMITTEE POSITIONS EXPLAINED

NOMINATE YOURSELF HERE