Freshers Guide

Welcome

� e Oxford Union is an extraordinary place.

No other student society in the world is able to boast such distinguished speakers from such a wide range of � elds. All our members have the chance to see, engage with and even challenge the most prominent � gures and celebrities around the world as they address the Society or as they confront the most pressign and controversial issues in our weekly debates.

However, the Union is not just about ideas and discussions: our Society also serves as a social centre for Oxford students who are otherwise o� en unfortunately con� ned to their own separate ‘bubbles’ owing to the collegiate system. By o� ering our members outstanding facilities, including our bar and library, as well as discounted access to several social events, the Oxford Union becomes a fantastic social venue in the

heart of Oxford.

� ese reasons lie at the heart of our claim to be the world’s best student society – and we would like to encourage you to join us. � is Freshers’ Guide will provide an introduction to

everything the Union o� ers its members.

Furthermore, during our Freshers’ Fortnight the Union will be open to all students for the � rst two weeks of Michaelmas term. We would be delighted for all Freshers to come along and visit the Union for themselves, and see exactly why we are the biggest and best student society you can join in your

time at Oxford.

SpeakersFounded in 1823 at a time when the free exchange of ideas was a notion foreign to the restrictive university authorities, the Oxford Union is immersed in history. From early on, it became the only place in Oxford for students to discuss political topics and controversial issues freely and its early development is accredited to W. E. Gladstone who became the Society’s President in 1830 and later considered as one of Britain’s greatest Prime Ministers.

To this day, it continues to work on its founding principles of free speech and open debate and is still uniquely run entirely by a democratic body of student members.

Alumni

� e Union has an illustrious collection of alumni and is o� en considered to be the perfect platform for world leaders. Unsurprisingly, � ve former British Prime Ministers (Gladstone, Salisbury, Asquith, Macmillan and Heath) and several foreign political leaders, including Benazir Bhutto (former President of Pakistan) and Solomon Bandaranaike (former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka) have been o� cers of the Union.

Numerous cabinet ministers across the political spectrum have held positions in the Union, including Boris Johnson, Tony Benn, Michael Heseltine, Michael Foot, Anne Widdecombe and William Hague, to name but a few.

Nevertheless, Union alumni have also gone on to succeed outside politics in the worlds of literature and broadcasting, as demonstrated by Dennis Potter, Robin Day, Je� rey Archer and Tariq Ali.

SpeakersHistory

SpeakersPerhaps the most unique feature of the Oxford Union is the opportunity all members have to meet, listen to and question some of the world’s most famous people when they address our Society. O� en, the Union also holds a drinks event with speakers to allow members to talk to them on a more personal and less formal environment. On a termly basis, the Union continues to maintain its unparalleled reputation for attracting � gures from all � elds of life and from all places around the world.

Politics

A large proportion of speakers at the Union comprises of leading political � gures, many of whom have chosen our Society as a platform for airing their most recent opinions. It was at the Union that Richard Nixon publicly apologised for the Watergate scandal for the � rst time and that OJ Simpson made his only public speech in Britain a� er his controversial acquittal.

� e Oxford Union also remains one of the few arenas where students can challenge world leaders. No other student organisation in Britain has allowed its members to question Yasser Arafat just a� er the Israeli elections, listen to fatwah-condemned Salman Rushdie (still protected by an armed guard), or challenge Gerry Adams’ proposal for the immediate reuni� cation of Ireland while he was still under a television ban. In our world famous debating chamber, extreme viewpoints have also been put across by controversial � gures: President Pervez Mussharaf of Pakistan has declaimed Islamic terrorism and Colonel Gadda� of Libya (via live videolink) has argued for a new African Union.

Even today, the Union still attracts politicians of the highest calibre. In recent years our guests have included David Miliband, David Blunkett, � eresa May, Tony Benn, Ian Paisley, Nigel Farage, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Presidents of Finland, Macedonia and Mongolia.

SpeakersAmongst the hundreds of international � gures to have spoken at the Union, there is a particularly strong American tradition. Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Carter have made landmark speeches while two of the greatest US � gures of 1960s – Malcolm X and Senator Robert Kennedy – spoke at the Union shortly before their tragic deaths.

Music

Many of the world’s greatest musicians have come to the Union, including Bon Jovi, Dizzee Rascal and in the last couple of years, Incubus, Yoko Ono, Newton Faulkner and most famously Shakira and Psy. Many choose to perform live to our members and in recent years, Ne-Yo, Kate Nash, Tinie Tempah, Imogen Heap, Snow Patrol, Rizzle Kicks and pianist Lang Lang all gave impromptu live performances in our debating chamber. Back in 2001, the legendary Michael Jackson chose the Union to make his � rst public speech in over a decade and to launch his new charity.

Business

� e Union organises a business debate every term on topics from Wall Street to the battle between Capitalism and Communism. We have hosted leading � gures from the world of business, such as Lord Alan Sugar and Dragons’ Den gurus Richard Farleigh and Deborah Meadon.

Science

Since Albert Einstein’s visit to the Union in 1933, discussions about science have become a regular part of the Union’s agenda with Stephen Hawking, Lord Robert Winston and Dr Jane Goodall all having addressed our Society. Recently, science has started to take an even more prominent place with Richard Dawkins, Ben Goldacre, Jim Al-Khalili, Simon Singh and Baroness Green� eld all speaking at the society

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SpeakersReligion

We have hosted prominent religious � gures such as Mother � eresa, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and held debates on the dividing line between religion and politics and on the existence of God.

Sport

Over the last few years, speakers have included Maradona, Dwain Chambers, Sven Goran Eriksson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Geo� rey Boycott, Imran Khan, David Coulthard, Boris Becker, Tanni Grey � ompson, Geo� Hurst and Sir Roger Bannister.

Film and entertainment

From the silver screen to the starriest stage, the Union has played host to the greatest. In the last few years, we have heard from Ben A� eck, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Douglas, Natalie Portman, Martin Sheen, Ewan McGregor, Matthew Perry, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Roger Moore. Even more recently, we welcomed Pamela Anderson, David Hasselho� , Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pamela Anderson, Katie Price, Bill Nighy, Sir Patrick Stewart, Zach Bra� and the legendary Johnny Depp.

Arts and journalism

Arts and Literature are always well represented in the Oxford Union. Philip Pullman, Salman Rushdie, Niall Ferguson and Peter Hitchens have thrilled, amused and inspired. Many speakers representing the world of journalism have also come, including Jon Snow, Nick Robinson, John Sergeant, Andrew Neil, Mehdi Hasan and Marwan Bishara. In recent years we have hosted the famous publicist Max Cli� ord, Sir Michael Parkinson and the former editor-in-chief for � e Observer, Will Hutton, upholding the Union’s reputation for representing the greatest � gures of journalism.

Speakers� e Oxford Union was founded as a debating society. Undoubtedly, debates and debating remain the lifeblood of the Union, with all members encouraged to participate. � e Oxford Union holds no political views and is instead a forum for discussion amongst people holding any belief or opinion. � e only ideology the Union can be legitimately perceived to embrace is the staunch support of free speech.

Weekly Debates

Every � ursday evening during term, the Union hosts its renowned weekly debate. Motions range from heavyweight political arguments to more light-hearted topics. Despite the varying motions, the atmosphere is always exciting as members hear from fantastic speakers from around the world, arguing passionately for what they believe in. In recent Union debates, Michael Heseltine condemned the Government on their policies in Europe, Max Mosley defended a public person’s right to a private life and self-acclaimed pimp Dennis Hof explained why the prostitution business – and hence his ‘bunny ranch’ – should be legalised.

In every debate, the audience is always given the chance to get involved. Not only do students speak in the debate itself alongside top guest speakers, but members of the audience can also challenge the speakers on the points they are making when debates are opened up to the � oor. � e tide of many a debate has in fact been turned by a passionate speech from a student member. � e outcome of the debate is then decided by the audience walking out through the doors marked ‘Ayes’ and ‘Noes’ in a manner reminiscent of the division lobby in the House of Commons

� e Impact of Our Debates

� e Oxford Union has been at the centre of contemporary debate

Debates Debates

throughout its history, and Union debates have been unrivalled in their real-world impact. One of the most famous motions, ‘� is House will under no circumstances, � ght for King and Country’, sparked o� a national controversy and was alleged to have in� uenced Hitler’s actions when it passed by an overwhelming majority in 1933. In 1975, the passage of the motion ‘� is House would say ‘Yes’ to Europe’ by 493 votes to 92 reputedly had a considerable in� uence on the national referendum result on EU membership, given that the debate was televised and held only a few days before the referendum.

� e Union remains the principal platform for national and international debate. Although public � gures regard an invitation to speak at the Union as an honour, they are expected to defend their views on equal terms with any member who cares to challenge them.

Learning the Art of Debating

You too can be a part of it all. Each Sunday, the Union holds debating workshops catering for all abilities to provide a social and informal environment where students can practise and re� ne their debating skills whether it is with the intention of representing the Union in competitive debating or purely to increase con� dence in public speaking.

You do not have to have ever debated before to get involved and be coached by the world’s best. Union debating teams compete at the highest level in both domestic and international competitions, with all travel expenses paid for by the Society. � e Oxford Union has produced multiple winners of the European and World University Debating championships and last year our teams reached the semi-� nals of the World Championships, the � nal of the English National championships, and won the Cambridge Invitational and Westminster IV competitions.

Debates

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Socials

Socials� e Oxford Union is far more than just a debating society. It acts as the social focus of the University. Since Oxford students lack a central venue due to the collegiate system, the Union provides its members with numerous opportunities to socialise and make new friends in facilities right in the heart of Oxford.

Socials

� e Union buildings regularly play host to large-scale social events and parties with cheap drinks and live music. Recent social events have included Oxford’s Got Talent, Eurovision Social, Pancake Party, Poker Night and a Wine Tasting Evening.

� e Ball

� e social highlight of our term is the eagerly awaited Union Ball. Ever since its introduction, the Union Ball has always been incredibly popular, standing out as being the best value for money ball of the year. Past balls have sold out in a matter of weeks and our Michaelmas balls are particularly popular as they are nearly always the very � rst balls that any freshers’ can attend in their time at Oxford.

� e Purple Turtle

Located in the cellars of the Union, the Purple Turtle (the ‘PT’) is the most central and also one of the cheapest student bars and clubs in Oxford. Entry is free to all Union members and is open every day of the week. It is almost exclusively populated by students and members, making it the best place to meet old and new friends.

Speakers� e Union Library is amongst the most beautiful in Oxford. Pre-Raphaelite murals adorn the walls, painted between 1859-75 by artists including William Morris and Gabriella Rosetti. � e Library was in fact initially used as the Union’s debating chamber before it was changed to a separate building in 1878.

Our Library – which is accessible only by members – is a highly underrated facility. Given that your College Library is unlikely to have all the books on your reading list and given that books from Faculty Libraries tend to be over-borrowed and hence o� en unavailable, the Union Library provides a useful additional supply of academic resources in the centre of town.

Unlike the main university library, the Bodleian, members can borrow books from our Library. Moreover, the Union Library is the only Oxford Library with non-academic resources, ranging from magazines and newspapers to contemporary � ction and a variety of travel guides. � e Library also stocks a wonderfully wide spectrum of DVDs available to members. � ese include both classic and modern British and International � lms, as well as TV series such as ‘How I met your mother’ and ‘24’.

All our libraries are continually updated by our Library Committee which meets every week. We respond quickly and frequently to members’ suggestions to ensure we stock exactly what you want.

� e Union also provides free wireless Internet connection throughout the building.

LIbrary

Union BAR� e members’ bar is a unique venue in the very heart of the city, and is one of the Union’s central attractions. Boasting some of the cheapest drinks in Oxford, particularly thanks to our excellent weekly special o� ers,the bar is a fantastic central venue to meet friends from other colleges.

It is not only decorated with memorabilia from past guests but current famous speakers can o� en be found sharing a drink with members on their visits to the society.

With a members’ discount of 25% on all food and drink, all day and every day, the bar is the ideal place for a quiet co� ee, a late night pint, and everything in between. � e bar also has a daytime menu of light meals and sells snacks throughout the day.

Opening hours (Term Time)Mon - Wed : until midnight� urs - Sat : until 2am

Gardens

Located just outside our bar, the Union gardens provide a calm oasis in the centre of bustling Oxford and are a great place to enjoy the sun and relax with a drink in the summer, especially around exam season.

Snooker

With two full-sized snooker tables, the Union remains the only place in Central Oxford to be able to boast such facilities.

Television Room

� e Union’s TV room with widescreen digital TV, DVD and video facilities has proved popular with members, especially for big sporting occasions.

Why do I have to pay?

� e Oxford Union receives no � nancial support from the Government and is independent of the University. It relies primarily on your membership fees which essentially pay for the running of your Union. � e Union does not seek to make a pro� t as it is collectively ‘owned’ and democratically governed to be run by and for its members.

What does it cost?

If you join by the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight – � ursday 25th October – you are entitled to our discounted membership fee of £213 (from the original £236). On top of this, you will also get a £10 bar voucher and a free DVD rental. � is may seem expensive but it works out to only £24 and £18 per term for a three-year and a four-year course respectively! You will more than make back the price of membership and also don’t forget, Oxford University students who join also automatically become members for the rest of their lives.

Who joins?

A majority of freshers join the Union before or when they arrive at Oxford, and certainly before the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight (� ursday 25th October). � ere is no stereotypical Union member – it is a democratic and meritocratic organisation. Your background and political views are not a concern when you join, nor if you wish to run for elections to become members of the committee.

How to Join

� ere are three ways you can join the Oxford Union. Firstly, you can join online at www.oxford-union.org/joining. Secondly, you can complete the enclosed form and post it back to us, with payment, and your membership card will be waiting for you to collect when

MemberShip

you arrive. � irdly, you can come in to the General O� ce at the Union itself to join. Note that the discount fee only applies up until the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight (� ursday 25th October).

Access Scheme

� e Oxford Union is such an integral part of Oxford life that we believe it should be open to everyone regardless of background. � e Union hence has an Access Scheme which o� ers a very signi� cant discount for those who receive a full maintenance grant. In fact, for wider access, the Access Scheme membership fee this year has been set at £140 (£123 if you join before the end of the Freshers’ Fortnight). To take advantage of this scheme, email enquiries@oxford-union.org or call 01865 241353 to request the Access Scheme form. Remember to enclose a copy of the letter from your LEA proving your maintenance grant award when you return the completed form. Please see the membership form or our website for further details on the requirements needed to qualify for this scheme.

Educational A� liation

University members are also eligible for Educational Membership, which gives entitlement to the educational activities only. For details of this, please contact the Bursar at bursar@oxford-union.org

Contacts :

01865 241 353enquiries@oxford-union.org

www.oxford-union.org

www.facebook.com/theoxfordunionwww.youtube.com/oxfordunion

MemberShip

www.oxford-union.org

the Oxford Union