residential newsletter - university of sunderland · everyone. problems may arise, and it’s...

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Living InResidential NewsletterOctober 2012

Welcome...We are delighte

d to welcome over 1400 n

ew and continuing student

s to

our accommodation. We realise that

for many of you, this wi

ll

not only be the first time a

way from home, but that

you may

also have travelled a long

way to be here. We are committ

ed to

making the transition to you

r new home as easy as po

ssible.

We are here to help!

It would be unrealistic to

expect that it will be plain

sailing for

everyone. Problems may aris

e, and it’s important that

you know

who to contact. If issues

do arise, please contact yo

ur Hall

Manager or your Residential

Student Assistants

(contact details can be fou

nd on page 6).

You should have received

information prior to arrival

via

the SUni-Start E-Induction

, the Facilities memory stick

wristband and your welco

me letter. The welcome lett

er included

contact details for the sta

ff responsible for your acco

mmodation,

as well as lots of other u

seful information. If you h

aven’t

read this already, please t

ake the time to do so. It

is

designed to make the proce

ss of settling in much easie

r.

Did you like your freebie g

oodies box from Hello U?

This is the first of three n

ewsletters which will be pr

oduced

throughout the academic y

ear. If you have any ide

as or

content that you would lik

e to see included in the ne

wsletter

please email them through t

o Amanda Moralee

(amanda.moralee@sunderland

.ac.uk)

Once again welcome to you

r accommodation!

Helen Robson

Residential Services Manager

1

Back Forward

Hi Michael, could you tell us about your role as the SU president?

As the President, I am responsible for communicating with external organisations and overseeing the management of the Union. A substantial part of my work involves representing the interests of students and promoting the Students’ Union to other organisations and this may include me speaking with the press or pursuing ideas with outside companies. I’m also responsible for looking at new ways to interact and engage with all students at the university, to discover areas that can enhance and add value to student life. So if you have any ideas, please get in touch, I’m eager to hear what you have to say.

What was the last band you saw live?

It was a university band, they have changed their names so many times though!

What piece of advice would you give to our new students as they begin their student life here at The University of Sunderland?

You are never alone. If you have an issue, contact the University or the Students’ Union to get some help and support. Between academic staff, welfare advisors, financial support, counsellors, Chaplaincy and others, there is a large group of people who can help.

Where’s your favourite place in Sunderland?

Lots to choose from for different reasons, but I would probably choose the Bridges shopping centre. It’s light, vibrant and recently updated with additional space, a good place to go to chill with friends too!

Do you have a “party trick”?

I can do clapping push ups, amount of times I get asked to show people though...

We read that you used to be a kick boxing instructor in the University, what other sport do you enjoying playing?

I quite enjoy archery, and have recently applied to rejoin the archery club!

Are there any developments happening in the SU which we can hear about first?

We are looking at updating our Wearbank House building at St Peters Campus (at North Shore) and potentially a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved... Watch this space!

When you were a Student Representative what was the best thing about the role?

Easily the best thing about it was helping people with real life issues and problems, it is a great feeling to know you have helped make someone’s life a little better – at least, it is for me!

What is your favourite film and why?

Difficult one as I like a lot of films from many genres. If I was forced, I would choose the Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers. Others in the top 10 would include Anchorman, Iron Man and Uncle Buck.

Tell us one thing that no one or only a few people know about you?

Random fact; I got bronze in the school competition for long jump. The little known fact was that it was out of 4 people who competed!

Finally, what is your motto in life?

Follow your heart, it normally knows what is right before your mind does.

Now it’s your turn, here is your chance to ask Michael anything. Tweet us your question at @SUniAccom with hashtag #askthepresident we will feature your questions and Michaels replies in the next issue of Living In.

The Residential Services Team asks…The Student Union President – Michael Egan

2

Back Forward

The University of Sunderland are encouraging all students to take part in “The Big Turn Off” (pardon the pun) while staying in University accommodation. Saving energy might not be on the top of your “to do list” but not only will it cut down on carbon emissions it will also instil some handy practices in you! Yes, in the future you will certainly either rent a property or (take a deep breath) buy a property. We have some handy tips to ensure you are not wasting money on unused energy and guarantee you have more money for the finer things in life like clothes, holidays, cars...

1. Turn Off all electrical appliances when not in use. Don’t just leave them on ‘stand by’. Appliances include: phone chargers, laptops, toasters, kettles, microwaves and all other gadgets that you plug in. There’s only one exception, do not switch off the fridge or you may find a puddle surprise waiting for you the next morning and some very unhappy flat mates.

2. Turn Off kitchen appliances and share meals with your flat mates. Enjoy the “living in” experience to the full. Dining with your flat mates is a great way to get to know each other. If making a cup of tea or coffee ask if anyone else wants one... it means only boiling the kettle once.

3. Turn Off lights in your flat when you are out, this includes desk lights and fairy lights.

The University has made the process of saving energy around campus very easy! Just look out for the traffic light stickers (please note this is available in teaching buildings only and not residences). We don’t expect students to go on a “turn off” rampage, we don’t want you to; just take notice of the colours.

If you see ‘red’ leave the electricity ONIf you see ‘amber’ ask a University staff member before turning offIf you see ‘green’ feel free to turn off

Since the energy-saving drive was launched in 2005, the University has achieved energy savings worth in the region of £400,000 a year, reducing our carbon emissions in the process. Now, the University is faced with even tougher carbon reduction targets and rising energy bills, so we really need your help to make bigger energy savings over the next few years. The good news is that this means the University will have even more money to spend on its students, providing you with state of the art facilities ensuring you have the opportunity to achieve the highest of your capabilities. Whilst making a positive contribution to the environment in the process! So, turning off your charger when not in use is earning someone a first class degree! (ok – not really, but it is providing students with the facilities to do so!).

If you would like to read more about the campaign you can find the details here:www.sunderland.ac.uk/bigturnoff

The Big Turn OFF!

Wasting electricity,heat and water is a big turn

GET SWITCHED ON TO TURNING OFF: Lights. Computer monitors. Mobile phone/laptop chargers. Any appliances.

GET SWITCHED ON TO SAVING HEAT: Turn heat down - use a thermostat. Use the timer on your heating system. Dress warmly for cold weather. Close windows to keep your heat in.

GET SWITCHED ON TO SAVING WATER: Take a shower instead of a bath. Fill a sink to do your dishes. Don’t run a tap unless you need to.

www.services.sunderland.ac.uk/facilities/estateservices/energy/

If you have any questions on energy or the Switch Off campaign email: [email protected]

3

The University of Sunderland has an extensive presence on social media sites Twitter and Facebook and we’re keen for all students to connect with us and join the conversation.

Our main channels are www.facebook.com/sunderlanduniversity and www.twitter.com/sunderlanduniWe invite all students to join us to receive news, event details and information and to join the conversation by posting feedback, photographs and comments.

All our halls of residence also have Facebook and Twitter pages – take a look at the ‘Halls of Residence’ tab on the main Facebook page for a list and follow @SUniAccom using hashtags for your halls - #ClannyHouse, #PannsBank, #TheForge, #ThePrecinct and #ScotiaQuay.Follow us, Like us, Tweet us and spread the word about your life-changing student experience.

David Turnton Digital Marketing Manager

Social Networking – The Future

“What’s On” at your Students Union

Your executive committee on behalf of the students union has planned and are continuing to plan many exciting events during October and November. It may not seem long since freshers has passed and yet there are still numerous ways to maintain that great fun and “fresher spirit”.A prime example is our RAG week taking place between October 15th – 21st. Here we will be organising a variety of events in order to raise money for charity. Among the activities taking place there will be a cross-dressing night in “Passion” on the 15th October, food-eating competitions, and a mental health awareness event on 16th October at Cityspace between 11.30am and 3.30pm.

As you can imagine, with freshers just a brief memory away, organisation has focused around the October period and events are still being confirmed for what will surely be an amazing week. To keep in touch with events please follow our facebook page “USSU RAG” or contact myself on [email protected] for more information. Don’t forget that you can also get more involved with organising and helping run RAG throughout the year and I would thoroughly recommend helping out with such a worthwhile cause.

In addition, we have Connect events running throughout the year. Connect is a club that is free to join and runs events during the day, such as bowling and cinema trips which often are free or involve subsidised prices. During October & November, Connect have a variety of exciting events for you to get involved in. Events include:

• PaintballingonOct6th• BowlingonOct11th• AtriptoEdinburghonOct20th• AfreeHalloweenmovie&quiznightonNov2nd• AfreesportafternoononNov3rd• AtriptoDurhamonNov10th.More and more events will also be added so to check up on all of the Connect events or purchase tickets for any of the above events please go to: http://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/clubs/connect.

Finally, during the week of November 12th - 18th we will be celebrating “Diversity Week.” More events will be planned for this week so to keep up to date check out the http://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/ website for more information. One event that will be massive is our main event on Sat 17th November. This will be attended by our local mayor and include free food, performances, guest speakers and much more.

Finally, I would like to welcome you to the University of Sunderland on behalf of your executive committee and the Sunderland Students’ Union. We wish you a happy and successful time here.

Carl Taylor Education&WelfareOfficer

Endsleigh InsuranceQuicknotefromEndsleigh: “mobile phones, laptops and any other gadgets you can take out of your flat are not covered unless you top up with us!”Top up rates are:

• £7.99 per month to cover your laptop (excluding Apple Macs) mobile phone and other gadgets

• £8.99 per month to cover Apple Macs, mobile phone and other gadgets.

Do you have a copy of your insurance certificate? Remember that if any of your personal details change you must inform Endsleigh of these changes. To find out more about your insurance policy please visit;

What you need to do now;

a) look at the detail of your existing personal possession insurance policy provided as part of your accommodation.

b) extend and personalise your cover. You can add cover for the items you take out and about such as your laptop and other gadgets. More information on Insurance and how to make a claim is available on the Residential Services website – A to Z pages (under I for Insurance) (clickable link to: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/facilities/residentialservices/a-zinformationandguidance/)

4Back

http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/Student/Pages/student-possessions.aspx?agent=10396



Back Forward

Residential Services

Property VisitsDon’t worry we will give you at least one weeks’ notice of when this will happen in your flat and you will find the notice on your flats notice board – so keep a look out.

Property Visits are a way for the halls to ensure that the safety of its students are still paramount – it’s not a way for us to invade your privacy.Ifyouhaveanyworriesorquestionsregardingthevisitsplease see the staff in your halls reception who will be happy to help you. You can also find information on these visits in the “Code of Practice” Handbook on page 25.

The areas that will be checked are the communal areas and bedrooms, the checks take place three times annually (October, February and end of April/ beginning of May) and four times in our 50weekcontractflats(August).

Fire DrillsTestingofthefiresystemisalegalrequirementandwillonlyoccurtwice during your stay with us. So, if you hear the alarm and you’ve seennonoticesthenpleasevacateyourflatquicklyandassensiblyas possible.

Fire Alarm ChecksFire alarm checks are carried out on a weekly basis in halls of residence. You will be notified in advance if the check is to be carried out in your block or flat location.

The date and time of when this check will occur will be displayed on your hall reception notice board.

Touch ScreensInSeptember2012ResidentialServicesinstalledplasmatouchscreens in every hall to provide students with an opportunity to communicate to family telling them of their arrival or simply logging in to My Sunderland.

The touch screen included a presentation detailing helpful accommodation information for all our Freshers. We are hoping to get your views on the screens – what would you like to see on them? Did you notice them during intake weekend? You can reply by going on to our twitter page and tweeting us your thoughts @SUniAccom those who tweet will be put into a prize draw to win £5’s worth of taxi vouchers provided by Station Taxi’s

Foragrandprizeofa£10taxivouchercanyouname3topicsthat were presented to you on the PowerPoint presentation during Freshers fortnight? We have already given you one topic to help jog your memory! (see image) Tweet answers to @SUniAccom or Facebook your answers to the official hall pages.

Have you heard of the Emergency Taxi Scheme?

We’ve all been there, gone out for a couple of drinks

with friends, reached for your cash and it’s gone - but

don’t despair! StationTaxi’sofferanEmergencyTaxiService,

simplyphone01915656565andquote“U7”.The

taxi will collect you from your location and take you

safely to your residence. All you need to do is sign the

drivers account slip and hand over your student union

membership card. You can then collect your SU card

fromtheSUinEdinburghBuildingandpayforyour

fare.Easy,butaneffectiveandsafeservice!

COMPETITION

5

Residential Services employs all 13 RSA’s (5 at Clanny House, 3 at The Precinct and 5 working at Panns and Scotia Quay), this is a salaried post (rent is paid by the RSA’s in the normal way as a resident). Currentlywehave50%returningRSA’sand50%newrecruitswhostarted with us in September.

New RSA’s are generally full time University of Sunderland students with previous experience of Living In University Accommodation (but we have had exceptions to the rule). We can offer those who may be interested an opportunity to shadow an experienced RSA as a taster session, this will help you get a feel for the job, and if it’s right for you. You can always ask an RSA about the role or contact [email protected] the RSA co-ordinator for more information about the role. Being an RSA can not only enhance your C.V for future employment but also enhances your communication and organisational skills and shows employers you can take on the responsibility while studying. Recruitment of RSA’s for summer 2013 and for the new academic year 2013/14 is planned to commence in Dec 12.

Appointed recruits will be given full training.

Some handy contact numbers to keep you in touch with your RSA’s and staff at the halls are below.

Day Night

Clanny House 3658 [email protected]

3654 [email protected]

Panns Bank and Scotia Quay



The Precinct 3611 [email protected]


Accommodation Office in The Gateway

2943 [email protected] [email protected]

Security Emergenciesonly4444 24/7ControlRoom2028

ForwardBack 6

Residential Services Assistants

Aqleema Akhtar

Maeve

McLoughlin

Rehana Hanif

We Are On Duty In Reception

5:30pm to 7:00pm Monday to Friday

5:00pm to 6:30pm Saturday

12:00pm to 1:30pm Sunday

Any questions? Come and see us.

We Are Out And About




Look out for us.

We Are On Call

Throughout the night until 8:00am and 24 hours Saturday/Sunday (plus all bank holidays)

You can contact us through Security Reception Tel. 3611 or by email

[email protected]

We work with the Residential Services Team and are residents at The Precinct.

Our role is to provide pastoral care to our residents, we are here for you to talk to if you

have any problems or if you have any questions. As RSA’s we monitor our residents

compliance with University guidelines on behaviour and health and safety. We can log

any building maintenance; heating or cleaning requests which we pass on to the Hall

Manager and staff the following day.

HAVING DIFFICULTY READING THIS? GET IN TOUGH WITH THE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TEAM ON 0191 5152943.

2012/2013

We Are On Duty In Reception 5:30pm to 7:00pm Monday to Friday

5:00pm to 6:30pm Saturday 12:00pm to 1:30pm Sunday Any questions? Come and see us.

We Are Out And About 7:00pm to 8:30pm Monday to Friday

6:30pm to 8:00pm Saturday 1:30pm to 3:00pm Sunday Look out for us. We Are On Call



[email protected] We work with the Residential Services Team and are residents at The Precinct.






Bukky Mustafa

Sudakar Ramessur Chris Dunn Nelleen Sangster

Muhammed Aliyu


2012/2013

We Are On Duty In Reception




Any questions? Come and see us.

We Are Out And About




Look out for us.

We Are On Call



[email protected]

We work with the Residential Services Team and are residents at Panns and Scotia.






Ranjit Nair

James Kateley

Eva

Stavoulaki Georgios Pavlidiss

Heather

Percival


2012/2013

We welcome your contributions to the Living In NewsletterIf you have something you would like to share with all residents then please get in touch and we will be happytoincludeit:perhapsarecipe,aquizorpuzzleorsomethingtogointheWhat’sOnsection.Email:[email protected]

Budget cooking 1 Plan a budget - decide how much you’re going to spend on food each week

and stick to it or you’ll end up eating baked beans every day for the last few months of term

2 Keep basic essentials like pasta, couscous, rice and tinned tomatos in your cupboard. You can easily make a meal with them

3 Buy food that keeps - for example buy dried herbs rather than fresh ones

4 Cook your own meals - processed food and ready meals are expensive. It’s much cheaper and often better for you if you by basic ingredients and make it yourself

5 Buy bulk - this is easy if you live in self catering halls. Get everyone to chip in to buy big bags of rice or pasta and share it with your flat mates

6 Shop around - Compare prices. You’ll often save a few pennies by buying supermarket’s own products, rather than the big brands

Fridge and store cupboard must-haves 1 Beans - yes we’ve all heard the joke about students and baked beans but they

are the ultimate student stand by

2 Tinned Tomatoes - can be used to make sauces and soups

3 Tinned Tuna or Salmon - great with pasta, jacket potatoes or salads. They’re also high in protein and omega 3

4 Cheddar cheese - great source of calcium and it’s delicious with almost anything

5 Dried herbs and spices - chilli and mixed herbs are a must-have!

6 Eggs - ideal protein food. If you’ve only got two eggs and a lump of cheese in the fridge you can always make a delicious omelette.

7 Pasta, Rice and Couscous - cheap and tasty and can be eaten cold the next day!

8 Stock cubes - great for curries, stews and soups

9 Oats - mix with some milk and honey as a great filling meal to start the day, especially during the winter months.

10 Fruit Juice - opt for the concentrated ones which are much cheaper than the fresh, chilled kind. Great way to stock up on your five a day.

Sausage Bolognaise (Serves two) Rough cost: £2 You will need • 4 sausages • 1 red onion • 1 red pepper • 1 tin of chopped tomatoes • Pinch of mixed herbs • Dash of olive oil • Enough spaghetti/pasta for two

people • Grated cheddar cheese to serve

Preparation

Fry the onion and the pepper in the oil for 4 minutes.

Take the skins off the sausages and add the meat to the pan, fry for 10 minutes.

Add a generous pinch of mixed herbs to the chopped tomatoes and add to the pan.

Stir the mix and leave to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile boil the pasta/spaghetti.

Drain the pasta/spaghetti and serve on a plate or bowl. Add the sausage bolognaise and sprinkle on some cheddar cheese.

For more tips and info http://www.studentcook.co.uk/

or http://www.studentrecipes.com

Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook – Handy Tips

Back 7

The NSHS is a national survey of students in higher education covering all types of accommodation including university halls, private halls, private rented housing, council housing and others. This is the first year Sunderland has taken part and we were awarded a National Award for EnvironmentalManagementfor2012.

The online survey was easy and accessible! www.studenthousingsurvey.co.uk ItwasopenbetweenAprilandtheendofMay2012.

Toencourageresponses,cashprizestotalling£600wereofferedinanationalprizedrawmadefromthecompletedsurveyentries.Sunderlandofferedafurther7prizes,totalling£300.

Thisyear18,673studentsrespondedtothesurvey–comparedwith15,490lastyearand10,396in2010.Amassiveincrease in student participation!

Interested to know more? Reports and an action plan are available here

Of course, we intend participating again this year in the survey (with big money incentives!!)

ForwardBack 8

A big thank you if you did participate in the National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) Sunderland 2012

Security and Staff Update!

http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/facilities/residentialservices/lookingforaccommodation/studentvoice/invitingfeedback/

Below is some useful information on the availability of your hall security staff. We hope this information will not only show you the amount of staff who are available to support you during your stay with us but you are aware of who and how to contact them during the day.

The Precinct Halls staff and security staff arrangements – Term Time:Monday to Friday: Hall Managers are available between 8am and 6pmMonday to Thursday: Onsite security between 5.30pm and 0.30am Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Onsite security cover, 24/7 service (including Bank Holiday or University Holidays)Mobile Security are available 24/7 offering support to the halls of residence as required, carrying out regular patrols at the PrecinctResident Student Assistants (RSA’s) live in and provide an out of hours welfare and support in Fire Alarm activation Fire Warden provision at each hallResidential Manager also provide an On Call supplementary service.

Panns Bank and Scotia Quay • Monday to Friday: Hall Managers are available between 8am and

6pm• Monday to Friday: Onsite security between 5.30pm and 8.30am

• Saturday and Sunday: Onsite security cover, 24/7 service (including Bank Holiday or University Holidays)

• Mobile Security are available 24/7 offering support to the halls of residence as required, carrying out regular patrols at the halls

• Resident Student Assistants (RSA’s) live in and provide an out of hours welfare and support in Fire Alarm activation Fire Warden provision at each hall

• Residential Manager also provide an On Call supplementary service

Clanny HouseHalls staff and security staff arrangements – Term Time:• Monday to Friday: Hall Managers are available between 8am and

6pm• Monday to Friday: Onsite security between 5.30pm and 8.30am • Saturday and Sunday: Onsite security cover, 24/7 service

(including Bank Holiday or University Holidays)• Mobile Security are available 24/7 offering support to the halls of

residence as required, carrying out regular patrols at the halls• Resident Student Assistants (RSA’s) live in and provide an out of

hours welfare and support in Fire Alarm activation Fire Warden provision at each hall.

• Residential Manager also provide an On Call supplementary service

residential newsletter - university of sunderland · everyone. problems may arise, and it’s...

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