Reasons Why I Love the Students' Union
PG student Malavika tells us what she loves most about the Queen's Students' Union.
Want to socialise? Attend events? Have food and recharge? Need a study space? Some weekly essentials? Need professional help or general info? Or just a friendly face to talk to?
Then the Queen’s Students’ Union is the stop for you. Here are some of the reasons why I love the SU.
Situated opposite the magnificent Lanyon building, the alluring Students’ Union hub is a one-stop bustling destination, pulsing with vibrant student life.
The Ground Floor
Accessibility difficulty is out of the question. When you walk in, the lively talk and aroma of freshly made coffee and breakfast from the Social Café fills the air, giving you a sensation of warmth.
The Ground floor foyer serves as a welcoming space where students come together to enjoy shared meals, laughter, exchange the latest anecdotes, and, of course, engage in discussions or work on their academic projects. Always be on the lookout for pop up events of prospective companies (and keep an eye out for the freebies too!)
Alongside the varied selections available, the Pantry services emphasise sustainability and promote healthier choices. The inclusion of essential provisions and toiletries aligns with the overall well-being of every student.
Retail stores (SPAR, Positive Vintage) not only provide a convenient shopping location, but they also add to the Student Unions’ vibrancy.
The spacious Mandela Hall accommodates both academic and entertainment-related activities.
The Social Staircase offers the provision of colourful comfy seating and a classy look on a whole.
The First Floor
The expansive lounge areas and designated study nooks on each floor beckon students seeking a tranquil environment for concentrated study or discussions. The ambiance consistently radiates a palpable aura of productivity.
Carefully designed seating arrangements provide a variety of choices, ranging from individual workstations with convenient power outlets for laptops to more extensive communal spaces fostering socialising and spontaneous conversations.
The CUBE, Meeting Rooms, and SU-themed spaces like the Blue Sky Room, Sunset Room, Light Room, Drawing Room and Anne Maguire serve as central hubs for career development programmes and various engaging activities.
Unwind in the SU Bar
Whether you're in search of a mid-week haven to unwind, a venue to raise a celebratory toast after exams, or a casual spot for a bite, the Union bar is the place to be. It encapsulates the essence of university life, cultivating the formation of friendships, the exchange of ideas, and the crafting of lasting memories—all amid the backdrop of clinking glasses, enthusiastic cheers, and the vibrant symphony of laughter and music.
The Student Lounge and terrace function as a multifunctional space tailored to meet various requirements, surpassing its role as a mere relaxation area between lectures. Flooded with abundant natural light streaming through expansive windows, the space creates an energetic ambiance suitable for activities such as leisure reading, collaborative group projects, or moments of simple respite. The inclusion of printers and an open kitchen undeniably enhances the overall appeal, offering valuable additional amenities for all.
Support Services
The Students’ Union is dedicated to fostering holistic development through tailored assistance, organising workshops, seminars, and networking events to refine crucial skills, from resume crafting to interview mastery. This ensures students graduate not only with academic credentials but also a versatile toolkit for success in their chosen domains.
The university supports this with accessible resources like advice counsellors, sexual health professionals, and mental health assistance, creating a safe environment for students. Initiatives such as stress management workshops and confidential counselling services contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, emphasising the university's commitment to nurturing individuals academically and equipping them with resilience and skills for success in their personal and professional life.
Clubs and Societies
Inside the realm of Clubs and Societies, a wide range of opportunities awaits, designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of interests. Whether one's inclination lies in academic pursuits, cultural celebrations, community service initiatives, or recreational pastimes, they offer an inclusive space for every student to explore and actively participate.
Furthermore, the Students' Union acts as a platform for budding leaders, empowering students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities within different clubs and groups. This not only fosters personal growth but also enriches the overall dynamism and vitality of the university community.
Overall, the reason why I love the Students’ Union is that it is full of dynamic energy of varied interests, collective experiences, and limitless possibilities. Whether nurturing academic involvement, championing cultural diversity, spearheading community service, or encouraging recreational pursuits, the Students’ Union serves as the focal point where students grow, connect, and make contributions that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom.
Make sure to swing by the Students’ Union, for there is always something to do or someone to talk to!
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Malavika MahendranathMSc Human Resource Management | Postgraduate student | IndiaHi! Em here and greetings from the realms of caffeine fuelled study nights and research. I'm on a quest for achieving my Masters in Human Resource Management. When I'm not lost in the labyrinth of books and research papers, you can find me penning down my artworks and editing content. My superpower is that I am a master of multitasking and an expert in the art of procrastination fuelled productivity (Just kidding XD). |