Friday 26-07-2019 - 11:27

You’ve had a few weeks at home, you’ve got those Uni blues, so here's some highlights to see you through.

When Uni life is as fabulous as this, it can be hard to spend your summer back in your parent's digs. So if your dad's asked you to wash the pots 5 times today and your mum's persistently questioning your budgeting abilities, take some time to yourself to look back and appreciate what a fantastic year it's been.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michaelmas Term

1. WELCOME WEEK

First off, Welcome Week (also known as Freshers). Every year starts with Arrivals Weekend and every college out in full force to welcome the new Freshers. College Reps proudly bear their college colours and greet each car that drives up Bigforth Drive with banners, chants and spirited receptions, kicking off one of the busiest times of the year, filled with fancy dress, society sign-ups, new friends, the ducks, freebies, sports trials, town trips, getting lost, discovering the spine (and your Students' Union!), BIG nights out and even bigger nights in.

2. BONFIRE NIGHT

Fantastic student group performances and a fabulous firework display ensured Bonfire Night 2018 went off with a bang! Bonfire night has been an annual tradition in the UK for hundreds of years as a way of celebrating the foiled plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5th 1605. Traditionally celebrated with fireworks and a large bonfire, the SU display is part of nationwide celebrations and is a great way for international students to experience the event for the first time.

3. GREEN LANCASTER VOLUNTEERING

Every year our Environmental Projects Team works tirelessly to improve campus sustainability. Thanks to frequent away days and our fabulous volunteers, the team even has an impact beyond campus. At the start of this academic year team members headed to the Lake District to help with the restoration work at Hardknott Forest. In December temperatures this was no mean feat, as our Environmental Projects Team Member Bethany Lintern recalls: "We scaled the mossy hills in the morning drizzle for the reward of some homemade flapjacks from John before we set to work on our challenge". But in the space of a drizzly December day the team were about the plants a new forest up at Hardknott for future generations, of all species, to enjoy. 

4. MOVEMBER

Movember marks a month-long moustache extravaganza, which aims to raise awareness of men's health issues and raise funds to tackle them through the growing of excessive and elaborate moustaches. The fundraising month is a fantastic initiative that highlights the mental and physical health issues faced by men and encourages conversations about what can often go unheard. Last year, it's safe to say that our Clubs, Societies and Colleges absolutely smashed it. Men's Rugby alone raised over £8000 and received star-studded congratulations from the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Gary Neville and Shane Williams! 

5. BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Celebrating 30 years in the UK, Black History Month was back, with a bigger celebration of black history, arts and culture than ever before. With the Black Liberation Flag flying high over campus, the team brought you an enormous programme of educational and social activities including, film screenings, lectures, art exhibitions and Sugarhouse nights. Speaking about the celebrations, BME Officers Chloe Long & Chloe Diafuku said: "This is a time for Black people to celebrate the vibrancy of our history" and we couldn't agree more.