Welcome to UEA and welcome to YOUR UNION!
In case you were wondering, you’re already a member! And we have one simple aim: to make your time at UEA the best it can be.
There’s so much you can do at UEA, so we encourage you to use the academic diary in your handbook
to keep your life organised and to remind you of all the exciting things going here!
You will have some long nights and stressful days, but the handbook will show you how to make your time here amazing.
Join some clubs and societies - we have over 150 to choose from! We cover activities such as sports, politics, media and religion, so there’s probably something for you. If not, we’ll help you start your own club or society! Enjoy some great nightlife, with the
club nights at the LCR, the Union Pub, the Waterfront, film screenings, amazing gigs, or just relax in the Hive.
We also run four shops on campus, and we try to stock high quality, ethically-sourced products whilst saving you some money! And for free, independent advice during your time at UEA pop in to our Advice Centre and talk to our friendly staff, whether you’re having problems settling in or you want to find a good place to live.
But the best thing about the Union is that you’re in control, and we support you. If you think something’s wrong with your university life, or the world in general, then we can support you in campaigning for change. For example, this year we fought fees and cuts by taking hundreds of students to the national demonstration in November.
You can also run to be an elected representative within the Union every year. Vote in the Union elections and referenda, and let us know your thoughts on how we’re doing!
Like the ‘Union of UEA Students’ page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get regular updates on Union events and activities. Like the ‘UEA Freshers and Newcomers’ Facebook page for some useful links and videos about starting your time at UEA!
Getting involved in the Union was the best thing about my university experience, and I can’t encourage you enough to do the same. We hope you love UEA, and that you’re proud to be a member of your Union!
Matthew Myles
Communications Officer 2011/12