Refreshers Week will be taking place on campus throughout Week 2 of Lent Term. A series of events organised by LUSU under the banner of ‘Feel Good, Take Part and Make it Happen’, Refreshers week is designed to encourage students to take up activities alongside their studies, and allow the Union’s societies and sports teams another chance to advertise the opportunities they can offer.
“Refreshers Week is a week for students to be able to remind themselves of how much there is to get involved in at University,” Emily Pollitt, LUSU’s Vice President (Activities), told SCAN. “In the New Year and the new term we want people to feel good, take part and make it happen, whether that be through joining a new society, starting a business, doing exercise and being healthy or volunteering.”
“We really want people to make the most of their time at university and if they haven’t taken part in first term this is the perfect time for them to find something that they will enjoy. It is also brilliant for study abroad students that have just arrived this term as they can discover all we have for them to get involved in.”
Monday of Refreshers Week has been given a theme by LUSU of ‘Feel Good’. There will be healthy food on offer in Alexandra Square, and other health-promoting activities available including alternative therapies offered by the Natural Health Care Centre, and walks through the campus woods.
Tuesday will bring the Refreshers Fair. As was the case for the Freshers Fairs at the start of the year, the Great Hall will be opened up for the University’s societies and sports teams to encourage students to join their ranks. With a number of new societies created since Freshers week adding to the already long list of interests catered for, there will be more on offer for those looking for new ways to wind down away from their studies. Pollitt outlined LUSU’s aims for the fair: “On the Tuesday, we want people to think about ‘taking part’… there will be stalls for lots of our sports teams and societies, overseas opportunities and retail.”
On Wednesday, students will be asked to show their support for the University’s sports teams by cheering on the teams at their various BUCS matches. Thursday and Friday will be dedicated to volunteering talks and information talks, organised by LUSU to help students develop their ideas for projects, new societies, or similar endeavours. Students are encouraged in particular to visit the Farmers’ Market on Thursday between 10am and 3pm for advice.
Pollitt hopes that students engage as fully as they can with Refreshers week, telling SCAN: “I’d recommend that students should try to get to see all parts of the week.” When asked which single event she thought students should try to go to above all else, she added: “Of all things, I would recommend they go to Refreshers Fair. There’s a chance to talk to lots of people who will be able to give them information, plus, there may be some cheeky freebies!”
Pollitt said: “Students should get involved in activities and opportunities as a whole because doing something on top of your degree has so many benefits, from making you more employable to giving you a healthier body and a healthier mind.”
