At the beginning of June, the SU held the annual Speak Week campaign where we asked you one question: “What would you do if you ran ARU London?”

The aim was to find out more about your university experiences and to work on resolving any recurring issues. We outline some of the main themes of concern below.

Employability

Developing skills and confidence in and around employability is a high priority to students at ARU London. So, we’ve been working closely with the employability team to bring you more workshops and events, including interactive hot spot sessions, recruitment-focused events, and the upcoming ARUL Careers Fair. We are also bringing back Business Week after a successful run earlier this year. For career advice, tips and inspiration, visit the CareerZone on the VLE.

Student representation

As an SU, we exist to ensure your voice is heard. This year we have focused on refreshing our student representation structure so that you are better represented. We now have two Vice Presidents and have simplified the Class Rep system. The Class Rep and Course Champion elections will kick off in September, where you will be able to nominate yourself or a friend to be a student rep, helping to represent the voice of many and be a champion of positive change.

Academic support

Many of our students are juggling their studies with other responsibilities so have limitations to their days. We are working with the University to provide you with the best academic advice at times that are convenient to you. If you need any academic support, email the team at academicsupport@london.aru.ac.uk and they can set up a 1:1 appointment with a tutor. There is generally good availability for appointments, with priority given to students with resits.  You can also contact your supervisor or your course Module Leader for support as they are likely to give more focused and technical advice. Further support from the Director of Studies can be found on the VLE. 

More social events and networking opportunities

Social events and networking opportunities are a huge part of student life and something that many of you have said you want to see more of. We are working on delivering more of these opportunities this year, alongside our annual Global Week and SU Awards, plus the Level 6 Tourism and Events Student Projects which are run every trimester. This year we have seen a great range of events including Christmas markets, yoga & wellness, networking panel discussions, and much more.

Additionally, we are introducing student-led societies, which are a great way to meet like-minded people and create a sense of community on campus. We currently have the Law Society, the First Aid Society, the Business Society, the Finance and Accounting Society, the Gaming Society, and the International Students Society. For further information on joining these societies, or if you are interested in setting up your own, please contact one of your Vice Presidents, Carmen or Tamika.

If you have an event, project, or networking opportunity that you would like to see on campus, find out more about project funding on our website.

Better student pricing

With the rise in cost of living making everyday items less affordable, we have worked with local businesses to provide a discount for ARUL students:

• 10% discount on food and drinks with your student ID in The Gentlemen Baristas, ground floor of the Import Building
• 5% discount and meal deals at Simply Fresh: 2 Clove Crescent, The Republic London, E14 2BE
• Italian restaurant Salento treats students with amazing lunch deals, located at 3 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BB
• Student discounts and offers at Pure Gym, ground floor of the Import Building

Students also benefit from exclusive discounts online. Sign up to Totum, Student Beans and Unidays to take advantage.

Better campus facilities

Students have said they would like to see better facilities around the campus.

Currently, we have microwaves in both the Export and Import buildings (East India); a social and eating area on the fifth floor of the Export building; quiet spaces and open social spaces at the Farringdon and East India campuses.

We know you want more and will lobby the university to provide more kitchen facilities including a fridge, kettle, napkins, and hot water that students can access.