Welcome

Imperial College Union Not-for-profit charity. Every student a member Over 16,000 members from over 155 countries! Led by Sabbatical Officers- a team of students who take a year out of their studies.

Yas Deputy President (Clubs & Societies) Nat Deputy President (Education) David President Marissa Deputy President (Welfare) Kieron Deputy President (Finance & Services)

Your Sabbaticals Elected by you in March/April. Highest Students’ Union Election turnout in England and Wales. Blogs: imperialcollegeunion.org/blogs Sabb Hot Desk- JCR every Friday

What does Imperial College Union do?

Amplifying the Student Voice We are working hard to ensure your voice is heard at all levels of College. Almost 500 Academic Reps working with the Union and your department to make your education the best it can be. Chance to elect your Academic Rep is coming up in the next few weeks.

Your Reps & Council Elections Vote for your Academic Reps and members of council. You can stand for a position.  Nominations close 13 October.  Vote online 18 – 22 October Last year 3,030 students voted in this election. Can you beat last year’s total? imperialcollegeunion.org/elections

International Officer An important Position!- 64% of new students this year not from the UK Member of the Union Council Represent the views of International students More information online.

Liberation Officers For every type of student we have at Imperial there are specific challenges, wants and needs. Liberations Officers are here to represent the views of the minority group they have been elected by.

Liberation Officers Black & Minority Ethnic Interfaith International Students LGBT Students Students with Disabilities We also have Liberation Officers: Run campaigns – Campaigns Officer Consider the Union’s and College’s ethical and environmental impact – Ethics & The Environment Officer

Social Space Take part in activities, meet new people and spend time with friends.

Our main bar and café. Food and drink every day of the week. Quiz nights on Tuesday. Open late on Wednesdays and Fridays. Best burger on campus!

Imperial’s biggest nightclub. In the Union Building. Home to the best student nights out. Also home to Club, Society & Project events such as Imperial Idol and Jazz Big Band.

Our traditional bar established Great real ales. Home of the Union’s famous tankard collection. You can book a table for you and your friends.

Also in the Union Building Four bookable, brand-new meeting rooms Two activity spaces for rehearsals, dancing etc. Union Gymnasium Concert Hall and Cinema Union Dining Hall Media Centre home to our TV Station, Radio Station, Science Fiction Library and more. PLUS – The new Reynolds – Bar and Café at the Charing Cross Hospital campus.

Shop & Newsagent Union Shop & Newsagent. Found on the Sherfield Walkway. Branded Imperial clothing. Stationery. Snacks and drinks. New Newsagent coming soon!

Clubs, Societies & Projects Over 310 to choose from! The biggest range for any Students’ Union in the UK. Many international clubs, celebrating the best of cultures from around the world.

Easy to find and join online A-to-Z on our website lists them all. Filter by type and letter to help you find them easily. See them all at Freshers’ Fair on Tuesday.

Imperial Plus New volunteer accreditation scheme. Recognises the work you do as student volunteer in –Running a Club, Society or Project –Volunteering in the local community –Becoming an Academic Representative –And more. Highlights your skills to potential employers!

A record-breaking £148,000 raised last year

Upcoming Events Undergraduate Mingles – the official welcome to Imperial party. Freshers’ Ball on Friday. Tickets online. Postgraduate Mingle on second Saturday.

Biggest event of Welcome Week. Over 350 stalls across campus. ALL the Clubs, Societies & Projects. Lots of freebies! Tuesday 1 October 11:00 – 16:00. After-party 17:00 in metric

imperialcollegeunion.org

Everything you need to know about Imperial College Union. Event listings. Find and join our Clubs, Societies & Projects quickly and easily. Helpful information and advice for International students.

I’ll now pass you on to Nigel- The Student Advisor That’s all from me!

The Advice Centre Academic issues. Accommodation. Money Advice. Employment rights. Consumer Rights. International Student Issues. Legal advice.

Council Tax What is it? Local Taxation Administered by Local Councils Rate of tax based on type and valuation of property

Do I have to pay? Properties that will be billed If you live in a property with non students 25% discount for property Dependents of International Students No recourse to public funds

To become exempt Get exemption letter from College registry Must be stamped To prove you fullfill full time student status and studying 21 hours a week and one academic year Any Questions?

TV Licensing Do I need a licence? If you are using any type of television receiving equipment Computers and laptops- as being shown Mobile phones,digibox to record or watch T.V Programmes

TV Licensing How do I get one? Costs £ for a colour T.V., Paid yearly and are available online at Or you can get a form from local post office

TV Licensing You can apply for a part refund of 3 months if not here all year Different ways to pay Direct debit monthly installments, pay online

TV Licensing What happens if I don’t get one? Detection vans Database of addresses with no T.V. License Handheld detection devices Enforcement officers The enforcement officers can knock on your door and interview you You are not obliged to let them in Court Appearance and £1000 fine

Funding for International Students Not entitled to Government funding Sponsorship Support from home country

What funding is available? Scholarships British Council Trusts and charities online One student secured £1000 donation last year!

Who can help? The Advice Centre Your Department College Hardship Fund Medical Hardship Fund

Finally… Seek advice The Advice Centre Tel: imperialcollegeunion.org/advice