Welcome from the Student Officers

A very warm welcome to the latest update for students from Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU). We get in touch every month during the academic year with all our latest news and upcoming events unless you ask us to stop by unsubscribing. 

In this edition, we are heavily focused on the forthcoming Student Officer and NUS National Conference Rep Elections, which get underway next Monday (19th Feb) at 10 am when the self-nomination process opens

The election period continues with campaigning activity from all of the candidates after nominations close at 4 pm on Friday, 23d Feb; then students cast their votes on Mon, 4th March between 10 am and 8pm and the winners (including our successors) are announced at our Results Party on Wed, 6th March from 7pm

Although it has been an honour and pleasure to serve as your Student Officers, we will all leave our roles at the end of June, and we urge eligible students from ALL backgrounds to run in the elections. It is an amazing experience just being a candidate, and it will greatly boost your skills and confidence. While if elected, you could be getting paid over £25,000 and working full-time for at least a year as a Student Officer overseeing the running of TUSU and making a real difference for all students. And, in a separate opportunity, you could be one of six current students who join us to make sure the voice of Teesside Uni students is heard on the big stage at The National Union of Students (NUS) National Conference.  

We would also urge ALL eligible students to take literally a few seconds to cast your votes online on Mon, 4th March. Even if you don’t get very involved in TUSU at present or don’t feel you know enough about the candidates, the results WILL make a difference to your student life, and you SHOULD have your say. Check out our Top 5 reasons to vote in the TUSU elections video for more. 

The dedicated elections article in this update has full information for candidates and voters. We are also always happy to answer any questions from potential candidates or voters through elections@tees-su.org.uk. We send our very best wishes to all of the candidates who eventually participate this year and look forward to working with all of you! 

Alongside the elections, there is plenty more coming up this month, including a wide range of day and evening events, new and returning campaigns, a look ahead to this April’s TUSU Awards ceremony and much, much more. 

Can we also encourage you to:  

  1. Take the time to nominate Teesside Uni staff who they feel have provided exceptional teaching, support or feedback in the upcoming STAR Awards. It’s a chance to really show your gratitude and help ensure someone special gets the credit they deserve! 

  1. Complete the National Student Survey (NSS) if you are a final-year student. It’s short and simple but your feedback WILL make a difference to the improvements and developments that both the Uni and SU make in years to come. You could also be helping you and your coursemates secure a VIP package during Graduation Week!  

Have a safe, happy, and successful month! And, as always, make sure TUSU is right at the heart of your student life! 

Michael, Femi and Nevin – Student Officers 2023/24. 

tees-su.org.uk/officers.  

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TUSU Elections are here! Time to stand...time to decide! 

Most current Teesside University students* can stand as a candidate in the Student Officer and NUS National Conference Rep Elections from Monday (19th) to Friday (23rd Feb) AND have your say in who speaks for you as a Student Officer (President Education, President Wellbeing, President International) or National Union of Students (NUS) National Conference Rep.  

Why run in the elections?  

  • The Student Officer positions are full-time for at least 12 months with a salary of over £25k per year! You will be the public face and voice of TUSU while gaining unique experience and skills. You will also make a real difference to TU students by overseeing how TUSU is run, campaigning for their interests and representing them to the most senior figures at the Uni. This includes the Board of Governors and Vice-Chancellor.  
  • Meanwhile, you can ALSO run to be one of the six students who join the current Student Officers for two days at the NUS National Conference. It’s another unique experience. and an opportunity to ensure the views of TU students are heard at the single biggest annual gathering of students and students’ unions. You will also have a say on the priorities of the national student movement in the year ahead and who leads it.  
  • We understand everybody wants to win, but even just running as a candidate is a GREAT experience! It’s a chance to gain new skills and make new friends, and you could even use it as an opportunity to build your profile with students if you are only a first- or second-year student. 
  • Students who wish to run in the elections must complete a short, simple self-nomination process online through tees-su.org.uk/elections. Check out our video guide to this by clicking here and e-mail: elections@tees-su.org.uk with any questions. 

Why vote in the elections? 

We understand that if you don’t know much about the candidates or don’t get very involved in your Students’ Union, you may wonder why you should bother taking literally a few seconds to vote online on Mon, 4th March, between 10 am and 8 pm. Here’s a few good reasons: 

  • The Student Officers are paid over £25k and work full-time leading your Students’ Union and representing YOUR interests to the University’s most senior figures. It is VITAL they have a proper mandate from students to do so as the decisions they make and the issues they raise WILL impact your student experience at some point. 
  • Not knowing who the candidates are ISN’T an excuse! You will be able to view all of their manifestos/ personal statements on tees-su.org.uk/candidates (Live from Mon, 26th Feb), hear from them in person or online at the Meet The Candidates event and talk to them when they are around campus campaigning right up to the voting day.  
  • Voting could not be simpler! You log in to the voting system with the same username and password you use to access the Uni Blackboard system, and it takes a few seconds to have your say! Here’s a quick guide to casting your vote if you want to know more. 
  • TUSU is led by students for students, and by voting, you are helping to ensure we are run in a democratic, transparent way. 
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Get involved in a great range of activities and events from TUSU day or night this month!

We have activities and events taking place most days that the TUSU building (found opposite The Curve and next to Teesside Uni Library) is open! We also give students a chance to see other parts of the UK on regular trips, which are either free or low-cost, to attend as part of our wider work on the cost of living for students!  

The wide selection of daytime events includes campaign-related sessions providing support and the chance for students to give their feedback, fun and low-commitment activities at SUper Wednesday, clothing, and other sales, and much more!  

The programme of evening events includes the ever-popular Monday Night Quiz with a different theme every week, Wednesday Night Karaoke, socials, and the chance to watch live sports, including Champions and Premier League football. There are also equally popular events run in partnership with external promoters on a weekly or monthly basis, like Shangri-La on Saturday night, epic Bongos Bingo nights and classic emo and rock anthems at Black Parade.   

Keep in touch with everything coming up through tees-su.org.uk/events, the monthly TUSU events planner (also available in print from the TUSU Building) and the events section of the official TUSU Facebook page.  

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Campaigns Corner  

We are a Students' Union who pride ourselves on running "real world" campaigns that focus on the issues of most importance to Teesside University students. In Semester 2, this will include:     

  • Gathering feedback on student experiences of accommodation and providing support to students with this important issue.     
  • Giving you opportunities to speak to the Student Officers and other representatives of TUSU in person or online about your student experience through Talk to TUSUandtees-su.org.uk/feedback.     
  • Providing advice and support with the important and often misunderstood issue of academic misconduct, including dedicated support sessions where you can speak to thePresident Education and staff fromSU Student Support (SUSS).      
  • Giving students the chance to speak to each other and get/give mutual support at weekly Students Supporting Students sessions.     
  • Helping students start their day the right way with FREE breakfast on selected weekdays in Semester 2.    
  • A new campaign is trying to reduce cases of students not attending lectures and seminars and then potentially being withdrawn from their courses as a result. 
  • Much, much more besides!     

Find out more through tees-su.org.uk/officers and keep an eye ontees-su.org.uk/eventsor our social media channels for details of upcoming campaign dates.    

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Unbeatable convenience plus great prices & offers in the SU Shop & The Terrace 

The Terrace (1st floor, TUSU Building opposite The Curve and next to Teesside Uni Library) is open seven days a week during semester time. It provides: 

  • Modern, inclusive social space 
  • Exciting events 
  • A wide range of drinks, including many non-alcoholic options 
  • Except on Sundays, delicious hot food. 
  • Frequent offers on food and drink served as part of our wider work on student’s cost of living. As spring and Easter approach, why not enjoy a Mini Egg Frappe for just £3? And there’s Peach Iced Tea for just £1.50 plus a Southern Fried Pizza Topped Wrap and delicious African Inspired Stew (H/G) for just £4.25 each! 

Find out more about The Terrace and see menus/ usual opening times through tees-su.org.uk/theterrace.

 

The SU Shop (ground floor, TUSU Building) is open Mon to Sat (some Sundays depending on activities/ events in the building) during semester time. It provides: 

  • Great value food, drink, snacks, and meal deals. 
  • Halal, Gluten-free and vegan-friendly options right across the snacks and meals deals available. 
  • Teesside Uni branded clothing and merchandise with an in-store console where you can customise some items. 
  • A wide range of course-related material. 
  • Hot water for just 40p alongside a wide range of hot drinks with rewards for loyalty on them.   
  • A microwave to heat up selected items purchased from the SU Shop. 
  • Frequent special offers and discounts for students on a wide range of products as part of our wider work on student's cost of living. This month, that includes the new Adonis Keto Bar range with nuts bars at just £1.99 and protein bars at just £2.09. There's also KFC popcorn for an incredible 50p a bag, tubs of Mentos gum for just £1, and be sure to check out our extended range of protein/ meal replacement shakes and healthy energy drinks.
  • AND...Did you know TUSU supplies unsold sandwiches and other items from the SU Shop to the Too Good to Go website/ initiative as part of our wider work on the cost of living? Download the app to find out more and pick up bargains! 

Find out more about The SU Shop, order TU-branded clothing and see the usual opening times throughtees-su.org.uk/sushop. 

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Advice for students who are still seeking the right accommodation 

Even though Semester 1 is well underway, we know some students will still be looking for appropriate accommodation. It is increasingly difficult to find in central Middlesbrough. You may need to widen your search area and live outside of the town. This will mean travelling to campus daily, so you must also factor in the travel costs for each site on top of your rent and living costs. We have a wealth of information and useful links on our dedicated accommodation page, tees-su.org.uk/accommodation, and there are also useful tips below.  

  • Accommodation outside of Middlesbrough will not always be student accommodation.   
  • Bills will not always be included in your accommodation; make sure you know how to pay and what you owe.   
  • Before you sign anything, get your contract checked by our advisers.   
  • Make sure you know what you're signing up for. Is your property furnished or unfurnished?   
  • If you are going to live with your family, check the local school for spaces.   
  • More and more students need help with a guarantor before being able to secure a suitable property. Check out the Housing Hand and Rent Guarantor websites for potential help with this. 
  • Some of the main property search websites are: www.rightmove.co.uk, www.zoopla.co.uk,   and www.onthemarket.com.   

Public Transport: 

There is plenty of public transport from the surrounding areas into Middlesbrough itself. Both buses and trains run daily from most areas, and often, weekly or monthly passes can be purchased at a reduced rate.   

Click here for bus routes.    

Click here for train routes.    

Temporary Accommodation:    

Whilst looking for accommodation, you may need somewhere to stay temporarily. Below are some options for this:    

Air BnB – This is a popular website that allows you to rent a room or entire property. If you are here with friends or family members, this is a good option as you can split the rent and choose a property size to suit your needs.    

Hostels - A hostel is a great option for students travelling on a budget. You can often get a bed in a shared dorm for around £20 - £30 per night.    

independenthostels.co.uk/hostels-with-private-rooms/ has hundreds of hostels across the country. Find one near you, call them or book it online.   

hostelworld.com/st/hostels/europe/england/ may also be a useful site to take a look at.    

Hotels - If you're looking for a bit more luxury, then staying in a hotel is an option. However, this option is often more expensive, with rates starting at around 50 pounds per night. Check out the links below for more.   

www.booking.com  

www.hotels.com  

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Make great savings all year with the TOTUM app and card! 

We know that most students are feeling the pinch right now as living costs spiral. One great way of saving on eating out, fashion, music, cinema, travel, and more is the TOTUM app and card. It is the only OFFICIAL student discount app and card, the only one offered by the National Union of Students (NUS) and the only one we recommend!      

Aside from all of that, you will be helping your TUSU as we receive payments from NUS depending on how many students download the TOTUM app, how often they use it and the number of students who upgrade to the complete TOTUM package! All that money is poured back into making your SU even better!  

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Win up to £500 & a range of other great prizes for your feedback!

We can only keep improving if Teesside Uni students tell us how. The short, simple Student Opinion Counts (SOC) surveys are a chance for you to tell us about your student life and where you want TUSU to fit in. You can also give us your thoughts on our activities, events, services, spaces, and societies.  

Best of all, we do not expect you to give up your time and feedback for nothing! There is a great range of prizes to be won for your time, including £500, £300, and £200 in cash from TUSU and great treats from a wide range of our commercial partners including free VIP packages, a free bottomless brunch, a £50 Amazon gift voucher, a 3 month gym membership and much more!

Head to tees-su.org.uk/soc to have your say, and remember that the more surveys you complete, the more you can win! 

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Latest from your School and Course Reps  

We are excited to announce that our very first TU London School Representative, Mujib Ahmad, has been recruited. If you are one of our TU London students and you would like to give your feedback to Mujib, then you can email him at tulreps@tees-su.org.uk

Our School Reps will be running at least one in-person and one online drop-in each week. Our on-campus sessions will be held across the School buildings and in the Students’ Union. Our online sessions are bookable one to one meetings with one of our School Representatives. You can contact your School Reps, follow our social media pages or email representation@tees-su.org.uk for more information. 

We will soon be starting our recruitment process for the 2024/25 School Representative team. If you are interested in the role you can email representation@tees-su.org.uk for more information and to register your interest or speak to one of our current reps. 

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Student radio is back at Teesside Uni! Listen and get involved NOW! 

TU Xtra is the official Teesside University student radio station. It has recently resumed broadcasting after a long break, and you can listen and find out more here. Any current student who is interested in volunteering as a presenter or helping out behind the scenes can email: studentradio@tuxtra.co.uk to get more info. 

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Student Safety Tips 

Your SU works closely with the University and a range of external agencies such as Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire and the NHS to try to keep all students safe and well. It remains important to keep taking sensible precautions to minimise the risk to both yourself and other students. 
 
Check out our tips for staying over the freshers period and throughout semester one. 

  • If you are living in student accommodation, make sure you always remember to lock windows and doors when you head out securely. 
  • Try to keep anything particularly valuable out of sight when you leave your student house. 
  • If you find that the property you are living in does not have a fire, carbon monoxide and burglar alarms or an up-to-date gas certificate, speak to your letting agent or landlord immediately. You can also get online help with accommodation issues through our SU Student Support team by e-mailing: suss@tees-su.org.uk
  • If you are new to Middlesbrough or Teesside, try to stay in well-lit areas and groups when you head out after dark. Fellow students can also probably give useful advice on areas of the town that you may wish to avoid. 
  • Drink responsibly and avoid illegal drugs, especially if they are being supplied by someone you do not know. NEVER DRINK/ TAKE DRUGS AND THEN DRIVE! 
  • Be aware of possible drink spiking, especially if you are in unfamiliar venues with new people. 
  • Middlesbrough Council has strict rules on behaviour in public, especially in the town centre. Please be aware that if you are deemed to have behaved unacceptably in public spaces, you may face a fine of several hundred pounds. 
  • Like any UK town, Middlesbrough, sadly, has issues with begging in the town centre. Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Council advise you not to give money to people who ask for it and avoid lengthy engagement with people who beg, especially if they are aggressive. A range of support is available from professional agencies for people who are in these situations; assisting them should be left to the experts. 
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