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New academic year kicks off in style at UEL with all the fun of First Week

Thursday 21 September 2006

Thousands of new students have been taking part in an exciting programme of events while enrolling on their academic programmes at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands and Stratford campuses.

The students, including hundreds of local residents, enjoyed a packed programme of activities with music, dance and carnival performances, drumming, stalls and exhibitions put on by Students’ Union clubs and societies, as well as cooking demonstrations, club nights, barbecues and theme parties.

On Wednesday 20 September, BBC Asian Network broadcast the Anita Rani morning programme live from UEL Docklands campus. Anita interviewed students and staff about all aspects of university life, and former student Mark Frith, editor of Heat magazine, made a welcome return to UEL, where he began his career editing the student paper.

The campuses were packed with stalls and exhibitions put on by local and UEL Students’ Union clubs and societies, including the Islamic Society, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu and Salsa Clubs, Global Development Links, belly-dancing, the Samba Band, and the African, Cinematic, Capoeira, Fashion and Entrepreneurship societies.

Alecia Hylton, Communications Officer in the UEL Students’ Union, said: “Freshers’ Fayre has gone really well, with loads of enthusiastic new students taking advantage of our offers and signing up for our clubs and societies.

”There’s been a brilliant atmosphere all week and everyone has worked hard to make it a success. It can be daunting for new students, especially those leaving home for the first time, so we wanted to put on a First Week celebration that helps everyone to get to know each other and feel welcome.”

Among the students enjoying their first taste of university life were:

Rowena Richards (22), of Walthamstow, is about to begin her LLB (Hons) degree in Law at UEL. Rowena said: “So far, I’m feeling very much at ease; everyone seems open, friendly and approachable. I’ve just signed up for the student ambassador scheme, which offers a great opportunity to earn money while giving back to the community and helping to inspire local youth to aim higher. I started last year at another university, but decided to switch to UEL because it’s much closer to home and is developing an excellent reputation. I’ve heard the lecturers are great and it’s also exciting to be so close to the site of the Olympics.”

Ruth Edwards (18), originally from Southampton but now living in halls at the UEL Docklands campus, is about to begin a BA (Hons) degree in Media and Advertising. Ruth said: “There’s definitely a great mix of people at UEL, and I’ve already met some really nice ones. The halls are great, too – very modern, with good storage space and en-suite facilities. Now I’m just excited about starting the course, especially as the lecturers seem so enthusiastic.”

Tim Mears (24), of Bow, and Kerran Kaur (21), of Angel, are also new Media and Advertising students. Tim said: “The environment at the Docklands campus is really inspiring – modern, clean and colourful. Everyone’s been very friendly and open and it seems like a really interesting and diverse mix of people.”

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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