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All the fun of First Week for thousands of new UEL students

Thursday 25 September 2008

Thousands of new students are settling into life at the University of East London (UEL) with an action-packed programme of First Week events featuring music, dance and carnival performances.

From September 22–26, students from across the UK and worldwide are enrolling at the Docklands and Stratford campuses, with many taking up residence in the UEL Student Village on the waterfront of the Royal Albert Dock.

This year's Fresher's Fayre features sports clubs and societies, comedy and club nights, barbecues and theme parties. On Wednesday 24 September, a Green Awareness Day was held at the Docklands campus, with students learning how to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient – and even how to make toys out of junk!

Jacqueline Bourne, Student Activities Organiser at the UEL Students’ Union (UELSU), said: "Coming to university can often be challenging for new students – especially those leaving home for the first time – so we aim to help break the ice and make everyone feel as welcome as possible.

“UELSU offers a vast range of clubs and societies, inspiring students to get involved in everything from rugby and hockey to salsa and capoeira, or volunteering with a range of local and international organisations.”

Eda Fidan (25) and Natalie Burgess (35) are both enjoying First Week as they get ready to begin on UEL’s MA degree in Social Work. Eda said: “It’s been really nice and friendly and chilled, and everyone seems very approachable.

“I’ve been working in the Child Protection Team at Waltham Forest Council, who are sponsoring me to train as a social worker. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m really excited about the challenge of returning to uni.”

UEL currently has a record total of over 20,000 students enrolled – an increase of more than 80% over the past six years.

Brian Hipkin, Head of Student Services, said: "We aim to ensure that all of our students enjoy their time here at UEL as much as they possibly can. As well as achieving their desired qualification, we hope that they join in with the wider aspects of university life and make friends from all over the world.

"University is a great place to be, and a very special experience. For many, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to read and think about their subject of interest, as well as to benefit from being part of such a diverse international community."

Students enjoying First Week at UEL include:

Nikita Kosousov (20), originally from Russia but now living in Barking, is about to begin on UEL’s BSc (Hons) degree in Information Security Systems. Nikita said: “I really like architecture and facilities at UEL, especially the library at Docklands. It’s my first day on campus, but I really feel like I’m going to enjoy being here.”

Rahima Reha (19), of Hackney, is about to begin a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies at UEL’s Stratford campus. Rahima said: “I’m very excited about starting at UEL; my aunt already studies here and she recommended it to me. When I finish my degree, I’d like to train to be a teacher, or maybe do a different postgraduate course.”

Jayed Hector (19), of Waltham Forest, is getting ready to begin her BA (Hons) degree in Media and Communication Studies. Jayed said: “There’s a very nice atmosphere at UEL and lots of new people to meet. I chose Media because I’d like to become a journalist in the future.”

Scott MacDonald (22) travelled from the Isle of Skye in Scotland to start on UEL’s BA (Hons) degree in Cultural Studies. Scott said: “First Week’s been fantastic – I’ve just signed up for the UEL rugby team!”

For further details and pictures contact: Hana Esselink, Press Officer, University of East London, 020 8223 2194 / 07595 056 245

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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