Studying at Bournemouth University isn’t just about hard work. There are also lots of opportunities on campus to enjoy yourself, unwind and pursue your hobbies and interests. It’s really important to balance your academic life with the social side of things, and getting involved in clubs, societies, sports and other extra-curricular activities is a great way to do this.
SUBU, the Students’ Union, is the centre of life at BU, and it is here to help ensure that every student’s time at university is the best it can be. There are many ways to get involved with SUBU. With over 100 clubs and societies on offer, there really is something to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you want to meet people with the same interests, learn a new skill or language or immerse yourself in a particular culture. If physical activity is your thing, look no further than SportBU, where you can join the gym or play a variety of sports at social or competitive level.
The options don’t end at societies and sports. SUBU also provides the chance to take part in charity volunteering, which is a great way to try new things and help others at the same time. There are numerous fundraising events to choose from, or you can try 5 Minute Volunteering if you only have a little bit of time to spare.
The chaplaincy, which caters for students of all faiths and none, also arranges a variety of events on campus, from lunchtime talks and mindfulness sessions to games nights. If you’re an international student, you should definitely check out Global Café, held on Wednesday evenings at the Retreat in Poole House. It’s a chance to relax and chat with friends over tea, coffee and cookies.
It’s also possible to get involved with SUBU in ways that will make a difference to the academic experience for you and your coursemates. Being a Student Rep allows you to collect feedback from the people on your course and present this at meetings. It ensures that students’ voices are heard and helps maintain a positive university experience for everyone. You also get a snazzy purple hoodie and can take part in activities which allow you to earn points for the Rep Leadership Award. Putting myself forward as the Rep for my course has been one of the best parts of my BU experience. It’s helped me to grow in confidence and feel more involved in student life, and I’ve been able to get to know other Reps. For those on courses with large numbers of students, it’s also a way of making sure you get to know your coursemates really well.
No matter what you enjoy doing, whether it’s related to your studies or something completely different, there are many ways to get the most out of life at BU.
By Sarah Stacey
