We are sure that you have all heard of the fact that students can get a 30% discount on London’s Public Transport. Did you know that was due to a campaign that ULU led? ULU has a very productive relationship with the GLA and the Mayor and this time we are asking for the transport discount to be extended to day and single tickets.

The discount is a fantastic victory for students in London but for it to positively impact on all students it needs the added flexibility of single and day tickets. The nature of student life is changing and this addition on the discount scheme would affect those students who live on a campus and don’t venture far everyday, as well as those students who live and study in central London and can often walk or cycle to where they need to get to their destination.
website: www.tfl.gov.uk


COALITION 2010
Here ULU is working alongside the NUS to highlight the growing marketisation of Higher Education. Over the next year ULU will be developing a London-wide long term strategy about how to combat the possible lifting of the cap on fees in 2010. This year we will see the first generation of students under the top-up fees system and it is important to remind those in power of the mounting pressures of going into Higher Education, with student debt being a major concern. Therefore, its so important for us to unite and take part in the NUS National Demonstration on October 29th.


STUDENT CHARTERS

It is now more important than ever to ensure that students are getting value for money and support during their time at University.

ULU is developing four charters for groups of students that are notoriously under-represented. These charters will highlight the issues and pressures facing these groups of Students and also set some standards and demands for how to combat the problems that they face. The details of these charters will grow over the next few months as we talk to as many of you as possible. If you have any thoughts on any of the charters please Just get in touch.

International Students:
Coming to England to study can be a very confusing and difficult process! Setting up a bank account, sorting visas and finding accommodation are just a few of the issues and it is my priority to make sure more avenues of advice are available and also to campaign for International Students so they get value for money for their course and also have a fantastic experience studying away from home.

Students With Disabilities:
This group is very wide ranging from students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health issues. It’s crucial these students are given more support throughout their time at University. And the stigma and prejudices surrounding them need to be removed.

Postgraduate Students’ Charter:
part of the Welfare Campaign Postgraduate students make up 1/5 of the student population and the uptake of new postgraduates is constantly increasing. However, this demographic of the student body is often left out and ignored. There are many issues that are unique to postgraduate students. This can range from a breakdown of communication with the supervisor to poor quality equipment provided by the college that are necessary for the research element of postgraduate study. This year will be dedicated to putting postgraduate issues at the forefront of discussion.

Part-time and Mature Students’ Charter:
part of the Welfare Campaign Out of all of the demographic of students, Part-time and Mature students are the ones who are severely underfunded and under-resourced. The lack of crèche facilities in colleges is inadequate and there is very little knowledge of the issues that this demographic of students has to face. The needs of this group of students will be looked into on a University of London-wide basis as there are trends throughout the University regarding similar problems at college level.