It’s a busy week at De Montfort University. All the events taking place on campus are shaping up to be the best Freshers’ Week yet! In the thick of it all, looking after every single student on campus and organising the events, is your Student Union. But how much do you know about them really?

Here’s ten things you need to know about the De Montfort Students’ Union.

1. Where are they?

The most important thing to know is the campus centre, where the Student Union is usually situated, is being revamped. £3 million has been put into this and if all goes well will be finished in December for the big reveal in January. The new space will give students more space to relax, socialise and make the most of university life. This revamp can be seen in the shape of a video on the DSU website – make sure you check it out! For now, the SU is based in the Art Factory, opposite the campus centre.

2. How do I join my union?

Becoming a student at DMU automatically makes you a member of the De Montfort Student Union. This means that you are part of something big that helps shape every students experience at university. This is the first port of call if you have any issues with pretty much anything.

3. FreshFest

One word, FreshFest. Freshers week is the best time to start to meet people and most importantly have fun. Going to freshers is a great way to start the year and experience all that the SU has to offer. Events this year include ColourFest, the Freshers Ball and the Freshers Fair.

4. NUS Extra Cards

NUS cards are essential for students! Now you’re a part of DMU and the SU, it is a good idea to sign up for an NUS extra card so you have access to hundreds of discounts all over the UK. The card is £12 for a year however if you buy a two or three-year card you do save money. Information on this can be found in the SU or on the NUS website.

5. Accommodation

The Student Union has a housing office for all of your accommodation concerns, which is called Sulets. The housing department within the welfare centre can help you find accommodation, resolve issues you may with having with housing and offer contract reading if you want it checked before signing. Sometimes things can go wrong within accommodation so this is definitely somewhere to keep in mind if it does.

6. Volunteering and Societies

Within the Student Union there is the Volunteer and Societies office where you can find out all the information you need about all the societies on offer at DMU. If you’re feeling brave, you can also put ideas forward for new societies if you think it’s something that people would be interested in and feel like no other society is like it.

7. Welfare and Support Service

Going to university can be stressful. This is why it’s important to know that the Student Union offers a free, confidential support service. This service is available as a one off meeting or long-term, whatever you feel is needed.

8. MyUniPal Mentoring

As well as the support service offered by the Welfare team, there is also a scheme called MyUniPal. This service offers all the students at DMU the chance to get support and guidance from someone who has been through going to university quite recently. Meetings with your mentor can be simply having a chat or attending activities together.

9. Technical Support

Tech support is available at the SU to fix any issues you may have including broken laptops, games consoles and phones. They also offer data backup and recovery. There is a fee for the service however it is good to know there is somewhere on campus that can fix any tech issues.

10. Get a DMU hoodie!

The DSU shop is there for all your stationery needs and sell the De Montfort branded clothing that you will see a lot of around campus. They also sell stamps, other DMU branded items and offer printing services.

Photography. ‘(c) De Montfort Students’ Union’.