Welcome to the University of Hertfordshire.
We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new students joining the Uni of Herts this January, and a warm welcome back to our current students. On this page you can find more information about your Students' Union, the events you can get involved with as part of Welcome 2.0, answers to some frequently asked questions and our social media details. You're also encourage to explore our services so you can shape your student experience to suit you.
Want to win an Apple Watch Series 7? Click here to enter our Welcome Week giveaway!
You can find out more about the University's Start of Term experience here, or check out our full events programme here.
When you enrol at the University of Hertfordshire you don't just join the uni, you also become part of Hertfordshire Students' Union. That's us! We're here to support you on your student journey and make sure it's the best it can be. The Students' Union is led by the Elected Officers and underpinned by a passionate team of staff. We are a registered charity, completely independent from the University. Your free membership with Herts SU gives you access to all of our services. This means you can benefit from academic representation, advice & support, events, opportunities and a world class entertainments venue. Whatever you're studying, wherever you are, your SU has something for you. We are #YourHertbeat.
We're running a range of events during Welcome Week to help you find your feet, make friends for life and create long lasting memories!
Here are some of the key questions students have at the Start of Term...
General
What is the Students’ Union?
When you enrol at the University of Hertfordshire you don't just join the uni, you also become a member of Hertfordshire Students' Union. That's us! We're here to support you on your student journey and make sure it's the best it can be. The Students' Union is led by the Elected Officers and underpinned by a passionate team of staff. We are a registered charity, completely independent from the University. Your free membership with Herts SU gives you access to all of our services. This means you can benefit from academic representation, advice & support, events, opportunities and a world class entertainments venue
Can I work at the Students’ Union?
We have a huge team of student staff here at the SU. There are lots of diferent positions available, including Welcome Desk Assistants, Marketing Assistants, Forum Venue Staff and more. Any vacancies can be found here
When is the Welcome Desk open?
Our Welcome Desk opening hours have remained flexible throughout the pandemic. You can see our up-to-date opening hours here
Health and Safety
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend Welcome 2.0 events?
Just before the winter break, the government announced mandatory COVID Passes for all indoor events above 500 people. This means all events at The Forum will require a COVID Pass or a negative LFT or PCR test for entry. Please click here for more information and follow @forumhertfordshire on Instagram for any updates. Other Welcome 2.0 events not based at The Forum will not require a COVID Pass. However, we do recommend you take a LFT test prior to attending
I’m an international student and my vaccine documents are from my home country. What should I do?
We encourage all international students to register with the NHS and follow this link to convert your vaccine status to a UK COVID Pass. If you do not register in time, please ensure you get proof of a negative LFT or PCR test prior to attending
Will I need a COVID Pass for any events?
We will be following government guidance on vaccination passports. You will be required to provide proof of this unless you have evidence of a negative LFT or PCR test. Events that this applies to are:
Karaoke Club on Friday 21st January
Friday Lights on Friday 21st January
Charged Up: Tracksuit Party on Monday 24th January
BIG Wednesday: Big Birthday Bash on Wednesday 26th January
What measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
We have risk assessed all events to ensure we're doing everything we can to keep you safe. Safety measures include increased ventilation, wearing of face-coverings by staff and hand sanitising stations. We will also be following government guidance on vaccination passports for events in The Forum
Will we need to practice social distancing?
We are following government guidance on social distancing and currently this is not required. However, we do ask that all attendees respect each other’s space in the venue
Do I need to wear a face-covering at events?
Face-coverings are not required at any of our events. However, we do encourage people to wear one at large gatherings
Please note that the government guidance continues to encourage the use of face coverings in crowded spaces, particularly indoors. In very specific circumstances we may ask attendees to wear a face covering
Will staff be wearing face-coverings?
Face-coverings will be worn by staff who are not exempt
Do I need to take a test prior to each event I attend?
You must provide proof of a negative LFT or PCR test prior to entry if you are unable to provide your COVID Pass. Click here for more information
What measures are in place for vulnerable people?
We will do what we can to support all students, including those that are vulnerable. Alongside our extra precautions, please feel empowered to take any extra measures that make you feel more comfortable
Are the guidelines changing from the 27th January following the recent government announcement?
From Thursday 27th January, you will no longer be required to provide a COVID Pass to enter events at The Forum. However, we do encourage all event attendees to take a LFT prior to attending. Please do not attend any events if you are in isolation, tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19
Events
How can I find out what events are taking place?
Click here to view all the events being hosted by the Students’ Union this week
Where can I buy tickets?
You can purchase tickets online or at one of our Welcome Desks
I can't come to an event anymore, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable. No refunds can be issued for incorrectly purchased tickets
Tickets have sold out online! Can I buy tickets on the door?
We cannot guarantee tickets being available on the door due to how quickly they are purchased online. It is best to keep an eye out for ticket announcements and purchase ahead of the event
Will Big Wednesdays still be happening?
Yes! Big Wednesdays will return from Wednesday 19th January and run throughout the term. You may also be interested in Friday Lights which will run weekly from Friday 14th January
I can't remember what tickets I bought. Where can I find them?
You can find your tickets by heading into your account and checking your Purchase History
Opportunities
Societies are like mini communities that bring together students with similar interests. Joining a society is a great way to make friends! With societies ranging from academic and cultural to music and social, there's something for everyone
How can I join a society?
You can view all our societies and join the ones you like the look of here. You can also pop along to Welcome Fair or visit one of our Welcome Desks to purchase a society membership if you'd like to pay by cash. Annual membership fees vary per society but never exceed £20
Can I start a society?
Of course! You'll need to team up with another 3 students so that you can form a committee. Every society committee must have a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Inclusion Officer. Once you have a willing committee, simply complete our Society Affiliation Form. A member of the team will then be in touch
What is RaG?
Raise and Give (RaG) is the fundraising wing of the Students’ Union. Run a little like a society, students come together to fundraise for RaG's chosen charities through fundraisers like Jailbreak, Herts Got Talent and a Skydive
Who does RaG raise money for?
Each year, RaG selects three charities - one international, one national and one local. This is voted for by students. This year RaG will be fundraising for Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse, Student Minds and Rainforest Trust UK. You can find out more about this year's chosen charities here
Advice & Support
I’m finding university really daunting, I need a friend.
We completely understand. Coming to uni can be pretty nerve-racking! If you're feeling nervous about making friends and finding your feet, you may benefit from the SU Buddy Scheme. We match up new students with continuing students (Buddy Volunteers) who can share their hints and tips for settling in to life at University. Buddies are matched according to their preferences, such as interests or School of Study. Buddies can agree between themselves how often they would like to meet and how
Where do I go if I need help?
Our Advice & Support team offer free, confidential, impartial information and advice for students here at Herts. They're here for you no matter how big or small your problem may feel. If you would like to discuss anything with our Advice & Support team, or simply want someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to speak to one of our Academic & Welfare Advisors. You can get in contact with our Advice & Support team here
Representation
What is Student Council?
Student Council gives students the chance to hear what's happening behind the scenes, approve new ideas and policies, put forward suggestions and hold the Elected Officers to account. It's open to all of our student leader
What are Student Issues Forums?
Brand new this academic year, Student Issues Forums are an opportunity open to all students to join and voice their concerns and feedback. The forums are themed to align with the main issues that students are shouting about. They are hosted by the Elected Officers
What do the Elected Officers do?
The Elected Officers are here to represent you across all areas of student life. They work full-time alongside our team of staff at the Students' Union. With the goal of improving the student experience here at Herts, they implement new ideas and campaign for change according to student feedback
Who are the Elected Officers?
This year, your Elected Officers are:
President - Rhiannon Ellis
Vice President Activities - Junaid Ahmed
Vice President Community - Prosasti Ganguly
Vice President Education - Syeda Zara Haram
How can I become an Elected Officer?
We run Elections every Spring to determine our new Officers for the next academic year. Campaigning is a competitive but valuable experience. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Other
Where can I pray on campus?
You can find out more about facilities that are available on campus here.
What food facilities are available on campus?
You can purchase food from several outlets across College Lane and de Havilland. For full list of outlets, click here
Is parking available on campus?
You can find out more about parking facilities here
Is there a bus service available?
An free inter-campus bus service, Uno Bus, operates between both campuses. This is free to use as long as you have a valid student ID card. For further information about bus services, click here
Where can I exercise and play sports on campus?
There are several sports facilities on both campuses. Find out more about the sports facilities here
Are there any libraries on campus?
>University of Hertfordshire have two LRCs (Learning Resource Centre), one on each campus, which are open 24/7 to help you succeed in your studies. For further information, click here
Not found an answer to your question? Take a look at the University's FAQs here.
We run a number of services for the benefits of students. Find out more about how we can help you to enrich your student experience below!
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