Alternative Freshers' Week for Leeds students
Thousands of students flocking to Leeds this month can expect something different during Freshers' Week.
Leeds University Union (LUU) is set to provide an "Alternative Freshers' Week" by hosting the first ever LUU Social Forum.
The forum is aimed at helping people who want to change the world for the better come together, with the slogan: 'Keep your Coins, I want Change.'
James Robertson, campaigns and democracy support manager at Leeds University Union, described the forum as "very innovative."
He said: "It's the first in Leeds and no other student unions in the UK are doing anything similar.
"We're hoping the forum will kick-start a vibrant year of student-lead campaigning on issues affecting the student community, the local community and the wider world."
Students and the public are encouraged to attend any or all of the events, which include film showings, debates and workshops. It will be held during the daytime and evenings from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3.
Each day has a central theme, ranging from poverty on Monday, climate change on Tuesday and human rights on Friday.
Discussions and debates, such as 'Is Democracy Dead?' and 'Iraq: Who's profiting and how can you stop them?' will by held between students and academics, media representatives, corporations, non-governmental organisations and MPs.
The forum will also see the re-launch of the student-led social centre, the Peanut Gallery, a permanent space where students can meet to share ideas, discuss important issues and plan action.
The forum will be promoted during Freshers' Week by unusual tactics such as 'flash mobs' – groups of students on campus wearing flippers, a snorkel and goggles – to highlight the increased risk of flooding caused by climate change.
Other stunts include launching a host of paper airplanes and a Game of Life spoof game show bringing people's attention to what they say are the negative impacts of the western lifestyle.
l The new term starts at Leeds University on Monday, September 22 and at Leeds Metropolitan University on Saturday, September 20.
Posted: Friday, September 05, 2008
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