Tuesday 19-09-2017 - 13:32

If you couldn’t make it down to campus today or were simply buzzing with the excitement and couldn’t take it all in, here’s the solution to your problems: a low-down on the fayre today. Not only packed with freebie loving freshers, seriously excited societies, greatly friendly groups and clearly crazy club committees, but fab deals, goodies and an atmosphere more bouncing than any nightclub! Although it spans today and tomorrow, we thought you’d love a reminder of today’s antics.

Outside in the sunshine we had a great variety of stalls. Dominos were proving to be popular as the day went on (that tends to happen when you have incredible balloons and offer free slices of pizza). Bamboo were working the scene, as were Tom Hortons, First Bus, Naked juice, the National Piping Centre, Cobbs Fife Creamery and Matthew Algie Coffee, dishing out samples and leaflets left, right and centre. FlipOut and RollerStop, who are the hosting some of our freshers week events, were also mingling with the students milling around.  Irn Bru had a large high striker, towering over all the stalls. Occasionally the bell would ring and echo across campus. As well as these, Wagamama had a spinning wheel to win freebies, cycle aware were handing out safety information, student night were there and the freshers festival was advertised. Alongside these stalls were a handful of GCU societies – GCU Athletics club and the Snowsports club were out enjoying the bright day.

The atmosphere outside was fresh and exciting. A buzz was surrounding the Mega Motion Ride, with people squealing as it flung them around and around. Volunteers in bright blue hoodies were dotted along the paths, helping everyone find where they wanted to be.

Inside the Arc was a plethora of clubs, groups and societies alongside a handful of external promoters. Raging Bull Clothing, Kokomo and Bamboo clubs, Rymans, Officer Training Corps, Kushion, GAME, Rock and Roll events, Garage, Cathouse, Royal Navy Unit, Tennants, Morrisons, Glasgow Taxis, Air Squadron, Birkam Yoga, Amazon, Cahonas Scotland, Bearsden Choir, National Choir, Allister Boyd Legacy Group and Police Scotland were all present and getting students involved in activities.

The university was also promoting several of its student focused programmes and groups which would benefit certain subjects. The Student Leaders Programme, the Advice Centre/nightline, the Royal College of Nursing, GCU Erasmus, IEEE Student Branch, Red Cross on Campus, the Faith and Belief Centre, GCU study abroad and exchange and the Arc all had tables and were engaging in conversations with students.

Sports is always exciting and there are so many clubs at GCU that you could be part of. There was such a wide selection there today. Tennis, Surfing, Netball, Muay Thai, Badminton, Dance, Boxing, Rugby (for men and women), basketball (for men and women), cheerleading, golf, football (for men, women and in gaelic), Trampolining, hockey (for men and women), Zumba, volleyball (for men and women), Otaku, Swimming, Taekwon-do, Ice Hockey, rowing, fencing, mountaineering, cycling and equestrian were all represented in the hall today.

Not into sports? Here’s all the societies that were here today showcasing and welcoming in new students. Some subjects who have their own society were there: the Law Society, the Bioscience Society, the Psychology society, the Radiography society, the ISBN Society, the Engineering Society and the nursing union, to name only the ones attending today’s fayre. There is also a huge variety of hobbies which have clubs, groups and societies. Todays were: the GCU choir, the Catholic Community, the Christian Union, the Fashion society, CUMSA, the Disney Society, BME Liberation Group, Drama and Theatre production society, CSI GCU society, Dungeons and Dragons society, the Soup Kitchen society, the Saudi Student Society and Radio Caley. Reading through such an extensive list is impressive but there are so many more. If you have a hobby you adore, give it a search on the Students Association website and I’m sure there will be something for you.

A handful of the tables inside stood out to me so I had a good old chat to members of their committees. Here’s what I learned about this select few:

Women’s Rugby – these girls are such a chatty and friendly bunch! I loved chatting to them and they were so keen to answer my questions. This is how our chat went!

What is your society about? The basis is playing rugby but it’s mainly about having fun, making friends and working as a tight knit team.

How often do you meet? We train on Mondays and play a game every Wednesday and most Sundays. We usually also have fitness training weekly and definitely meet up more than once socially a week.

What events do you have through the year? We have Tag Active this Sunday with the basketball teams, St Patricks Day is also a biggie for us. We love Halloween, have a big Christmas dinner and party, we always do secret Santa. Often we take trips and go on tours, there is a trip at the end of this wear but we aren’t sure where yet. We love doing team bonding days and this year we’re doing a Freaky Friday where we swap sports with the swim team which will be really cool!

What’s your main selling point as a club? It’s amazing to be part of, we’re so social and are genuine friends which is so special. We also have members of all levels so no one is ever left out.

A team slogan? Win or lose, we’re on the booze!

An interesting fact? We only started four years ago and have come really far since then. We flourish more and more every year. We’ve also got 2 international players in the team and one professional women rugby player Jade who is just wonderful!

Most memorable moment? Beating Dundee! Our trip to Dublin and the banter during all the games we play – it still makes us laugh now.

What do you like about the GCU sports scene? It’s such a small community, the Students’ Association look after every society so well.

Finally, why should other girls join you? We’re very welcoming and give people a chance even if they’ve never done rugby before. We also offer great friendships and fab nights out!

NUTRITION AND DIETICS SOCIETY – this was such a lovely bunch of people. Although their society is relatively new, they have such a strong spirit and have great plans for the future.

What’s your society about? Promoting health and wellbeing, as well as making friends. We’re a very friends based society.

How often do you plan to meet? We have no real set plan yet but hopefully around twice a month. We’ll keep our facebook up to date so check up on that to see what’s on!

What events shall happen through the year? We’ve got several food centred events planned – a pot luck Christmas dinner, a foodbank collection, a bake off competition, pancake day, the big breakfast for kids and we’ll probably get involved with many of the food and health charities in the area.

What’s your main selling point as a society? We all love food, who doesn’t?! It’s all about the food and the people!

An interesting fact about your society? We hope to grow lots over the next year and welcome in many new members. Food is very important in everyday life and this society will be great.

The most memorable moment so far? This fayre has been excellent! The amount of people interested is just huge and we’re looking forward to making a ton of really memorable moments.

What do you like about the societies in GCU? The variety is incredible – there really is something for everyone. We certainly prove that but everyone loves food!!

Why should people join your society? There’s always an interest in food, health and wellbeing in the media these days and we think arming people with the facts is a big power to have. We’d love to highlight was real healthy food is as it’s such a big thing in today’s society. If that interests you, come along!

TEI KARATE – This crew were dressed to impress and were so much fun! I’ve never seen such a lively bunch!

What’s your society about? It’s basically a karate club but goes wider than traditional karate – we do stand up striking, grappling, defence and many other fighting systems. It’s all about fitness, confidence and trust – they’re so important in this club’s culture.

How often do you meet? Twice a week, once on a Monday 7-9pm and Wednesday we have external classes in the Arc.

What events do you do throughout the year? Our gradings are probably our biggest celebrations – moving up a belt is such a huge achievement. We have lots of socials and often go out after training. We always do something for Christmas too!

What’s your main selling point? Karate is for life and applies to many aspects of your lives. It’s healthy, about confidence and enforces great morals. The interaction between martial arts and people’s self-confidence is so big so there are many benefits to it. It’s good for your entire life and your muscles will remember it forever.

Have you got a slogan? Not as such but we believe there are no limits. We don’t break people but we push their limits.

An interesting fact about your society? There’s a bigger school around Glasgow for Tei Karate so we can interact with many other people who live in Glasgow, it’s nice having a big group that isn’t limited to just GCU. The friends aspect is great as you meet such a huge number of people through it. As we’re wide spread in the types of fighting we have taken on there’s many competitions we can participate in.

Most memorable moment from the last year? Getting your belts – every time you go up a level it feels incredible and you know you’ve earned it. You constantly have a sense of achievement. The trust you feel for you friends is also massive – you’re hitting them and trusting them to hit you without causing harm, it’s a big thing.

What do you like about GCU sports wise? The spirit is great – it’s Glasgow to a T and the fighting spirit comes naturally. It’s all about the “common good” after all!

3 reasons people should join your society? The community, the spirit and the fitness benefits.

 

THE GAMING SOCIETY – the lads manning this stall were great to talk to and the Mario game they had set up was just so addictive – I thoroughly enjoyed watching people show their interest in such a nice group.

What’s your society about? It’s obviously about gaming but socialising too. It makes sure that everyone into gaming has someone to play with. Games range from PS3 and 4 to cards, board games and the wii.

How often do you meet? We meet once a week in person, on Friday evenings but we meet online for quite a lot of games constantly.

What events do you have through the year? Apart from weekly meetings, we have gaming tournaments and marathons. The marathons can go from 12 hours to 24 hours – it’s immense. Considering the amount of energy drinks they consume in that time, it really does get you buzzing.

What’s your main selling point as a group? It’s good for new students who don’t know anyone and want to meet people with similar interests. Playing games is good for competitive people and for those who just want to relax. It’s nice to know it’s there to wind down with at the end of every week.

Interesting fact? This group is really friendly – it helps you build confidence in speaking to people and helps out when people find making friends hard.

The most memorable moment for the society over the last year? The Halloween we had last year was ace, it’s sure to be just as good this year. The costumes were just excellent.

What do you like about the societies in GCU? The huge variety – there’s something for everyone and we’re an example of that. it’s great for meeting new people and growing in confidence.

Why should people join the gaming society? If people like games then they should definitely join as it’s casual, competitive and relaxing all at once.

MENS BASKETBALL – these guys were so thrilled to be at the fayre, looking out for new talents. They were keen to chat and had such a great group dynamic – the men joining them will have a blast during their time at uni! They were such a cool group to interview.

What’s your society about? Basketball, mad socials and having a good time!

How often do you meet? We train twice a week and have a game every week. But we meet up most days anyway.

What events do you have through the year? The league and the Scottish Cup are quite important to us. Throughout the year there’s always plenty nights out, sub crawls, pub quizzes etc.

What’s your main selling point? The social side of our club is massive. We have a lot of members who don’t play competitively but are here for the fun.

What’s your slogan? Don’t worry about it *fistbump* (I told you they were cool)

Interesting fact about yourself? We have a few star athletes – a common wealth top 30 player Ross Gibson who is our captain and we also have another pro athlete.

Most memorable moment for the society over the last year? One of our lads missed a layup and he then faked being injured – it has to be one of the funniest moments we’ve had as a team.

What do you like about the GCU sports clubs? It’s very inclusive, everyone is welcomed to take part.

Why should people join your club? We’re awesome and we’re looking to have fun. Don’t worry about it *fistbump*. There’s such a big social side and it’s not always serious so we love it.

So, if any of this has enlightened you, there’s another event tomorrow which is certain to be just as delightful! For Fresher Fayre day 2, head to the Arc and wander GCU campus to make the most of the day! From 10am-3pm it’s an event not to be missed and will kick of your time at GCU in style.

 

Tamsin Ross

Freshers Team 2017