Blue box with an image of cartoon skyscrapers and the text A term at Warrington

FIRST TERM AT WARRINGTON CAMPUS

Hi everyone,

It’s Sam, and I just want to reflect on the first term, and how it’s been for me, and the rest of the students at Warrington Campus.

SEPTEMBER

In September, the students returned! It’s always a happy occasion when students return/start at the University of Chester. Throughout the first week back, we worked so hard to organise activities across Warrington Campus This included a CSU Picnic and an Outdoor Cinema showing Mamma Mia! (this will still be the worst film I have ever seen). There was also a start for the CSU Virtual All Campus Quiz, which has taken place every Sunday evening since the start of term. Bar Twenty10 reopened which the students were happy about as it gave them a new place to  socialise within their bubbles. September also saw the return of sports on campus, with Men’s and Women’s Football, Netball and Mixed Netball all returning to training. Warrington Events Society also started to discuss future events they good organise via MS Teams.

OCTOBER

We used the marquees on campus for lots of mini activities during October. Pumpkin Carving for Halloween was really good, with a great turnout from students. Some of the designs were awesome! More events included: Lantern Making, Giant Games and Scavenger Hunts. There was also the return of the Bar Twenty10 quiz every Sunday, hosted by myself.

NOVEMBER

November was the start of mine and VP Activities Daniel’s Movember campaign and it was also the start of ‘Lockdown 2’. This meant in-person events were cancelled and Bar Twenty10 would close until further notice. The Movember Campaign was very good and it was a very enjoyable campaign to run. Weekly updates were posted to the Chester Student’s Union facebook page and you could all see my awful attempt at growing a moustache! Before the Lockdown was announced, we were able to host some in-person events such as our Chalk Wall, which was really gave students a chance to write some positive Men’s health messages. Some of the other Movember events were moved to a virtual format, such as the Coffee Morning ‘Check on your mate’.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) hosted a virtual talk to raise awareness for men’s mental health and what help there is available for people suffering. This was really opening and I loved organising it.

There was an increase in the usage of the cafeteria marquee by the students, which was really nice to see.

DECEMBER

Just like that, we’re in December! The activities that were meant to take place in person, have moved to virtual activities. Things such as Snowflake, Christmas Cracker and Gift Box making have all been moved to an online activity which will be hosted by me.

OVERVIEW

For me, I have loved every second of being VP at the Warrington Campus since I have started. It is very engaging with the students and I love running activities for the students to take part in. It makes me happy to see new students settling in so well, and it also makes me happy seeing all the returned students making the most of a bad situation. I love it! We have had a few setbacks with new restrictions coming into place but Warrington Campus will always keep going strong!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and break, you deserve it! Make sure to keep up-to-date with local COVID guidance in your area as we want to see you back safely in January 😊

See you in 2021.

Sam.