Meet the YUSU President

“Don’t be shy, and appreciate that everyone feels the same. This is a chance to make a genuine fresh start in life and the University is a great place to do so. Try as many things as possible and, if you’re ever troubled, have a chat with someone. YUSU, the Colleges and your Departments have all kinds of support systems in place… You don’t have to be alone.”

That’s the advice of YUSU President Kallum Taylor for all of you freshers, and with over four years experience of life here at York, and having already spent a year as YUSU President, there are few people in such a position to provide such pertinent advice.

Every University has a Student Union, and York is no different, with YUSU being an expanding organisation which looks to represent the needs of students at York. But what is the exact role that the Student Union plays? Well, according to Kallum: “YUSU, through its Officers, Course Reps and the College Reps, is here to represent students to the University, the city, and beyond. Any ideas or problems which students may have should come directly to us and we’ll try to get them addressed. We also run a number of services; commercial and welfare, as well as running all of the sports teams, volunteering projects and societies here.”

The role of YUSU President is a sabbatical role, which is elected each year, and after a successful twelve months at the helm, Kallum is looking forward to another year in the job. When I asked him to define his role for freshers he responded: “I’m the lead spokesperson for students here, and sit on most of the major decision making committees at the University. It’s also my job to got YUSU to engage with as many of you as possible, as ultimately, you’re the boss.”

As the leading figure of the Student Union, Kallum is responsible for implementing new policies and making decisions which will improve the life of students here at York. I quizzed him about his plans for this year, and what freshers should look out for, and he replied: “Well there are all the usual huge events like Live and Loud, Woodstock and the Summer Ball… But there are also a number of new campaigns which we’re bringing forward – also all of the elections and referendums create a good buzz too!”

With the excitement of Freshers week looming ahead, I asked Kallum what advice he would have for the current crop of first years regarding the fun filled week, to which he answered: “To say hello to everyone as all of you are in the same boat really… And also to take it in you’re stride, and don’t do anything you don’t want to do. Everyone has their own pace.”

Four years ago Kallum was in the same boat as you now, in that he was a fresher coming to University for the first time, and he told me about his freshers’ memories: “Hahaha, it was a time and a half ago that! I remember being really, really nervous and then instantly realising that I should just get stuck in. Trying out for Vanbrugh Football and loving it, and also inviting our College Principle around for a big flat meal in the kitchen. That was sweet.”

Of course like everyone else he had his embarrassing moments during freshers, and he added: “I remember wearing a number of pretty compromising outfits for a number of nights out! Had a few howlers playing in goal for Vanbrugh too. Dodgy keeper.” Despite that he evidently looks back at those times fondly, and he a clear example of someone who has made the most of their time here at the University.

We are fortunate here at York, in that we have a wide range of opportunities open to us, whether they be sport or music, drama or politics, or much more, and in truth you should grab these opportunities with both hands. As Kallum says: “There’s something for everyone, so get on board doing the things you already love doing… And also try something new, it’s both character building and adds a new element to you. Just do it.” What he says is very true, and you really should make the most of your university experience, by throwing yourself into all of these fabulous, new opportunities.

I’m sure many of you will have picked to come to York because of the beauty of the city, and I asked Kallum what he thinks makes York such a special place. He told me: “It’s unique! The city is beautiful and a complete one off and it’s not too far away too. York also has a real good communal atmosphere too, largely thanks to the college system.”

In a few years time, you could be sitting in Kallum’s seat, being the person who drives forward the Student Union and passing on your wisdom to new students. Kallum has the following advice if you want to get involved with YUSU: “You can be ‘involved’ in all kinds of ways! Sign up to societies or sports teams, and help run them, run for your College JCRC, or to be a Course Rep or for YUSU in the spring elections. But it’s not all about that kind of thing, if you just have a particular query or interest, let us know and we’ll help you out. That’s also involvement.”

Clearly Taylor is one of the most influential and important individuals at the institution, and if students have any issues they’d like to raise with him, then he can be found in the student centre near JamesCollege, or can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone on 07931557982, and as he says he is “genuinely happy to hear from you.”