What do Harry Potter, the environment and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy have in common? Despite perhaps the blindingly apparent linkage of wood (brooms, wooden shacks and trees), the mind struggles to find much more. Well, in the upcoming Union General Meeting, a motion has been put forward suggesting these three societies (among others) could take part in an alternative freshers week, independent of the college system.
Perhaps then I should begin with the obvious: York is a collegiate university! With this in mind it seems rather negative that any JCRC on campus would be willing to give up their offers of “mainstream” events to allow for societies to run the show and try to take away our college image. As appealing as running around Heslington lawn with a chunk of wood between my legs or chaining myself to a tree sounds, I seem to think that many students will want to stick to normal way of celebrating the start of the academic year.
For the majority of students going to university for the first time, it could be argued their identities haven’t really been shaped by the time they arrive; students will always be simultaneously trying and dropping new things. In this regard, it seems somewhat far-fetched that many students would be willing, let alone ready, to fly into such a narrow genre of events.
Furthermore, most societies can make do with one day at Fresher’s Fair, so why would some need the added exposure of a specialised Fresher’s Week? Again, just look at the societies mentioned in the proposed motion: Maybe Muggle Soc should consider their name, and note they are, indeed, muggles, and nothing that special? As for People and Planet, I always thought the environment was a serious issue for us here at York, maybe in that regard they should think carefully about treading the same paths as fantasy-based clubs and societies.
Of course, on a more serious note, like any good JCR member would, we should consider the welfare issues involved. Despite having the green army, Death Eaters and robots to look after any poor, straying freshers, it seems that these characters may not have quite enough training, or ‘proper’ procedures to deal with any duelling or spaceship-flying incidents that may occur. I should, however, set out that I have nothing against these societies; they all add to the pluralistic side of our university experience and certainly two do offer themselves to those wishing to lead perhaps what can be described as the alternative lifestyle.
There are over 100 societies at York, which have high franchises and grow in strength every year. This leaves us, perhaps, with an evil thought. If this plan was to take off like a Nimbus 2000, then York’s idea of the college community would begin to fall under the invisibility cloak.
That’s nothing. Lancaster have a Harry Potter themed end-of year party.
That’s nothing. Lancaster have nothing to do with this article.
That’s nothing, you’re at York.
As valid as your point about maintaining York as a collegiate university is, given the disappointment that was my freshers week last year and the subsequent failed college events that my house and I have tried to participate in, but that no one ever goes to, the choice of an alternative freshers week would have been quite welcome. Besides, having freshers events revolving around a few different societies would surely help to immerse students in the university lifestyle and encourage people to join societies who wouldn’t have possibly given it a go otherwise. Just an added thought!
This article completely misunderstands the situation. Nobody is taking about getting rid of the standard events. Simply offering something new for all the people who the standard drinking every day events are failing.
@ L
I feel you’re misunderstanding the issue, not the journalist. Societies are able to organise and run events during freshers week as it is – why does it need a UGM motion?
If societies want more involvement in freshers week they should just put on the events themselves. If they want to work with the JCRC’s, they should ask them. JCRC’s are charged with student welfare and therefore are constantly looking at alternative ideas to the standard drinking that occurs in freshers week.
Societies should just be more proactive, this seems ridiculous to put to a UGM vote.
This is the worst thing ever.
You are a shambolic writer and an all round useless guy.
Good luck with whatever degree you’re doing. You obviously suck.
You smell like willies!