SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 5.

The Innocent Abroad. — Life at Sydney University

The Innocent Abroad.

Life at Sydney University.

Just back from a visit to Sydney and its bridge, Mr. D. Thomson is full of interesting news of the social life of Sydney University, or "Uni."

Though there are many unions in the student life of the University, the visitor, or the fresher soon learns that "The Union" means only the Society sacred to the men students and the building this Society occupies. Mr. Thomson says: Women may not cross the threshold except on such august occasions as General University Gatherings in the Hall, or by special invitation from the Board of Directors— quite a Monastery in good sooth!

The Union building, a fine two-storeyed pile, was the gift of the University Senate to the social life of the University men.

On entering the building the visitor noticed an up-to-date mercer's shop and an agency of the Commonwealth Savings Bank. Also on the ground floor are the offices and cloak room, and spacious Concert Hall with a gallery and motion picture projector, and in the ante-room there is a barber's shop— women not admitted.

A common room on the ground floor provides comfortable accommodation, while upstairs there is a pleasant reading room, and a billiard and a games room as well. On this floor is the Union office and Hoard room and, a committee room.

From the landing at the stair-head the visitor is confronted with a galaxy of doors. On the left doors lead to the Gallery and to the Reading Room. In front are the doors of the Union room and Committee rooms; and on the right along the passage doors opening into games rooms, balcony, and all over the place.

Had Mr. Thomson not been shepherded by an officer of the Union he would still have been trying to find out what mysteries lurked behind all those closed doors. (Tut! tut! Tommy!—Ed.).

Refreshments are provided in the Refrectory and Bevery. The Bevery (or self-service Cafeteria) is for the Union members only, but the Refectory provides meals for all students.

During term The Union issues a weekly paper, "The Union Recorder," which has a circulation of 2000 copies. A weekly newspaper, "Honi Soit," is also issued by the students.

Other facilities included in The Union service are a shop where students can obtain most of their requirements, including wearing apparel, stationery, drawing instruments, and china and other articles bearing the University arms; a Book Exchange where old text books may be disposed of for not more than two-thirds of the price of new books; photographic and developing service; car-hire service: typing and clerical service, and umbrellas for hire at. sixpence a time.

The cloak room must be used, for coats and hats must not be taken into The Union. The cloak room attendant issues a check gratis, and this system has effectively frustrated the pick-pocket and stray marauder from the street.

Surrounded by the buildings of The Union is a tree shaded green known as the Pleasance. Here it is very pleasant to rest an' be thankfu' after wandering around in the hot air of a Sydney March day. To this delightful spot there are numerous entrances, some from the buildings and others from the main pathways.

The writer is glad to place on record the hospitality and courtesy shown him as the guest of The Union and as a student of Victoria College, and hopes the account he has given will interest all students of this College who are dreaming of a splendid future for our own student life. He hopes for something like The Union, but not quite so monastic.