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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 10. May 16 1977

VUW a social desert?

VUW a social desert?

Dear David,

One of the things that has most impressed me during this, my first term at university, has been the great friendliness of older and 'wiser' students towards newcomers. This was first revealed when I walked into the cafe on my first day and sat down at an already occupied table. The charming way in which I was ignored was wonderful to behold and aroused all the appropriate feelings of brotherly love in my breast. After a fascinating chat with myself. I left to go up to the Union Hall where at least, if I had to be lonely and pissed off, I could do it in comfort. Alas, I had chosen to go in when the Wizard was performing and thus was subjected to speeches upon the slavery of women (my rightful place it seemed.) I solved this problem by plugging my ears rather ostentatiously and there by cuasing 2 students to actually look at me, an achievement, of which I felt justly proud. .

It's extremely hard for many students to adjust to varsity at first. (In fact, one person I know never did and managed to complete his degree without making Any new friends.) I realise that the Students' Association does try to alleviate this, and to a certain extent they're successful, but more is needed.

Many students when they come to varsity, just don't know what to expect. They've had Careers Advisory people from varsity to see them, they've read the Calendar and if they're lucky they've seen the Handbook but the overall picture they have of student life is extremely sketchy. More personalised page 15 information (from the students' point of view) is needed and one way In which this could be done would be to send student reps around the secondary schools to talk to Intending students and try to give them a clearer Idea of what student Life involves. This could also serve a double purpose in that these reps could introduce them to matters such as the Assessment and Bursary campaigns so that they would know that they existed ( in particular the former) before coming to varsity.

Orientation is good but It doesn't last long enough. For many students that first week is pretty chaotic and they haven't really got time to become socially involved. However, after the first week, students who have previous previously been nervous and unsure of themselves, are more confident and more ready to get out and meet other students. At present Orientation ends at the same time as a lot of insecurity, so that when Jackie student is ready to get out and do his/her thing, he/she finds that the opportunity Is no longer there, os if it is, it's harder to get at.

Something needs to be done to improve the present situation for future students. If you've got any ideas or criticisms, write in and give them and maybe we'll be able to get some discussion going on the matter and thereby some action.

Drawing of a driving house

Lamorns Rogers.