How To – Become a Freshers' Helper

Why become a Freshers’ Helper?

*  It’s great fun!
*  It looks good on your CV
*  You get to meet lots of new people
*  It’s an opportunity to make new friends
*  To make a difference to the new students’ Freshers’ experience
*  You are eligible to apply for a Student Certificate of Volunteering
*  It helps you develop valuable transferable skills

How do I apply?

In order to become a Freshers’ Helper, we suggest you read the Freshers’ Helper role description under the downloads button and if you feel you have the skills needed, then you can complete the Freshers’ Helper Application Form

Please write your answers carefully in relation to the Freshers’ Helper role description as they will be used in the selection process.  The role descriptions can be found in the Freshers’ Helper Facebook Group or you can email activities@umsa.org.uk for them.  Please do not apply without reffering to the role descriptions.

What is involved?

*  Meeting and greeting new students
*  Making new students feel welcome and at ease
*  Encouraging new students to integrate and make friends
*  Answering questions and signposting new students
*  Providing a positive image of the Universities
*  Encouraging students to get involved with activities
*  Supervising activities that new students get involved with
*  Manning information stalls
*  Taking responsibility for the welfare of new students
*  Helping new students move into halls of residence

PLEASE NOTE:  All Freshers’ Helpers MUST attend Freshers’ Helper training - the dates are outlined on the Application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q)  Do you get paid for being a Freshers’ Helper?

A)  Freshers’ Helpers are volunteers and so are unpaid, however there are many other benefits.  Freshers’ Helpers volunteer their time because it’s a fantastic experience, looks great on your CV and also the position enables individuals to develop an array of useful skills.  Most helpers say how much fun it is and often volunteer again.  You are also eligible to log your hours and apply for a Student Certificate of Volunteering

Q)  I can’t attend training, can I still volunteer?

A)  Unfortunately not.  Freshers’ Helpers have an important role and are responsible for the health and safety of new students.  There is a comprehensive training session which covers aspects like insurance, health and safety as well as covering the key information and skills needed to be a Freshers’ Helper.

Q)  Do I have to be at every Freshers’ activity?

A)  No, not at all.  Obviously we like having plenty of helpers but you do need to get some rest and it can be an intense week!  People are rota’d onto tasks and we expect people to take it in turns to cover different activities.

Q)  I don’t want to volunteer but can I have a T-shirt anyway?

A)  No, unfortunately not.  We know that the Freshers’ Helper T-shirts are highly sought after but it is important that new students are able to approach anybody with a Freshers’ Helper T-shirt and that that student is trained in how to help them.

Q)  I was a Freshers’ Helper last year, can I be a Team Leader this year?

A)  Yes you have the opportunity to apply.  You will be prompted on the Freshers Application Form if you would like to undertake a Team Leader position.  Make sure you you read the Team Leader role description under the downloads button in order to answer your questions.  Team Leaders require additional training so they need to be available on the two training dates (dates on the application form).

Q)  What week is Freshers’ Week 2013?

A)  This coming September, new Greenwich students arrive on Saturday 14th September 2013 and Kent students arrive on Saturday 21st September.  Therefore there will be a two week window in which help is required from Freshers’ Helpers.  We will not need all of you for the full two weeks and so fully expect less students to be able to make it to the earlier training session.