I’m Josie and I’m in my fourth year of studying at Bucks New Uni. Before studying my degree, I studied a foundation diploma for a year at Bucks and ever since my very first day I could tell how welcoming and friendly everyone was.
Since my very first Fresher’s Fair I’ve been involved with RAG (Raise and Give) which is how the Students’ Union (SU) fundraises for their two chosen charities. By getting involved in RAG there are so many opportunities to take part in, with events such as the Big SleepOut, sponsored silences and Run4RAG being just the very few that I have been involved in. Giving back to the community is something I am very passionate about and there is always an opportunity to volunteer and fundraise at Bucks.
Each year the SU holds a dedicated ‘RAG week’ by collaborating with clubs and societies in support of the chosen charities and hosting many events across the week such as Netball4RAG and Soak-a-Sabb, which are always so much fun. In addition to creating fundraisers for our RAG charities, there is also the opportunity of getting involved in other campaigns. During the month of November, the university takes part in fundraising for International Men’s Day and last year a Movember Cycle was held in the SU foyer to help raise awareness of men’s mental health.
Another big part of getting involved with RAG is taking part in the annual Big SleepOut in aid of Wycombe Homeless Connection. Each year this event has been very successful, with students from different societies volunteering by swapping sleeping in their beds for sleeping outside to raise awareness and fight homelessness on our streets. Although this is always a very cold experience, I have always been up for the challenge to raise donations for a great cause. At the 2021 Union Awards I was shortlisted for ‘RAG Fundraiser of the Year’ which I was so grateful to be nominated for.
Getting involved with the Students’ Union has contributed to a massive part of my uni experience, allowing me the opportunity to meet so many people outside of my course. The Big Deal at Bucks has shown me that there is more to uni than just studying, it is a life experience of making friends and growing your confidence. There are so many clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities to take part in, you won’t regret it!
- Josie Leech