Suggestion
I am approaching the end of my degree and now find that I have several textbooks (in very good condition) that I no longer need. I am not sure if such a service exists already, but I think it would be useful if students like myself were able to sell their old books - either to the Union itself or directly to fellow students. I'm sure the Union Bookshop would benefit from having a second-hand section, and I'm also sure that most students would quite happily buy a used textbook - at a lower price - rather than an expensive brand new one. This would seem to me an excellent recycling system that everyone studying at the uni could benefit from.
Response
Happy to help! We have a second-hand book scheme in Union Books where you lodge your books and you set the prices, when another student buys them we deduct a small commission and have the money ready for your collection. We have an annual clear out at Easter just in time for the new season books such as yours. For more information please visit the bookshop or ring them on 01133801350.
Comment
I walk through Hyde Park each morning to get to work/university where I am a postgraduate student. During the summer and on weekends when there is hot weather it is not surprising that we plucky Brits have a few beers and fry-up a sausage or two on a BBQ - nowt wrong with that! What I do object to is the laziness and simple disregard that people (of which in Leeds the student body is a rather large portion, especially in the Hyde Park area) have for their surroundings and amenities. If in Hyde Park a bin is full to the brim, rather than carry their rubbish 500m further to another, less full bin or, heaven forefend, take their rubbish home with them, the largely student body occupying Hyde Park adopt the position of either just leaving their bagged up rubbish on the grass or piling it up around the already stuffed bins.
The Union has - to its credit - started a welcome Environmental Policy and I am aware that Hyde Park is not under their jurisdiction; however, the students that form the majority of the visitors to the park are and I would like to suggest that the Union tries in some way to remind the young adults that it represents of their 'social responsibility'. It is just not acceptable to leave bags of rubbish strewn around and to leave beer cans and bottles all across what is a public space. I would like to see more done to remind students of this.
Thank you for reading!
Response
Thank you for your comments. We are currently working with the police and the council to look into community issues and will raise your comments at the next meeting.
Comments about the Nightbus
I think the Nightbus is fantastic. It enables us to stay in the library and the Union late and still get home safe and sound. I think the Nightbus system is absolutely fantastic! I'll totally support this system. I think that the Nightbus is a great idea and should continue next year as it means that students who are on their own will get home safely for a good price.
Response
Thank you for your feedback on the Nightbus service. We really appreciate any comment or suggestions on the service and it is our aim to make the service even better in the coming year. Any suggestions you may have on how you would like your service to better serve you would be appreciated. Again, thank you for your time and comments.Many regards, The Nightbus team.
Complaint
What is the point of putting on the (very loud) music video screen in Game On when there are no students there apart from postgrads who want somewhere quiet to sit? Is this our Union too or not? What about the blatant waste in energy (electricity)?
Response
Thanks for your feedback. I'm really sorry about the loud music in Game On. The plasma screens in Game On are connected to the same system as in the Old Bar and, clearly, the students that use the Old Bar don't go there for somewhere quiet to sit. We are trying to set the system so that we can control the volume on the screens separately. If this isn't possible we are going to disconnect the speakers.
Of course this is your Union, hence the reason I take your suggestion very seriously and we are trying to solve this problem as quickly as we can.
In terms of your question about the 'blatant waste in energy’ LUU spent some time considering the benefits of increasing our communication against the environmental impact of these screens. One of the reasons for installing the screens was to cut down on the number of posters and flyers that the Union produces, and although paper communication is still used it has been drastically minimized since September 2006. Another reason for installing the screens was to replace the old-style television monitors in some of the bars. The plasma screens are one of the most energy efficient on the market and use no more energy than a normal light bulb when in use. I have loads more facts about this if you are interested feel free to get in touch. I hope this answers your questions.
Complaint
In the Terrace Bar, if you must charge a premium price for pool (£1) then shouldn’t the tables be at least level?
Response
Our pool tables are owned and maintained by an external company. The tables are the best size and quality that can be supplied and we work with the company to keep the tables operational. Whilst we had no direct complaints through the bar regarding the tables, these comments have allowed us to recognise and rectify the problem. The company are now conducting regular checks to ensure they stay level. We welcome any feedback which helps us improve our standards.
