Oxford Union - worth it?

Okay, as the thread title suggests, I'm a fresher wondering whether or not its worth joining the Union. I've already nearly made up my mind not to, as I think for me personally it would be a complete waste of money - I'm not keen on debating, and I'm planning on joining LawSoc as a cheaper/smaller way of making university wide networking contacts, which (correct me if I'm wrong) is one of the unadvertised benefits of the Union. And also because I'm far more interested in that as my main non sporting/music/drama/subject related society.

But will I be missing out socially if I don't join - how popular is the Union for the average non-hacky student in terms of (balls) nights out etc. I wouldn't mind paying £5 every now and then to go in the Purple Turtle, or a little bit to see a speaker I want.

So what do you think - did you join the Union and was it worth it? How about your friends - does it form a large aspect of students' social life?

Thanks

Reply 1

Teebs

16

The Union is only really popular socially if you're a hack. The bar is good and useful as is the Purple Turtle if you want a quick cheap stopgap but your social life won't suffer for not being there. Similarly you won't really network unless you debate.

I think you can get passes for the night for £3 (don't quote me on this) too so it's not like not being a member means you can never go in. I'd generally say unless you're really into going to the talks and debates and debating yourself, it's probably not worth the money.

(I am a member)

Reply 2

jonathan122

I never joined, and personally I'm very glad. Discounting the hacking side of things, the main reason people go is for celeb spotting, so it really depends how important that is for you. Most people do join during Freshers' Week, but it tends to stop being that much of a deal a couple of weeks into the first term. There is a freshers ball, but it's not that big a deal.

Reply 3

madima

was it £178 or something? **** that ****. i was expecting it to be about a tenner.

Reply 4

Morbo

17

Very much not worth it for most people. If you're keen on debating, or if you're going to go and see a couple of speakers a term, then maybe it is, but to be honest the quality of speakers has become questionable recently. The good ones are mostly billed as "to be confirmed", and then never turn up. So you're just left with a Big Brother contestant or some other boring airhead.

If you want to go to the PT / a Union ball, just find someone who is in the Union and get them to get you in as a guest. Easy.

(I am a member)

Reply 5

Turdburger

16

I see about 3 or 4 speakers per term and use the bar regularly (too regularly) which is good as pubs in oxford are very expensive.

I think i get reasonable value for money seeing how as i can use it any time i want for the rest of my life after i leave as well.

Reply 6

GossOx

I've got my membership money back on cheap drinks, but that's only relevant because our fascist college won't allow drinks deals or happy hours in our bar. And because I drink a lot.

what's a "hack"?

you won't exacty be going to the bar alone, so why not get one of your friends to buy you a drink and pay them the with-membership price?

Reply 9

Turdburger

16

They often have people on the entrance to check union cards. Especially recently (Trinity)

Reply 10

Teebs

16

purplefrog

what's a "hack"?

Someone, generally involved in student politics, who makes 'friends' with huge numbers of people in order to get their support/networking/help.

Reply 11

*pitseleh*

20

madima

was it £178 or something? **** that ****. i was expecting it to be about a tenner.

I don't know if this will be of any benefit to you personally - but for anyone who is in receipt of the full Oxford Opportunity Bursary, membership is £99 instead of £178.

Reply 12

aspiringlawyer

OP

Turdburger

They often have people on the entrance to check union cards. Especially recently (Trinity)

I thought you were allowed to take friends in as guests?
Just assumed that if I'm going to the Union it will be with a Union memeber - otherwise I wouldn't bother.

Reply 13

SolInvictus

11

I intend to join and make full use of it. Learning to speak well by observation and practice will always get one far in this world.

Reply 14

thomasjtl

9

You can't take Oxford students in as guests on the basis that you could become a member by paying the fee, but friends from home or whatever are welcome. Only members and their guests are allowed in so you can't just get your friend to buy you drinks.

Reply 15

aspiringlawyer

OP

thomasjtl

You can't take Oxford students in as guests on the basis that you could become a member by paying the fee, but friends from home or whatever are welcome. Only members and their guests are allowed in so you can't just get your friend to buy you drinks.

Oh, I see.
Okay, well does the Union form a large part of socialising at Oxford , in terms of the average student. Would I be missing out by not being able to enter?

Reply 16

Turdburger

16

thomasjtl

You can't take Oxford students in as guests on the basis that you could become a member by paying the fee, but friends from home or whatever are welcome. Only members and their guests are allowed in so you can't just get your friend to buy you drinks.

How are the bouncers going to know that your mates are oxford students -- just lie.

Reply 17

username138106

The bar's very decent, mainly on cocktails and spirits (the "£1 pint" is *******s - one pint is a pound a pint, for a limited time each day). The PT is surprisingly underrated. Two out of the three balls are generally solid and cheap. In conclusion, it depends how much of a drinker you are. The Oxford Union also occasionally has debates and speaker things running on the side, but these lose the novelty after about the first time, and really aren't worth any moderate sum.

Reply 18

username138106

Turdburger

How are the bouncers going to know that your mates are oxford students -- just lie.

Yes, that's what everybody does.

Reply 19

Huw Davies

11

aspiringlawyer

Oh, I see.
Okay, well does the Union form a large part of socialising at Oxford , in terms of the average student. Would I be missing out by not being able to enter?

Only to the extent that the Purple Turtle is good value if entry is free, which will be the case for some portion of your friends. Occasionally you'll have to cough up a fiver if that's the destination of choice. It is not difficult to say that you're a student at another university (as long as you don't do something stupid like wave a Bod card).

Oxford Union - worth it?

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